Vetting the Cowboy Page 4

  Mike’s smile told him he wasn’t fooled. “Oh, yeah, I’ll be there. Looking forward to it.”

  “Hey, you must’ve got your glasses fixed.”

  “How did you know?”

  “You’re not pushing at them so much.”

  Mike chuckled. “Yeah, I stopped by the local optometrist and he tightened them up a bit.”

  Seth decided not to say he’d thought it was a cute habit. “Well, that’s good. You drive careful now.”

  “I will. See you later, Seth.”

  Seth stood watching Mike’s car until it disappeared onto the road. He said he’s looking forward to it. Oh boy, so am I.

  Being so close to Mike a few minutes ago had reminded him of how he’d spent last night jerking off to the fantasy of having Mike’s naked and limber body laid out under him, his legs encircling Seth’s waist while he plowed him hard and deep. His orgasm had been a doozy, his cum spurting high over his chest and smacking him on the chin and lower lip. He’d licked at it and wondered what Mike’s cum would taste like. Salty, like his? With any luck he’d find out before too long.

  * * * *

  Seth had volunteered to help set up the tables, chairs and the bar for the barbecue. Just as they were finishing up, he noticed Parker on his cell phone, frowning.

  “Something wrong, boss?”

  “Darned guy I hired to tend bar can’t make it. I guess I’ll be stuck behind there most of the night. Royce will not be happy. He likes me out there schmoozing, ’specially now we have two new couples arriving.”

  “No worries, Parker, I can tend bar.”

  “Man, you are a godsend. Remind me to give you a raise. Better still, I’ll put a tip-jar on the counter.”

  “Sounds good, boss.” He didn’t want to add that he preferred being an onlooker at these get-togethers. He liked all the hands, but often felt awkward around some of the customers, especially new arrivals. He wished he had Clint’s oh-so-easy-going flair for dealing with people he’d just met.

  An hour or so later, he was thrown in at the deep end. No sooner had he taken up his position behind the bar than Royce shepherded four guys he’d never seen before over to the bar. Despite having worked at the Seven Plus for over two years, Seth was still slightly in awe of Royce Chandler. He was such a good-looking guy with his blond hair, blue eyes and a charming smile that was guaranteed to melt the frostiest heart of the most cantankerous soul in all Sacramento.

  “Hey there, Seth, meet Jim, Paul, Norman and Miguel. They’ll be with us for the next six days and will be looking for your expertise in all things Western. Up to you and the boys to make sure they become seasoned cowboys by week’s end.”

  Seth chuckled and grinned at the newcomers. Royce loved to ham it up to make new customers feel at home right away, and these four seemed like a nice bunch.

  “Howdy, gentlemen…” Seth got into the swing of it and earned himself a wink from Royce. “What’ll it be?”

  The guys chatted with him while he fixed their drinks. They were a welcome change after the ‘whiners’, as he called Foster and Grant. Darn it, shouldn’t have brought them to mind, ’cause here they come now. Royce, with his infinite charm, greeted the two complainers almost like they were his best buds, escorting them over to the bar where he introduced them to the newcomers.

  Of course Harold had to order some fancy vodka cocktail that Seth hadn’t the first idea how to make. He looked around the bar in vain while Harold rattled off the ingredients, none of which they seemed to have on hand.

  Seth shrugged. “Sorry, ’fraid I don’t have any of that.”

  “Well, do you at least have a vodka tonic?” Harold snapped at him.

  “Uh, yeah, I can do that.”

  “Well, that’ll have to do, I suppose, with a lot of lemon slices.”

  So that’s where you get that sour expression… Seth resisted the temptation to pour the drink over Harold’s head, but noticed with some satisfaction that the new guys were not at all enjoying Harold and Monty’s company. They drifted away after giving Seth sympathetic glances. He filled Monty’s order of a light beer then waved to Clint, who had just arrived with Sherry, Royce’s secretary.

  Harold and Monty let out little coos of welcome and rushed over to where Clint and Sherry stood talking to Royce and Parker. Bet Clint is glad this is their last day here…

  Jed Miller from the Double R arrived, with his husband, Charles Fletcher, Royce’s business partner. Seth really liked Charles, a small man with a large personality. Watching them together, Seth couldn’t help but wonder why Jed didn’t have a permanent stoop and Charles a crick in the back of his neck from looking up at Jed, who towered over him.

