Crashing Into Tess (The McGreers)

by Christine, Lilly

  “That would be a blast,” Tess nodded, her eyes still on Cassie and the pony. Cassie switched directions at the lope. “Sparky does flying lead changes?”

  “I’m a sucker for horses in general, but my kid brings out the worst in me,” Jake admitted under his breath. “Sherri Tarleton found him, and he cost a bundle, but he’s worth it. Sparky jumps, too. Did you see the little English saddle in the tack room?”

  “I did. I’m super jealous. Cassie is going to be some rider, if she sticks with it.”

  Cassie brought Sparky back to a jog, circling in front of them, then stopped. “Daddy, I’m getting tired of all this ring stuff. Why don’t you and Dr. Tess tack up, and we can take a trail ride? Dr. Tess should ride Butterscotch. He’s lonely. Nobody ever rides him. I bet she’d like to see the ranch, and the view from the ridge.”

  Cassie was persuasive, and she sure knew how to charm him. It was hard to be practical now that he saw so little of her. “That’s a nice idea, Cassie. Maybe we’ll plan that for another time. It’s going to be dark soon. You have homework, right?”

  “Yes, unfortunately,” Cassie said, with great emphasis.

  “Ah, watch it. Dr. Tess is here. Don’t you remember hearing how hard she worked in school? That meant homework, too, didn’t it Dr. Tess?”

  “It did. You’ve got to balance work and play, Cassie. It’s tough sometimes,” Tess said, giving her an encouraging smile.

  “I’ll set up a few barrels. You can run them while I get the horses in and fed, then it’s time to get over to the house and buckle down,” Jake said, turning to Tess. “You still want to stick around?”

  “I can’t miss the barrel race,” she smiled, her blue eyes dancing. He handed Tess a stopwatch, paced off and set up three barrels, and then went for the horses.

  Tess stayed with Cassie as she ran the barrels. Leading the horses in, he watched them whooping and carrying on. While he was haying, Cassie groomed Sparky and Tess groomed Butterscotch, and they chatted the entire time.

  He couldn’t help smiling as he hosed the dogs down in the heated wash stall and started Tess’s truck. When Tess said goodbye, Cassie hugged her slim waist, and looked up at her beseechingly. “Thanks, Dr. Tess. We’ve got to ride together soon, okay?”

  “Sure, Cass,” she said, touching his daughters head. Their faces glowed. They sure have some connection.

  “Thanks for keeping an eye on Cassie,” he said intently, walking her to her truck.

  “It was fun, Jake. I like kids, and kids and ponies are even better. Cassie’s a real gem.”

  “Well, I think so, and she’s got a real soft spot for you. I’m just sorry we’re only having burgers for dinner. You want Mamma Boccini’s instead?”

  “I like Green Fork’s burgers, and it will be fun to see Alice and Lotts.”

  “I’ll cook next time. After our trail ride,” he said, feeling a slow smile spread across his face. “We’ll have a fire then, too.”

  She smiled back at him, shy now. “I’d like that.”

  Two hours later, showered and shaved, he ambled into Green Forks to have a beer with Lotts and wait on Tess.

  “Hey stranger, how are things?” Lotts asked, tying his apron on. “Alice might bring Tess over later. You sticking around?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  Lotts raised his eyebrows, watching for his reaction. “Like I said before, Tess is a nice girl.”

  Jake grinned at the sales pitch. “You think so? She is a nice girl. But Tess would not be a good rebound woman,” he said definitively, doffing his hat and running his hand through his hair.

  “Why not?” Lotts asked.

  “Too east coast, and way too pretty. Every time I see her, I promise myself I’ll be able to resist her, next time.”

  “Hah. How’s that working for you?” Lotts asked, rubbing down the bar with a rag.

  “Not so good.”

  “Sounds like a catch to me. Rebound women can be smart and pretty.”

  “When they are as smart and pretty as Tess, they aren’t rebound women, they’re keepers. And although I like the idea of Tess as a keeper, she’s in a class by herself. She’s young, and I don’t think she’s big on serious relationships. Plus, she’s a tenderfoot. She won’t be around here for long. Even so, I’m buying her dinner,” he admitted sheepishly.

  “Hah. Sounds like a rebound to me.”

