The Cowboy's False Start by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Lily woke gradually, feeling an odd sense of peace. Her eyes tore open at the feel of hot breath on the back of her neck, strong arms banded around her. Finding herself staring at the living room window, recollection of the night before returned.

She’d been talking with Virgil about the job offers. He’d wanted a second chance, pleaded with her not to leave. They’d fallen into silence when he’d selected a slow moving video, and apparently fallen asleep.

It felt good, and more right than she would’ve imagined to wake up next to him. Nothing had happened, yet she hadn’t experienced such peace in a long time.

A kiss to her neck signaled Virgil was awake. “You smell good,” he whispered, sending shivers through her.

“I suppose it’s time to get up.” Still, she didn’t move.

“You’re right. Wyatt’s going to wonder where I am.” Placing one more kiss against her neck, he pulled his arms free and sat up. “Did you sleep well?”

A rueful smile curved her lips as she pushed herself up. “Best in a long time. You?”

“Same.”

Their eyes locked for several seconds before Lily stood. “I’ll make coffee.”

Rising, Virgil reached his hands toward the ceiling, stretching his back. “Have you heard of primary biliary cholangitis?”

Setting two cups on the counter, she cocked her head. “I believe it’s a disease of the liver. Why?”

“Monica’s been diagnosed with it.”

“She didn’t seem ill during the trail ride.”

“According to my father, her only symptom is fatigue. I’m pretty certain that’s why she came to the ranch.”

“To be close to you and Jasper?”

“Jasper. I doubt she cares one way or another about me being here. It appears she’ll be staying around for a while. Maybe forever.” Bitterness coated his tongue, a ball of disgust lodging in his chest.

Placing a cup in front of him, Lily sat down at the table, opening her laptop. “Let’s see. Primary biliary cholangitis.”

Virgil pulled a chair next to her, reading the search results. “Open the one on top.”

“It’s an autoimmune disease of the liver,” Lily read aloud. “The bile ducts become damaged. It mainly affects women in their fifties.” She glanced at Virgil. “How old is Monica?”

“Fifty-four or five. The same as my father.”

“Do you know if she’s been prescribed medication?”

“According to Jasper, she’s taking something.”

“Probably UDCA.” She pointed to the section of the article describing the drug.

“That sounds right. It’s suppose to slow the progression of the disease.”

Sitting back in the chair, Lily placed her hand on his arm. “She’s been diagnosed early. Does she already have a local doctor?”

“I don’t know.”

She considered her next question, tossing it aside before deciding to ask. “Do you want me to speak with her? We got along well during the trail ride. Maybe she’ll share information she won’t with Jasper.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t ask you to get in the middle of my family problems. At least not until I’ve spoken with her. Maybe after that?”

“Whatever you need. I’m here for you, Virgil.”

Studying her face, his gaze locked on emerald green eyes.

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