Her Kind of Cowboy by Susan Breeden

Author:Susan Breeden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-03-08T15:33:54+00:00

* * *

NEITHER VERN NOR Parker spoke a word. They didn’t have to. Thank goodness it was dark on the drive home, because anyone passing them on the road would’ve wondered what they were up to with those silly matching grins of theirs.

Parker kept replaying that kiss, over and over in his mind, like a happily broken record. Hailey’s adorable embarrassment over it made it all the better.

But reality wiped the smile off Parker’s face as soon as he stepped into the house.

Trent greeted them at the door.

“PJ’s hurtin.’ I just know it. I asked if he wanted some of that medicine, but he refused.”

Vern shook his head. “I’m at a loss on this one. I even called Vanessa. She says he always refuses medicine. Speaking of which...”

His grandpa disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water, then went over to his pill organizer, which he kept on the dining room table.

Still on the sofa, PJ was now fully awake and paying attention as Vern dumped the evening lot of medication into his palm and popped them all into his mouth at once. PJ even flinched when Vern washed the pills down.

That’s it. Had to be.

Parker retrieved two forks from the kitchen. He plopped down on the sofa next to PJ with the container he’d brought home from Hailey’s.

“How does that arm feel?” he asked.

“Okay.” PJ pulled his teddy bear a little closer.

“Hey, I was wondering something. Does your mom ever take you along when she visits her clients?”

“Sometimes.”

And her elderly clients most likely take pills, like Vern.

Parker pulled his own prescription from his pocket and read the label out loud. “Take one tablet every twelve hours, as needed. With or without food. It’s been twelve hours, and I definitely need one.”

He popped the top and put one in the palm of his hand. He made sure PJ was watching as he placed it on his tongue and chased it with a long swig of water. He then peeled the lid off the container, took a bite and savored it.

“Miss Hailey’s food is awesome. Best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted. Want some?”

PJ stared at him. “You took a pill.”

“I sure did. And it’s going to make me feel much better,” he said, taking a huge bite of the leftovers.

“But...”

“But what?” Parker asked.

“You’re gonna get old now.”

Bingo. PJ associated taking medicine with getting old. He had the cause and effect all twisted around.

“I hope I get very old someday. I’m looking forward to living a long, healthy life. The medicine is helping me feel better while I’m still young.”

“But...”

Parker set down the container and faced PJ. “You do know that taking pills doesn’t make you older, right?”

PJ simply stared as he tried to process this new information and decide whether to believe it. Meanwhile, Vern was settling up with Trent and seeing him out the door.

“What’s your pill for?” PJ asked.

“I’m allergic to cats, and I had to go to Miss Hailey’s house tonight. Sure didn’t want to be miserable the whole time.

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