Cowboy Dreamin' (Thunder Creek Ranch Book 8) (4 page)

Jack watched her go and then noticed the time. He hustled the chair back to the waiting room and sat behind the desk. He checked the schedule. First patient due at eight. He turned to pull the file, but it wasn’t there. Great. He had to bother her already.

He walked down the hall and stuck his head in the door as she donned her lab jacket. Reaching back, her shirt pulled tight, emphasizing the full curve of her breasts. He could almost feel them. He wanted to feel them. And to think he’d had the chance last night and didn’t.

Grayson, you’re a dork.

“Did you need something, Jack?”

“Uh, yeah. I tried to find the file for your first patient as you said you wanted to look it over, but it’s not in the file cabinet or on my desk.”

“That’s because I have the morning’s files right here.” She pointed to the stack at the edge of her desk. “I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

“No problem. Just had me feeling inept for a moment or two.” The bell rang out front. “Your first patient, I presume?”

“Probably. Give me a minute and then show them to Exam Room One.”

“Will do.” He studied the doorplates on the way back to his desk to make sure he knew which room was which. He didn’t want to appear like a total dummy in front of Allison’s patients.

A woman he didn’t recognize waited by his desk, but he didn’t see any animals with her. “Good morning. May I help you?”

“Jessie McAllister, but I don’t have an appointment. Suzie, my French Poodle, has stopped eating. She sleeps all the time and doesn’t even go outside to do her business. Do you think the vet will have time to see her?”

“One moment while I check with her.” Jack went back down the hall and, as her office door was closed, knocked on Exam Room One and stuck his head in. “Can you take a walk-in? Her dog is real sick and your first appointment hasn’t arrived.”

“Sure, create a file and show her in.”

Jessie stood holding a pet carrier close to her chest, talking and smiling at the dog inside. “The doctor will see you in just a moment,” Jack said as he pulled out a file folder and a clean posting sheet and wrote down pertinent information as Jessie gave it to him. “Come with me.” He led her to the exam room and backed quietly away as he closed the door. Jessie appeared to be close to tears. He would’ve liked to stay and see Allison in action, but that wasn’t why he was there.

Allison’s first appointment came in just ahead of the one scheduled for the second spot.

“Hello. I’m Amy. Sorry I’m late, but Galahad wouldn’t get in his carrier.”

“No problem, but it might be a bit of a wait as the doctor is busy with an emergency that came in.”

“That’s okay. I’m not in any hurry. I was afraid of missing the appointment altogether and having to come back.”

“Please, have a seat. I’ll call you when she’s ready for you.”

And so it went. All morning Jack answered phones, received customers, showed them to the exam rooms, and accepted their money. It was during a lull in his duties that he locked the cash drawer and made a pot of coffee. It had been a long time since breakfast. On his way to his desk, he knocked on her office door.

“Come in.”

“Coffee’s on if you want one.”

“Sure, thanks. Did you happen to pull the files for this afternoon?”

“Yes, do you want them now?”

“Yes, but I can get them.” She rose from whatever paperwork had occupied her and came around the desk. She was barefoot.

“You grab that coffee. I’ll bring the files.”

“Thanks, my feet are killing me.”

Jack grinned. “So I noticed. You have pretty feet.” He was rewarded with a blush, but she never said a word as she passed him on her way to the kitchen.

When he returned with the files, she was once again behind her desk.

“Why don’t you bring your coffee in here? We’ll hear the bell if someone comes in, and I can answer the phone here if it rings.”

“
If
it rings? It hasn’t stopped all morning, but I’ll be right back.” He grabbed his cup and sat in front of her desk in the same chair he’d used the night before.

“So, how’s it going? Any problems? Regrets for offering to take on the job?” she asked.

“Not a one. I’m actually enjoying myself.”

“You are?” she asked as he sipped his coffee.

“Yes, why? Does that surprise you?”

“Why? Just between you and me, I think Dorothy hates the job. I don’t think she’ll be back when her maternity leave ends.”

“That’s too bad, but like most young mothers, she would probably rather stay home with her child, at least for the first few years. She worked for Doc for quite a while before she married. Maybe her life has changed too much too fast. Or it could be that the pregnancy was difficult for her.”

“Hmm, that could be true, but she never complained. It’s rarely easy adjusting to change, especially a new boss
and
a new baby. I’d opt to stay home with the baby myself.”

