Motorcycle Mama The rumble between his legs kept his prick in a semi hard condition all the while. He loved that about his huge black and blue Harley. What he loved more were the lovely long legs wraped around his waist as he tore up the asphalt on his way back to Tulsa. Her hands skimed up his sides under his tight wifebeater as her tongue lapped at his neck just below his ear. His grin blossomed wider as he felt her hardened nipples as she pressed into his back. He yelled over his shoulder and over the roar of the bike. "You keep that up baby and we'll never get home!" He could feel her laughing against his back, felt her smile on his skin as she pressed into his neck. He listened past the wind whipping over his ears, and he heard it, her beautiful voice on the breeze. Her laughter was what had attracted him to her in the first place. He leaned back into her a bit, his head laying on her shoulder as he watched the miles of road stretch out before them. Her hands smoothed over his hard belly, and glided up across his broad chest. Her touch sent shivers over his body. She untangled her ankles from one another, sliding her bare feet over his firm thighs. He loved how flexable she was. Her knees came up to rest against his ribs, pressing into the backs of his arms as he stretched out, fingers with a tight grip on his handlebars. His hair whipped back behind him, twineing with hers in a yin yang of blonde on black. This was what he loved. A day off where they could be out on the open road. No hassles. No worries. Just the two of them, alone. Her tiny kisses on his ear were sublime. They flowed down his neck and onto his shoulder, ending in a tiny nip to the flesh. He was getting harder but there wasn't a hell of a lot he could do about it right then. She knew the effects she was having on him, in fact, it was her intent to do such. "You're a wicked woman!" He yelled. Again she laughed against his skin. The sun beat down, heating him but not as much as she was. Her firm body behind him, wrapped around him, teasing him... it was more than he could bare. He needed to have her, and soon. He squinted, looking ahead of him despite the dark lenses before his eyes. He searched the roadside as it lay before them like a long dark ribbon in the pale wheat gold plain. Not a soul was around for the many miles he could see ahead, and he hadn't seen a car in quite some time either. Not even so much as a speck of civilization could be found. Literally, they were in the middle of nowhere. He laughed to himself at the thought of it. Irony seemed to be running rampant in his life lately. First was the break to rest up before the upcomming tour. That he took full advantage of. With little more than cash in his pocket and a kiss to his mother's cheek he struck out. The road had called him and he took to it. Little did he know what it had held for him. A week of long stretches of highways, nights in seedy motels and one diner after another of greasy tasteless food, until... Until the day he decided to slip into a biker bar to knock back a couple of beers and wash away the road dust from his parched throat. ***** His tight belly lay against the dirty bar. Hair pulled back from his face in a loose tail he chugged the cool brew down into his gullet. Swipeing at the trickle of amber that flowed over his chin and down his throat from his haste to consume the watered beverage, he sat heavily on the barstool beneath his tall, thick frame. He set the mug down with a thud, swallowing as he motioned the bartender with his other hand to come forth. The other man came at his beckoning, a look of boredom in his eyes, he asked with a jerk of his head what he wished of him. "Whiskey. I don't care what. A bottle, and keep the water to yourself." He said looking steadily into the mans eyes. The bartender nodded, not caring about the insult. He turned his back to him for a moment then returned, placing a bottle and spotty glass before him on the dark wood of the bar. The chain of his wallet jangled as he pulled it from his back pocket. He pulled out a few bills and tossed them to the bar. Taking up the bottle and glass he nodded and left the man to his work. Sliding his ass into a chair in the corner he tipped back and leaned against the wall. Reaching out before him, he poured a full glass with his long arms stretched to the table. His eyes scanned the unsavory crowd as he sipped at the liquid fire in his glass. Just another bar along the tarstrip. The sweet ache burned down his throat as he polished off the last of his first glass. He set his chair down on four legs once more, reaching for another taste of bitterness from the bottle on the table. A chiming laughter of a melodic voice caught him off guard as he poured his poison in the room full of sweaty, smelly animals much like himself. His eyes snapped up and searched through the throng of black leather and dark denim to connect with the decidedly female voice licking at his ear. A curve of hip and flick of raven locks took hold of his brain, startling him to spill a trickle of golden fluid over his big rough hand. He looked down quickly to see the glass overflowing and yanked the bottle away before he spilled anymore. He looked at the mess he'd made but didn't think much of it in this hell pit of an establishment. Slurping up the excess of liquer from the top of his glass he felt the cool liquid running a stream down his arm as he raised it to his lips. His eyes sought her out again. She was still in the same place, sitting at the corner of the bar. Long legs, lean and tawny that stretched on for miles were daintily cossed at the knee with a grace that was befitting an upscale resteraunt more than the dive he sat in. Her pert bottom, clad in shorts of denim swayed a bit as she swung her leg to the cadance of the song crackling off the nearby juke box. The dark skin of her smooth back was peeking out from under her long, straight and thick midnight hair. His fingers longed to tug at the strings tied in even bows that stretched across her back to her halter top. She turned in her seat more and he gained a better vantage of her then the slight profile he'd been offered from before. He lost his breath and nearly choked on the hard liquer he was swilling back as he gazed at her. She was stunningly gorgeous. Her dark eyes held a sparkle of life that radiated when she laughed. Her pouted lips of sienna were enticing to say the least. Her bright smile was dazzling and her high sculpted cheekbones set it off. Making her look like a cover model instead of just some random woman at a biker bar in the middle of the most God for saken stretch of country in the heart of Texas. He loved to watch her laugh, the bounce of her ripe breasts enough to make his mouth water. Her long slender fingers played at the neck of a brown bottle of beer. The erotic images of her fingers sliding up and down the smooth glass abscentmindedly made him softly groan. Discretely he shifted in his seat, adjusting himself as his sticky jeans tightened. He rubbed the smear of sweat that trickled into his eye. The heat of the place stifling under the hot western sun outside. The room stank of cheap liquer and stale cigarette smoke, but still, he could not hide that trace of a smile that tugged at his mouth. He watched her as she conversed with a man next to her. Apparently friends but certainly not lovers for the way she would touch him was endearing, not sexual in any way. He held hope then, hope that there was a chance to meet the amazing creature that captured his attention so easily from across the room. The man beside her spoke to the bartender, leaning over the dark wood to be heard. The two men exchanged words and her companion was handed a key when he shelled out an amount of cash. He stood, his smile easy as he touched her shoulder. They spoke for a second and the man left. She didn't even watch him leave, but instead turned around to face the bar and begin on finnishing her beer. Minding her own business she spoke to no one, nor did she even look up save for when the bartender sat a fresh bowl of pretzels before her. She gave the man a friendly welcome smile then went back to nursing her beer. It all seemed very much a simple scene... until the pig in the grey streaked black chaps wobbled up behind her. The leering letch leaned over her shoulder, nearly drooling down the front of her. He could see her look of disgust as she turned her head away from the creeps odiferous stench. She politely refused whatever it was that he was offering and attempted to return to her own peace of mind. The beast would have none of it. He fell onto the stool beside her, tipping his body precariously towards hers, far too close for anyone's enjoyment save his own. Again she pushed at his tattered, filthy shirted chest, her head veering away from the grotesque assult of his saliva coated lips. She ignored the next vulgarity laced plea he oozed, picking up her bottle and moving down a few stools at the bar. He teetered for a moment and followed like a stupid stray. She rolled her eyes heavenward and he could hear as she huffed in frusteration. Pleadingly she looked to the bartender who only shrugged indifferently at her then went back to whatever it was that was occupying his worthless time. Her eyes darted for the door as she bit her lip, then lay on the juke box. The drunkard nearly toppled off the stool as he lunged toward her, but she leapt up, escaping him. With uncommon determination and beer in hand, she strode toward the jukebox, digging deeply into her pocket with a worrisome look on her face. She stood before the mechanical monstrosity, sifting and sorting through a handfull of change and other pocket paraphenalia. Her brow creased as she looked over her shoulder worriedly. Sure enough the pest was lumbering toward her once more. Would she never rid herself of the leech from hell? Was his stupor so numbing that he didn't even realize his advances were unwanted? Sighting an opportunity and taking pity on the poor doe of a woman, he rose from the table and left his half full bottle to tend itself. He siddled up beside her, hand deep in pocket as her head turned in his direction. Soft brown eyes met eyes of deep black. A connection was made in arcing electrical spasms that sucked silence from the universe and blanketed them. With no words spoken, he handed her a quarter, fingers lightly brushing fingers in the dank haze of the smoke filled room. Her eyes seemingly ached as they tore away from him and back to the too loud in sight and not enough in sound canned music box. She dropped the gift into the slot, pressing her alloted two buttons and took a meager step back. She turned, her head tilting up to once more gaze upon the shine above her. His eyes washed over her, slowly down and further still, reaching to her hands as his mind pulled her will to the table where the pretty poison sat beckoning him. Her eyes traveled to the burlwood table, slopped with wet and lone glass with bottle waiting. She did not turn back around to offer a yes or no. Simply sat herself in a chair, facing the wall. He walked behind her, catching the slight scent of the open air and something more... something more divine. He turned his chair around and stradled it, leaning his bulky forearms against the back of the flimsy bentwood frame. He rest his chin on his arms, his eyes still flitting over her features to chisel it into his brain. A movement caught his attention and spilled his ire to the room, flooding it with loathing and disgust. The cracking croak of his deep voice snaked out like an adder riled. "Something you wanted?" He sneered at the slime behind her. Her eyes grew wide a bit but she sat still, cringing a bit in her seat facing the wall. A loathesome voice slurred behind her. "Fuck off little pretty boy! Go back to your faggy friends and leave me and the little lady alone why don'tcha?" He said, his grimmy hand reaching out to stroke her cheek possesively. Fast as lightning a tight grip was on the filthy wrist before it got anywhere near her. He stood, straddling his chair, his upper body reaching across the table. The vile vermin yanked his hand away as if bitten. "Keep your fuckin' fairy hands off me!" He screeched. All eyes were on the new commotion in the corner. The drunken bastard stumbled back a bit as the blonde tailed titan stood to his full height, taking a step to put himself between her and any trouble the horses ass intended. "I think you'd better go find a hole to crawl into somewhere and sleep off that crap you've been pouring down your throat." He stated with firmness and a hint of warning, his brown eyes smoldering. The roaring hatred smeared over the malicious sneer of the sweatsoaked greaseball. He poked his finger at a tight broad chest, his foul breath hitting full force in his enemies face. "And if I don't...? What's a little asswipe cocksucker like you gonna do about it? Huh...?" He challenged. Bulging arms over broad chest, the wall of bronzed flesh and bone did not move, merely looked down into the face of the pathetic excuse of a man who was trying to bite off more than he could chew. "I don't really care, as long as you leave her out of it. She's made it more than clear that she does not appreciate your advances. Leave her be." His words sharply heated, his tone cold as ice. The inebreated dolt glared at the younger man. "Fancy words from the faggy boy. She has a tongue, let her use it... and I bet she knows how to use it too, oh so well..." The snake let his words slither for him. A hard look greeted his inuendo, flaring nostrils going undetected from the idiot who did not know when to quit for his own good. "Look, I've been nice so far... but if you push it much further..." His speech little more than a growl. The cackling attempt at snide laughter sounded like a sickened dieing dog. "Am I supposed to be afraid of that? Am I supposed to be shaking in my boots? Fuck. One punch and there's gonna be a body on the floor." He threatened boastingly, pushing his dirty face up into one of unlined strength. A glare was his only response when he stepped back to size up the competition. Pissed that a 'boy' thought he could push him around, a blood curdling scream was whooped and a fist flew through the air connecting with... nothing. The buck of a man easily sidestepped the poor attempt of abuse on his being. Another lunge by the dirty drunk and the braggart's prediction came true. One punch and there was a body on the floor... his. Without a second glance to the unconcious piece of filth that was finally silent, he turned around, held his hand out to the dark beauty he had defended and they left the quieted bar, craggy music with it's tinny echo escorting them into the sun soaked seering heat of the noon day. His hand kept a loose hold on hers until he reached his vintage '69 bike. "You need a ride or anything?" He offered, gesturing to the motorcycle with a glance of his eyes as he dropped her hand politely. She bit her lip, eyes downcast in brief thought. She undecidedly looked over her shoulder toward a row of horrendous pink doors that blazed against the aqua siding of the motel near the bar. Then she looked up to him, down to the bike, and back at him again. "I really should let my brother know..." She started. His heart leapt for joy inside his chest. Brother. Best word he'd ever heard. "I don't bite... honest." He smiled at her most invitingly. She returned the polite smile. "I'm sure you don't. I'm Christine. Christine Watersong." She extended her hand graciously. He grinned down at her taking her hand again. "You have a beautiful name. I'm Zac. Zac Hanson." He introduced. "Thank you. I know... I mean about your name not mine..." She laughed at her own awkwardness. He chuckled. Even in her slightly flustered state she was winsome. Their hands slid apart and she stood for a moment. He gestured her toward the flamingo pink parade of portals. She smiled up at him almost shyly before she turned and struck off in that direction. His eyes drifted down her lean form. Graceful like a gazelle she had a gait that could stop a mack truck. His heart raced as he followed the swing of her hips more than her footfalls. She stopped short infront of #12 and knocked briskly. A sound, undistinguishable was heard through the door. She knelt to tie her tennis shoe then the door was jerked open. "What the hell is it Chris...? Whoa... sorry man! I didn't know she was married! I swear it!" The sheet clad man pleaded as he backed away, stumbling. Fear painted over his face as he stared up, wide eyed at Zac. Chris stood up, lauging that melodious lilt again. Zac's face broke out in mirth soon after. "What the fuck?" The man's voice undecided as to being pissed or pleased but adhered to confused. "You dumbass!" She giggled as she stood in the door. He took a tenative step forward, hand holding the door so it didn't swing open anymore and reveal the sultry brunette huddled under the comforter of the cheap motel bed. "Well... uhh..." He stammered, a loss of grasp for the situation, his eyes flickiing from the tall blonde man to his sister. She reached out her hands, taking one of his and depositing a set of keys in his palm. He looked at her befuddled. She smiled at him. "You can take the car home, I have a ride." She stated, a smile over her shoulder to the man behind her. Her brother looked unsurely at her, narrowing his eyes as his gaze reached the face of the stranger. He sized him up mentally. His eyes glaring, 'if you lay a finger on my sister I'll kill you no matter how fuck'n huge you are.' Zac smiled at him, trying to make him feel more at ease. He stuck his hand out cordially. "I'm Zac." He offered. The man took his hand, wincing a bit from the tight grip. "Roy..." He returned, silently flexing his fingers in relief after the giant had let them go. His mind buzzed and popped, something was nagging at him. