Cowboy Dreamin' (Thunder Creek Ranch Book 8) Read Free Page A

broken wing who liked to repeat everything she said. There was also a French Bulldog with digestive problems who liked to bark a lot, a well-behaved German Shepherd with parvo, and a yowling Siamese who was about to give birth.
    “It’s a good thing I bought a pullout sofa for the office so I could stay with you fellows if needed. Looks like I’ll be spending the night.”
    “Spend the night, spend the night,” squawked the parrot.
    Allison chuckled. “I’m glad you agree.” She gave them all food and fresh water and went back to her office. Lightning flashed and lit up the window as if it was daylight, even with the blinds closed. She cringed and drew the heavy drapes, hoping the darkness kept the nightmares from childhood away. The dark didn’t terrify her half as much as witnessing the flash of those deadly lightning strikes.
    She picked up the phone only to find it was dead as well. And she’d forgotten to charge her cell phone. Talking to Bridget during storms like this always calmed her, but this time she’d have to suffer through on her own.
    She dug her earplugs out of her purse and inserted them so she couldn’t hear the thunder. Then she unfolded the afghan she’d brought over earlier and lay down, clothes and all, pulling the blanket up over her head to ward off the flashes of lightning. She knew it was still storming, but she’d made herself as comfortable as could be. In the morning, she’d have to go to the motel to shower and change, but for now, she’d try to sleep and shut out the storm.

Chapter Two
     
    “So, what’s with the new vet? A little uppity, isn’t she?” asked Jack.
    “Not in the least. Allison is a very down to earth girl who’s taken on a busy practice,” Winnie answered as she rinsed the dinner dishes and put them in the dishwasher.
    “Well, she sure took offense and ran out of here quick enough this afternoon.”
    Winnie straightened and turned to face her son. “Some people don’t like talking about their private lives. Or being criticized and put on the spot.”
    Jack groaned. “Mama, I was teasing her.”
    “I suspected that was the case, but she doesn’t know you. That girl works hard, and if I can talk her into taking a break, she deserves to enjoy every minute of it.”
    Jack walked over and looked out the window. “The rain seems to have eased off. Maybe I should take a drive to town and apologize.”
    “Maybe, but a simple phone call might do the trick.”
    “Nah, I’ll go see her. I hate that I upset her.”
    His mother walked over and gave him a hug. “You’re a good boy, Jack. Do whatever feels right. Allison said she’d be staying at the clinic tonight.”
    He grabbed his hat, pulled on his jacket, and was out the door in minutes. His first day home, and he’d annoyed his mother and insulted one of her friends. What a great start to the summer.
    As he rounded the truck to jump in behind the wheel, he groaned aloud. The front tire was flat. Yep, a great start. He must’ve picked up a nail or something on the drive home. Resigned, and glad the rain had stopped, he jacked up the truck, removed the flat, and threw it in the back before putting on the spare. It hadn’t taken much time, and he was soon on the road.
    The rain started in earnest again as he neared the clinic. When he braked to a stop beside her truck, there weren’t any lights on. If she was sleeping, he didn’t think he’d earn any brownie points for waking her up. He sat in the truck and glanced around the neighborhood. The streetlights weren’t even on. The power must have gone out in this section of town.
    He opened his door and ran through the rain to the front entrance. Brrr, but it was a cold rain. Jack knocked on the door just as thunder boomed overhead. Thinking she probably hadn’t heard his knock, he knocked louder the second time. Come on, girl. I don’t want to stand out here all night.
    He’d knocked a third time and was about to give up and go home when he saw a