Jack pictured Allison holding a baby girl that had her silky blonde hair and brown eyes, and his heart did a double flip. In his mind, it was
his
baby she held. Boy, did he have it bad. And he’d known her less than twenty-four hours.

The bell dinged out front, and Jack jumped at the chance to get away from Allison so he could put things into perspective. “Duty calls,” he said as he grabbed his coffee and headed to his desk.

The rest of the morning kept him too busy to think. Or at least, when he had time to think, he found something else to do. He kept pushing his thoughts and feelings aside. If he didn’t acknowledge them, they couldn’t be happening. Right?

Then Allison walked out to collect the mail, and he knew he was dead wrong. He was in trouble … big trouble. And he’d committed to being here every day in close proximity.

“Things should be quiet now until one o’clock. Did you bring a lunch?” she asked.

“No, I thought I’d grab some takeout and eat here, if that’s all right?”

“That’s fine.” Allison turned to retrace her steps, barefoot again.

“Did you want me to bring you back anything?”

“No, I’ll heat up the Chinese from last night. You know, there might even be enough for two.”

“No, thanks. One good feed does me. I’ll grab a burger or something. Plus, I had a flat last night and need to get the tire fixed.” He locked the desk drawer and pocketed the key. “Do you want me to flick the lock on the door on my way out?”

“Yes, please. If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll give you the spare keys to both locks.”

“I’m in no rush. I’ll wait.” He tidied up his desk while he waited and remembered her message slips. When she returned with the keys, he stood and handed her the slips of paper. “These are your messages from this morning. I thought you might want to return a few during lunch as you’re booked quite heavy this afternoon and then you have house calls to make.”

“Thanks, Jack. You really saved my butt today by being here.”

And what a nice butt it is.
“No problem. Glad to help out.” He tossed the keys in the air and caught them without even looking. “Be back shortly.”

He purposely kept his gaze on the front door so he wouldn’t stand there ogling her backside. But at the door he took one last look behind him.
She
stood in her office doorway ogling
him
. He saw her blush, and he smiled, waved, and went on his way. Allison must be just as confused as him. At least he knew the attraction wasn’t one-sided.

Chapter Four

Allison felt bereft after Jack left, and she didn’t appreciate the feeling. He had become way too important in too short a time. At this rate, they’d end up in bed together by the weekend.

The weekend.
She had to call the storage company and let them know she’d be moving her stuff on Saturday morning. Barring emergencies, that gave her two days to unpack and settle in. The contractor had finished all but the painting and clean up. Once that was done, he’d offered to install her window coverings, for which she was extremely thankful. Ladders and she didn’t get along. Funny how she could ride a horse with no problem, but to get more than two feet off the floor, vertigo would set in and she’d be hanging onto the ladder or chair back for dear life. Weird, but that was the way of it.

She dropped the message slips on her desk and slipped her shoes on before she went through to her new apartment. She found Terry in the bathroom.

She stood in the doorway, thrilled to bits to see the huge whirlpool tub and glass-walled walk-in shower. The lilac paint she’d chosen gave the room an exotic feel. “Oh, Terry, you’ve done a marvelous job in here.”

“Glad you’re pleased. The grouting in the shower needed another go, so here I am. The rest of the work is complete if you want to have a walk-through. Tomorrow, when the paint is dry, I’ll come hang those curtains for you.”

“Thanks, I think I will.”

The apartment was small and bare, but she could imagine her sofa along the east wall and her recliner in front of the window facing the driveway. The television and stereo cabinet would be against the west wall, allowing room for her trinket shelves in the corners. Her furniture would complement the sand-colored paint, as the pieces were varying shades of brown.

She walked into the galley-type kitchen. It was small, but every available space was in use. The appliances gleamed and the counters shone. Terry had been as good as his word when he’d said it would be in move-in condition when he was through. The dining area was more of a breakfast nook, which would suit her drop-leaf table to perfection. Painted a sunny yellow, she knew she’d enjoy her time there. Terry had even installed glass-fronted cabinets where she could keep her few crystal pieces and good dishes.

Next was her bedroom, painted a light dusty rose. It had a huge walk-in closet, which she loved, and the room was still big enough to comfortably fit her queen-sized bed, dresser, and nightstands. She loved it. No more paying rent for this girl. She finally had a home of her own.

She ventured into the smaller, second bedroom. This she’d had painted a pale pink, and she’d purchased pink-and-green curtains and a bedspread to match. It would hold a single bed, nightstand, and dresser with no problem. Tears pooled and threatened to fall, but she brushed them away with the back of her hand. She missed Bridget so much, but it had taken longer than she’d thought to establish herself here. If only…
You can’t fall apart now, Wakefield.