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" He asked distractedly, fingers tapping his chin. Zac smiled down at her then rested his eyes on her brother. "I get that a lot." He shrugged. "I swear I've seen your face before somewhere." He tried in vain to wrack his brain. A husky voice, sweetly feminine, was heard from behind the door. "You idiot! That's Zac Hanson... the drummer...? the band Hanson...?" Realization dawned in his eyes, his mouth silently gasping 'oh.' "Sorry bout that..." He tried to appologize. "Nothing to be sorry for." Zac eased his awkwardness with a kind smile. The nervous tension grew thick. "So! I... I uh... I guess I'll see you at home then." He said haltingly, looking into his sister's eyes. She gave him a warm smile, leaning toward him and placing a peck on his cheek. "I'll see you later." She said, pointedly looking up into his dark eyes to reassure him. He nodded slightly, eyes darting to Zac once again, still unsure of the whole thing. "Bye Lacey! Say hey to the rug rats for me!" She called through the open door. Her brother blushed when a light chuckle was heard from inside. "We'll do!" Was the reply. Chris smirked at Zac and turned, walking off through the dry dust of Texas. Closing the saddlebag after fetching out his sunglasses, he then threw a leg up over the seat and straddled the Harley. He smiled easily at her. "So where to?" He querried. Her slow smile radiated towards him. "I live on the reservation a few miles out of town." She said pointing westward. He nodded, extending his hand to help her get on the big bike. "Just point my nose in the right direction and I'll get you home in a jiffy." He quipped before his foot jarred and the bike roared to life. The majestic purr vibrating through flesh and caressing bone beneath. She slipped her arms around his narrow waist, her knees hitching up and cradling his hips as she pressed against his back. His long legs backed the lethargic beast from it's stall, then with a roar of possessiveness it tore up the road, owning it entirely. When a road popped up that he needed to be on, she would let go her grip of his hard body just long enough to point it out to him before once more clinging to him. It wasn't that she was afraid. Hardly, she loved motorcycles and had an old Triumph herself a few years ago before she had to sell it to make ends meet. No. She hung on to him for the sheer thrill of it. She was inexplicably attracted to the man. She just couldn't explain it, she had never before taken a liking to a man of his description. But she just could not refuse the temptation of him. He was like a viking god. In broad frame and bulging thicknesses. His long gold hair and fire lit earthen eyes. He towered above her, and she was tall herself. What with his weeks worth of whiskers, and road weary attire, he appeared to be an ancient warrior, but the softness in his eyes betrayed that. And the gentle curve of lip that lay on the most succulent mouth she had ever seen drove her to insanity. His voice held wisdom and his actions were honor. He was so many things in her mind that they tumbled and flowed together, the result was him. The land changed little on their trek, but after they entered the reservation, it seemed a bit greener. The sun sparkled off a winding river that peeked through the trees catching his attention. Well that would explain the greener and more lush lay of land. She silently directed him to a long stretch of dirt road. It ended in an outcropping of white washed outbuildings and a large crisply painted white house with big black shutters beside long gaping windows. They came to the end of the drive at the large house, an old woman of demure dignity sat with steady eyes on the newcomers. The bike rumbled to a stop and shuddered as it idled. He felt her slipping off behind him, and reached a hand over his shoulder to assist her. She took his offered hand, but did not let go after she got off and was standing beside him. He looked to her, her eyes asking him to stay a bit longer. He smiled at her and reached to shut down the roar of the beast between his legs. When the ringing of ears died away her soft voice was found. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" Her smile inviting as she asked him. He grinned at her, his stomach screaming for him to accept if not his heart pleading the case as well. Before he could answer, the old woman on the porch who was shelling peas into a spatterware steel pan spoke out. "Of course he will. Now go and tend to dinner with your mother child." They both looked up to the porch, then at each other. It was settled for them. He let her hand go and she galloped up the steps. Leaning down she kissed the forehead of the old lady. "Hello Grandmother." The woman smiled up at her, patting her arm affectionately. Her ancient smile warming. "Get to work child." And she spatted her behind, dismissing the young woman. Chris giggled and trotted off, the quiet bang of the screen door then was the last of her. He stood up, stretching his long form as he straddled the machine. A graceful sweep of leg and he rested the metal animal on her kickstand. Leaning forward a bit he swung his leg up behind him and dismounted. The bike between he and the old woman who's eyes were on him like an eagle spies prey. He swallowed the lump that rose and forced a waivering smile. He bit the bullet and walked toward the porch steps. Feet firmly planted on the dusty ground, he perched his sunglasses ontop of his head, revealing his sparkling brown eyes to her. He smiled politely, eye to eye with her, he reached out a hand, stretching over the distance. "I'm Zac." He offered. She eyed him a split second, wiping her hands on her apron. She took his hand, her eyes never leaving his. "Nice to meet you son. I'm Amelia Watersong, Christine's grandmother. You may call me Grandmother." She informed him, a hard smile on her face, but her eyes grew a bit softer when she caught his broadening smile at the mention of her allowing him to call her Grandmother. He took his hand back when she once more began work on the peas. She gestured to the steps with a nod of her head. He sat as directed, turning to face her in the welcome shade of the porch. "So boy, do you have a last name?" She started. He smiled at her, he liked her. No nonsense, take charge. "Yes Ma'm. Hanson." He replied shortly. She merely nodded. "Sweedish?" She aked. "Dainish." Was his answer. "And where are you from?" She querried. "I live in Oklahoma Ma'm, when I'm there, which isn't often enough for my liking." He said distantly. The peas quieted as she looked at him for elaboration of his explanation. He looked up into her face. "I'm on the road a lot. I... travel." He tried. She nodded. "Doing what?" She stretched for more. "I'm a musician Ma'm." He stated. "Call me Grandmother." She reminded him. "Sorry, Grandmother." He said softly. "And what kind of music do you play?" She asked, her challenging eyes telling him he'd better make it impressive. "I have a band with my brothers. We... we uh... we write and play rock, and some pop." He added as an after thought. "No country then I suppose..." She sighed, disappointment in her voice. "On occasion Grandmother." He smiled up at her. She smiled back, rocking in her chair as she busied her hands with her work. Her last question caught him off guard. "Are you happy?" Her hands stilled as she waited for the answer. He looked her evenly in the eyes. "Yes, Grandmother. I am happy." She smiled, nodding as she rocked. "May I help?" He gestured to the bushell basket at her feet. She only nodded her head toward the basket, her eyes on her work. He grinned, getting up from the step. He sat on the porch floor cross legged before her, the basket between them. He dipped his hands into the crisp pods, drawing out a large mittful. He leaned forward, the tiny thunk thunk thunk of the bright green orbs music to his ears. They didn't say anything after that. The comfortable quiet satisfied them. Delicious aromas wafted out of the house, making his stomach knott. After some time, a light rumble was carried on the breeze. She looked up to it then back to her work. He turned his head to find what she had seen. A car, trail of dust in it's wake, was making it's way up the drive toward them. He didn't think much of it for she hadn't. He too went back to work. In due time the car arrived, kicking up a bit of the choking dust as it pulled in behind his motorcycle. A lean form stretched out of the car as Zac looked over his shoulder in curiosity. He could only see a long black tail hanging between squared shoulders of a man. Then the man turned around to shut the door and their eyes met. It was Christine's brother. Zac smiled a bit when he saw the look on the other man's face. He was certainly surprized, then he too smiled a bit. He ambled up to the porch, taking the steps slowly. He dropped a kiss on the old woman's head. "Hello Grandmother." She briefly looked up to him, a smile of adoration given to him. "I see you've met our famous Mr. Hanson." He chuckled. Zac turned a bit redder under the baked sun skin he already sported. His grandmother looked up at him slightly confused. Seeing Zac's discomfort, he politely bent to the woman's ear, but Zac could still hear his whisper. "He's well known, a big name in his bussiness." Zac frowned a bit, but kept on shelling the peas. The woman looked up to her grandson then over at the tall blonde man sitting at her feet. Her creased brow only showed a trace of worry before she shrugged then went on with her work. Zac breathed in relief. He hated it when others judged him or thought poorly of him because he might have more than they did or because many knew his name. He was just Zac. A simple man. She did not look up from her work when she spoke. "Zac is staying for dinner. Take him to Papa's old room and let him freshen up. I'm sure he would appreciate it." She went on with her task, dismissing the two men without another word. Not questioning his elder he respectfully kept silent. He looked at Zac on the floor who held a bewildered but happy look on his face. Zac shrugged, finnishing the last of his handfull of peas and got up, looming above the old woman. "Thank you, Grandmother." He said. She quickly looked up to his face, her smile small but extending pleasantness before she once more continued her work. Zac grinned at the other man. Shortly he bounded down the steps, grabing his saddlebags and slinging them over his shoulder. He turned back around and faced the house. Christine's brother gave him a tenative grin then opened the door, gesturing him in. Zac grinned back and took the steps, then was ushered into the cool of the house. He waited in the entrance hall, eyeing the decor until the soft click of the screen door sounded behind him. He turned to face the man. "Roy wasn't it?" He asked. The other man nodded. "Short for Royston." He informed him. Zac smiled. "I really do appreciate it." He said, a general gesture of 'everything' with his hand. Roy smiled. "Hey, if you can pass Grandmothers shrewd scrutiny... I guess that makes you an ok guy." He shrugged with a smile. Zac grinned, reveling in the acceptence. The other man headed for a set of stairs, looking back over his shoulder. "Papa's room is up here, come on." Zac nodded, a quick glance toward some movement from the large diningroom off to the right that caught his eye. He grinned widely when his eyes met Christine's. She smiled back at him, shyly then looked back to setting out plates at the table. Zac didn't hesitate any longer, he followed Roy up the stairs. He was led along a long hallway, many a white painted door was passed until they reached one in particular to the far left of the house. Roy stopped, opening the door for Zac to enter first. "This is Papa's room. We don't use it much now except for guests." He stood in the open door as Zac turned around to face him. He pointed to another door on the other side of the room. "Bathroom's in there, I'll send Christine up with some fresh towels for you. Take a load off and relax a bit. I'm sure dinner isn't far off." Zac only nodded, setting his saddlebags down on the rich red oriental rug at his feet. Roy gave him one last small smile and was gone. Zac looked around the room, then strode to the door, opening it. A tiny bathroom with an huge old clawfoot tub filling up most of the space greeted him. No towels, or facecloths, not even a bar of soap. He'd have to wait for her to fetch up some towels and such. He left the door open and looked around the larger room some more while he waited. A big brass bed dominated the room, he pushed at it, his hand sinking far into the feather and ticking matress stretched across the springs. He smiled. He hadn't slept in a feather bed since he was a kid but he still remembered all those wonderful nights he slept at his grandparents house with his brothers. The beds were so large and they were so small it was impossible to hog space, everyone was comfortable. Smile still warm on his lips, he looked around at the rest of the room. A small fireplace was in the corner of the room with a leather easy chair pulled up beside it. Somehow he could see an old man with a fluffy beard and moustache sitting there puffing on a pipe as he read from a thick book sucking the sweet smoke into his lungs. He smiled to himself then turned to the window, walking toward it. He looked out to the back yard, the river in the near distance. Picnic table, swing in a low branch of a tree, vegtable garden and a row of roses. Typical, so common it could have been a painting. He turned once more surveying the room. He walked over to the large chest of drawers leaning over it to study the picture encased in glass above it. He slipped his hands into the back pockets of his jeans, thumbs playing with the buckle to his chaps in the center. He scrutinized the picture. Railroad workers, all looking tired and proud. Bodies glistening with honest sweat, shirts open and knees of sturdy work pants dirtied. They leaned on thier tools, feet firmly planted on the soil they worked to tame to bring the iron horse forth on slick rails. Whiteish grey long trailing plumes filled the sky above them as they smiled with worn looks in their eyes, awaiting the arrival of the metal monster creeping up behind them. "Ahem..." A female voice softly gained his attention. He turned quickly yanking his hands from his pockets, a sheepish grin on his face. He greeted the smiling eyes of a middleaged woman, pleasant in gracefullness. She smiled up at him for she was quite small. Her arms were laden with crisp white towels and other things he didn't pay attention to. She was beautiful, even with the subtle lines near her eyes and the steaks of grey beginning to take over her long raven hair. Her voice floated through the room, like a sweet song sung softly over water. "I'm Christine's mother, you must be Zac." She extended her free hand to him. He took it quickly, smiling down at her nodding. "Zac Hanson, Ma'm." He shook her delicate hand gently. She took her hand back when he let it go. She didn't stand on any more formality, she walked to the open door of the bathroom, busying herself with setting out his needs. He heard her voice once more, echoing off the walls of the small room she was in. "Grandmother would like you to stay the night, she says you can use Papa's room." His eyes widened and he hurried to choke out the words. "Oh no Ma'm! I can get a room at the motel in town, you needn't bother fussing over me. Really, just being invited to dinner was more than enough." She came back to the room, looking up at him with a knowing look. "Grandmother insists." She said with finality. He shook his head. There was no dening that woman. "Then I suppose I'm obligated. I was raised not to go against one's elders." He said, still not wanting to impose. She grinned up at him. "You were raised well then. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I'll send Chris up to fetch you." And with her final words she headed for the door. "Mrs. Watersong...?" His voice edged. She turned in the door and looked back to him once more. "Yes?" She asked expectantly. He smiled down at the beautiful woman again, his genuine like of her shining through. "Thank you." He said softly. She gave him a quick grin, her nose crinkling up like a five year old with a secret. "You're welcome." Then she left. Shaking his head still over the old woman sitting on the porch, most likely still shelling peas, he stooped to pick up his leather saddlebags from the floor. He dusted off the slick hide and set his belongings in the leather chair before the fireplace. Unfastening the buckle he reached out what he needed to ready himself to be presentable, setting things on the bed behind him. He tossed the bag to the floor, plunking his ass down into the chair tiredly. He tugged off his boots, letting them fall to the hardwood floor with a hollow thunk. He peeled off his socks and tossed them aside. Yanking the band from his hair, he shook out his mane, scratching away at the road grime hugging his scalp. He pulled his wifebeater up over his head, dropping it to the floor as he stood up. He walked to the open door that led to the hallway, undoing his chaps as he went. He closed the door softly, turning and stepping out of his chaps and reaching to unbutton his jeans. He lay the black leather chaps over the back of the leather chair, the squeek of them touching making him grin from the quiet groaning creak. He tugged at his zipper as he passed through the door to the bathroom, letting the jeans loosen and ride his hips low. The tile was cold on his bare feet, a welcome relief from the heat of the day. He bent over the sink, filling it with hot water half way as he looked up into the mirror above at his reflection. He hardly recognized himself. His hair was toussled in waves from being whipped by the wind. His face was browned to a glistening bronze from being in the constant sun. His eys looked tired and he supposed that was because he hadn't slept in a bed for a couple of days. Not being anywhere near civilization he opted to toss his leather jacket on the ground to catch a few z's when he needed to get off the road. But what he grimmaced at was the overgrowth of whiskers. He hadn't bothered to shave since he'd left his mother's house in Tulsa. He thought it was high time he did so. He scrubbed his face free from the grime of his travels then trotted off to the other room to fetch his needed belongings. He quickly shaved chuckling a bit at the paler bottom half of his face when he was once more smooth of face. He scrubbed his body, slopping the soapy water all over as he came clean. Dropping his jeans, he stepped out of the stiff denim, kicking them aside. He stood, gloriously naked, bent over as he washed down the rest of himself. He rinsed out the sink and stuck his head under the faucet to wet his long hair, the cool water felt delicious as it poured over the back of his head. He worked a lather through his hair, digging into his head to get the last of the dirt from him. He rinsed his hair, hypnotized by the swirling bubbles as they swirled and disappeared down the drain. He squeezed his locks of the excess water, flipping his head up to stand again, the wet slap of his hair hitting his back echoing off the quiet walls. The slight sting and cold dampness spread over his shoulders as he began to move about. He cleaned up his mess as he brushed his teeth abscentmindedly. He spit and rinsed, laying his toothbrush on the side of the sink. Then he walked back into the other room. He stood naked at the edge of the bed, bending over as he stepped into his jeans. A knock came at the door. Startled he almost fell over as he tried to tug his jeans up over his hips. "Just a minute..." He called out to whoever was on the other side of the door. He hopped across the room as he tugged at the denim to get it over his damp legs. He got to the door, sliding his zipper up quickly before he opened it. "Yes...?" He said breathlessly. Christine was on the other side of the door, a look of slight shock was quickly replaced with a sly grin. "Dinner is ready if you're ready to come downstairs." She chuckled as he looked down and realized his jeans were rather low on his hips, still unbuttoned, and he wasn't wearing anything else. He looked back up at her, a sheepish grin plasterd on. "Sorry 'bout that... I was just getting on some clean clothes." He tried to explain. She arched her eyebrow at him, her grin still mischievious as she enjoyed the free view. His face tinged pink a bit and he turned quickly to finnish getting ready to go downstairs. He tugged his jeans up snugger and buttoned them with his back to her as he walked away from the door. "You know, I was just trying to help you out, I didn't expect to get adopted or anything." He joked, trying to ease the acute sexual tension and let her know how much he appreciated everything her family was doing for him. He picked up his dirty clothes from infront of the fireplace, tossing them into a pile on the bathroom floor. He sat in the chair, dressing his feet again, a fresh pair of socks and sliding his big feet into his boots once more. She leaned in the doorway of the room. "Grandmother has taken a shine to you. I don't question it, I just do what she says... really it's best for everyone that way." She said with a grin. He smiled back at her knowing the tenacious old lady was not a woman he wanted to tangle with. He knew from experience that matriarchs in families were not to be reckoned with unless you wanted your ass whooped. He stood up, bending over to