  “Doc sent Tess out to the ranch today, to see our branding operation. She pitched in like a ranch hand. I’m just being neighborly is all,” Jake said, knowing nothing escaped Lotts.

  “Chickenshit,” Lotts grinned.

  “Better a chickenshit stallion than a gelded bronco, I always say,” he replied evenly.

  Lotts set a draft in front of him.“If she’s so inclined, she’ll be paired off in no time, I imagine. Plenty of hot blooded stallions around here, eyeing up the pretty girls.”

  “No doubt about that. Ron was glaring at me the night of the accident, and again last Monday at the Grange, acting real macho. I think he’d like to date her.”

  “Ron Karachek, the cop?”

  “He works for the Ag Department, deals with her through work.”

  “So it’s open season, then,” Lotts said, grinning. “New girl in town has all the bucks fired up.”

  “Like I said, too high stakes for me,” Jake said determinedly. “She’s only here until spring, and she might not stick around that long. Winters are tough around here.”

  “Only when you don’t have a sweetie to cuddle with,” Lotts fired back, grinning like a devil. “Alice is from down south, where it’s warm. She never minded cold winters, cause I never gave her the chance to.”

  Jake sucked the foam off his beer, tempted by the thought of cuddling Tess in front of his fireplace. A few minutes later, she came through the door with Alice, a white down vest over her fair isle turtleneck sweater, her skinny legs in pale blue cords, buff shearling snow boots on her feet. Her hair hung loose and curly over her shoulders. Damn, she’s a knockout and she’s not even trying.

  Tess spied him, smiling shyly, happy to see him, and despite what he’d said to Lotts, he felt a familiar tug of inevitability as he strode across the bar to greet her.

  ***** Tess saw Jake coming towards her, in dark jeans and a flannel shirt. He’s just a complete gentleman, and so damn hot.

  Resting his hand lightly on her back, he kissed her cheek, and offered her a drink. After Lotts took their dinner order, Jake led her to a booth, hanging her vest on the post next to his hat and suede jacket. She wasn’t sure if this was a date, but it felt great to be with him again.

  By eight-thirty, they’d eaten burgers and sweet potato fries, talked about their day and a little about Cassie, and finished second drinks. The bar was packed and getting louder, the games at both pool tables four deep.

  She liked sitting across from Jake, watching the line of his jaw as he spoke, the corded muscles on his forearms and wrists and neck, his wide, broad shoulders, the wavy dark hair that fell across his forehead. “Big turnout for the tournament, tonight,” he commented, pulling his glance away from her briefly to look towards the pool tables.

  “I don’t think I’ve been here on Thursday night, yet,” she answered, playing with a coaster. Gazing at him for too long made her want to crawl into his lap and nibble his lips.

  “You want another drink?”

  “Sure, one more,” she smiled. Jake got himself a beer, set an Alabama Slammer in front of her, and eased back in the booth. She wanted desperately to flirt, but she had something to tell him. I better see how he takes my news before I make a giant fool of myself. Sipping her drink, she glanced at him, toying with her straw. “Um, Jake, I have a kind of weighty topic to discuss.”

  Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave her a lazyeyed smile of approval and leaned back in the booth. “A weighty topic? We’ve already done an auto crash and a trip to the ER. Then there was your move and meeting my daughter. Today we permanently disfigured two hundred ca
lves. What else could there be?” he teased, tapping her ankle gently with his foot.

  She smiled nervously, distracted by the bulk of his arms and shoulders and chest.“Van is neutered, right?”

  “No, I use him for stud,” Jake said, raising his eyebrows.

  Tess felt heat rising in her face. Oh, just shoot me now. Biting her lower lip, she stared at the worn formica tabletop, then up at him. “I didn’t realize Rhiannon was in heat until I got her home tonight, Jake. I’d booked the surgery to spay her next week.”

  His deep brown eyes flickered with amusement. “You are saying that what Cassie referred to as Van and Rhiannon ‘dancing’ this afternoon means there will probably be litter of pups sometime around Thanksgiving?”

  “That’s what I’m saying.” Red-faced, she put her hands to her burning face, still biting her lip. “The new vet gets a personal fail for canine population control, on top of her abysmal driving record. Please don’t tell anyone,” she whispered. “I am so completely embarrassed.”

  “You’re always bringing me trouble, aren’t you?” he teased. “How did I ever get mixed up with you, Crash?”

