Read Online Crashing Into Tess by Lilly Christine - Free Book Online

here,
Tess. This afternoon I head out to Tarleton’s horse farm.
There’s a two year old to geld, and a pregnant mare to
ultrasound. You’re welcome to ride along, if you’re up to
it,” he offered.
Tess worked with Doc all morning on small animal
appointments, increasingly at ease. He introduced her to his
clients, and she observed as he checked for ear mites,
inoculated six week old puppies, advised diet changes for a
pair of overweight schnauzers, and adjusted medication on
an elderly cat with a heart condition. Then she helped Alice
with blood work, familiarizing herself with the lab.
Bea bustled in at eleven-thirty, beaming. “I brought
cheese steaks, in honor of our Philadelphia Girl’s first day!”
As Bea began fussing over her, Alice shot Tess a knowing
look. She helped Tess fill out paperwork, and they ate lunch
at the table in the dispensary.
Afterwards, she rode with Doc in his big white truck
west out of town. “A four wheel drive truck is a good idea,”
Doc said, his large frame filling the seat next to her. “If you
find one you like, the practice will buy you a tool box for it
and tires for the winter. Make sure to keep plenty of weight
in the back. I use sand bags.” Tess nodded nervously, her
headache still a dull twinge. There is so much to learn here.
The Tarleton horse farm was a beautiful modern
facility, with a large indoor arena and acres of rolling
pasture, the snow on them melting in early afternoon sun.
Doc introduced Sherri Tarleton, a petite woman with
chapped cheeks, a pouf of strawberry blonde hair held in a
barrette, and an earthy laugh. Sherri nodded appreciatively
as she took Tess’s hand. “So pleased to meet you, Dr.
Bamberger. I’m so glad Doc Harnes finally has back up.
You’ve come from New Bolton?” Tess nodded. “That’s as
good an equine care facility as exists. Warm welcome to
Green Junction. I’ve got a pair of sons who will be happy
to know that you’re in town, too.”
“Thank you,” Tess blushed. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
Sherri led her mare into the aisle, talking local horse
gossip with Doc, while Tess set up the ultrasound
equipment. Donning a plastic glove, she got to work.
“There it is,” Doc said, when the tiny equine fetus
appeared on the monitor. “Nice work, Tess. Looks like your
mare’s bred, then, Sherri, she’s two months along. Come
May, she’ll throw a fine foal.”
Next, Sherri led them to the young colt’s stall and Tess
assisted with the gelding. Doc offered encouragement as
she moved around the horse, injecting the sedative, suturing
the incision. She felt calm and confident working with him,
pleased by his obvious satisfaction in her work.
4
“Cowboy Take Me Away”
    On Tuesday morning, Jake pulled his truck into a
parking space at the medical plaza, his neck and back stiff
and sore, and headed into Doc Estes office.
    As he stepped up to the registration desk, a blond, curly
haired woman in an Irish wool sweater spoke animatedly to
the nurse, stepped backwards.Turning, she bounced against
his chest. At his nose was a pile of corkscrew curls, all baby
powder and lemony.“Tess?”
    “Jake!” A blush spread across Tess’s face. “Hi. Sorry
about that.”
“I can’t get away from you, can I?” He tried to laugh it
off, but his attraction to her caught him, and a curl of desire
welled in his belly.
“I guess not,” she said with a puzzled look, taking a
seat along the back wall.
Jake gave his name to the receptionist. He took a seat
far enough away to resist Tess’s allure, but close enough to
be sociable. “So, why didn’t you tell me you were a vet?”
Glancing over with a shy smile, she lowered her
magazine and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and
whispered. “I didn’t want it to get around that the new vet
was a city brat who couldn’t drive in bad weather.”
“You were in a rental car with bad tires, Tess.
Everybody around here knows that exit ramp is a death trap
once it