pull his pants legs over the tops of his black leather motorcycle boots, his hair swinging back and forth as it slid over his shoulders and into his face. She watched him silently as he stood again, stepping to the bed. "I know just what you mean... my Mom is like that. One learns early on not to question her authority." He reached for the black t-shirt that lay on the end of the soft feather bed. He dug his huge arms into it, popping his head through and pulling it down over his body. He tugged the hem down, smoothing it out as he walked back to the bathroom, yanking his long locks out of his collar. He ran a brush through the tangled mess quickly and bent to wash his hands. He stood again in the bathroom door, the bedroom seperating them he looked to her. "Ready." He said quietly taking in the divinity of her dark sparkling eyes, soft curves and dainty looking bare feet. She pulled herself out of the stupor she was in as she had been watching him. She stood up straight again, uncrossing her arms and shoving her hands into her shorts pockets. "Ok then." She said just as quietly. She tore her eyes away from his and turned to go down the hall. He hurried across the room and stepped into the hall to walk beside her. She looked up at him, gracing him with a stunning smile. "I hope you're hungry, Mama made enough to feed an army." She laughed. He joined the chiming sound with his rumble of a chuckle. "I'm sure I can make a dent in it." He joked back as they came to the top of the staircase. She stopped, looking up at him with quiet dark eyes. "I never did thank you for today..." She whispered as she leaned toward him. She reached up and branded his cheek with a peck of a kiss, her lips soft as heaven brushing over his freshly shaved cheek. He watched in a daze as she looked away shyly, turned and bounded down the stairs. He stood at the top of the stairs, hand held to cheek grinning like a mad man, lost in his own thoughts. A hard pat to the back of his shoulder jolted him to conciousness. "What ya stand'n here for my man? The foods down thata way!" Roy's voice boomed in his ear. He turned to face him, his grin wide he laughed. Together they trampled down the stairs loudly, Roy's arm slung over Zac's neck like they were old friends. He liked this Roy, he wasn't pretentious in any way and now seemed to accept him for who he was not some celebrity. He made it seem like the awkward start of them knowing each other never even happened. And for that he was grateful. The two men stumbled into the dining room their laughter ringing off the walls to be met with three women smiling back at them. Zac's eyes darted around the room looking for a spot to go to and get comfortable in. He was used to lots of eyes on him, but somehow in this situation, it just un-nerved him. Especially when Roy abandoned him to plop down into his seat. Christine's mother hurried over to him, seeing that he was beginning to look lost and she did not want to make him feel uncomfortable in her house. Especially not after the story her daughter had told her of how she had gotten home and not wound up in some police squad room filing assult charges against an attacker. She silently took his huge hand and guided him to the other end of the table, placing him at the head of the table. He sat and looked to her gratefully, tossing a glance really quickly to Christine who sat beside him. She smiled back at him a bit shyly, then looked away at her brothers voice. "I'm starved!" He laughed. His mother was walking behind him with a basket of bread. She placed it on the table before him and smiled down at her son, smoothing a hand over his back. He grinned back up at her, pecking her cheek. "Thanks Ma." He said gratefully. She took her place on the other side of Zac so quick he didn't have a chance to pull out her chair or even to stand politely. She patted his hand, giving him a smile as she passed him a large bowl of steaming potatoes. He licked his lips in anticipation. He was quite hungry by now since he'd not eaten since breakfast. And that was only an apple and some berries he'd found... unless he counted the liquer he'd had for lunch. He piled the food onto his plate then waited for them to say grace. When nobody did, he bowed his head, his lips moving in silent prayer. He looked up to four sets of eyes on him as they had politely waited for him to finnish. Grandmother spoke and Christine almost choked on the sip of milk she was taking. "So you're christian then boy?" "Grandmother!" She spit out mortified. "Hush child, perfectly legitimate question." She shot back, waiting for the answer. Zac patted Chris's hand reassuringly as he looked to Grandmother. "I am, yes." He said proudly. The old woman shrugged and began her repast. Roy smirked even after his sister threw an evil glare at him. Zac's hand was still on hers at the corner of the table, he squeezed it gently to make her feel better. She looked at him then smiled a bit. He smiled back and took his hand off hers, placing it in his lap then dug into his own delicious meal. The more he ate, the more they put on his plate. Eventually he was so stuffed with fried chicken and the fresh cooked peas he couldn't get enough of, that he sat back, a bit of a groan escaping as he rubbed his aching tummy. Grandmother laughed. "It's nice to see a man with an appetite." She stated firmly. He grinned at her leaning back in his chair aching to undo his jeans for some more room. Christine's mother began to stand up and he quickly jumped up to pull out her chair, this time not missing the opportunity to show his manners. She smiled at him appreciatively and began to clear the table. He pitched in, stacking up the plates and such before him. "You don't have to do that, you're a guest." She admonished. He smiled at her. "I don't mind really, it's the least I can do after such a wonderful meal. Besides... I need to move around or I'm gonna explode!" He joked. They all laughed and she let him continue his chore. "I guess that means you don't have any room for dessert then?" She teased. His eyes grew wide. "You mean there's more?!" He asked afraid of giving into temptation and killing himself by overeating. She nodded as she began to walk away toward the kitchen, a parade of helpers behind her. "Chocolate cake." She stated factually. He moaned aloud and they laughed at him again. After two, yes two, pieces of scrumptious chocolate cake, he was stuffed to the gills. He needed to work it off, move around and get rid of the nagging pain he'd put himself in. Chris came to his rescue. She took him by the hand and led him out the back door. They passed through the backyard, skirted around the row of roses and headed off through the field toward the river. He walked easily beside her, his hand wrapped around hers. They didn't talk, only walked as they took in their surroundings. They walked along the bank of the lazy river. The gurgle of water singing over the gentle breeze was soothing. They took a turn, following a bend in the waters way, and came upon a sandy shore of river bank. She stepped into the water, stretching out their hold of eachothers hands until her fingers slipped through his. He sat on the side of a smooth rock and watched her as she carefully picked her way over the rocky edge then walked a bit farther until she was so far out that the water met her shorts. Her long fingers skimed over the surface of the glassy water, breeze blowing her long dark hair over her face as she looked down into the water. He sucked in a breath hitchingly for her beauty caught him hard in the chest. She turned and took a few steps, her hands trailing behind her, fingers just dipping into the cool water as her breasts strained forward and the wind blew her tresses back from her face. He was sure he was a witness to a goddess in motion. Then she walked toward him, her eyes shimmering black in the dappled sun under the shade trees. She stopped, water swirling around her knees, she bent toward the water, dipping her cupped hand in. The wind blew her black locks into her face and to the side. She reached up and gathered it behind her neck affording him a view down the loose halter top she wore. Her luciously round brown breasts looked firm to the touch, and he ached to test his theory. She sipped from her hand, sparkling water dripping in cascades from her fingers as she poured the wetness between her full lips. She dipped her hand agian, spreading the coolness over the back of her neck and down her chest. She let go her hair and stood again, the water on her chest running down in rivletts and wetting her top. His eyes must have been large as he stared for she smiled at him as she wiped off her chin, fingers trailing down her throat and skimming the flesh between her breasts. She walked out of the water and headed on down the bank further. He snapped out of his trance when she looked back at him over her shoulder, her eyes beckoning to him. He got up quickly, wincing at the discomfort of his jeans, this time it wasn't the waist, it was behind the zipper. He hurried off to catch up with her. He walked beside her, she reached out without looking and took his hand again. His smile beamed brighter then the sun itself as they strolled through the trees of the orchard. She stopped beneath a low branch, reaching up to pluck a few blossoms as she let go of his hand. He watched her body stretch as she stood on tip toe, his heart quickening. She pulled a handfull of petals from the tree then turned and leaned her back against the rough bark of it. Her dark eys were cast down as she pulled the flowers apart, one bare foot sliding up to rest against the tree. He thought he'd never seen anything more beautiful in his life as she opened her hand and let the breeze glide over her palm to carry away the tiny white petals. As he leaned his hand against an overhead branch he looked down at her, watching her every breath as if it would sustain his own. When she looked up to him, her eyes shining darkly, he just couldn't help himself. He bent down to her, his other hand sliding against her waist, rough bark scraping his knuckles. He neared her, both of them holding their breath until he gently placed his lips on hers. He kissed her softly, slowly, her sensual mouth responding to his and making his heart sing. Her hand slipped up his arm, caressing the back of his neck as she parted her lips. He felt weak in the knees as his tongue was allowed to slip into her mouth. Her breathy little moan set his body on fire. He had to force himself to pull back and take a breath. His eyes held hers as his chest heaved. "Wow!" He whispered. "Yeah..." She returned, her eyes wandering from his eyes and slipping down to his wet mouth. He licked his lips unconciously and she closed her eyes, swallowing hard as she tried to control her breathing. Her hand slid down to press against his firm chest, her eyes slowly opening to look up at him again. This time, it was she that started the kiss. Her lips pressing to his urgently, her free hand finding his waist and pulling him closer. She lustily plunged her tongue deeply into his mouth, her hands sliding down towards his ass as his both moved to rest on her hips. His tongue swirled with hers, making both of them writhe with want. She stood up, pushing away from the tree and into his body. Her stiffened nipples pressing to him as she ground against his hardness. He groaned with delight, his mouth spilling kisses down over her throat. "Ohhh..." She moaned when his hand cupped her heavy breast, thumb rubbing over the pert nipple. He'd never been so strongly attracted to anyone before, never moved so fast to fulfill his lustful needs. She made him dizzy, left him desperate and not knowing how to control himself. His hands tried to push her away as his mouth reached for her more. He stood up and looked down at her, chest heaving and eyes wild as he held her by the shoulders. Her swollen lips quivered as she panted, her hands laying against his broad chest. "What the hell was that? I've never done that before... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." He tried to get out the words between heavy breaths. Her fingers pressed to his mouth, stilling the words. "Shhh... You didn't. We did." She soothed him. He was still unsure, but she leaned toward him. Her lips brushing tenderly against his jaw then she whispered in his ear. "I can't help myself Zac. You're too much of a temptation. Something that feels this right can't be wrong." Her words washed over his mind, her tongue lapping at his neck driving him up the wall. He shivered when she nipped at his earlobe. He wimpered when she sucked at it, her sucking little kisses sliding down around his neck as her lips came to rest on his adams apple. He was nearly ready to cum in his jeans she made him feel so good. Her hands were slowly sliding down his sides, reaching over his hips and creeping toward his painfully confined erection. He was breathing so hard he thought he'd pass out. His fingers were hitching up her halter top, the pads of his thumbs underneath the soft material turning circles over the tight brown buds of her breasts. Her long fingers lightly skimmed over his stiff shaft hidden beneath the thick denim of his jeans. He almost fell to his knees. He took her mouth again, his fingers joining his thumbs at pleasuring her nipples and her hand cupped his heavy balls. He growled, sucking at her lower lip as her hand moved up his long thick cock. A sharp ringing pounded at his ears, startling him. She caught her breath quick and turned her head toward the house, her hands yanking away from his body. "Daddy's home!" She breathed. His stomach did a flip flop and his heart began to pound even more, harder than he ever thought possible. "Your father?" He squeeked his eyes too looking toward the house. She looked up to him, her smile comming back out of hiding she reached up and stroked his cheek. "Don't worry about Daddy. He's harmless, really." She tried to calm his rattled nerves. He seemed to doubt that. Just how 'harmless' would he be if he knew what he was doing to his daughter in the orchard only after having met her a few hours earlier? Really they didn't know each other very well, still they were incredibly attracted to eachother. She kissed his lips tenderly, soothing his anxiety. She looked up into his eyes. "Come to the house and meet him, please?" She asked. For her, he would do nearly anything. He only nodded, taking a step back to let her pass. She slipped past him and he took the time to adjust the pressure in his jeans of his slowly softening member. He leaned against the tree, head hung low for a moment while he gained his breath and steeled his nerves. She was at the edge of the orchard when he turned around again. She was waiting for him, sun glinting off her jet black hair, inviting smile on her lips. She held her hand out to him. He strode forth and when he reached her he took her hand, pulling her into his arms. He hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head. She looked up to him. "You ok with this then?" She questioned. He nodded, his smile letting her know that he was ready to face the world. She smiled back at him, slipping her arm around his waist. He copied her move and they slowly walked back to the house along the river bank the way they'd came. This time they talked. Quiet conversation was persued in the lull of the onset of twilight. He told her a bit about his family and why he was on the road by himself. She told him about raising her horses and why her father had taken that trip to Housten that day. As they approached the house, arms around each other their laughter over childhood memories rang against the white clapboard. They walked around to the front of the house so he could move his motorcyle out of the way in the drive. His hand lay against her hip and hers was burried in his back pocket as they talked and laughed. "Christine." A deep voice sounded off from the front porch. Zac's insides jumped. "Daddy!" She squealed and loosed herself from the tall blonde, running up the porch steps and into the arms of a tall dark man. An older, taller copy of Roy it looked like. She hugged the man and he hugged her back, lifting her bare feet off the painted floor. He set her back down, his hands then gripping her shoulders he gazed at her lovingly. "So Princess, Mama says you had a day of it." He remarked. She smiled up to the man, knowing that her mother had already informed her father of everything that had transpired. She nodded. "I did." She looked over her shoulder, her father letting go of her. She reached a hand out to Zac and he tenatively took the steps and took her hand. He stood beside her a bit uneasy, eyeing the man that was eyeing him. "Daddy, I want you to meet Zac. Zac Hanson, my Daddy, Royston Watersong senior." She introduced. The two men shook hands, their matching firm grips and even eyes still not melting the touch of ice that lay between them in the humid evening of Texan air. He looked to his daughter, a bit of an uneasy feeling toward the stranger still. "Why don't you come into the house? I'll tell you what I found." He offered. He opened the door for them. Making small talk he adressed Zac. "Grandmother says you'll be spending the night with us. I hope you are comfortable." He tried. Zac sucked in a breath. "I'm sure I will be. I tried to tell them that I would be ok in town but I was quickly informed I had no choice in the matter." He said, trying to ease the tension. The older of the two men looked toward the old woman sitting in a rocker at the window as they all filed into the parlor. "Yes, my mother is like that from time to time." He admitted, sending his mother a loving smile. She returned it then crooked her finger to Chris. "Come here child." She demanded. Obiediently Chris went to her, squatting next to the old woman, her hands reaching for her grandmothers that lay in her lap. The old woman leaned toward the young womans ear. She whispered something and they both laughed as Chris nodded. With a grin she flicked her hand, shooing the girl away. Chris stood up and walked away from her, grin wide and eyes sparkling. He father only shook his head, sitting wearily in an easy chair. "Have a seat Zac." He offered, gesturing toward the sofa. Chris nodded and he took the offer. He sank onto the soft seat, his tired muscles groaning. "Why don't you go help your mother in the kitchen?" Her father asked dismissively. Her eyes darted to her Grandmother, then to Zac. Both of them let her know with a look that it was ok. "I'll be right back." She said quietly, still not sure if it was a good idea or not for she sensed that her father had not warmed to Zac like the rest of her family had. She left the room quietly, looking over her shoulder until she was out of sight. "Well!" Roy Sr.'s voice nearly boomed in the quiet of the room. Zac gritted his teeth discreetely. He had to get through this, he would get through this. Damnit, he had faced thousands of people and met the president without being nervous. Why were his insides tied in knots over facing this man? Because he desperately wanted to be in the good graces of the man that had fathered the only perfect creature on the face of the planet, Christine. "My wife tells me you play music?" He started off with small talk. "Yes sir." He stated sounding calm but feeling anything but. "A drummer? For a rock band?" He querried. "I am." Zac returned. "I see." Said the older man. "My mother also says that you play some country music as well." He pondered. Zac swallowed hard. "I do from time to time." He replied, neither of the men noticing the small smile on the old lady's face. The older man pulled a pipe from his vest pocket and began to fill it with a sweet smelling tobacco. "My