Crashing Into Tess Read Online Free Page B

made you pick Green Junction?”
“I wanted something different,” she said, lifting her
chin. It was hard to admit to a real cowboy she’d wanted to
escape the suburban bubble she’d always felt swaddled in.
“A challenge?” He didn’t even try to hide his
amusement.
“The work Doc has for me seems interesting,” she said
defensively, climbing up into the truck with as much
dignity as she could muster.
“Oh, it’ll be a challenge, girl,” he agreed, moving
around to open his door. He turned the key in the ignition.
“Winter’s are cold here, and this town can feel really
isolated once the snows come. I hope you’re not
disappointed,” he said, glancing her way.
“I won’t be. And even if I am, I’ll stick it out. I’m only
committed until spring.”
*****
    Bright morning sun angled across the diner’s parking lot, melting all traces of the previous night’s ice
storm. Pulling out onto the street, Jake said, “It gets real
snowy around here, come winter time, y’know. ”
    Looking out the window, Tess finger-combed her
blonde curls absently. “I know. I’m thinking maybe I’ll buy
a four wheel drive truck, not as big as yours, though. I’ll
talk it over with Doc.”
    Jake glanced at the clock on the dash, annoyed at the
concern he felt for her. “It’s after seven. We’ll head over to
the body shop. Dave Burn’s runs it, he’s probably got some
used cars you can look at. Dave’s an honest guy, he won’t
rob you.”
    When he parked there, Tess asked, “Can Rhiannon stay
here with you?”
“Sure.”
He opened the hatchback of the demolished rental car,
and she dug through soft, hippie-flowered duffel bags. “I’ll
just change inside.”
    After she left, he surveyed the new computer equipment
and fancy teal sport luggage. What does a city girl want
with a four wheel drive pickup? She belongs in a shiny little
BMW coupe. Trying to resist the lemony sunshine appeal of
her, he stashed her belongings in the bed of his truck and
waited.
    Tess crossed the lot with Dave, looking over his
inventory, motioning with her hands. He smiled. She’d
changed into a clean white fleece vest, matching ribbed
turtleneck and stretchy fleece yoga pants that hugged her
curves. Then she was floating towards him, curly blonde
hair lopped over the white bandage on the side of her head,
a wide smile on her pale face, and something in his chest
tugged.
    Leaning over, he opened her door. “Hey, how’d it go?”
Rolling her eyes, she climbed up onto the seat. “I
reported the accident to the rental company. They won’t
have a replacement car until the middle of next week, can
you believe it? And Dave doesn’t have anything for me
right now, either.” She eyed him carefully. “ Are you sure
you want to do all this other stuff today? It can probably
wait.”
“I drank three cups of coffee at the diner, Tess. No
turning back now. I’ll call the ranch to get my guys started,
and crash when I get home.” Shaking his head, he started
the engine. “I mean, I can sleep. Enough crash talk.”
She smiled at him, her wide blue eyes saucy. “I was
just thinking about a new CD. Maybe some Crash Test
Dummies?”
He shook his head, unable to help grinning. “Yeah, that
goes well with a head injury.”
*****
    Why can I not stop flirting with this guy? And these
bad jokes... He must think I’m desperate. Tess’s cell
buzzed. Fishing it out of her little bag, she looked at the
display. “Ugh. My mom. Excuse me, I have to take this.”
She cupped her hand over the speaker to shield the noisy
truck engine. “Hi, Mom.”
    “Good Morning Contessa.” Her mother’s crisp voice
put her immediately on edge. “Are you in Colorado
Springs, at the hotel?”
    “Can you see William Penn?” Tess replied. If she finds
out about this accident, I’m doomed.
“Very funny, Tess,” her mother said drily, not at all
amused. Noelle Bamberger’s center-city law firm
specialized in urban zoning and land