  “Hey, Rhiannon and I have to bear the responsibilities, here,” she said, with a little pout.

  “But I suggested you let Rhiannon out of your truck this morning, remember?” he said smoothly. “And Rhiannon was with me all day. I didn’t notice she was in heat, either, silly.”

  “That’s true,” she perked up.

  “I’ll take my share of responsibility,” he said evenly. “Australian shepherds are always in demand around here. Rhiannon’s part collie, she has a good temperament, and she showed herding instinct today.”

  “Good,” Tess said, cheered considerably. “It’ll be a shotgun wedding, then.”

  “Van’s family won’t shirk their duties, Crash,” he assured her. “I’ll mention it to Aunt Olivia, and Alice and Bea and Doc will help spread the word, too. It’ll be just after Christmas when the pups are weaned, we won’t have any trouble finding them homes.”

  “Thank you. I’m paying an extra fifty bucks a month to keep Rhiannon at my apartment, and I don’t even want to think about what Ernie’s going charge to let me keep a litter of puppies there.”

  “Aw, we’ve got you covered. I can set up a whelping box at the ranch, so the pups don’t bother your neighbors,” he offered. “Cassie will have a blast with the puppies, and Tilda won’t mind pitching in.”

  “Thank you, Jake,” Tess smiled appreciatively, eyeing him shyly. “Bailing me out again.”

  He leaned forward, his brown eyes on her, serious now. The heat in them made her toes curl. In a low voice, he said, “You can count on me, Tess. I hope you know that.”

  She shivered, wishing she could dive onto him, glad when he leaned back in the booth, out of reach.

  “Everyone’s talking about the new vet in town. It’s a very popular topic. They’re all impressed with what a great job you’re doing, Crash.”

  “Really?” she asked, pleased.

  “Yup. Sherri Tarleton is in your cheering section. She’s a hard sell, so that’s got the ranchers convinced. Here in town, Bea is talking you up, and Gertie and my Aunt Olivia are both raving about you to the church ladies.”

  “I met your Aunt Olivia on Tuesday. She brought Buxie and Susie in.”

  “Did she?” Jake grinned. “I’m sure I’ll get an earful of praise for you Saturday night at dinner, then. Was it worth it, coming all this way for a vet job?”

  “I wanted to use my skills where they seemed worthwhile, and Doc said I was needed here. It’s nice to feel needed, so yes, it’s been worthwhile. This still feels like an adventure, and I’m learning so much. In the suburbs, animals are mostly company, but here they’re an integral part of people’s livelihoods.”

  “So an auto crash, a hick town, a ton of hard work branding, de horning and castrating calves and a stray dog that’s pregnant qualifies as an adventure?” he asked fondly.

  “Sure it does,” Tess said decisively, flashing him her flirtiest smile. “I like it here. The work is interesting and I lucked out with the people I’ve met. Alice and Bea and Doc. And you and Cassie.”

  He smiled at this. Catching his sober, intent gaze, she let her lashes flutter, brushing her leg against his under the table with a slow, inviting smile, determined to wear him down.

  ***** Jake could pretend to Lotts he was just being neighborly, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Tess. When he felt her leg against his under the table, blood surged everywhere but his brain. He’d committed her to memory, her rosebud lips, which she bit nervously from time to time, the strong, thin, sensitive fingers that had handled the branding tools with such precision earlier at the ranch.

  The heat between them was affecting her, too, he could tell, and he remembered how she clutched his back when they’d kissed. I’m getting in deeper and deeper here. Maybe I should just give in. She’s damn near perfect. But she’ll be gone in spring, and by then, I’ll be head over heels. . .

  A dark shadow loomed across their table, blocking the overhead light. “Tess!” Aaron said enthusiastically.

  “Hi, Aaron,” Tess answered, flashing him one of her high wattage smiles.

  “How’s the truck running?” Aaron asked, ignoring Jake. He motioned to the spot next to her, and Tess scooted over to let him in. Jealous, Jake turned to the game on the television over the bar. Noise escalated around the pool tables, then loud cheers erupted. Alice turned the jukebox up. The bar was packed three deep. Jake pretended to watch the game, hearing less and less of what Aaron and Tess were saying. Might as well bide my time.