son also tell's me that you sing as well?" He continued the conversation. "With my brothers, yes." Zac stated. The other man nodded, lighting his pipe, sucking deeply to ignite it. He let out a great breath, pluming clouds wreathing his head. "I suppose then that you only play drums then...?" Roy continued, merely for conversation's sake, not really caring about the answer to his question. "Actually, no." Was the reply, making the older mans eyes raise from the floor. He looked at Zac expectantly. Taking the hint he softly cleared his throat before he began. "I usually play drums but I also play organ and harmonica. I've been playing piano since I was six and since then I've picked up guitar, mandolin, banjo, and accordian. Right now I'm learning saxaphone." He listed offhandedly. A quiet laugh was heard from over by the window making both men look over to the old woman in the rocking chair. She just grinned at them both and turned back to the window, rocking with a smile. "Lemonade?" A lilting voice asked from the door. All eyes turned to the new person. Mrs. Watersong stood, tray in hand with a smile. She walked into the room, placing the tray on the table near Grandmother. She poured a glass and handed it to the old lady with a shared smile. Then she poured another. "Zac?" She asked as Christine slipped back into the room, taking a seat next to Zac with a discrete comforting pat to his hand. "Yes please Ma'm." He nodded, grateful for he was parched. He took the glass from the beautiful older woman with a genuine smile. She poured one more and handed it to her husband before pouring two more. She handed one to her daughter and sat in a chair beside her husband. It was quiet in the room, too quiet for comfort. The ice was creeping in as it grew from Roy toward Zac, infecting them all. Mrs. Watersong took control of the room. "Did Roy go to the stables?" She asked her husband who was still eyeing the man beside his daughter. Barely taking his eyes off of him he turned his head and looked at his wife briefly. "He did. Should be back shortly." He informed her. She nodded. "That's good. Did you tell Chris what you found today?" She asked, desperately trying to thaw the room. "No, not yet." He told his wife then turned to his daughter once more, a smile lighting his face for a change. "I found an all black stud for your mare, good line of blood and we can afford him." He stated proudly. She smiled happily back, then her brow creased with a slight pout taking her face. "What's the catch?" She asked skepticly. Her fathers face fell a bit. "Well... we have to house him..." He started. She looked relieved. "Well that's standard Daddy." She told him as if he didn't already know. "For a whole year." The man finnished. Her face dropped with her fathers words. "But Daddy! We can't afford that! You know it! We can barely support the stock we have now!" She began to protest. He held up his hand to stop her rant from going any further. "I know Princess, we'll just have to pasture out the orchard and clear the Turner homestead in the next few weeks to hay later on. If we have to, we'll sell off some of the quarry land." He said disappointedly. All eyes on him but none willing to protest his final word on the matter. Her voice was quiet, her eyes on the floor, she abscent mindedly reached for Zac's hand. "I'll have to find someone to take Sadie. There's no other way we can afford to hire enough help to get all of that done before it's too late." She looked up to her father expecting him to refuse her offering sacrifice of selling her favorite horse. He didn't say anything. That's when she knew it was bad. She really was going to have to give up her best friend. The room was dead silent. Every heart was pained with the knowledge. A deep firm voice confidently stated three small words. "I'll do it." All eyes turned to Zac. "Do what?" Chris asked unsure of just what he meant. He looked her in the eye. "I'll help you clear it so you won't have to hire help. I don't have anything to do before the tour starts month after next." He shrugged. Mrs. Watersong spoke up. "We couldn't ask you to do that Zac. I'm sure you have more important things to do..." She began to protest. He cut her off. "I really don't. I said I would and I mean it." He stated with finality. Chris smiled at him, warming his heart. He looked around the room, every woman was smiling that same smile directed at him. Then his eyes fell to Roy. He sat, stony faced, his fingers curled 'round pipe and glass, his jaw tense. They all waited. "Fine." He ruled. Christine jumped up from her seat, hurridly handing her glass to her mother as she climbed into her father's lap as if she were a little girl. She hugged him. "Thank you Daddy! I knew you wouldn't make me give up Sadie!" She squeeled. He chuckled, setting his glass aside on the stand. He patted her back as she pecked his cheek. "You just remember, this is going to be a lot of hard work Princess." He reminded her. She nodded emphaticly. "I know Daddy, but to have new blood for the stock will all be worth it in the long run, you'll see!" She promised him with another hug to his neck. The front door opened and shut, heavy steps were heard in the hallway. A dark figure came to the door. "Sure! While I'm out there shoveling shit you're all in here havin' a tea party!" He joked. They all laughed. "Roy! Watch your language!" His mother teasingly warned. He just grinned at her. With a laugh young Roy suantered into the room, took a glass from his mothers hand and downed it, then turned and left. "Hey! That was mine!" Chris laughingly pouted, getting up off her father's lap. "Too bad for you!" Her brother called from the kitchen. Once more they all laughed as she took her seat beside Zac again. The ice was cracking, but it was so thick that it looked like it wasn't going to be thawing anytime soon. She was brave though, Christine boldly pecked Zac's cheek then looked into his startled face. "Thank you." She said sincerely. He only could nod. She smiled and took advantage of his stunned state. She stole his lemonade and sipped from the glass. Her grandmother cuckled even though Roy looked none too pleased. Seeing that her husband was stewing, Mrs. Watersong made a suggestion. "Zac, why don't you play for Grandmother while we go to the den and make some calls to arrange for the stud's arrival. I'm sure she would love to be entertained." She said, a hopeful note in her voice. Zac shrugged. "I'd be honored." He replied, a winsome smile directed at the old woman. "Good!" She said getting to her feet and reaching a hand to her husband. He reluctantly took his wife's hand and stood up. "Come along Christine." He said a bit dryly. She glanced at Zac, squeezing his hand and handing back his glass before she got up and followed her parents out of the room. When they'd left, Zac let out a large breathy sigh. Grandmother chuckled. "You did good boy. Don't fret. My son may be cold on the outside, but that is only because he is very warm hearted for his loved ones." She wizened. He nodded as he rose and walked toward her. He gave her a smile as he set his glass on the table with the tray and pitcher. He dramaticly cracked his knuckles, making her grin. He strode over to the old upright piano on the other side of the room and opened it. He plunked a meaty finger on a key and listened to see if it was in tune. He hummed the note, his ear bent to the sound as he repeated it, then once more. Satisfied, he sat at the old swivel stool, rising to adjust the height for his stature and sat once more. He lay his hands in his lap and looked over at her expectantly. "Is there anything you'd like me to play in particular Grandmother?" He asked her softly. Her smile flew back at him. "I've always loved Willie Nelson. Can you play 'Always on my Mind?'" She asked hopefully. He smiled at her winningly. "I can do that Ma'm. As a matter of fact, Willie himself said I did it well. Though I'd still rather listen to him sing it myself..." He offered. She beamed at him as she waited. His fingers played lightly over the keys and she closed her eyes, rocking in her chair as she enjoyed the soft song. His voice reached out gently with the well known words as he sang to the old grandmother in her rocker by the window. She didn't open her eyes only sat and rocked with the rhythms he poured into the room. One song melted into another, soft blues, melancholy jazz, lamenting country, and tender gospel spilled out of his mouth and dripped from his fingers. He let himself be carried away by the music, as he always had. He never even noticed when the room began to fill up again behind himself. He played on, his voice dancing to every tune. Chris came back to the room, sitting cross legged on the floor at her grandmothers feet. The old woman stilled her chair and stroked the back of the young womans head in adoration as they listened together. Her brother came in, hair still wet from his recent shower and shirtless. He sat in the chair his mother had been in earlier, quietly he listened. Mr. and Mrs. Watersong stood at the door, his arm around her as they too listened silently. The last haunting strains of 'Amazing Grace' rang out from the piano as his voice drifted off into the quiet. He opened his eyes, head bowed as he took a breath. He turned around, needing to take a break for his voice and get something to wet his parched throat. He shyly looked into their faces, a small smile in place. "That was lovely Zac." Mrs. Watersong said with a sigh. He stood up and stretched out his long thick fingers. "Thank you." He said gratefully. Mr. Watersong entered the room, taking a seat on the sofa as he wife hurried over to the table with the tray. "I bet you need a drink after all that time." She said knowingly. He nodded, a grateful smile for her. "Yes thank you Ma'm." he acknowledged. She poured him the last of the lemonade, handing him the glass. He took it, washing it down in no time flat. He handed her back the glass with a grin. "Why don't you play some more?" She asked him hopefully before he'd had a chance to get away. He smiled down at her. "For you? I will." He said charmingly. Once more he took his seat at the piano. He swiveled around and eyed them all. "Anything in particular?" He asked, taking requests from the lot. "Why don't you play us something that you've written?" Mrs. Watersong said politely, going over to take a seat next to her husband. Zac looked down at the shining hopeful eyes of Christine as she sat on the floor. She only nodded smiling and he smiled back at her. "Alright then. But I'll keep it low key. Mind you now, I did not write most of this stuff alone. My brothers and I work together. It's not often one of us writes a song completely by ourselves." He informed them. Then he turned back around, fingers tickling over the ivories. "Good bye four leaf clovers..." The evening wore on and Zac pounded out many a tune. The mood grew from soft to raucus before long. They were tossing out requests and on occasion They would sing along a line or two. Zac loved to listen to Mrs. Watersong's voice. She sang like an angel. He took his fingers from the keys for a moment and stretched them out as he looked over his shoulder. "Mrs. Watersong?" He began, gaining her attention. "Yes dear?" She returned, smiling. "Would you do me the honor of singing for me for a change?" He asked charmingly, a hopefull look in his eyes. She blushed a bit, eyes cast to the floor. "Oh I don't think I could do that..." She said to her feet. "Please Mom..." Christine begged. She looked at her daughter, tempted to give in. Her husband lay his hand on hers. "Go ahead Adelle. Sing for us." He said tenderly, looking into her eyes. She smiled at him adoringly. "Yeah, come on Mom!" Roy chipped in. "Oh... alright!" She caved. Excited chatter shot through the room as she got up and went to the piano. She lay her hand on Zac's broad shoulder and leaned to his ear. She whispered low so nobody else could hear. He grinned over his shoulder at her and nodded. Turning back to the keys he a took breath in readyment. She squeezed his shoulder and he began to play softly, the melody washing over the room in waves. She opened her mouth and pure honey flowed from her lips. "Hello darkness my old friend..." ***** Many a song later after it had grown late into the night, the piano's ringing tones died down and he turned back around to face the room for yet another request. Grandmother stood from her chair. "I do believe I'm going to bed." She stated firmly. "Already Grandmother?" Chris nearly whined. The old woman stroked her face and smiled at her. "I'm too old to stay up half the night. I need to get some rest and I suggest you all do the same if you're to start working on that fence for the orchard tomarrow." She told them, eyeing the faces scattered around the room. Chris pouted, knowing she was right. "I think she's right. That fence is not going to put itself up tomarrow." Mr. Watersong said with even tone as he too stood up. The 'party' was breaking up for the night. Really though Zac didn't mind. He was tired, he'd had a long day and he was looking forward to sleeping in a bed again. He closed the piano softly, running his hands over the key cover lovingly. Mr. Watersong reached out his hand toward his wife. "Come to bed Adelle." He offered. She smiled at everyone in the room. "Good night everyone." She said as she took his hand and they left the room. Grandmother shuffled through towards the door, stopping to lay a hand on Zac's shoulder and look into his eyes with a smile for a moment, then she too was gone. Roy stood up, stretching and yawning. "I suppose I'd better hit the hay too. Night you two." He tossed over his shoulder as he passed through the door. Chris sat on the floor, grinning at him. He sat on the swivel stool, grinning back for a moment before he rose to his feet, rubbing the numbness from his ass. He took a few steps and offered her a hand up. He pulled her up off the floor, into his arms. He wrapped her up in an embrace and held her in the quiet of the house. She lay against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Her voice was quiet as she spoke into his chest. "Come out on the porch with me for a bit?" She asked. He held her a tad tighter, then released her, taking a step back. She took up his hand and led him through the room, flipping off the light on her way to the softly lit hall. She tugged open the large door and stepped out to the night air of the porch. He followed her, sucking the cool air into his lungs as he looked up to the starry night sky. He pulled the door shut behind himself, stepping up behind her. He wrapped his arms about her, inhaling her intoxicating scent. She sighed when he kissed the top of her head and she leaned back against him, running her fingers over his. They were quiet for a few moments, then he brushed his cheek against her silky hair. Dipped his head to nuzzle his nose into the crook of her neck as he pulled her hair away from her skin. He placed a line of tiny kisses down her warm flesh, darting his tongue out to taste of her now and again. His mouth dropped down to her shoulder and he sucked at a soft spot as he held her. "Mmm..." She breathed, then turned in his easy embrace to face him. She kissed him slow and delicious. Her tongue gliding alongside his then brushing over his bottom lip as she pulled back. She opened her eyes and looked up to him in the dark. "I wanted to thank you again for staying. You really don't have to do this you know and I'll understand if you change your mind." She told him quietly. He shook his head, stroking her hair away from her face as the gentle breeze blew it into her eyes. "I stand by my word. I would never leave you here in such a lurch." He said quietly. She pushed the long blonde locks from his face, reaching up to taste his mouth again. He kissed her with passion, wanting to drink in the divinity of her. She broke away from him, her hands smoothing up his firm chest she touched his face. "We'd better turn in. Grandmother tends to wake everyone up early for breakfast and she will be in the kitchen early with Mama to make a really big breakfast to start off tomarrow right." She said a bit sadly, not wanting to leave him just yet. He smiled down at her. "I suppose you're right. I wouldn't want to make a bad impression with your father." He said half jokingly. She grinned up at him. "Daddy just takes time to warm up to new people. You don't need to worry about it. Really." She tried to ease his fears. "Just the same. I plan on working my ass off tomarrow." He promised. She chuckled softly, pressing her forehead to his chest. "That will be a good start. I just hope you know how to use a post hole digger." She said looking up to him and waiting for the answer she hoped he would give her. He smiled down at her remembering back to when he was twelve and had helped his grandfather put a fence around his grandmothers garden. "I do actually, though it's been years since I've done it." He admitted. She smiled winningly, pleased with the answer. She brushed her lips over his once more, softly. Then she took his hand and he followed her back into the silent house leaving the night to go on without them. She didn't let go of his hand as she started up the stairs. He followed close behind her, his hand stretched out to keep it in hers. When they got to the top of the stairs she stopped, turning around to look at him. He bent and kissed her quickly, stroking her face tenderly. She smiled up at him. "Goodnight." She whispered. He returned her smile. "I'll see you in the morning." He hushed back. She stepped away from him, headed off down the hall to the right. She stopped at a door at the far end, turning to look at him once more, waving her fingertips at him before she slipped into the room. His grin was wide and he took a deep breath. Snapping out of his daze, he turned and headed down the other end of the hall to the room he'd been granted. He quietly closed the door behind himself and leaned against it. His grin was plastered so tightly to his face he doubted he'd ever loose it. He pushed his body off the door and headed into the bathroom. Running a bit of water in the tub, he quickly rinsed out his sullied clothes the best he could. Making up his mind that he'd have to take a trip into town to buy some clothes the next day if he planed on spending any time with her. He shuffled off towards the bed that was screaming for him. He flipped off the lights and tossed back the coverings on the huge feather bed. He toed off his boots and bent, stooped over to peel his socks off. He yanked his t-shirt off over his head and tossed it to the nearby chair as he undid his jeans. Tugging the stiff denim down his long legs he yawned. He stepped out of the pants and tossed them too to the chair. He lay his tired body down, thrilling from the chills of his naked flesh against the cool sheets. He sank into the inviting matress and pulled the sheet over his hips as he turned over and snuggled into the thick feather pillow, the blue ticking peaking out from under the white eyelet lace of the pillow case. It took him almost no time at all to fall asleep, all of his dreams were of her. ***** He was having a wonderful dream. Laying on the grass of the riverbank, making love to Christine. The sun beating down on his exposed back and making him sweat almost as much as she was making him sweat... but apparently it was just a dream for a harsh banging at the bedroom door jarred him from slumber. He sat up quickly, jerking his eyes open in the soft morning light that still felt too harsh to his tired eyes. "Zac, man wake up! Grandmother has breakfast nearly finnished!" A male voice called from the other side of the closed door. Zac