To Tame a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys #3)(7)

“Don’t rightly know?” Brody shot to his feet, his arms stiff, his body rigid. “That ain’t true. You were just jawing earlier today about the need for a vet to tend to the horse with colic.”

“I can treat a horse with colic,” Savannah said quickly. “I’ve done it a hundred times.”

The brother slapped his gloves again. “We’ve already got word out in newspapers that we’re looking for a vet up in these parts—”

“Blast it all, Flynn. Can’t you give her a chance?” The anger rolled off Brody in waves, and she held in a breath, praying he wouldn’t haul off and hit his brother—Flynn—over her. The last thing she wanted was to cause more strife.

Flynn held his ground, but his brows rose, revealing surprise at the passion in Brody’s request.

“Thought of everyone you’d understand.” Brody spat out the words. “With how hard it is for Linnea to be taken seriously with her botany and all.”

“That’s not it.” Flynn studied Brody’s face before glancing to Savannah and then back, as though attempting to figure out a riddle. “I was just thinking we needed to run it past Wyatt first.”

“Why? Ain’t you half owner? Reckon you can decide.”

Ah, so Flynn and Brody were McQuaids.

At the commotion of the two men, the mustang began to thrash. Savannah rubbed the mare’s ribs and flank, reassuring the creature that all would be well. At least she hoped so.

When Savannah glanced up again, both men were watching her. “It was just a suggestion. I understand if it won’t work.” She offered them both a smile to let them know she wouldn’t hold a refusal against them.

“It’ll work.” Brody stared at her smile as though it were a lifeline that he needed more than anything else.

Flynn’s mouth stalled around a response. He watched Brody, and from the concern radiating from Flynn’s face, she guessed this older brother was more like a parent than sibling. What was their story? Whatever had happened to Brody, it appeared Flynn was trying to fix it by any means possible, including giving in to his whims.

Flynn shifted his attention back to her. “You said your name is . . . ?”

“Savannah Marshall.” Would Flynn figure out who she was now too? After all, most people in Colorado knew Sawyer Marshall and the Double L Ranch. She’d contemplated providing a false name. But she wasn’t in the practice of lying and hoped instead that up here no one would connect her to her family. She wanted to remain in obscurity for a couple of weeks without Daddy or Chandler getting word of her whereabouts.

As Flynn gave her a nod, recognition didn’t register on his face. “Mrs. Marshall—”

“Miss Marshall. But call me Savannah. Please.” She laid on the southern accent and charm, just the way she’d learned from Momma.

“I’m Flynn McQuaid, and this here is my brother Brody.” He cocked his head toward Brody. “So you’re a veterinarian?”

Was he interviewing her for the job? Right here? Right now?

She sat up straighter. “I won’t lie to you, Mr. McQuaid. I haven’t been to college. But I’ve been training with a veterinarian for many years, and I know everything he does and then some.”

Flynn hesitated. “We’ve got a lot at stake. Can’t afford to make any mistakes—”

“She done proved herself right here with this mustang,” Brody interrupted. “What more do you need to know?”

Flynn glanced at the bandage on the mare’s leg. “What are your fees?”

For the first time since she left home, a tiny whisper of excitement shimmied through her. Maybe she’d be able to get more work than she’d thought. “I only require room and board from my host family. I’ll collect payments from my visits to other ranches.”

“Seems fair enough,” Flynn responded.

“I hope so.” It worked for Mr. Pritchard. Surely it would for her too.

Flynn and Brody locked gazes before Flynn gave a curt nod. “Alright.”

Brody nodded back.

Flynn started to tug on his gloves. “You’re responsible for overseeing her duties.”

“Yep.”

“That means everything.”

Had Flynn hired her? The excitement inside clamored louder. “Don’t worry. I won’t require much overseeing, except perhaps a little direction when I need to make calls.”

“Brody’ll need to go with you.” Flynn was focused on his gloves. “Everywhere.”

Savannah balked. Daddy had laid down the same rule with Mr. Pritchard accompanying her. The difference was that the vet was already going on visits.

She waited for Brody to protest, but he remained silent.

She tightened the lid on the saline and stuck it back into her satchel. “I don’t want to impose and make more work for Brody.”

Flynn lifted his shoulder in a slight shrug. “Brody?”

Brody gave a shrug too. “You won’t be imposing none.”

She paused in repacking her supplies. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” He gave her a quick, almost shy glance. And though his skin was tanned, she could see a slight shade of red working its way into his cheeks.

She was used to men finding her attractive. It was part of being a woman living in the West among so many single cowboys. The sideways looks, the admiration, the good-natured teasing, even the outright declaration of love from time to time. She’d heard and seen it all over recent years. The men were usually respectful, especially the cowhands at the Double L under Daddy’s and Chandler’s watchful eyes.