Page 29 of The Rancher's Addiction

“Thank you.I’m going back to fill out the report before we have patients coming in.”

“We have a few set up, but not for an hour.”

“Good.”

“I’ll get some coffee started.”

Jenny held up her big cup.“I’ve already got mine.”

“I don’t know how you drink that stuff.It looks like tar.”

“The milk helps mellow it.”

“Have you eaten?”

Jenny shook her head.

“I’ll have Nicole pick you up something.You shouldn’t drink that sludge on an empty stomach.”

Jenny smiled.Even though she didn’t know if she’d be able to eat it, Elise’s concern went a long way in making her feel better.

Several hours later, Elise and Nicole were closing and locking the doors.

They stayed open until noon on Saturdays if at all possible, and that morning had fortunately been slow.

“Hey, Jenny.We’re headed out unless you have something else for us?”

Jenny looked up from her desk and shook her head.“No, you guys go.Thank you.”

Elise studied her.“Why don’t you come with us?We’ll grab lunch and maybe go hiking?”

Jenny smiled.“Thank you, but I’ve got a ton of paperwork to do.I’d love to go another time, though.”

“You got it.Call if you need us,” Nicole said, turned, and walked away.

Jenny heard the click of the door, sat back, closed her eyes, and exhaled.It had been a long couple of days, and she was feeling a bit beaten down.She knew it would pass because it had happened so many times in the past.A good cry and some mint chocolate-chip ice cream, and she’d be as good as new.

She’d only had herself for so many years because she’d been unable to count on the people who were supposed to love her.Then she hadn't made friends easily because she’d always been several years younger than them.

She sighed as she felt the first tear roll down her face.She pressed her face into her hands and let them go, knowing it would make her feel better.

“You mind telling me what the hell you think you’re doing?”

Jenny’s eyes flew open, and she jerked upright at the low, gruff voice from her doorway.She quickly wiped off her face.

“I didn’t know anyone was here, and I thought the place was locked up.What can I do for you, Mr.McKenzie?”she said in an abrupt but scratchy professional tone.

He snorted and walked in, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it with his arms crossed over his chest.

Jenny’s eye widened, and her body stiffened.“What are you doing?”

His eyes narrowed on her.“Don’t you dare be afraid of me,” he growled.“You know I’d never hurt you.”

She wiped her hands on her jeans.There was no way she would admit to being afraid of him even if a ball of fear was twisting her stomach at that moment.

“What do you want?”she asked.

“We have some things to discuss.”

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