rubbed his hands over his weary face, his realization slowly drifing back to him. "Yeah... I'm up! I'll be down in a bit Roy." He called back, his muscles stiff and sore from his heavy sleep, his morning erection tenting the crisp white sheet. He flopped back down on the bed, head slamming into the pillow. He stared up at the ceiling and groaned quietly to himself. There was silence once more. He felt himself slipping away, back to the land of Nod... until another knock at the door sounded. "I'm awake..." He called listlessly. The door suddenly opened and he sat up startled. "Good, I've brought you something." Christine said in a rather chipper tone as he scrambled for the duvet to hide his obvious infliction. He smiled at her nervously. She flitted about the room doing things but he wasn't paying any attention as to what. No, all of his thoughts were racing as he watched with eyes glued to her body. She was barefoot, long lean dark legs glistening in the morning light. The sway of her curvy hips as she went though the room. She was wearing overall shorts and a tube top. The flash of her dark skinned flat tummy making him ache when she bent over. The smooth skin of her brown back begging to be kissed. She wore a thick black braid down her back, tied off in a vivid turquoise ribbon that screamed for him to tugg it off and run his hands through her hair to free it. She talked idlely as she went about the room... he heard not one word. The throb between his legs was unbearable. She stopped talking after she'd asked a question and he had failed to answer her. She turned around as she stood near the window, after having thrown it open to air out the room. The sun soft behind her set her off in an ethereal glow and he lowly moaned, his eyes hooded, licked his lips. She recognized that look on him, it was the same as in the orchard the day before when she had pressed her body against his hardness. She grinned mischieviously at him, sauntering toward him. He watched her approach, not able to speak he was so caught up in a trance over her. She gingerly sat on the edge of the bed, leaning toward him. She slowly pressed her lips to his, boldly slipping her tongue into his mouth. His hands automaticly went to her body, catching it and holding it close as his lips responded to her advances. She caressed his face, stroking his hair back away from it as her other hand slyly sneaked beneath the covers and slipped between the duvet and sheet. She found exactly what she'd expected there. He moaned, a bit loudly, his tongue plunging deeply into her mouth. She sucked at his tongue as she let her fingers skim over his hard shaft. A noise of footsteps was heard out in the hallway from the open bedroom door. He quickly yanked away from her, eyes wide in almost fear, as he tugged her hand out from under the covers. She giggled, catching his attention. "It's just Roy, everyone is already downstairs." She assured him. He looked to her, a small wash of relief comming over his face. "I'm too young to die." He joked. She giggled, getting up from the bed. She walked to the dresser and opened a drawer. "Mama had me bring these to you. They are some of Daddy's old things that he can't fit in anymore." She said stopping her actions of putting away a small pile of folded laundry to pat her tummy. Zac grinned, he'd noticed that her father was nearly as tall as himself but had a bit of a gut, not much, but enough to notice. "Well then I'll have to thank her. I was going into town later on anyway to pick up some more clothes. If I'm going to be hanging around here for a few days then I need more then one pair of clean jeans to wear huh?" He said as he watched her finnish her task. She slid the drawer shut and turned around to face him, leaning against the tall piece of dark wood furniture. "I could take you to town if you like." She offered. He smiled at her. "I'd like that." He said softly, loosing himself in her onyx eyes. She walked toward the bed slowly, her fingers trailing over the soft flannel duvet as she neared him. She bent over, her braid swinging over her shoulder like a pendulum. He cupped her face in his large hands and reached up to kiss her, his mind reeling from the taste of her. She slipped through his fingers as she slowly stood up. "I think we'd better get downstairs and get you fed. We've got a long day ahead of us." She spoke quietly. He nodded. "Would you hand me my pants then?" He asked. She smiled at him then fetched his jeans from the chair. Thankful that he once more had his body under control, he slid to the edge of the bed and planted his big feet firmly on the decorative red rug. He left the corner of the bed coverings laying over his hips as he reached out for his clothes she was handing to him. He bent down and slid his feet into the legs of his jeans, pulling them up. He noticed she was not going anywhere and was watching him with a grin. So he grinned back at her and stood up quickly, the blanket and sheet falling away as he tugged the denim up over his hips and stuffed himself into his jeans. She laughed a bit and sat in the leather chair as he walked off toward the bathroom. He didn't even bother to shut the door as he relieved himself then washed his hands and put his hair back in a long tail. He came back to the room, her smile greeting him as he zipped and buttoned his jeans. He pointed at her, indicating that she was sitting on his shirt. She chuckled and got up, going over to make the bed as he slipped his shirt over his head and sat to once more dress his feet. He stood up quickly and helped her finnish making up the bed then walked to the door and held his hand out, waiting for her to come to him. She slipped her hand into his and they left the room, heading down stairs for a filling breakfast and a day of back breaking work. ***** After stuffing himself with an impressive amount of food, he took his plate to the kitchen as he washed back the last of the milk in his glass. He handed Grandmother his dirty plate where she stood at the sink washing up after breakfast. Mrs. Watersong was tending to other things, buzzing around the kitchen. He reached out and put his hand on her arm as she passed him by. She stopped and looked up to him, then smiled. "I just wanted to thank you Mrs. Watersong. I do appreciate everything, and the clothes this morning too..." He told her, trying hard not to blush as he thought of other things about that morning too. She patted his hand. "Please dear, call me Adelle, and you are more than welcome, especially after what you're doing in return for us... and what you already did too." She said, her dark eyes soft. He couldn't stop the smile for the small beautiful woman. He bent low and kissed her cheek. Then was gone from the room long before she had recovered. He met Chris and Roy out on the porch, ready to start the day. "I've got to tend to things in the stables, then I'll be out to help you in the orchard." She told him, her eyes meeting his at the mention of the orchard. He grinned down at her but kept silent. She reached up to kiss him softly, the look on her brother's face not going un-noticed as she turned to leave, a last wave over her shoulder. Roy looked to Zac, his face still a bit twisted in an unsure look. Zac just grinned at him and shrugged his shoulders. Roy chuckled. Who was he to judge? He shook his head with a bit of a laugh of his own. "Come on, I'll take you to the barn." He said as he stepped off the porch. Zac put his smile away, on the outside only, and followed off after Roy who was treking off across a near by field. They went around the back of the barn where Roy's father was just cranking up an old Case tractor. It rumbled through the quiet of the peaceful morning. He manuvered the contraption and signaled for his son toward the hitch. Zac helped him haul the trailor over the couple of feet and line it up to attatch the trailor to the tractor. Having that done, Mr. Watersong let her lurch forward and crawled over to a large pile of fence posts. Half an hour later the three men had a full load and Roy and Zac hopped up to the top of the heap while they rode off toward the orchard behind the house. A couple of hours later they had readied the orchard and had begun to dig the holes needed to fence off the orchard for a new pasture the incomming stud needed. Chris had finnished in the stables and left the horses in the corral for their daily dose of grain. She walked through the back yard on her way to the orchard to help. Her mother opened the back door and called her over to the house. She stood on the back step waiting for her mother's return after being told to do so. She came back out shortly with two large jugs, glistening with wet. "Ice water for the guys. I'm sure they are parched by now, Grandmother and I have been watching them work like mad." She said. Chris gave her mother a smile. She didn't want to voice the question she was dying to ask but her mother gave her an answer to it anyway. "And your Zac is doing just fine dear. Your father can't possibly have any qualms over how he's been working. He's been working just as, if not harder then, your brother." She said lovingly. Chris smiled at her mother, reaching over to give her a peck on the cheek. "Thank you Mama." She inhaled deeply. "Mmm... What's for lunch? Something smells wonderful." She asked as she watched her grandmother stir a pot on the big old cook stove behind her mother. Her mother chuckled. "Grandmother is spoiling your father again, making his favorites." She said with a grin. Chris laughed when her grandmother retorted. "He's my son and if I want to spoil him I will, no matter what any daughter in law says." Her smile toothy and smug. The three women laughed then Chris headed off toward the orchard, laden down with the two cold wet jugs. She was recieved warmly. Roy immediately took a jug and chugged down a third of it, letting it run over his chin and down his chest. He pulled it away, a great sigh floating off his lips. His father laughed. "Save some for the rest of the world boy!" Then he grabbed it away and copied his actions. Chris went over to Zac and offered him the second jug. He took it with the smile she offered and knocked back a good amount. He lifted it high and poured some over his head, face to the sky. He shook his head to clear the water from his eyes, took another belt and handed it back to her without a word. He turned and walked off, immediately diving back into his work. She smiled as she caught her faters look. She knew he was slightly impressed. It pleased her. She took both jugs and set them in the shade under a nearby tree and headed off to help her father set posts. A couple of hours passed like years in the hot Texas sun. They all silently rejoiced when they heard the sharp ringing comming from the direction of the house. Both Zac and Chris looked at eachother with a secret smile. They remembered the last time they were in the orchard and her mother had rung the dinner bell to gain their attention. Slowly they lay their work aside and trudged off for the house. Zac picked up the long since empty water jugs in one hand and took a few extra long strides to catch up with Chris. Quietly she slipped her hand into his as they followed her father and brother to the house. They all crowded around the hose and quickly cleaned off before sitting down to the picnic table in the blessed shade of the backyard. They all packed away a good deal of lunch, and enjoyed a bit of conversation over strawberry shortcake. Zac got up to help clear the table when Adelle did. "Oh sit down boy! No need to work youself to death." Spouted off Grandmother. He laughed a bit as he obeyed and sat again. "Yes Ma'm." He saluted. They all laughed and the four sat back to relax a while longer as Grandmother and Adelle cleared the table. Chris sat with her hand in Zac's under the table in his lap. She leaned her elbow on the table and adressed her brother. "I think you have something that belongs to me Roy, and not that I don't trust you and all... but I'd really like my keys back." She smiled at him. With a sheepish grin he dove into his pocket as his father gave him a look. He dropped the keys into her hand and quickly trotted off before any questions were asked. Chris laughed. Everyone and their cousin knew about his so called 'secret.' It was Zac who rose first to head back to work. He wanted to get the fence done before it got too late so he could get cleaned up and head into town. Chris waited for her mother to hand her another two jugs of ice water and she went off at a quick pace to catch up and slip her hand into Zac's. Mr. Watersong followed the two, a bit of a scowl on his face, though nobody was there to see it. He wasn't sure if he liked the sudden attatchment they had with each other. He certainly didn't want anything to happen to his little girl. Granted the whole reason why this Zac character was there now was because he had taken it upon himself to defend her. And he was grateful for that. But he wasn't so sure if it was a good idea for her to get involved with him or not. After all, they were just simple folk. He was an internationally known entertainer. What kind of a life could he provide for his daughter? It worried him... a lot. Zac worked like there was no tomarrow. Every cell in his body screamed in protest, but he ignored it and worked through the pain. It was like rock climbing, the sweet temptation of the goal left an ache that had to be soothed no matter what. By the time they began to string the wire, he was more than glad to hear the supper bell call out through the distance, the sharp tones cutting into the tension of silence they worked in. Knowing that Chris was planning on taking Zac into town to pick up some more clothes, Mr. Watersong grew a soft spot, he always had one where she was concerned, she was his Princess. He cleared his throat softly before he spoke. "You two go ahead on up to the house. Roy and I can finnish here." She looked at her father like he'd grown another head, but she didn't question it. She quickly pecked his cheek and grabbed Zac by the arm and dragged him off. Her father had to chuckle softly to himself at his daughters actions. She was something else, a spark of life in a dull, dull world. Roy looked at his father with a smirk. "He's grow'n on ya aint he Dad?" He snickered. Mr. Watersong scowled and huffed as he yanked back into work. "I don't know what you're talk'n bout boy but I do know that if you don't get this here wire strung, and quick, I'm gonna kick your ass for ya. And don't think I won't neither. I aint so old yet that I can't." He warned with a smile hidden. Roy chuckled to himself as he continued his work in silence. Chris dragged Zac all the way back to the house, her hand slipping from his firm arm down into his hand. She nearly ran and he wondered where the hell she'd gotten her energy from for she had been working hard out in the blistering sun like he had. She jogged up to the back steps that led into the wide and spacious kitchen. She stopped short before she took the first step and he almost ran into her when she turned suddenly. Her grin was wide and her eyes sparkled with all that was good in life. She surprized him when she threw her arms around his neck, catching his mouth in a blazing kiss. His hands found her hips blindly and he kissed her back ardently. When she pulled her mouth from his, her chest heaving and that same smile in place, he grinned down at her with a laugh. "Well what was that for?" Not that he minded or anyting, he was just curious. She laughed and only shrugged then left his arms, leaving him feeling empty, as she entered the house. He chuckeled and shook his head as he too headed into the house. She was scooting down the hall when he stopped to take the time and close the back door. "Oh my! You are a sight aren't you?" A voice exclaimed from the other side of the room. He looked down at himself then back up to the owner of the voice. He smiled. "I'm sorry Grandmother, I don't mean to track dirt through your kitchen but I fear it's the only way I can get presentable enough to be able to sit at your table instead of eatting dinner with the dogs." He joked. She laughed as she walked up to him, shaking her head. She shoved him toward the hall where the stairs were. "Git! Supper will be ready before you are I fear." She chuckled as she shoved the large man out of the room, then dusted her hands off still laughing when he turned around to walk backwards and grin at her, then he bolted up the stairs, two at a time. He traipsed down the hall, his muscles aching but his heart light. He tumbled into the room he'd slept in and started to peel off the layers of clothes along with the sweaty grime as he headed straight for the bathroom. He drew a nice hot bath, pulling off his boots and stripping down. He brushed his teeth as he waited for the tub to fill, then took the band from his hair and climbed into the inviting cradle of the soothing, steaming bath. The heat helped quiet the screaming of his muscles a bit as he scrubbed away the crust of the day. He sank down into the inviting water, a sigh escaping him. He lay his head back, the ends of his long hair floating around his shoulders on the surface of the serene water. His stomach rumbled and he grinned. He then hurried to wash his hair and get out of the tub. He towel dried his hair then wrapped it around his waist as he strode back into the bedroom. Remembering which drawer Chris had placed the hand-me-downs from her father, he pulled it open and sifted through it's offerings. He hauled out a pair of jean that looked like they might fit, so he tried them on. As he was pulling them up over his hips a voice from behind him made him jump. "Nice view." He whirled around to see Chris standing in the room, doorknob still in hand and a smirk on her face. He took a breath then grinned at her. "Do you always have to scare me shitless? I think I need to tie a bell around your neck to warn me when you're comming." He joked. She laughed, shutting the door then went over and sat on the bed. "Do they fit ok?" She asked, her eyes on the jeans he was zipping up. He nodded. "They're ok. A bit short, but I can live with that." She shrugged as he went back to the drawer and took out an old worn denim shirt, the sleeves cut off and left to fray. He shrugged to himself and slipped into it with his back still turned to her. "You ready to go to town after dinner?" He asked, his voice quiet as he buttoned up the shirt. She was silent for a moment so he turned back around to see if she was still there. She was, sitting on the bed in the same place she had been when his eyes had left her last. But the expression on her face told him why she hadn't answered. He grinned and took a step then jumped onto the bed beside her, grabbing her on his way down to pull her onto his chest as he rolled over onto his back. She burst out laughing with him but hung on tight. When the dust had settled she smacked him lightly on the arm. "You jerk! