Peggy Dulle - Liza Wilcox 04 - Saddle Up by Peggy Dulle Read Free Book Online Page A

any DVDs we can watch?”
    “Sure, which one?”
    “You still got the dinosaur movies?”
    “Of course.”
    “Good, I like the way the dinosaurs get revenge on the people.”
    “But the dinosaurs always get killed in the movies,” I reminded him.
    “Sure, some of them do, but in the end the dinosaurs get the island and the people have to leave.”
    I rolled my eyes and inserted the first Jurassic Park movie.
    We watched the movie and Dad rooted for the dinosaurs, booed when they got killed, and laughed at the end when the people all ran away. They weren’t my favorite movies, but I enjoyed spending the time with my Dad. When the second movie was finished, Dad made some fresh spaetzle and re-heated the sauce from the night before. It was even better the second time, since the vegetables had time to soak up the garlic, onion, and spices. After dinner, we watched the third movie in the series and then the Godzilla movie, my favorite.
    Afterwards, Dad said, “I’m headed to bed. I’ll make waffles in the morning.”
    “Yum,” I said.
    I turned in myself, tired from sleeping poorly the two nights before.
    Shelby jumped up on my bed. I petted her and then buried myself under a mound of covers.
    I fel l asleep quickly and soundly.
    Sometime later I woke up when Shelby barked and Tom’s loud voice yelled at her to stop.
    Oh my God! My dad is still here!

 
     
    CHAPTER 5
     
     
    “Shelby, no!” I heard Tom shout, an edge to his voice I’d never heard before.
    I jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway.
    Tom was dressed in his usual attire, blue jeans and a patriotic shirt – this one sporting an American flag and the words “God bless the USA.” He had his back slammed against the do or, his eyes wide with surprise mixed with apprehension and a little fear. Shelby stood in front of him and emitted a low guttural growl that I had never heard before, either. She wouldn’t let him pass.
    “What’s the matter with her?” Tom yelled at me.
    “Shelby!”
    The dog snapped her head toward me.
    “Get over here,” I demanded.
    She looked back at Tom, took a hesitant step backwards, then slowly turned to trot over and sat down by my feet.
    Tom set his duffle bag on the floor and took a cautious step toward me.
    Shelby wagged her tail, ran to him, and licked his hand.
    “I think your dog has psychological problems.” He frowned, glancing between me and Shelby.
    “Maybe you woke her up from a sound sleep and just scared her.”
    Tom raised his eyebrows at me. “It was more than that. She knows me but wouldn’t let me past her. I actually thought she’d bite me if I tried to get by her.”
    Shelby licked his hand again.
    “Well, she’s okay now. What are you doing here?” I asked.
    “You invited me, remember?” he said, a hint of irritation in his voice.
    “Of course I did, but it’s only Monday night. You said you wouldn’t be here until Wednesday.”
    “What’s the matter, have you got a guy hidden under your bed?” he joked.
    “Oh, please.” I blew out air between my lips.
    “I went to court today, sat through a day of testimony and the guy took a plea, so the judge sent us all home. I thought I would come early, but if you want me to go back home and come again on Wednesday, I will.” He turned toward the door.
    I grabbed his arm, got up on my tiptoes and kissed him.
    He looped his arms around me and brought me close. The kiss was long and luscious. The kind that makes your heart pound, your head dizzy, and your toes curl in delight. In a minute we would end up in the bedroom. Then I remembered that my dad was still here. He would need time to gather his stuff and get out.
    I stiffened.
    Tom released me and glanced around the room wildly. His typical “cop” reaction. “What’s the matter?”
    “Actually, I was on my way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Would you like something to drink?”
    “Sure,” he shrugged. “I just sat in my truck for four hours. They were working on the