  “Hi, guys.” He beamed at them as they came over to the bar.

  “Seth, you look mighty pretty tonight,” Charles said with a big smile. “Can’t imagine why some cowpoke hasn’t snapped you up yet.”

  “Charlie.” Jed gave him a reproving look. “Seth ain’t pretty. He’s a man. Men ain’t pretty.”

  “Well, there are parts of you that are very pretty, husband mine. Mostly in the nether regions.”

  “Charlie,” Jed growled and Seth laughed. “Behave now or I’ll have to take you over my knee.”

  Charles winked at Seth. “And that’s how you get ’em to do what you want, Seth, my boy.”

  “What can I get you?” Seth asked, grinning.

  “I’ll have one of those craft beers Royce is always goin’ on about,” Jed said. “Can’t remember the name.

  “Joiners?” Seth held a bottle to show Jed.

  “Yeah, that’s it. He says it’s pretty good.”

  “I’ll have a Bud Light, Seth, thank you,” Charles said. He took the bottle Seth proffered then grabbed Jed by the arm. “Okay, Royce says we have to mingle, so those two couples look like easy victims. Let’s go terrorize them. See you later, Seth.”

  Seth chuckled, watching Charles tow Jed away. He scanned the growing crowd for a sign of Mike, but so far the vet hadn’t shown. Maybe he’s changed his mind, Seth thought, frowning.

  “Why so glum, chum?” Clint and Sherry stood in front of him, both with questioning looks.

  “Oh, no, not glum,” Seth replied quickly. “Just thinking ’bout something. How are you, Sherry? This big lug treatin’ you right?”

  “Most of the time,” Sherry said, clinging to Clint’s muscular arm. “How are you, Seth?”

  “Doin’ good, thanks. What can I get you?”

  “A Chardonnay, please.”

  “Clint?”

  “I’ll take a Joiners.” Clint reached over and fingered the collar of Seth’s shirt. “So, what were you so deep in thought about?”

  “What?” Seth chuckled nervously as he poured Sherry’s wine.

  “Don’t answer my question with a question.”

  “Clint.” Sherry slapped his arm. “Don’t badger the poor guy.”

  “I’m not badgering him. I’m concerned…and he lied to me.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Seth, I asked you why you looked unhappy and you said you were just thinking. That was a lie.”

  “I was thinking, for Pete’s sake.”

  “What about?”

  “Uh…about…what the hell, Clint? I can’t remember.” He popped the top of a bottle of Joiners Ale and handed it to his tormentor.

  “Now I know you’re lying.”

  “Clint!” Sherry slapped his arm again. “What is with you?”

  “Sorry, have I come at a bad time?”

  Three heads turned to stare at the speaker and Seth would later swear he’d never been so glad to see someone in his entire life.

  “Mike,” he exclaimed, his smile big enough to make his cheeks ache. “Glad you could make it…and no, you couldn’t have come at a better time if you’d tried.”

  Mike looked surprised at Seth’s enthusiasm, but then he grinned as if he knew what was going on. “Good to hear.”

  “Clint and Sherry,” Seth said, “this is
Mike Henry, our new veterinarian. Clint’s our lead horseman and Sherry is Royce’s secretary.”

  Mike shook hands with Sherry. “You’re the one responsible for making Bonney fightin’ fit again,” Clint said, giving Mike a firm handshake. He leaned in close to Mike. “But see that pair of guys, yonder? One of them’s been bitchin’ about not being able to ride Bonney, so let’s keep it a secret that she’s better, okay?”

  “Okay.” Mike did a quick check on the guys in question. “I will if you will.”

  Clint gave Seth a knowing look. “Now I get what you were thinking about.”

  At that moment, Royce asked for everyone’s attention. “Just a few quick words of welcome to our new ‘cowboys in training’…James, Paul, Norman and Miguel from Los Angeles. We hope you have a stellar time here at the Seven Plus Ranch and that you enjoy every moment of learning how to be a real cowboy. We must also say a sad farewell to Monty and Harold from Pensacola. They leave us tomorrow, but of course we hope they will return real soon, now they’ve had a taste of the cowboy life.”