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" She laughed. He chuckled, deep in his throat. "I'm sorry but you were sitting there practically drooling I had to do something to snap you out of it." He said with a grin. She giggled as he lightly tickled her through the thin cotton of her dress. She squirmed against his body and attempted to get up and away from him. She got to her knees, pushing on his chest as she straddled one of his thighs. He realized what she was trying to do and gripped her arms so she couldn't get away, a pout on his sweet mouth. "Don't go." He pleaded. She looked down at him, her eyes softening but she only stopped, didn't lay back down. "Why shouldn't I?" She asked challengingly. "Cuz." He said softer. "Cuz why?" She retored as his hands slid up to her shoulders. "Cuz I just thought of a better way to snap you out of it." He said close to a whisper. She leaned more toward him, her fingertips playing with the wet ends of his hair that lay over his chest. "How?" She said quietly. He cupped her face and brought it down to meet his as he raised his head off the bed. "This." He said in a breath against her lips. He kissed her, his lips moving over hers like a dance. His tongue slowly moving over her sensous lower lip. A tiny moan passed through her mouth and escaped into his. His hands stroked her hair back and traveled down her back. She slipped her tongue between his lips and he gripped at her hips as he lay his head back down on the bed. She leaned down to him more, tasting of him again and again. His hands slid over her firm round ass, pulling her against his body. She lay on top of him, her hands diving into his hair and stroking his jaw with her thumb as she lay her long fingers against his neck. He reached down further, skimming his hand over her creamy firm thigh. She could feel him getting hard against her hip and it made her kiss him all the deeper. His fingers crept up under her short dress, following the curve of her hip. Her pelvis moved of it's own volition, responding to his touch. He groaned into the quiet of the room as her body moved against his, teasing his hardening member as she sucked at his throat. He shoved his hand between them, finding the damp crotch of her panties. He wimpered softly from the desire of wanting her and knowing that he just couldn't have her right then. His big warm hand cupped her womanhood over the silky panties, fingers pressing against her intimate folds. He pressed his palm to her, then slid his fingers up to move circles over her clit. Her hand snaked down to her side, her fingers seeking out and finding his stiff cock. His head was tripping out of reality at how good her hands on his body felt. He threw away all sanity and manipulated his hand over her body, diving into her panties and sinking two thick fingers deeply into her aching hole. She cried out, burrying her face into his chest to keep quiet. She pushed against his hand with her hips, her teeth grazing against his neck. She hung tightly onto his shoulder, her other hand fumbling blindly with freeing his manhood. The second she got him out of his confinement she wrapped her hand around him in a tight fist. A growl rumbled from his chest, his hips lifing off the bed to match her rhythm as she pumped him. Hands and mouths hot and wet, the room was spinning from dizzy heads. In short time she quietly moaned against his neck, her words spilling out like glowing embers. "Ohhhh... yes Zac, oh mmm... UHhhnnn...." Her body stiffened as her walls clamped down on his fingers, he slowed his movements, still lightly running his thumb over her quivering clit until she shuddered, her pussy gripping at him so tight and wet. He went overboard and shot his load hard and hot into her hand. "Mmm..." He rumbled. "Gawd baby, that was good." He hoarsely whispered. She nodded on his shoulder, her nose nuzzling against his neck. "Mhmm." She agreed quietly, her hand still softly stroking his softening shaft. He let out a huge shuddering sigh and she giggled. "What?" He asked, confused as to what she found funny. "I can't believe we just did that." She said, laughter lilting on her voice. He too chuckled. "I know what you mean, but it just felt right. I'm not gonna complain." He joked. She let go of him and pushed her self up onto her elbow so she could look him in the eye. "Me neither." She grinned. He slid his hand up her arm and cupped the back of her head, pulling her down and kissing her deeply. When they parted he sighed. "I suppose we'd better get cleaned up and go downstairs. I really don't want them to wait supper on us because I can't keep my hands off you." He chuckled. She giggled, getting up with his help. "Well if you shut up and don't say anything, nobody will ever know." She scolded playfully wagging her finger. His chest heaved with silent chuckle as he stuffed himself back into his jeans. He sat up and eyed her as she walked off to the bathroom. "I'm sorry, but I just don't think it's my mouth that gives it away." He told her. She stopped, her hand on the faucet. "What do you meen?" She asked. He got up off the bed and leaned in the doorway of the bathroom, arms folded over his chest. "I can't take my eyes off you and my mother's always said that I can't hide anything from someone smart enough to see in my eyes." He said quietly. She finnished washing her hands and turned to him as she was wiping them off on the nearby towel. "She was right." She toned softly, reaching up to kiss his hard jaw. She grinned up at him, tossing the towel back to the counter. Then she shoved him toward the sink. "Hurry up, I'm starving." She laughed. He shook his head joining her laughter but did as told. When he went back to the bedroom she was once more sitting on the bed waiting for him. He tossed her a smile and sat down to dress his feet. He stood up, tucking his wallet into his pocket then clipping the chain to his belt loop. He stuffed a few things back into his pockets and reached out a hand for her. She took his hand then they headed downstairs. Mum was the word. Dinner was pleasant, if not quiet. Through the whole meal they held hands under the table, nobody was any the wiser... or so they thought. As Chris was kissing Grandmother goodnight before they left for town, she was sideswiped by the wizened old matriarch. The old woman gripped Chris's hand, stopping the rocker. She looked up into her eyes and got a stern look on her face before she spoke softly to her grand daughter. "Don't let yourself get hurt child. Just because fire is pretty doesn't mean it can't hurt you." Her eyes darting off the porch to the drive where Zac waited, hip leaned against the car beside the drivers door, arms folded over his chest as he gazed out over the stretching horizon. Chris looked to where Grandmother was looking and the realization came over her. She sucked in her breath quietly and swallowed some of the words she wanted to say. "I promise to be careful Grandmother. I'm a big girl and I know how to tend a fire." She said back, her eyes pleading with the woman to hold her tongue to her parents. Grandmother sighed. "If you say so young one. But don't come crying to me with any blisters." She stated firmly. Knowing full well that if her grand daughter did get hurt, no matter what she would still be there for her. But it was just a warning. She wanted her to be careful. Life was too hard and one took too many spills. Everyone had to get a few skinned knees before they learned to walk the fine line. She just hoped she knew what she was getting herself into. She patted Chris's hand and released her, dismissing her without any more words. Chris hurried off to her car, her keys jangling in the quiet evening. "Ready?" She asked, snapping Zac out of his reviere. He smiled, pushing away from the car. "Yup." He said simply, then opened the door, and giving her a hand into the car. She smiled up at him as he shut the door. And he gave her one back, then jogged around to the other side of the car, hopping in and off they went. There really wasn't much in town, he had to admit. But what they found would serve his purposes. The general store was the first place they stopped. She'd told him that he could most likely find jeans at a cheap price. She thought it was kinda funny that he would search out sales and bargin priced stuff. Here was a man who could afford desinger wear, and even owned some already. He just... he seemed like two different people to her. It was difficult for her to associate one with the other. There was the public Zac. The entertainer, the celebrity, the rich guy with clout. Then there was her Zac. The honest man with the good soul. His passion worn like a medal of honor. His simple ways and straight forward mannor endearing. She supposed it was only because she had only seen him in light of one environment. She was pretty sure that eventually she would be able to put her two perspectives of him back to back and make a whole assumption of 'him.' All of this went through her head as they shopped in silence. She made a mental note of it to talk to him later about it. If she was going to get any more involved, and she was already in so deep she didn't know which end was up, then she would have to come to terms of every aspect of his life, as well as he with hers. They left the general store with several brown paper bundles tied up with stiff white string. A chambray shirt and several pair of jeans, a package of bandanas and yes, even a pair of overalls. She wasn't sure if that was something she ever wanted to see him in. Somehow, Zac just didn't strike her as the 'hick' type. But, she shrugged it off and tossed the packages into the trunk. Next they stopped at the corner store and he bought her an ice cream cone while he made a call. He leaned against the wall of the the building, the siding still warm though the night was approaching and the air cooling. With his shoulder pressed to the sun kissed clapboard, his arms folded over his chest with the phone pressed to an ear and his ankles crossed in the dust, he looked like every other average 'Joe.' But he wasn't. Again, she thought it odd that he was using a pay phone. Surely he had a cell phone. And why hadn't he made his call at her house? Curiosity getting the better of her she eaves dropped. "Hey, it's me. I'm still alive. I just called to say that. I'm sorry I haven't called in a few days, I got sidetracked and forgot all about it until I almost tripped over a Tonka truck in a store and it reminded me of home." He chuckled. She remembered that now come to think of it. She smiled, he was missing his family, it made her fall all the more for him. "Ok, so, I guess everyone's gone then. I'll try to remember to call more, I promise Ma. Don't worry 'bout me. I'm fine. I'll be home in time for rehearsals Tay so don't have a cow, smack him for me Ike. Love ya! Bye!" And he hung up the phone. He turned around, shoving his hands into his pockets looking kind of dejected. "Aww... I'm sorry you didn't get to speak to anybody. I'm sure they're missing you too hon." She tried to soothe him, offering him a taste of her icecream. He shrugged, darting his tongue out to lick the creamy confection as it melted and dripped down over the cone. He licked his lips when she took it back. "That's ok. I'm used to it. It's just that I usually have at least one of them around. This time it's a bit different. Last time I took a road trip Ike was with me." He tried to explain. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "But I think this time's better... cuz I got you." He whispered against her neck, punctuating his sentiment with a hot little kiss. She got shivers and she didn't know if it was him or the ice cream running down her wrist. She licked at it before it ran down her arm, then she tossed her half eaten cone to the trash barrel nearby. He took her hand before she could wipe it all away and sucked her fingers of the sweet stickyness. Her eyes were of dark fire as she watched his tongue dart out and slide over her wrist. He pulled his mouth from her delicious flesh, looking up into her eyes with his breath still flowing over her wet skin. "I think we'd better get out of here before I do something rash and get us arrested." He chuckled. She laughed. "It would be fun though." She pointed out. He laughed too. "That wouldn't make for very good press, 'Hanson and his girlfriend arrested for lewd public acts.' Not the way I wan to introduce you to the world." He said with a laugh as they walked back to the car. She stopped dead in her tracks halting their progress. She gave him a questioning look and he read her like a book. He just nodded and gently escorted her to the car. He helped her in and shut the door, leaning down to the open window. She was still in a bit of a daze and he chuckled. "You gonna be ok to drive? Want me to take over?" He offered. She snapped out of it and grinned up to him shaking her head. "No, I'll be ok." She said firmly. He shrugged and went around to the other side of the car. He climbed in and she looked at him, hand on the ignition. "Really?" Was all she said. He laughed, taking her hand in his and pressing it to his chest as he leaned toward her to place a kiss of pure sweetness on her cheek. "Really." He said, his voice deep and foundational. His words steady like a rock. She smiled at him, her eyes closed for a second while she took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again she gave him one last tiny smile and started the car so they could head over to one of the only clothing shops in the sleepy little town. She followed him around the small store as he picked up things, tossing them into the basket she toted. A few t-shirts, a package of sox... then he started rifliling through a rack of boxers. She snickered, her hand over her mouth. "What?" He asked, grinning at her over the colorful plaids and polka dots. "Boxers?" She said, trying to hold back her laughter. He chuckled. "So? I thought everybody knew that... it's on all the websites!" He said sarcasticly. She tried to keep a straight face. "You can't prove that by me." She said cheekily as she darted a glance down to his zipper. He followed her eyes and then looked back up at her realizing what she meant. He laughed, tossing some boxers with little dinosaurs in flourescent green dancing over them into the heap. "Oh! Well... I do sometimes..." He tried to explain. She cracked up, fingering the dino dancers. "I see... and is this just, you know, on special occasions? Or do you go au natural under there for the special occasions?" She tried to bite her lip to keep from laughing. He stuck his tongue out at her as he threw in another pair with Snoopy as 'Joe Cool' and Woodstock marching along in rows across a navy field. "If you must know missy... I usually sleep naked for your information. But once in a while I just don't bother wearing them cuz I don't feel like it... besides... I forgot to pack some in my saddlebags..." He fessed up, finding a pair of purple and white stripped eyesores. She laughed, leaning against him for support as she let the blast of mirth free. "Oh sure... laugh it off! Obviously you've never been caught with your pants down by a motel maid!" He joked. She laughed harder, the tears beginning to flow down her tawny cheeks. He laughed with her, remembering the look on that poor woman's face... just before she fainted. He decided to keep that part of the story out of it for then. People were starting to look at them oddly. He stood her up, a firm grasp to her shoulders. "Get a grip woman!" He joked. She tried to swallow her laughter and take a straight face... it wasn't very successful. Still though she managed to help him find a few more pairs of boxers. Evey one of them more hideous and outrageous then the next. she snikered to herself as she got the mental image of the laundry on the line. The crisp white sheets. The floral towels with the stripped. Row after row of jeans and house dresses. Sox all lined up in a row, toes all pointing in the same direction next to the crazy quilt of shirts and blouses... and the underware. Demure cotton and subtly racy satin panties. An army of plain white briefs... and Zac's cartoon show of boxers. She could not contain the bubble of joy that thought had conjured. She let it out in a last ditch effort to release it and gain her sanity back. He looked at her oddly and shook his head. "I'm involved with a mad woman!" He exclaimed with a bemused chuckle. She couldn't speak, just waved him off to the register. She heard him appologize to the cashier for the... 'fun house antics'... She had to leave the store before she laughed so hard she made herself throw up. He left the store with a smile and a large bag of new clothes. She opened the trunk and he tossed them in, shutting it closed afterward. "So? What now?" She asked. He shrugged. "I don't need anything else. Is there anything you wanted?" He asked back. She thought for a moment then looked up at him. "You?" She said quirkliy. He got a wicked grin on his face and captured her in his arms, leaning them against the car. He pecked her lips. "But you have one of those already. What else?" He asked, kissing her softly again. She giggled when his fingers crept to her sides to tickle her lightly. "I dunno... you in nothing but a bow?" She tried again. He laughed so hard he was weak in the knees. "That could be arranged for the right price!" He teased, choking the words out in his mirth. "Oh promises, promises!" She laughed until she caught hold of herself again. He was still chuckling when she gathered enough where with all to ask her question. "No, really, what do you want to do now?" She reitterated. He shrugged. "I really don't know. I don't want to go anywhere, I just want to spend some time with you alone." He admitted, touching her face gingerly with his rough hewn hand. She turned her head and kissed his palm. She looked up to him. "I think I know a place but..." She looked away, unsure tones in her voice. "Hey, what is it?" He asked. She shrugged. He lay a finger under her chin, turning her face up to his. "What ever it is, just tell me. If I'm anything it's reasonable." He soothed. She sighed. "I just want to talk tonight..." Again she couldn't finnish her thoughts. He wrapped her up in his embrace tighter and she lay her head against him. "It's ok. I understand. That's not the only reason why I want to be alone with you. I can control myself you know." He joked, trying to lighten the mood. She chuckled then looked up to him. He grinned down at her and held up his hand. "I swear!" He said emphaticly. She laughed. "I thought you said you couldn't keep your hands off me?" She teased. He rolled his eyes. "I can't... I've got my hands on you now don't I? I can learn to keep them in proper places I think." He chuckled. She giggled and reached up to kiss him gently. "I think we can both handle that... you're not the only one tempted here you know." She told him slyly. He squeezed her then walked her backwards towards the drivers side door, kissing her all the way there. He reached behind her and opened the door. She slid her tongue over his top lip one last time before she broke away from him. He loosened his hold of her and she stroked his face, looking into his eyes. "Lets go talk about this then." She said finally. He nodded and reluctantly let her go. She got behind the wheel and he shut the door, bending down to steal a last kiss before he jogged around to the other side and hopped in. He sat beside her as the stars began to break out. He played with the radio to find something worthwhile to listen to. Someone from above smiled down on him and he found a classic rock station. He settled back in the seat and watched her as they talked quietly on their way to where ever they were headed. He loved the way her dark eyes sparkled and lit up her whole face when she was excited about something. He adored the little pout that appeared on her lush lips when she thought. Her long slender fingers moved with such grace, it hypnotized him. He never even watched the sceenery and before he knew it she was throwing the car into park and turning to face him. Her smile faded a bit when she looked at him. He reached out to touch her face, wanting to make whatever had caused her trouble to go away. "Tell me, what has you so worried?" He started. She looked out the windshield and sighed. He took her hand into his, sliding the union into her lap. She looked over at him and attempted to smile. She took a breath and began. "Daddy doesn't