12. Chapter 12
Chapter 12
River
“R iver,” Gray’s voice vibrates against my eardrum, the scent of coffee and his body wash overwhelming my senses.
“Mmm, you smell good.” A lazy smile spreads across my face.
“Thanks, baby. I’m going out for chores. Then I’ll take you to work, okay?”
My body bolts upright, the chill of the room peaking my nipples before I realize I slept naked. “I’m coming. The cows.”
My voice is hoarse as I attempt to untangle my legs from the sheets, ready to bounce out of bed. My movements jerky as if late for a start time that doesn’t exist.
My thoughts are barely coherent, but I remember those damn cows and how badly I wanted to pet them again.
I want to spend time with all of Gray’s animals, learning their stories through their bodies. Constructing plans for each one that will put them back in tip-top shape.
Rodeo and competition animals, though usually from elite bloodlines, take a beating. Just like any human athlete would. If you look at their bodies closely enough, everything you need to know about them is right there for anyone to see.
“Okay?” Gray scrunches a brow as if surprised I’d meant it. “What do you want to wear?”
“I thought I was only allowed to wear your clothes?”
He leans forward, his mouth pressing to mine quickly. “You are.”
“Then whatever you pick for me. Just toss them in the bathroom.”
Slipping out of bed, I don’t even bother to cover myself. At this point, Gray knows every inch of my body intimately. There’s no reason to hide here.
The toothbrush I used last time still sits in his holder beside his. It stands tall next to its twin as if he put it there? Or did I?
I’ve just finished brushing my teeth and knotting my hair on top of my head when Gray leans around the door, handing me a pile of his clothing.
“Thank you. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“No rush. I have coffee and breakfast for you in the kitchen.”
Fucking swoon. Who knew a cowboy could be so fucking perfect?
I find him leaning against the island with a piece of toast in hand. A full plate rests next to his elbow, with a second coffee mug at its side. The billowing steam wafting the rich aroma my way.
“I don’t usually eat breakfast.”
He only slides an arm around my waist, pulling me into his body. “In this house, with me, you do. Gotta make sure you’re taken care of.”
“Gray.” My hands find his pecs beneath the long-sleeved shirt.
“Boss, I like you. Just let me win this one, okay?”
There’s an emotion I can’t quite identify behind his eyes, but I don’t argue. Slipping onto a bar stool, I chug my coffee, only for him to immediately refill it before scarfing down the food.
I’ve never had eggs and bacon taste so good. The seasoning done just right. The eggs fluffy and light, but still cooked hard the way I like them. That perfect crisp but soft bacon with its hickory flavor, an explosion on my tongue.
“Good?”
Wiping my mouth before leaning forward on my elbow, I crook my finger. “You didn’t tell me you could cook.”
The air grows heavy with his face so close to mine. Breath fanning out over my cheeks, hiding the flush from thinking about him bending me over this kitchen island and taking me right here, I study his face. The tiny flecks of gold mixed in the deep brown of his eyes and the freckles that line his nose from years in the sun. Even the fine lines that frame his eyes, along with those long lashes.
With a brush of his lips against mine, a shiver works through me. His grin spreading knowing the effect he has on me. “You didn’t ask.”
He’s right, I haven’t. The few times we’ve eaten here, I’ve cooked for him. Something I’ve never enjoyed doing for anyone but my grandmother. Somehow, though, being in Gray’s presence, it felt so natural.
Leaning away from him, the first slivers of daylight trying to peek through the clouds, I can only smile at my fortune in meeting this amazing man. “Show me how to be a rancher, cowboy.”
Stalking around the island, Gray slips his hand around mine, kissing my knuckles. Our eyes never break contact. His dark and mine light. A perfect contrast.
Without a word, he leads me through the French doors off of the kitchen and across the back patio, Bull and Bronc at our heels.
“We’ll keep it simple today. Looks like another storm is rolling in.” He looks up at the sky, the brim of his backward cap hitting his upper back. A different one than I’ve seen him wear since we met.
“Where’s your normal hat?”
He only grins at me. “Someone got it wet in the shower last night.”
“Shit. I forgot. Sorry.”
“Nothing a little time can’t fix.” His added wink sends butterflies soaring into my belly. Damn, will that ever fade?
Gray is quick to walk me through his morning routine—an endless list of things he has to do every day, often by himself. I don’t understand how he does it. We’re not even done in the stables, and already, I’m itching for a nap. Too bad I won’t get one since I have six surgeries today.
The cows are our last stop. While Gray feeds them, checks the fences, and tosses out hay, I greet each one. Same as the last time, I hug and pet them. One calf deciding to lie down next to me in the wet grass while snuggling into my side.
“All set.” Gray walks up, tucking his gloves in his back pocket.
The roll of thunder makes me flinch, the air suddenly thicker.
Bolting up, I dust off the back of my sweats. “We’d better hurry.”
He takes my hand, our steps quick as we walk back toward the house. Just as another crash of thunder sounds, the first raindrop hits my cheek. Cold and harsh against my skin.
Tugging Gray’s hand, I try to get him to move faster. If we’re caught in the rain, we’re both bound to end up sick. “Come on!”
But he doesn’t quicken his pace, releasing my hand when the sky opens up. I immediately take off running, only to turn back to find Gray standing there, his arms out to the side, face turned up to the sky.
The thick sheet of rain pouring down doesn’t faze him at all. His clothing clings to the muscular frame of his body. Every groove and curve accentuated for my viewing pleasure. His back rippling with each inhaled deep breath.