Allison hated to call home, knowing the lecture she’d hear, but she’d tried to check in on a regular basis. She was determined to call that night and speak to Bridget. When she walked back to the bathroom, she was once again cool and composed. “It’s excellent, Terry. Just beautiful. If you ever need a reference, let me know.”

Terry Downs was young, fresh out of carpentry school, and he knew what he was doing. Ambitious, he’d started his own business, but as in most things, people wanted experienced workers. She’d met Terry when he’d brought his Doberman, Roscoe, in for his shots and they’d got to talking. She needed work done and he was available, so she’d hired him. He’d done a fine job
and
completed it under budget and on schedule. The man was due for a bonus.

“Thanks, Allison. That would help a lot.”

“I need to get back to work. I’ll leave your check at reception in case I’m with a patient when you leave.”

“No rush. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Nevertheless, it’ll be at the front desk waiting for you. See you later.”

“Allison, do you need help moving? I have a truck and don’t do much on Saturdays anyway. No charge.”

“Why, thank you, Terry. I hadn’t gotten around to thinking about helpers, so I’ll take you up on that, but I’ll at least cover your gas.”

“Fair enough.” He smiled and went back to doing the grouting.

Allison figured he was a bit of a perfectionist. It would carry him far in his business.

She was on her way to the kitchen for her lunch when the front door opened and there stood Jack.
I’d rather have him than lunch.

She mentally slapped herself aside her head. Now where did that thought come from? A second glance had her noticing the frown on his face.

“Anything wrong, Jack?”

“Yeah, I took that tire to have it fixed and ended up buying a new one. It had been slashed.”

“Oh no, Jack! Who would do such a thing?”

“I have an idea, but there’s nothing I can do about it right now. Your first patient for the afternoon just pulled in.”

****

Allison had arranged to meet Terry and Jack at the storage unit. Both men insisted on helping and with three trucks, they’d get all her stuff to the apartment in one trip. Everything she’d had at the motel was packed and in the cab of her truck, which left the box for bigger stuff.

She’d backed her truck up to the door and opened it. The movers had her things stacked to the rafters. The men weren’t there yet, so she began loading what she could reach and carry. Most of the furniture required two people, so she left those items for the men. However, she did manage to wrestle the box spring and mattress onto her truck, as well as several boxes. She was loading the headboard when Jack braked to a stop beside her.

“I hope you have tie-downs for that load,” he said.

“No, but the clinic isn’t that far.” She looked at her truck and realized the box spring and mattress leaned to one side and was in danger of flipping out over the side if she hit a bump.

“Good thing I keep rope in the truck. I’ll help you finish loading, and then we’ll tie a rope over it.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Shall we load the rest of your bedroom furniture on? That will help support the bed.”

“Okay. But my TV is right in the way.”

“Why don’t I store that in the cab so it doesn’t take any hurt?”

“My cab is full already.”

Jack grinned. “Mine isn’t.” He grabbed the box with the television in it and walked around to the passenger side, then stopped dead in his tracks as Allison ran ahead to open the door. “Damn!”

“What is it, Jack?” she asked with concern. Had the television been too heavy? Had he pulled a muscle or something?

“Look at that.” He nodded toward the side of his truck as his hands were full. “Someone keyed my truck.”

“You need to call the police,” she said as she considered the damage.

“Yeah, I’ll call Michael later,” he said as he set the television on the passenger seat.

“I think you mentioned him last night, but who’s Michael?”

Jack grinned. “He’s my older brother and in charge of the R.C.M.P. station here in town.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Next up was the mirror for her dresser. It was in a box as well, but she didn’t want it broken. “What about the mirror?”

“I’ll slide that in between the box spring and mattress. It will be well-protected there.”

He set the box on the tailgate, and she balanced it while he jumped up to slide it in place just as Terry pulled in.

“Hey, you started without me,” he said with a smile.

Allison grinned. “I don’t have all day.” Then she turned to Jack. “Jack Grayson, Terry Downs. He’s the man who built my apartment. Wait until you see it. He did a fantastic job.”

“Nice to meet you, Terry.”

“Same here. Now why don’t we load the heavy stuff and let Allison load the lighter items? There’s room in my cab if you need it.”

“Thanks, I’m thinking maybe my lamps and stereo. The movers packed everything up good, but I’d rather not take a chance on anything getting broken.”