really hate you, you know?" She started. He nodded, waiting for her to finnish. "It's just... well I'm his only daughter, and he's always been protective of me. He's never liked any of my boyfriends. None of them. He would never give any of them the time of day and was always very intimadating." She tried to explain. He huffed. "No kidding." He said quietly. She smiled at his statement. "But you're different." She told him quickly. His brow knitted. "How so?" He asked. She smiled at him. "For starters, he actually let you stay, and not just because of Grandmother either. Also... when you were at the piano, he was actually enjoying himself. He even let his guard down long enough to sing along. He never sings along unless it's just with Mama!" She confided. Zac had to smile. That was certainly good news. "And one more thing." She added as he waited for her to fill him in. "He let us stop working before him so we could get cleaned up before dinner so we could come to town. He's never let any of my boyfriends stick around long enough to have them help do anything and he's certainly never let me drop work to go out before either." She said, a nod of her head as if to punctuate her statement. He grinned. "So I guess there's hope then huh?" He asked, a bit skepticle still, but if hope was on the horizon, it was something to look forward to. "So then what's bugg'n ya?" He asked, remembering that she needed to discuss things and her face had not looked very happy about it. She sighed agian, her smile slipping away. He wanted to reach out and grab it, hold it there against her lips before it was gone. "Grandmother knows." She said quietly. He was confused. "Knows what?" He asked. She looked straight into his eyes. Her tone serious. "Grandmother is observant and wise. It doesn't take much for her to put two and two together." She said, beating around the bush, not wanting to come right out and say it. He still looked like he had no clue what language she was even speaking. She rolled her eyes and stared straight into his eyes. "Grandmother has twice now commented on our closeness, and both times... just after... um..." She hemmed and hawed. His eyes widened and his mouth drew up into an 'oh.' "Yeah.." She sighed. He grinned. "Perceptive aint she?" He chuckled. "Zac!" She cried, slapping his leg. He laughed, taking up her hand and kissing it. "Sorry, sorry, I just found it kinda funny. Is she like psychic or something?" He joked. She laughed. "Very funny. Like I said, she's just observent." She said once more. He nodded. "Quite. So? Now what?" He asked. She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, are you ok with her knowing? Do you want me to stay away from you? What? Throw me a bone here hon." He tried, a bit exasperated. She took a deep breath. "I definately don't want you to stay away from me." She started. He smiled, kissing her other hand and holding both of her hands in his, in his lap. "I'm not too keen on Grandmother knowing, but I think the horse has already left the barn on that one. Why bother to close the door right?" She asked. He nodded. "If you're sure you can handle this. Will she talk to your parents?" He wondered, his stomach in knots just thinnking about it. She shook her head. "No, but she expects me to." She said with a sick look. He cringed at that. He took a deep breath, his voice stabbing into the dark. "Well, there's not really a reason to talk to them yet, is there?" He asked a bit timidly. She shook her head. "No, not yet, but I'm dreading just having to do it." She admitted. "If and when it happens, and you do end up talking to them, will they freak?" He was scared of the answer. She looked into his eyes. "Mom won't, she know's I'm old enough to handle things myself. Let me tell you the first time I had to have that conversation with her... that had to be the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life!" She sighed. He nodded. "I can only imagine. Did your Dad blow his top?" He asked. She shook her head. "Surprizingly no. But I know something was up because I went to Oregon not long after I told them, to visit my grandparents you see, and when I came back my boyfriend all of a sudden broke up with me. Not exactly a great first experience ya know? I felt really used after he dumped me. I was so pissed and depressed that it took me forever to figure out that my dad was behind it. By that time, it was too late. See what I mean? He's always scarring them off." She huffed, still miffed at herself for the whole fiasco and mad at her dad for pulling that stunt in the first place. He rubbed the backs of her hands soothingly. "Well you don't have to worry about me. I may not be too keen on your dad and all, but I'm not easily intimadated. I deal with masses of people everyday. I can handle it. I'm not going anywhere until you tell me to." He promised. She melted with his words. Melted right into his warm embrace. He was proud she was such a resilliant person. He didn't think he'd ever be able to get through a discussion with his parents about his sex life. He shuddered at the thought. He rubbed her back and whispered into her ear. "It's getting late and we should head back soon. Why don't we get out and enjoy the stars for a while to get our minds off things?" He suggested. She pushed away from him, looking out the window. "I think that's a wonderful idea. You know, there's a blanket in the trunk..." She trailed off, just thinking about stretching out next to him. She knew she needed to keep control of herself. She couldn't let her body control her mind and get carried away. He leaned over and took the keys from the switch. He pecked her cheek, pushing her hair back from her face. "I'll go and get it, and a shirt for you too, it's getting chilly out." He offered. She smiled at him, his gesture so kind. When he opened the door she knew he was right, it was getting cold out. She watched him climb out of the car, then softly close the door behind himself. The dark quiet of the night enveloped her, leaving her feeling empty. She too got out of the car seeking a warm body to curl up next to. She hopped up and down a bit, rubbing her arms in an attempt to keep warm as he searched the packages for what he was looking for. He pulled a large soft blue shirt out of the trunk, holding it up for her to slip into. She quickly put it on, immediately feeling the warmth as her arms slid into the sleeves and his slid around her. He kissed her temple before he released her. He dug the blanket out of the bottom of the heap and carefully closed the lid, pocketing the keys. The blanket over one arm, he held the other out to her. She linked arms with him and they walked away from the car to find a suitable place to lay the blanket. They didn't go far, just to the edge of the road where a hill started. He lay the blanket on the stubbly grass, spreading it out so they would be on a natural incline. He took her hand, kissing the back of it and lowered her down carefully. She sat gracefully, pulling her dress around her body for a bit more warmth, then wrapped the shirt around herself like a blanket. He plunked down next to her, then stretched and lay down. He lay back, his head on his arms, ankles crossed casually. She looked over her shoulder at him as he gazed up to the stars. He was truely a beautiful man. She didn't think she'd ever seen a beautiful man before. Sure she had seen many handsome men, but never a beautiful one before. Perhaps that was what had attracted her. She really didn't care. She was smitten and that was all there was to it. She turned on her hip and cuddled up to his side as she too lay back, gently placing her head on his thick chest. They both sighed, eyes to the skies. They both laughed softly, just enjoying the cool air of the night and the beautiful vistas. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his fingers playing with the ribbon at the end of her braid. He smiled when he remembered that morning as he sat in bed, mesmerized by her. He tugged the ribbon from her hair, dragging it over her shoulders then back over her cheek. She giggled softly. His other hand came out from under his head and snatched up the ribbon, he crammed it into his pocket with a chuckle as his other hand began to sift through her long locks. He untwined the intricate braid, his fingers loving the attention. It didn't take him long before her hair was loose and the breeze picked it up, playing with it like he was. He loved the feel of the strands of silk slipping through his fingers. His hand was still shoved into his pocket and he played with the keys, the soft jangle almost like music under the wide sky. His mind was racing a million miles a minute. He wanted to know everything about her, so he decided to ask her. "Babe?" He said softly. "Hmm? She answered, her nose nuzzling against his warmth. He tightened his arm around her shoulders once more, leaving her hair to run wild in the wind. "You know, it's odd. I feel like I know you so well, but yet, when I stop and think about it, I don't really know that much about you do I?" He pondered. She pushed up, looking down into his serene face. "So, what do you want to know?" She asked with a serious face. He smiled up at her, his hand tangling through her hair. "Everything." He said softly, simply. She smiled down at him. "We can try that." She said with hope. He pulled her down against his side once more. She easily settled beside his hard warmth. The slow soft words spilled out between them. An easy conversation, as if two old friends were just catching up after having been apart for a while. She told him many things, answered every question he asked, relived pieces of her childhood through the telling. And he had reciprocated in like. She could almost feel evey thrill of his ups and shuddered through the downs he portrayed to her in story. The night grew later and colder. He long had since pulled the edges of the blanket around them in efforts to keep warm but not have to leave the beauty of the star sprinkled sky or of her twinkling eyes. He loved to listen to her laugh, realizing that she may have gotten her tall build from her fathers side, but her rare beauty and angelic voice were works of heavenly creation put upon her from her mothers. Sometimes, he would ask her a question just to hear her voice on the wind. It soothed his heart somehow, and it was something he didn't want to give up anytime soon. He had long ago turned on his side, her head cradled on his arm as she pressed against his chest to keep close and stay warm. His eyes passed over her face, evey line and curve. Each tiny flaw melting into an artist's view of perfection. Her noble grace was something inherant in her, and he marveled at it. When she spoke, it was as if she adressed someone of great importance, the regalness of her rich voice taking every effort to portray the importance of her words. He thought back over everytime he had heard her speak. It was the same no matter the person or situation. Even if curse spattered slang tumbled from her mouth, there was still that stance of ancient wisdom laced in there somewhere. He was smiling like the cat that ate the canary all the time he held her, but when that thought crossed his mind he suddenly realized something. His chuckle interrupted her words and she looked at him wondering why he was laughing to himself for she certainly hadn't said anything funny. "What?" She giggled a bit, his mirth contagious. He stroked her face. "I just realized something." He said, tracing a finger over her mouth. She kissed the pad of his thumb as it swept over her lips. "And that would be?" She wondered. His fingers skimmed over her jaw, circling round her ear and gliding back down her throat. "You talk like Grandmother." He said simply, his fingers playing with the lace that topped the bodice of her dress. Her brow creased. "How so?" She asked confused. He chuckled again, his eyes finding hers once more as his hand slid up over her shoulder and burrowed into her long thick hair at the back of her neck. "You have your mother's voice, but your speech mannorisms are like Grandmother. It's like you're royalty." He tried to explain. She cracked up laughing. "What?" She said in a high tone, trying to understand if he was joking or had just gone insane. He laughed a bit too, waiting for her to calm down and listen. When she had settled down enough to pay attention he tried to explain again. "I don't really know anyother way to say this really, but I'm gonna try." He started. She nodded, waiting for his explaination. "See, the way Grandmother carries herself, the impression she makes on everyone is one of someone with great strength. Everyone listens to her because they know that she is wize and everything she has to say is of great importance. Like a queen or something. See?" He asked, hoping she understood where he was going with his line of thinking. "Ok, so...?" She urged him to continue. "Well, you're like her. You have that aura of importance too. It's what makes you attractive to everyone. Sure you're beautiful. That's undeniable. But what makes you attractive, is the way you carry yourself. The grace and ease. You know, like a classic black and white movie, every lady of the highest caliber, only you are more down to earth. It's like you understand something the rest of us don't and we hang on your every word to learn it too." His words hurried but firm in commitment. "Do you see?" He asked hopefully, wanting to explain to her how he saw her. She pushed up into a sitting position, looking down at him. The look on her face thoughtful, her words quiet in the night. "Nobody has ever said anything like that to me before." She said in near awe, her heart soaring from such a grand compliment. "Well it's high time somebody did." He told her matter of factly, his smile warm and real. Her smile sprouted, feeding off his. She leaned down to him, placing her lips on his. Their kiss was long and slow, a taste of nirvana in itself. When she pulled away from him she looked down into his soft brown eyes. They twinkled more then the heavens above filled with inumerable brilliant stars. Her heart filled, she wanted to pour herself into him, every thought and emotion. It was so easy to fall into him. So easy to give in to the dizzyness she always felt when he was near. He touched her cheek, warm flesh against cold, rough on smooth. Under the expanses of the universe they were like two specs in the ocean. Their lusture shone and spun into pearls, one dark, one light, both priceless treasures. The movement of the moment carried the words out. His whisper filling time with joy. "I love you." He didn't even think about it. It just was. Somethings, are just meant to be, not thought over and tinkered with. Somethings, are perfection from the start. His thumb captured the tiny ocean dropping from her eye. He brushed it over the supple skin of her cheek, whisking it away as if it had never been, but the joy that had created it remained, eternal. He raised up on his elbow, bracing it behind him against the hard ground. He pressed to her, soft and sweet. His mouth finding home upon hers. Between her breaths she deepened each kiss. Every kiss drawing out to satisfy the burn in her chest. It only fueled the fire, it was inquenchable. She had no choice but to say what she knew. "I love you too!" It was simple because it was right. His heart exploded with her words. The passion between them making the air sizzle and crackle with electricity. He kissed her so hard he thought for sure he would bruise her, but he just couldn't hold himself back. He needed to take as much of her as he could get, as much as she would let him have. He pulled her onto his lap as he sat up more, needing to have her closer. His arms twining around her possesively, his mouth on hers in a heated expression of his earnest emotions. Several intense moments passed and she pulled away, gasping for breath, her chest heaving against his. She felt weak and lightheaded, laying her back against his arms heavily. He was still hungry for her, needed to taste her, have her close. He drew his ankles up to sit croslegged as his mouth took root on her throat. She wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, her head tilting back to allow his mouth more of her flesh. He devoured her, tasting, biting, his growing moans mingling with hers. He sucked at the space below her ear. "Oh god..." She moaned. His blood heated to boiling, his voice a rumble deep in his chest. "Christine!" And he recaptured her lips, his tongue plunging into her mouth, a force of nature released in their kiss. She could feel the heat of his hardness against her body. She didn't want to be weak and go back on her word to keep control of herself, but he excited her beyond all comprehension. Her body moved over his of it's own will. Writhing in his lap, her hands pulling at his hair in desperation. He groaned, and she knew not if it was pain or pleasure but she could not stop herself. Her fingers tore at the buttons of his shirt, some of them popping off in her urgency to taste and feel more of his skin. Her mouth took to his adams apple, sucking, licking. Her tongue traveling down further as more of his broad firm chest was revealed to the open air. He leaned back for her, reveling in her lavish touch to his body. She found his little pink-brown nipples, touching, teasing, lapping at them. His hands gripped her hips, grinding her down on his stiff shaft. He could feel her heat radiating from her wet panties. She pushed the shirt from his shoulders, forcing him to lie back then she yanked hers off as well. His hair spread out like a halo, his face explicit joy. She surprized him when she took the hem of her dress and pulled it up. He watched the soft cotton pass over her body. How it glided and clung, like it didn't want to leave such a devine entity to be cast aside. He swallowed hard to keep his voice from getting away from him. He fought to keep under control. His hands slid up over her body, moulding to her curves and caressing her every inch of soft skin. He cupped her breasts, thumbs playing over the tight brown nipples. Her head tilted back with the pleasure of it, her back arching and hips grinding into his. He bit his lip to stop the scream from escaping. She was so beautiful. He leaned up to take a nipple into his mouth, rolling it over his tongue and tasting of her honey flavored flesh. Her hands pulled his head closer, not wanting to grant him release any time soon. He tasted of her other nipple, his fingers still teasing so both would be stimulated. She cried out her delight, her hips rocking on him, driving him insane. Suddenly he was pushed away, his mouth still grasping for the addictive flesh of her breasts. He looked up to her and his breath got caught in his throat. Lust lit he face and desire carried her words on her sultry voice. "Make love to me Zac." She whispered breathily, her eyes holding a love he'd never seen before. He swallowed hard, his mind screaming 'no!' but his heart drowning it out with 'yes!' He swallowed, his voice gone, he nodded. His eyes grew wide as he watched her hands skim over his chest, then ripple over his hard stomach. He gulped in air like it was his first breaths when she shoved back, her hands reaching for the button of his jeans. His mind snapped and he quickly grabbed her wrist, startling her. She quickly looked up to his eyes, worried that she had done something wrong. He looked at her steadily, chest heaving from excitement. His voice was gravelly from his want but he needed to say it. "Are you sure this is what you want?" He asked. Her eyes softened and her slight smile shone through, melting away all of the tension. "I do." She whispered, her hand slipping out of his grip and