Lone Star Lover by Debbi Rawlins

When he did, the bizarre scene hadn’t changed. The saloon across the street was still there, so was the rickety two-story hotel beside it, the water troughs and hitching rails in front, the wagon and horses, and the gun-toting cowboys of varying ages who were now carefully lifting someone out of the back of the wagon. The place looked like a stage.
    “Make sure the way is clear,” the doctor hollered at Kitty, who’d already entered the room. “And get the water boiling.”
    Rebecca didn’t wait for further instructions. She grabbed the kettle off the fire and threw in a couple of logs. Kitty moved the chair that had been sitting beside the cot, dragging it to the far side of the room. Next she got rid of the basin and bedside table. No one said a word. Like a well-oiled machine, the two women worked quickly, preparing the cot, putting water on to heat and producing stacks of clean rags.
    Jake simply stayed out of their way. When the cowboys finally carried in the injured man, Jake moved further back to allow them a clear shot to the cot.
    Davis followed close behind, his face grimy and his coat muddy. He slanted a look at Jake. “Glad to see you up and about, son,” he said, and hurried past to tend to the new patient.
    After the man was laid down, and the doctor was at his side, Kitty took charge of dispersing the cowboys. They all seemed reluctant to leave, but none of them challenged her when she ordered them to wait outside or in the saloon. After being assured that they’d be given a full report, they grudgingly filed out the door.
    Rebecca had retreated to the corner and stayed there while the men were in the room. On his way out, one of the younger cowboys tipped his hat to her, to which she gave a small nod, but other than that, she mostly kept her gaze aimed at the floor. Her hands stayed clasped in front of her. The guy called Corbin had implied she was a whore. As soon as Jake was back to normal, he had a score to settle with the stupid bastard.
    Thinking about Corbin reminded Jake of the badge he thought he’d seen pinned to the guy’s vest. That was another question he had for Rebecca as soon as he had her to himself again.
    “This doesn’t look good.” The doctor yanked open the unconscious man’s shirt and took a wet cloth Kitty handed him.
    “Is he breathing?” Kitty asked.
    “Barely. Open my bag and get out my stethoscope, would you?”
    Jake had never been the queasy type, but when he saw what the rope had done to the man’s thick neck his stomach revolted. Raw flesh gaped almost to the bone, the skin looking more like something that came from a butchered heifer.
    Jake must have looked as if he was going to lose it, because Rebecca was instantly by his side, slipping an arm around his waist, helping to support his weight.
    “You’re very pale,” she whispered.
    “I haven’t eaten in days,” he said gruffly, his ego bruised, and now, on top of everything, he was light-headed.
    She held him tighter when he sagged against her. “I’ll heat some broth as soon as I won’t be in the way.”
    “I’m okay.” He shifted closer to the wall in case he needed it to keep himself steady. “Go help the doctor. That guy on the cot is in a lot worse shape than I am.”
    “Kitty’s there.” She stared up at him, with her beautiful blue-green eyes full of concern. Not a speck of makeup marred her flawless skin. She looked so damn young and innocent. “Do you need to sit down?”
    “Am I crushing you?”
    A small smile tugged at her pink lips. “I’m very strong.”
    “I’ve noticed.”
    Her nose wrinkled and any trace of a smile vanished. “Like an ox, I’ve been told.”
    Jake chuckled. “Not even close.”
    She tilted her head to the side slightly, and gazed at him with a cute bewildered expression.
    “Rebecca, I need some of that heated water.” Kitty threw a look over her shoulder, and frowned at Jake. “Need to sit?”
    “I’m fine.”
    Rebecca seemed reluctant to leave