“Go for it.”

So Allison moved the smaller items as they came to them and, once her truck was loaded and tied down, she moved it and Jack parked his in its place. The men worked well together. It was almost as if she wasn’t needed at all, which suited her just fine. She’d have plenty to do with the unpacking later.

She leaned against the back of her truck out of the way and watched the men work—or rather, watched the play of muscles as Jack hefted furniture and boxes onto the truck. Terry worked just as hard, but it was Jack’s physique that drew and kept her interest. And his buns in those tight blue jeans kept drawing her gaze every time his back was to her. Yep, he was a fine specimen of manhood for sure.

****

Allison’s heated gaze darned near burned a hole in his backside, so fierce was the desire emanating from her. Of course, he’d done his fair share of ogling her assets as she’d reached for this or bent for that. He was relieved, yet disappointed, when the storage room was empty and they were each driving their trucks to the clinic. He missed her presence—her laughter, her smile, her gentle touch. And she’d touched him a lot as they’d carried stuff to the trucks.

Allison drove around to the back of the clinic and backed up to a side door. He parked beside her, and Terry parked next to him. The bedroom furniture came off the truck first. A few of the boxes they’d used for fillers were for the kitchen, but as they were all clearly marked, they did their best to put everything in the right rooms as they unloaded. Soon all three trucks were empty, and they sat down on the back patio for a break.

“I don’t remember old Hank having a patio back here,” Jack mused aloud.

“He didn’t. Terry put it in when he built the apartment. I hope you guys are hungry. I called in an order for pizza. It should be here soon,” Allison said.

“A woman after my own heart. I am famished,” Jack said. “You did a fine job on the place, Terry.” Jack reached to put up the patio umbrella anchored in the center of the table as the sun was in his eyes.

“Thanks, Jack. I enjoy my work. It’s rewarding when a place comes together.”

“Yes, I imagine it would be.”

“Do you guys want soda or coffee?” Allison asked.

“Soda for me,” said Terry.

“Me, too. I’ve worked up quite a thirst.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Jack watched her go and his gaze never once strayed from her tempting little tush.

“You two got something going?” Terry asked with a grin.

Jack turned to him intending to tell him to mind his own business, then thought better of it. If Terry thought he was going to muscle in on Jack’s territory, he could think again. “To be honest, I don’t rightly know. She stirs me in ways I’ve never been stirred before.”
His territory?

Terry nodded. “It was like that for me when I met my Janet. We’ve been together two years now.”

Jack breathed a sigh of relief to find out Terry had his own woman. “She didn’t mind you coming to help Allison out?”

“No, she’s okay with it, and besides, she had to work today, so it’s not like she’s missing me or anything,” he said with a ready grin. “I’m always at a loose end when she works my days off.”

Allison came out carrying a huge pizza, a paper bag, and balancing a tray of soft drinks. Jack jumped up to give her a hand.

“Why didn’t you call out? I would’ve come in to help you.”

“I told the pizza place to have the driver come around back, but he went to the front door. It’s all right. I managed.”

They set everything on the table and the men chose their drinks while Allison emptied the bag and passed them paper plates and napkins.

“Dig in,” she said.

Jack popped the top on his soda and relished the long, cool drink. Then he grabbed a slice of pizza. Conversation stalled. It was difficult to talk with your mouth full, and he was starving. All he’d had that morning was a coffee on his way to the storage unit.

Then he glanced up in time to see Allison lick a spot of sauce off her upper lip. Damn, but he found the act sexy. If they’d been alone out here, he would’ve been tempted to make a move, but Terry’s presence cooled his ardor … some.

They made short work of the pizza and sat back with second cans of pop.

“I have tools in my truck. What do you say we go put the beds together and the mirror on the dresser?” Terry asked Jack.

“Sure thing. Let’s have at ‘er,” Jack replied. He drained his drink and stood waiting while Terry grabbed his toolbox.

“Thanks, guys,” Allison said as they left her to clean up the mess from lunch.

“Sorry, do you need a hand?” Jack asked.

Allison chuckled. “I wasn’t being sarcastic. I was thanking you for setting up the furniture. Tonight I get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in months.”

Jack grinned, his thoughts on Allison … in bed … naked … with him. “Okay.”

****

Allison started to unpack and organize the kitchen while the men were busy setting up the bedroom. She’d have to remember to get groceries later as all she had were staple foods. At least she’d found the coffeemaker, the kettle, the tea, and her favorite mug. She’d live.