“I don’t like owing anything.” He dug out his wallet slowly from the back of his jeans with one hand and pulled out a few bills. “Would this cover it?”
She probably would have charged a little more, but understanding pride, she nodded. “That would be fine.”
“You need more, you ask for me. Thanks again.”
Seeing him to the door, she noted his lean, hard frame—all cowboy. Man, she’d kinda missed this kind of man. Not exactly ones she’d run into in Edinburgh, although the Scots didn’t like to owe anyone either and could be equallytough. “You’re most welcome, Hudson. I hope you feel better.”
When she and Neil closed the door, her friend turned to her with a knowing smile. “I guess everyone was waiting to see what Ben setting you up with a healing space meant. Well, now they know. Word of you helping is going to spread, lass. Better create your price list fast, because I’ll bet you have a line of cowboys at the door tomorrow.”
She felt that familiar thrill of satisfaction for helping someone feel less pain and heal faster. “Be nice to help out around here, but we’re going to need to find more space for the herbs to dry if I’m going to use the space Ben set up.”
Another knock sounded on the door. “Another client this fast?” Neil teased.
This time, Ben McAllister filled the doorway with his tantalizing masculine presence, carrying his saddlebags. “What was Hudson doing up here? He was off before I could chase him down.”
She stepped aside to let him in. “He was hurt and thought I could help. Give me a sec to grab the fried chicken.”
Ben whistled as he came in. “Evening, Neil. I see you two haven’t wasted time grabbing every living plant from Wild Mountain. I thought you had everything drying in the space I gave you, but I should have known better. My God, how many species do you have drying?”
After detouring to the kitchen around the corner, she grabbed the containers and returned. “I don’t know. Neil? About sixty, do you think?”
Neil hooked his foot on the stone hearth. “Probably close to seventy, lass. I’ll do inventory tomorrow since I know it’s not someone’s favorite.”
She made a face at him, noticing how Ben’s frame tensed. He was jealous, and she’d known it from the beginning. Now she felt she might need to assure him more that she and Neil were only friends.
“Be good to have everything cataloged,” Neil added with a wry twist of his mouth, “since you’ll be having more cowboys showing up for help. You should have seen her face when that Hudson fella up and popped open his shirt.”
What the hell! Was Neil trying to distract Ben from glowering at him?
Ben turned his head swiftly in her direction. “He did what?”
The moment had been kinda funny in retrospect. “Normally, clothes don’t come off in a client session, but he was showing me the inflammation around his ribs and the likely fracture.”
He growled. “Hannah, I’d hoped you could use the healing space I gave you. I don’t like my hands showing up at your doorstep at any hour. Especially if they’re taking their clothes off.”
Her lips twitched. “Ben McAllister, you’ve been kicked in the ribs by a horse a time or two, and you know it hurts like hell.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Clearly, you need more space to dry herbs. I’ll find you somewhere tomorrow, and we can move the ones you have in your healing place there so you can treat people. Then we’ll lay down some ground rules for your…whatever it is you call the people you treat.”
“I call them clients,” she informed him, trying not to laugh.
The look he shot her was filled with amusement at her sass.“Clients.Noted. Did he pay you?”
“He did.” She worried her lip. “I still haven’t worked on my price list yet?—”
“Was it enough?” he pressed with the raising of a dark brow.
Neil answered for her. “A little under, if she’s being honest, which is sometimes tough for her where money is concerned.”
She wished she could heal everyone for free, but she needed to make a living. Neil had no such qualms. You paid for a service—it was as simple as that. And didn’t people pay doctors? How were other healing professionals all that different?
Ben walked over to her and touched her arm gently, smiling at her. “It’s because she has a tender heart. Hannah, you keep track of who you help around here. The Triple M will be paying you. I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear when I set up your space.”
She liked this new Ben—the one in charge who took care of the ranch and the people who worked it. “I’m happy to do what I can.”
“We’re happy to have you share your gift with us.” He slapped his hat against his thigh. “Thanks for letting Cooper forage with you today. He was so tuckered out that he was asleep when I left. Will wasn’t sure he’d wake up for the special dinner and movie they’d planned, but maybe it’s for the best. This ensures he’ll be awake when I get back.”
She could see the struggle on his face. He’d wanted to go on the picnic and be with his boy later. She felt a pinch of guilt, but he instantly shook his head, reading her like he used to.
