A Cowboy for Christmas

“You ready to try one for yourself?” He cocked his head toward the cow checking operation before them.

Casey didn’t know if he was asking her to help shove them into the tight little railed enclosure, or pull on a glove and anally probe them. Not that it mattered. Both tasks were equally unpleasant and she didn’t know how to do either.

“Sure.” She mustered her courage and turned to face Bonner as he laughed and shook his head. “What, you weren’t serious? Was that just a test? Do I pass?”

“Yeah, you pass.” He grinned.

“Don’t let me stop you from doing your job though. If you need to slap on a glove and some lube, go for it. I’ll be fine here alone.” She waited for his reaction.

“Wouldn’t be the first time, Miss Casey. Believe me, I’ve checked the herd myself in past. The vet’s just a whole lot faster and usually a bit more accurate than I am.” He smirked.

Casey immediately got naughty thoughts regarding Bonner and the industrial-sized tube of lubricant she’d seen the vet with. She glanced sideways and found him watching her. “You know, if you’ve got any other tests for me, I’m up for just about anything.”

Bonner leaned close. “Don’t tease, Miss Casey.” His voice was low and dead serious.

Again he seemed to be able to read her, and all her naughty thoughts. Interesting. Bonner Blue may live by the cowboy code, but he sure wasn’t innocent in that department.

“There’s something you should know about me, Bonner.” Her eyes narrowed. “I never tease.”

He dropped his chin to his chest as he closed his eyes and stayed silent.

“Something wrong?”

He opened his eyes. “Yup.”

“Feel like elaborating?”

Bonner stared right at her. “I’m thinking it might be best if I just give in, fucked you and got it over with. Then maybe both of us will have some hope of getting to any work or sleep over the next week.”

Once she recovered from the shock of hearing the last thing she’d ever expected to come out of Bonner’s mouth, Casey smiled. She laid a hand on the front of his shirt. “Well if you’re serious, make sure to grab that lube the vet’s using. You can demonstrate your examination techniques for me.”

His chest rose and fell beneath her touch as his breathing quickened.

“Blue!”

“Yeah.” His gaze didn’t leave hers even as he answered Dakota.

“There’s a whole bunch of ’em open. I’ve never seen this many not bred in one year. What do ya want us to do? Are we supposed to cull them all? Or do you want to save some for breeding next year?”

He drew in a deep breath. Still looking a bit dazed from her suggestion, Bonner hooked a thumb in Dakota’s direction. “I gotta—“

“I understand. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Bonner turned on his heel and she heard him mumble, “That’s what I’m worried about.”

Yup. The best way to absorb the cowboy lifestyle was to just jump right into it…or on top of one. Casey smiled.