Read Online Lightning Only Strikes Twice by Stanalei Fletcher - Free Book Online

touched her shoulder and pointed down the hill. The community of White Rock spread out below them. Homes, businesses, even the Chinese shantytown on the outskirts had to be enough proof. “We’re back in 1891. Before the fire burned the town. It’s all still here.”
    He hated that his enthusiasm sounded more like desperation. She had to understand—to believe—or she wouldn’t comprehend how important it was to find a way to get home.
    “Nothing here proves I’ve gone back in time,” she said. “I will admit I’m impressed with your change of heart. Before, all you wanted was to build fancy summer homes and make an artificial lake. It must have cost a fortune to re-create the entire town.” She rubbed the lump on her head. “I only wish I hadn’t forgotten so much.”
    “This didn’t work.” Frustrated, he took her hand again and started down the hill. He wasn’t taking any chance that she’d run away from him.
    “Where are we going now?”
    “Back to the doctor’s office,” he said. “I don’t want him and Paul to return and find you gone.”
    “I can’t imagine they’d care. I barely know them.” Annie trotted to keep up. “I should give the doctor some information to bill my insurance, though.”
    “Trust me,” Luke muttered. “The doctor would rather you pay him with a chicken, than wait a hundred years for an insurance check.”
    Annie pulled her hand free and stopped in her tracks. “Your jokes aren’t funny anymore. Give this time-travel thing a rest.”
    Luke barely glanced at her. “Come on.” He quickened his pace, forcing her to catch up. They hurried past the livery and reached the doctor’s office just as Paul Crawford stepped out.
    “Oh, there you are,” he said to Annie. “What are you doing out here? Feeling better?”
    “Much,” she said, sounding a little winded.
    Perspiration tricked down the side of her face. Hair plastered her head in a tangled mess. Luke thought she did look better. He admired her quick recovery.
    “I took Miss Crawford for a short walk to get some fresh air.” Luke gave her a warning look to keep her from denying the statement. The last thing he wanted was for her to blurt out that they’d time-traveled from the future.
    “Well,” Paul said. “I’ve talked it over with Elizabeth and we’d love to have you stay with us for a while.”
    Annie started to refuse, but Luke seized her arm above the elbow and squeezed. She glared at him, but he ignored her and answered Paul. “That’s wonderful. I’m sure Doc won’t mind releasing her to your care.”
    “I appreciate the offer, but I’m quite capable of taking care of myself!”
    After the stubbornness he’d witnessed earlier, he wasn’t a bit surprised to see her temper flare. He hoped she didn’t say something they’d both regret.
    “Independent little miss, isn’t she?” Paul observed with raised eyebrows.
    “Quite,” Luke replied.
    “Hey. I’m right here. I can hear you.” She turned on Luke. “I make my own decisions.” She wheeled away and collided with the doctor.
    The doctor caught her shoulders and stepped to the side as he joined them.
    “Well, Miss Crawford,” Dr. Smyth said. “It’s good to see you up and about. Your headache must be gone.” Without waiting for her reply, he looked at Paul. “What did Elizabeth have to say?”
    “She’d love to have Miss Annie stay with us until she can find a place of her own.”
    “Good, good,” the doctor replied. To Luke he said, “Why don’t you take Miss Crawford to get something to eat? They’re still serving over at Shelby’s. Then Elizabeth won’t need to feed her.”
    “But—” Annie’s protest was stopped short when Luke took her elbow.
    “I’d be happy to,” Luke said. He turned to Paul. “I’ll bring her over to your place after we’ve eaten.”
    Luke steered Annie across the street before she could object. The best thing to do was get her away quickly.
    “I can walk perfectly well without