“Gray! Gray!” I call, making my way back to him. “What are you doing?”
He’s silent for a moment, his eyes pressed shut. “Letting the rain wash away all the negative shit of the past.”
He says it as if it is so obvious. As if it’s something he’s always done.
Standing beside him, I tilt my head back, too. “What are you doing, River? Get inside.”
“No.”
“River.” His tone a warning.
“If you’re going to wash away the bad shit, then so am I.” Spreading my arms, I let the rain pelt into me, soaking through his sweatshirt and joggers. “Maybe it will wash away everyone who ever made me feel like I’m not good enough.”
My smile spreads, feeling as if a weight has lifted. Only when I open my eyes, Gray stands directly in front of me. Those brown beauties are filled with what seems to be every emotion under the sun. Sure hands grip my cheeks before his mouth collides with mine. I cling to his wrists, pulling him closer. Holding him in place because I don’t want this moment to end.
As his mouth slants over mine, I melt into his touch. No one has ever made me feel as seen as Grayson Garrison, and I have a feeling no one ever will.
“Dr. Thompson, I tried calling you,” Sara, my physician’s assistant, greets me as I enter the operating wing.
“Sorry, busy morning. What’s going on?”
“Schatney is running behind on another joint replacement. It has everything pushed back forty minutes at least, and your assistant added on an emergency knee scope.”
“For?” I question.
“Locked bucket handle tear. ER doc did a MR yesterday after the mother threw a fit.”
My eyes narrow on her. Dammit, I should have checked my phone instead of cuddling on the couch with Gray and his two monster dogs after chores.
“How old?” If I’m going to have to deal with a helicopter mom on top of everything else, I need to know now.
“He’s twenty-six,” she relays after scrolling through her phone.
Shit , that’s even worse.
“Well, hopefully, the surgery center is running on time by the time we finish this quad repair. I have to be at the arena by six.”
She only nods, making a call.
“Ah, River. Finally made an appearance.” I spin to find Dr. Don Buckner behind me, a smug grin on his face. His powder blue scrubs hang off his lean frame, but are perfectly pressed as if he ironed them in the locker room. The asshole probably did.
“My first surgery isn’t until ten. I didn’t think you operated on Tuesdays.”
“Chuck needed an ACL done on some athlete.” His hand waves through the air as if it’s nothing. Just the blink of an eye or the intake of a breath. A walk in the park for someone as skilled as him, in his mind.
My molars grind. I am the best sports medicine and orthopedic trauma surgeon in our group, and yet when one of these assholes needs coverage, I am never the one they ask. Fortunately, all our assistants know what dicks they are and give me as much as my schedule can handle.
“We know you’re great at those.” My grin saccharine. He’s not.
The last four he performed had complications, one of which I had to revise since he chose the wrong graft. It was a fucking mess, and the woman missed her entire ski season. Not to mention the scar tissue build-up from his attempt was brutal to work through. “If you’ll excuse me.” My words clipped.
“I heard Cecil talked you into taking over for him at the rodeo this year,” he calls after me.
Spinning on my heel, I face him again. “He did.”
“Let’s hope that doesn’t eat into your clinic and operating hours. You’re looking a bit tired already.”
“Thanks, Don. I’ll be sure to use my under-eye cream tonight.”
Then I’m storming off, so pissed I want to punch a fucking wall.
Seven surgeries and a raging temper later, I’m the least pleasant person approaching Gray’s truck. Each step more forceful than the last imagining that asshole’s face beneath the heel of my crocs. Indignant men like him know exactly what to say to crawl under someone’s skin. If only I’d get better at ignoring it.
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
Gray pushes off the side of the truck, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before opening my door. “It’s fine. What’s wrong?”
“Just a long day.”
“Don’t bullshit me, River.”
“Buckner was just being an asshole this morning, and it stuck with me all day.”
His features darken, his mouth pressing into a grim line before shutting my door and stalking around to his side. No doubt he’s just as pissed, as is evident when he slams the door more forcefully than needed. “I don’t like that guy.”
“That makes two of us.” Buckling my seatbelt, I lean back into the seat, sighing heavily. I can only hope junior night at the ranch will be a breeze this evening. I need a drink and some sleep.
I’ve just let my eyes drift shut when Gray’s fingers weave through mine, his lips brushing my knuckles. “Tonight will be better, baby.”
Funny, I grew up near the rodeo. It was always a part of life. The place where we spent Friday and Saturday nights much of my childhood. It’s the reason I knew I wanted to be an ortho. It’s why I love horses and think baby calves are the cutest creatures.
When Cecil asked me to fill his role this summer, I felt dread. Just another obligation I didn’t have time for with a bunch of people who wouldn’t understand me. It’s been a surprise to even me that I’ve found a comfort there I’ve never felt in the office or the hospital.
Gray wasn’t wrong when he said tonight would be better. I had no idea there was a junior league for all rodeo events. A chance for those under eighteen to train and compete so they can move on to bigger competition in the future.
It’s where Gray and Tate started, too.
For hours, I’ve watched our youth rip and roar across the arena. Their confidence and skill level just as good as some professionals out there. It’s amazing to watch the dedication they’ve put into their passion.
Dedication I can relate to.
“Hey, River,” Joy slides up beside me.
“Hi,” my answer more like a laugh than a single word.
“Gray asked me to come check on you.”
My eyes go wide as I stare at her. “Why?”
“Said you were having a rough day.”
Emotion swells in my chest, catching sight of him on a white and black spotted horse, his rope ready to wrangle the bull should it not cooperate.
And suddenly, my day is perfect.