  Lotts caught Jake’s eye and grinned. A chickenshit stallion would get up politely, and leave Tess with Aaron, his expression said. Jake stayed put, nursing his beer, ignoring Lotts’ I-told-you-so grin. He’s just sorry he didn’t put money on this.

  Aaron stood up a few minutes later, speaking to Jake. “I’m going to get Tess a drink, you want a beer, man?”

  Jake looked down at the inch of beer still left in his glass. “I’m fine, thanks.” When Aaron left, he slid around the table into the booth next to Tess and caught her eye. “You shoot pool?”

  “Not while anyone is watching,” she answered, crinkling her nose.

  “Having fun?” He touched one of her curls.

  “It’s okay,” she shrugged, gazing at him with big blue eyes. They asked a question he wanted to answer. Alice had turned the jukebox up, and the first strains of a Dave Matthews tune broke through the honky-tonk. She smiled at him from the bar, and when he recognized the song she’d chosen, he grinned back.

  Jake grabbed Tess’s hand. “C’mon, Crash.” Her eyes flashed with laughter as she recognized the familiar melody, and he led her to the open area in front of the jukebox. “Let’s dance,” he murmured, pulling her close.

  His hands strayed to her waist, and she giggled but stayed with him, lithe and fine, golden liquid in his arms. He spun her around and she broke into a self-conscious grin as he caught her. Putting her arms around his neck, she leaned close and whispered, “Jake, in case you haven’t noticed, we’re the only people dancing here.”

  “We’re doing just fine, Crash. This is our song,” he answered as Dave Matthews crooned, whispering the words to “Crash” near her ear. She rested her head on his shoulder and her hair brushed his cheek. The thread of desire that had pulsed all day unfurled, warm and insistent. He grabbed a chunk of the curls cascading down her back, closed his eyes and gently kissed her lips, her forehead, her eyelids. She’s got me. When the song ended, he held her waist and whispered, “You want to get out of here?”

  “Maybe,” she nodded, her smile a yes. Aaron had disappeared into a crowd at the pool table.

  “Wanna catch a movie?”

  “What’s playing?”

  “We can find out. Headlight’s fixed in the truck. C’mon, let’s go.” Jake grabbed her vest from the pole above the booth and helped her into it, then shrugged into his suede jack
et and led her out the door. Lotts won this time, and he’s sure to let me know about it.

  ***** To: Sam.Bam@gmail.com

  From: Tess.Bam@gmail.com

  Date: Thursday, October 4 11:46 PM

  Subject: First Base. Sammi~

  Icebreaker!! At Last! I learned a ton at Jake’s ranch today, and got to see Cassie ride, too. She is SO amazing on her little pony! Jake bought me a burger for dinner at Green Forks, Alice put Dave Matthews on the juke box and after we danced.......yes, the ONLY couple dancing in the bar..... to CRASH! Then, he took me to the movies and fed me popcorn. Have no idea what the movie was about but YUM, his lips taste great butter flavored. Sammi, Green Junction is the scariest thing I’ve ever done. I’m finally on my own here, and now it’s starting to feel like I might even belong! YES!

  Love, Love, Love Happiest Tessiest. Tess pressed “Send” and climbed into her pajamas. Snuggling under her down comforter and quilt, she could still feel Jake’s soft flannel shirt on her cheek. The day at the ranch had been amazingly special. When Jake pulled her against him to dance, she’d felt something snap between them, something concrete, and irrefutable.

  He was so careful and measured with her, contained, like he was holding back, but safe, too, and solid, his liquid eyes so affectionate and tender. It scared her, but she wanted more. Hugging the covers around her, she tried to sleep.

  To: Tess.Bam@vmail.com

  From: Sam.Bam@vmail.com Date: Friday, October 5, 1: 26 am

  Subject: ONLY YOU! Tess,

  In a city with 10 eligible men per square foot, I’m stuck

  w. blind dates that go nowhere. You’re in “no man’s land”

  and turning them away. Makes me want to head for the

  mountains!! Keep up the good work, girl ~ Love, Sister

  Sam

  ****** Early Saturday morning, Tess’s cell rang. “Hey, Tess. I just finished feeding horses. What are your plans for the day?”

  She felt her pulse quicken. Jake’s voice was as warm and gentle as it had been Thursday night. Calm down, silly.