  Royce must be the only one who can say that with a straight face. Seth had a hard time keeping his own face from showing what he actually thought of Monty and Harold from Pensacola…Harold in particular.

  “No one’s gonna cry when they leave, believe me,” he whispered to Mike. “Hey, you don’t have a drink. What can I get you?”

  “Just a light beer, thanks. How did you get roped into tending bar?”

  “The guy Parker had lined up bailed on him so I volunteered. Suits me, ’cause I prefer having somethin’ to do ’stead of standing around trying to make small talk. I’m terrible at it.”

  Clint and Sherry had moved off to introduce themselves to the newcomers. Mike smiled at Seth. “Mind if I hang around you? I’m not that good at small talk myself.”

  “It’ll be my pleasure.” Seth returned Mike’s smile then waved hello to Andy and his wife, Sheila, along with Royce’s dad, Aaron Chandler, and Annie, his housekeeper. Seth introduced Mike to them and they all had a good chuckle when Annie exclaimed, “My word, I have never seen such a collection of fine-lookin’ men all in one place.”

  “Behave yourself, woman,” Aaron growled. “You’re a respectable widow with a bunch of sons who’d be mighty shocked to hear their mother talk like that.”

  “Oh, hush, Aaron Chandler,” Annie said, poking him in the arm. “Give His Grumpiness a drink, Seth, and make it a strong one. I’ll have a red wine.” Seth knew their banter had gone on for years. Royce had told him that his dad had threatened to fire Annie dozens of times, but she was still there after forty years

  “Comin’ up.” Seth also knew Aaron liked Old Tawny and Royce had made sure it was on hand for his father. Andy and Sheila ordered beer and Seth was happy to see Mike fit in with them all. He might not be into a lot of small talk, but his natural charm was evident and there was enough interest in his work to keep the conversation flowing. The only dampener happened when Harold barged through them to order another drink.

  “And don’t be so skimpy on the vodka this time!”

  An awkward silence fell on the group while Seth made Harold’s drink. Harold looked around with disinterest at the older folk, but his eyes lit up when his gaze fell on Mike. “Hi,” he simpered. “I’m Harold Foster.”

  “Mike Henry.” He shook the man’s hand briefly.

  “And what do you do, Mike?”

  “I’m a veterinarian. Doctor Walker’s new assistant.”

  “Oh, maybe you could take a look at Bonney, my favorite horse. I want to ride her before we leave tomorrow.”

  “Sorry, that’s not possible. She needs a couple more days rest to heal completely.”

  “How would you know?” Harold snapped rudely.

  “Because I’ve been treating her for the last few days, and I say she needs some more time off that hoof before she’s ready for riding again.”

  “Well, really…” Harold’s face flushed with annoyance. “Talk about being overprotective. I paid good money to come here and—”

  “I’m really not interested in that, I’m afraid, Mr. Foster,” Mike said, cutting off the coming tirade. “My only concern is for the good of any animal I am treating.”

  Seth was aware that everyone at the party was now watching this exchange with avid interest. He was so proud of Mike for standing his ground that he wanted to grab him and plant a big kiss on his lips…but that might not be a good idea at the moment.

  Harold swung his attention away from Mike and fixed Seth with a beady eye. “Where’s that drink I ordered? The service here sucks!”

  “The service here does not suck, young man,” Aaron Chandler ground out, “but your manners certainly do.”

  “Uh, Dad…” Royce was suddenly there, standing between his dad and Harold. “I’ll take care of this. Harold, would you and Monty like to come with me? We need to have a little chat.”

  Harold grabbed his drink off the bar and followed Royce toward the house, a sullen expression covering his face. Monty trailed behind them, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

  “Well!” Annie exclaimed. “That livened up the evening, and no mistake.”

  Everyone laughed and Clint came over to shake Mike’s hand. “Thanks for saying that. Harold did nothin’ but complain all day about not getting to ride Bonney and told me if he didn’t get to ride her before he left he was gonna ask for his money back.”

  “I’ll never understand putting money before an animal’s welfare,” Mike said.

  “You’re right,” Andy told him. “Parker says you have a real affinity with Bonney, and you hadn’t treated horses before. You’ll do good here, is my bet.”

