Man Behind The Badge. Pamela Toth

the roomy stall and making sure the horses were at ease before they proceeded. Robin’s nervousness seemed to vanish. Even her voice changed, going all husky and soft.

      A man could get lost in the sound of it, Charlie thought, even if her appearance was strictly business. She wore a loose-fitting white blouse and long tan pants, despite the heat of the afternoon. Too bad she didn’t dress like the clinic receptionist. There was a woman who knew how to draw a man’s attention, even as she blinded him with color and sparkle. Everything Erline wore was short, tight and bright.

      Charlie tried to imagine Robin in that type of getup and failed. It was impossible to guess her shape with the way her clothing fit. Maybe that was the point.

      The other four people were busy with the horses, and he knew he’d only make her uncomfortable if he tried to talk to her now. Tipping back his head, he finished off the can of soda.

      “I’ll see you all later,” he said to no one in particular after he’d tossed the empty can into a nearby recycling bin. “Duty calls.”

      Three male heads turned. Three masculine voices said goodbye. Dr. Marlowe was bent down by the colt. She never even looked up.

      “Something else?” Adam asked when Charlie hesitated.

      “I hope the little guy’s okay,” Charlie said, staring at the back of Robin’s head. Her short hair was as dark as a crow’s and as shiny as the paint on a new Mercedes.

      Adam gave him a puzzled look. “Thanks. Keep me up to speed on the other business.”

      Other business? Had Adam picked up on Charlie’s interest in the new vet?

      His momentary blankness must have shown. “My cattle,” Adam prompted him dryly. “They’re dying, remember?”

      “Sure thing,” Charlie stuttered. “I’ll let you know.” He didn’t dare risk another glance at Robin to see if she’d been listening to the awkward exchange. Before his oldest brother, as sharp as the rowel on a new spur and twice as scary as any bad guy, could figure out the reason Charlie had been distracted, he turned and fled.