Crashing Into Tess by Lilly Christine Read Free Book Online Page A

in midair,
racing to the far end of the park. Her cell buzzed and she
looked at the ID. First local call, other than the mattress
guys.. ..“Hello?”
“Hi, Tess? This is Alice,” said a familiar, peppy voice.
“From Doc Harnes office?”
“Oh, hi, Alice. I got into town this morning. It’s great so
far.” No need mention the smashing impression I made at
the intersection last night.
Alice had set up her phone interviews. Doc had gone to
great lengths to assure himself of Tess’s suitability for large
animal work in general, and rough, ranch work in
particular, asking complex questions that required detailed
technical answers, but he had provided only cursory
information about town and the practice. Alice filled in all
the necessary details, answering questions patiently and
thoroughly.
“I heard. I guess you’ve met Jake?” Alice asked
brightly.
“Oh. Yes, I have,” Tess winced, thinking of his warm
kisses. Stop that! She focused on Rhiannon, who was still
tearing around, tongue lolling, stretching her legs.
“I’m so sorry you got hurt. Everyone in town knows
how treacherous that intersection at is.”
“Thanks.” Tess felt her face burn with embarrassment.
“Doc and Bea don’t want you to feel pressured about
starting work right away, so just plan on taking it easy the
next week or so, okay?”
“That’s nice, Alice, but I’m really looking forward to
getting started,” she countered enthusiastically. “Besides, I
won’t have anything else to do.”
“Okay, but I have to tell you, Bea’s already heard about
the accident. She made an appointment for you with Doc
Estes here in town early next week, and she asked if you’d
call them tomorrow to check in. Bea’s like that. I think you
already have Doc’s cell and home phone, but I don’t want
you to feel overwhelmed. Is that okay with you?”
“It’s very kind that you’re all so concerned. I’m
genuinely touched,” she answered.
“Can I bring you dinner? I’m solo, my husband Lotts is
working tonight. Mamma Boccini’s, the Italian place on
Main Street, has chicken parmesan on special tonight, and
they have a great lasagna.”
“Dinner would be great, Alice. I love lasagna.”
“I just need to finish here at the office and feed the dogs
at home. I’ll grab dinner and swing over to your place
afterward, okay?”
“That’s perfect, I’ll look forward to it, thank you.”
“See you in a bit, Tess.”
Tess switched off her cell with a rush of gratitude.
Snapping Rhiannon on her lead, she smiled walking back to
her new apartment. I might just have spoken to my new best
friend. . . My hip feels better, and there’s time to take a
bubble bath in my claw-foot tub!
At six-fifteen, it was dark outside. Towel-drying her
hair, Tess switched the porch light on for Alice, and turned
up the heat. Fifteen minutes later, a blue Subaru wagon
pulled to the curb, and a petite, curvy woman, with short,
spiky red hair got out, waving.
“Alice?” she called from the porch, feeling shy.
“Yeah, it’s me. Hi!” the woman chirped, popping open
her hatchback and pulling out a pair of folding chairs. “I
brought along a bistro set I use on the patio in the
summertime. Can you use it?”
“I don’t have a kitchen table yet, so that will be great!”
Tess felt like hugging Alice. But that seemed too familiar,
and shaking hands was too formal. Anyway, she has chairs
in her hands. She grabbed the chairs, while Rhiannon tore
around her yard. “Meet Rhiannon. I rescued her on my way
out here. She’s a bit hyper, getting settled in and all.”
“Hi Rhiannon, aren’t you a lovely girl?”Alice’s voice
was high-pitched and chipper, even as Rhiannon thumped
against her knees.
In the small, bright kitchen, she set the table up while
Tess opened chairs. “Perfect size. Thank you again, Alice.”
“My pleasure. And it does look nice,” Alice agreed,
surveying the little kitchen, her green eyes sparkling.
“Welcome to Green