  “Thanks.” Mike looked embarrassed. “I was nervous about dealing with horses, but I got lucky with Bonney. She’s so gentle.”

  “You’ll do just fine, son,” Aaron said, patting Mike’s shoulder. “I liked the way you stood up to that city boy.”

  Seth had liked it too, and was determined to let Mike know just how much.

  Chapter Five

  Neither Harold nor Monty returned to the barbecue and while everyone sat at tables and enjoyed their steak or chicken, Seth took a break and went with Mike to the grill. Parker, always grill-man-in-chief, grinned at them and filled their plates with a juicy steak apiece.

  “How’re you enjoying your first barbecue at the Seven Plus, Mike?” he asked.

  “It’s great,” Mike told him. “A real nice bunch of people, with one or two exceptions.”

  Parker chuckled. “Yeah, sorry about Harold. Royce took care of him. He was threatening to sue until Royce laid out the logistics of that being kinda stupid. Royce is a smart cookie…I call him a smart-ass sometimes, but he’s generally right when it comes to people being nothin’ but blowhards.”

  “Did they leave?” Seth asked.

  “Uh huh. Royce gave them a ten percent refund and a cab to the airport. But from what Royce told me, I don’t give their relationship much of a chance of lasting beyond next week. Monty looked completely embarrassed by Harold’s behavior. Even told him to shut it when Harold got mouthy with Royce. So, anyway, end of story. Enjoy your steaks.”

  They found a vacant table and settled in. “Hey,” Seth said, “would you like a glass of red wine?”

  “No, the beer’s okay. I’m not a big drinker.”

  “Neither am I, but I just thought with the steak…?”

  “Oh, okay, just the one. I am driving.”

  “Right. I have a studio apartment a mile or so from here, but I can walk it.” He slid off his chair. “I’ll get us a couple of glasses.”

  Mike watched him go, admiring the slim hips and muscular butt nicely defined in his tight blue jeans. He was glad he’d decided to come to the barbecue. Despite the nastiness of the one guy, Harold, he was enjoying himself. He had almost decided not to attend. Doc. Walker had run his ass off and talked his head off all afternoon. He was a nice old guy, but he tried to cram too much into too few hours. Mike woul
d have liked to have spent some more time at each ranch getting to know the owners, but Doc had kept rushing them on to the next place. They hadn’t even gotten to the Double R or Hope Ranch, despite the pace Doc had set. Tomorrow, he’d said.

  He stopped grousing to himself when Seth arrived back at their table with a glass of red wine in each hand. “Cheers,” Seth said, after handing Mike his glass.

  “Cheers.” They clinked glasses and smiled at each other then got stuck into their steaks. “This is really good,” Mike said around a mouthful.

  “Always good here.”

  “So you don’t live at the ranch?” Mike asked.

  “No. There’s a bunkhouse, but I like to have some privacy. Couple of the guys bunk here and they like it. Royce did a nice job of fixing the rooms up, but…I don’t know, I just need to leave this behind at the end of the day and chill out by myself.”

  Mike nodded. “Know what you mean. Doc. Walker’s been good enough to give me a room in his house for the time being, but if I decide to stay in the area, I’ll want to get my own place.”

  “Oh…you haven’t decided yet?”

  “Well, it’s only been just over a week. So far, I like it, and there’s enough here to keep me busy and learn other aspects of being a vet…like horses, for instance. Cows too, probably.”

  “You have to learn how to ride,” Seth said earnestly. “I don’t think a person can appreciate a horse until he’s one with the animal. I can tell you’d be a good rider.”

  Mike chuckled. “Do you now?”

  “Well, I can tell you love animals, just from the easy way you had with Bonney. If you have some spare time, come over and I’ll take you out on the trail.”

  Mike stopped himself from making any kind of innuendo out of Seth’s offer. He was beginning to really like the young cowboy and didn’t want to put him off with raunchy remarks…not yet, anyway.

  “I’d like that, Seth, thank you.”

  Later, as the sun began to set, Royce turned on the overhead lights that cast an atmospheric amber glow over the area. One of the hands had brought a guitar and started strumming a familiar tune. To Mike’s surprise, Royce sat by the guitarist and after listening to the chords being played, he began to sing Elton John’s Your Song.