reaching up to stroke along his jaw. "I really do." She assured him. He closed his eyes, overwhelmed with everything, swallowing the lump of realization that he was truely wanted. Not like the rest of the world wanted him. But him, the inside him. The man so rarely seen by anyone except his closest friends and family. This was just... right. So he let it happen. Together they unbuttoned his jeans, tugging them off some as as he lifted his hips. His manhood leapt from within and she gasped involuntarily. She couldn't help herself. She leaned down, her hand wrapping around the thick base. He tensed as he watched, but shuddered when he felt it. She stroked her cheek over the velvety head, the corner of her bottom lip dragging over the underside of the tip. Her breath was hot and wet against his skin when she spoke. "You're so big Zac." Her tongue darting out to catch the drop of liquid joy seeping from the slit. Slowly she stroked him, her hand running up and down over the rigid pole, bumping along ever throbbing vein. Her fingers were working magic but when her lips pressed to the end and kissed him, he thought he'd died. Then he was sure he had when she pushed the fleshy head of his cock past her lips, sucking him in slowly. It was an unbearable confinement. She sucked him slow and hard, her hand helping with the rest of the length. He watched, stunned, as his cock stroked in and out of her mouth. Just when his mind was screaming, she sent it spinning off into another direction. She sucked off him slowly, her tongue swirling over the fleshy head and lapping at the steady stream pouring from him. Her fingers, lips and tongue teasing him beyond comprehension. He couldn't bear it any longer. His body was begging for it. His hand found the back of her head, pulling her toward his body. His voice was gravelly when he spoke. "Please baby, suck my cock please!" He pleaded pitifully. She chuckled, loving the control she held over him. She surprized him, plunging onto his cock fast and hard, bumping the head at the back of her throat. It ripped a scream from him, tearing at his soul. A flood of emotion poured from his body as he spasmed and jerked within her sucking mouth, filling it with white hot seed. She guzzled it down her hungered throat, squeezing and sucking for the last drops of his deliciousness, and still she sucked when he was emptied until he was soft and the heaving of his chest slowed as he lay panting. She smiled as she lay her head on his hip, his now flacid member slipping from her swollen lips. She shivered with the loss of adrenelin and he silently pulled the blanket over her as he waited to catch his breath. Never had he felt anything like that before. His fingers stroked through her long hair in adoration as hers drew little pictures on his thick thigh. He could feel her breath washing over the wet flesh below his waist, the sheen of sweat on his body cooling him in the chilled night air. He started to feel the goosebumps and moved to warm up. She stirred, her head raising lazily when she looked up to him with a sly grin. He chuckled, touching her face. "That wasn't fair you know?" He told her. She shrugged, sliding her body along his to lay on his arm and bring the blanket around the both of them. She snuggled up against him, drinking in the warmth of his body and stopping hers from shivering. He began to wiggle beside her and she giggled as she watched him wriggle out of his jeans and boots. He was naked save for his socks. She looked down at his feet then back up to him. "What? My feet are cold!" He defended. She laughed, then kissed him. They huddled together, pressed body against body under the blanket in the chill of the night. He held her and touched her. Kissing her where ever he longed to taste of her. The kisses becomming more passionate. The touches more desperate. Soon though she felt the familiar press of his hardness against her hip. His mouth dipped down and sucked at her neck, his hands teasing her stiff nipples and making her moan. He moved over her and she parted her legs to let him settle. She began to ache for him, to fill her and fulfill her. He pressed his hot thick member against her center, her panties the only thing between them. He groaned when she thrusted back. His hands slid down her body, finding her hips and his mouth moved down to catch her breasts, one tight bud at a time. He lapped at them, swirling his tongue over and around them making her writhe against him. He pinched and rolled one as he sucked at the other. Her hands wrapped in his hair through her delight. She wimpered when he pulled away from them but her breath hitched when she realized where he was heading. Slowly he disappeared under the blanket. His tongue traveling over her body with his hands on his way down. He lay tiny kisses over her firm flat belly, nuzzling into the softness and lapping at her navel. His fingers hitched into her panties, drawing them down over her hips as his tongue searched beneath the silky material. They slid down over her long legs and were lost in the tangle of clothes and blanket. His palms pressed against her inner thighs, spreading her legs wide enough to settle his broad shoulders between them. His fingers smoothed over her damp folds, dipping into the slickness. She was panting so hard she was dizzy. His big thick fingers touched her delicately, caressing and swirling over her, then plunged deeply into her aching center. She cried out from the thrill of it. "Oh!" Slowly he moved his fingers in and out of her hot wet hole, crowded from her tightness. She could feel his hair brushing over her thigh as he still teased her. Kissing and lapping at her tummy. Sucking at the flesh of her thigh. Her hips began to move on his hand, the rhythm comming naturally. He stroked her close to oblivian then darted out his tongue, flicking it against her swollen clit. "Ahh!" She cried out her surprize. She moved faster, her urgency building. He slipped his fingers from her, dipping his tongue into her sweet cave. She moaned when she felt the strong muscle moving in and out of her pussy. His slippery fingers found her quivering nub, turning circles around it, making her groan. His hands pushed at her thighs again, fingers spreading her folds open for his mouth. He plunged his tongue into her, sliding it back out and flicking it against her clit before diving back into her deeply. "Oh Zac!" She cried out. Again and again he assulted her, making her hips buck at him. She was going insane wanting the release he promised just over the edge of sanity. With suddeness he shoved two of his fingers into her so far she thought she could feel them in the back of her throat. But she screamed when his lips clamped over her aching clit, sucking greedily and flicking his tongue mercilessly over and over against her. She came so hard she lost her breath. Her walls so tight on his fingers he growled against her clit, making her spasm again with a second orgasm. She thought she'd pass out from the exhillaration of it. With grace of good fortune she sucked in a deep breath before she blacked out. Her fingers loosened their hold on his hair, relaxing in the thickness of gold. Her whole body shuddered, still he laped at her gently. Tiny licks to taste of her. Gingerly he slipped his fingers from her, sucking her juices from them, then dipping his tongue into her center for more of her slick sweetness. Her body felt heavy, sated. But she knew, by the way his hands kneaded at her hips, he wanted more, was ready for more now. He was lazily licking at her hot center, his head laying against her. She stroked his hair from his face under the blanket with one hand as she raised the edge of the blanket with the other. When the cool air his his face he looked up at her, his tongue still dragging over her wetness. She smiled down at him, his head laying against her body, hair pooling around his shoulders as he cradled her hips. The pink of his tongue the same hue in the darkness as her inner folds that he still held back with strong fingers. His tongue stilled for a moment on her flesh. "You taste so fucking good." He sighed against her, then lapped again at her clit almost painfully. Her head tipped back, her back arching as the thrill passed through her. One last long lap over her, a kiss to her clit ending his mouths contact. He pushed himself up, getting to his knees between her open legs. She sat up a bit, bracing her elbows behind her. He sat back on his haunches, his proud erection jutting between them. She couldn't help but lick her lips. He wiped his chin on the back of his hand of her wetness. His eyes boring into hers. They both knew what was comming next, they planned on taking it slowly. His eyes were nearly the same shade as hers, burning with his desire. He slowly reached out to touch her, his fingers stroking over her skin. Up the valley between her heaving breasts. Over her creamy smooth throat. Along the line of her sculpted jaw. Breezing over her ear and slipping into the tangle of her hair. He cupped the back of her head, leaning to her as he drew her up to him some. A kiss of simplicity was begun. It soon blossomed into one of love, tinges of lust edged in, opening the floodgates of desperation. She had been satisfied of him, twice even, yet she found herself wanting more already. This was something she had never experienced before. He lay her back gently as his body covered hers. Her legs comming up to clasp around his waist, drawing him toward her body. Her hands smoothed up his large arms and weaved through his long blonde hair. He broke away from her kiss, his breath comming quick he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I love you Christine." She shivered, from the erotic tone laced in his voice and from the thrill of knowing how much he cared for her, how strongly he felt about her. She lay a sucking little kiss on his neck, her tongue gliding down onto his shoulder where she niped at the hard flesh. "I love you too Zac." She returned, her eyes finding his. His body loomed over hers, ready, waiting, wanting. In one smooth movement, their eyes never leaving each other, he slid into her. She bit her lip, holding back her grasp on sanity. He slowly sank into her, so deep, so fully. He reached further then any man she'd ever had before, filled her to a the point of aching almost with his thickness. Her back arched, the feeling of being completely filled more then she knew how to cope with. He lay still, cradled within her hips. His breath short and sweat breaking out on his brow. "Jesus baby you're tight." His words a moan. His eyes closed for a moment, while he tried to calm his raging body. He had only slipped in, her body taking him to the hilt like no other woman he'd ever lain with before. He was so close to cumming he franticly fought the urge, just concentrated on his breathing. Her hands roamed over his arms and shoudlers, stroking his skin lovingly as he held himself above her. He flicked his hair to one side of his head and opened his eyes, looking down at her. Her small smile twisted his heart into a knot. He smiled back, his hips beginning a slow steady paced rhythm. She rocked her hips with his, their motion like an ancient dance. He lowered himself down onto his elbows, his body pressing to hers more. Steepling her knees at his hips she placed her feet flat to the ground. Euphoria shot through her body with his every stroke then. He felt her stiffened nipples gliding along his sweat slicked chest and he swelled within her even more. He was nearly painfully hard within her. He began to grind his hips in little circles over her, loving the look on her face as he watched her. This was not going to last as long as either one of them had planned on. It felt too good, it was overwhelming. Her walls began to tighten around him and he thought he'd go insane. His hips pistoned faster, his hot hard cock slamming into her. He leaned down even further, the base of his cock grinding against her swollen clit as he sucked at her neck, her sweet scent taking him dangerously close to the edge. "Ohhhh... Zac...." She wimpered. She was so close, so wet and tight. Her hot hole stroking his rock hard rod so tight he gnashed his teeth to keep from biting her. "Cum Chris, come on baby I need to feel it please! Cum on my cock and take me with you! God baby please!" He begged, his voice strained to a growl in her ear. He pumped her hard and fast, impaling her on his shaft. "Oh!" She cried out, her moan filling the night with the rest of the air she held in her lungs. "Mmmm...." She came hard and long, her cunt gripping at him fiercely. He tumbled over the edge of reality from her tug. "FUCK!" His head tipped back he yelled, shooting his load deep into her, the warmth filling her. His body shuddered as his cock spasmed within her tight confines. She stilled her body, but her hands still stroked over the sweaty knots of muscles on his arms and up into his hair. He lay against her heavily, chest heaving, his head lain against her shoulder in exhaustion. She turned her head and kissed his cheek. He lifted his head tiredly and smiled at her, pecking her lips affectionately. He groaned when he raised himself from crushing her any longer. He pulled out of her body, his softening member spent. He rolled to the side of her, bringing her along with him and making her laugh. He chuckled, wraping his arms around her and kissing her forehead. She lay against his chest, her hands on his shoulders and her legs tangled with his. He found the edge of the blanket and wrapped them up in it to keep the shivers at bay. She nuzzled her nose against his still hot body, her tongue darting out to lap at his nipple then sliding up towards his neck as she followed a trail of dripping sweat. She sucked at his neck. "Mmmm..." He rumbled. "God baby you make me feel so good." He hushed. He felt her smile against his skin and she kissed him beneath his ear then whispered. "We shouldn't fall asleep out here you know. There's snakes and stuff. Besides, we've got to get up early to start clearing the new hay field. He groaned whiningly. "Oh... but I don't wanna get up." He pouted. She giggled, poking her finger at his pout but it popped back out. "I know, but we really should go home and you know it. Who's gonna take care of the horses in the morning if I'm not there? Certainly not Roy. He's incapable of training a horse for the simple fact that he's scared of them. And Daddy's too busy." Zac chuckled, his eyes still closed but his smile easy as he held her against his body. "Roy's afraid of horses? That's a riot! What the hell is he doing on a ranch then?" He asked. She laughed too, the vibration of her voice against his chest tickling him. "He was born there silly! We were raised on the reservation. All of us were, well, except Mama. She was born in Oregon. But every generation of Watersongs has been born and bread there since the railroad cut up Texas." She told him. He thought back to the picture on the wall in the room he used. He opened his eyes, taking in the sight of all the heavens above before lowering his gaze to heaven on earth, her face. "Who was Papa?" He asked. She smiled wistfully. "He was Grandmothers grandfather. He worked the rails and built our house." She said proudly. "He was in that picture over the dresser wasn't he?" He could just picture the tall dark man in the crushed stove pipe hat. His eyes were familiar, they were like Roy's and her fathers too. She nodded, and knew that he knew exactly which one he was too. "Wasn't he handsome?" She asked, her voice tired and dreamy. He chuckled when she yawned. "I wouldn't know. I'm not much of a judge on men being handsome. But I can say, as an artist that is, that he held himself nobaly." He said with confidence. She nodded, her eyes slipping shut as she nestled against him. "He was a very proud man." She agreed, her voice growing distant. He chuckled and shook her shoulder. "Hey! We can't fall asleep out here remember? Or did that only apply to me?" He joked. Her eyes opened and she grinned lopsidedly up at him. He'd never seen that smile before, and he decided he liked it. "What time is it?" She wondered aloud. He looked up to the sky, his voice holding the awe he felt for the view. "If I had to guess, I'd say close to two." He shrugged, the raised his arm above them and reached up to click on the little light on his watch. He chuckled. "I was close... It's two thirty seven." He said, the little light clicking off and his arms going back around her. She pressed her face into his chest and moaned. "Oh god! We're never gonna make it through tomarrow!" She whined her complaint. He laughed. "Aww, come on babe, I've done three hour concerts on less sleep. Let's get dressed and head back." He urged as he watched her eyes drop again. "Enh!" She wimpered. He chuckled and lifted her chin up as she slowly opened her tired eyes. He leaned down and kissed her. Tasting of her lips and swirling his tongue around hers inside her mouth to entice her. The kiss became ardent and she began to suck on his tongue, making him moan a bit. He pulled away from her, stroking her hair back from her face. "Oh come on, don't start that again! We gotta get home!" He laughed, she joined him. "I'm sorry but you taste so good!" She pouted. He smiled down at her as she lay against his chest, his lips curled coyly. "Not half as good as you do I bet." He teased. She closed her eyes and swallowed a moan as she remembered his mouth on her intimately and how he'd brought her to orgasm so hard and fast, not once but twice! She took a deep breath and pushed herself up on his chest. She looked down at him, her black hair spilling on the breeze. He was caught off guard by her beauty, he always was. Her fingers traced the line of his hard jaw, rubbing the pad of her thumb over his thick lips. "It's time to leave love." Her eyes softer then her voice even. He was powerless to resist her. If she'd asked him for the world on a string at that moment he'd have done it. When she had called him love... it did something to him that he just couldn't explain. He sat up, burrying his finger in the tangled hair at the back of her neck. He drew her towards him and bent to take a taste of her mouth. He kissed her, only once, but thouroughly. He let her mouth go and took a deep breath, licking his lips of her taste. "I do love you Christine, of that I'm sure." He stated beyond a doubt. She sat up on her knees, his hand falling away from cradleing her head. She knelt before him in her nakedness, her soul revealed to him in her eyes. A chill of a breeze passed over her body and her stiffened nipples ached, but it paled in comparison to his words. "I'm glad you're so sure, but have no doubts that I love you as well." She offered. He shook his head, reaching out his hand to rub at her arm and warm her some. "Never." He said quietly, his face serious, etched in stone. She smiled and he reflected it. "I guess this means that it's time for that talk again huh?" He said getting to his knees and chuckling She groaned and watched him get to his feet. He loomed above her, over bearing in his glorious nudity. He reached out to her and helped her get to her feet. He held her for a moment then again she was cold as he stepped away from her. "What? You're not afraid are you?" He asked, bending to pick up a flimsy cotton dress then handed it to her. "Of my parents? Hardly." She scoffed as she pulled her dress over her head. She laughed to herself as she watched him get to his knees and search through the tangled mess for her panties, he was still naked except for his socks. He snatched them from the rubble and handed them to her as he sat on his knees and looked up to her, watching her put them on. "So what is it then?" He tried then reached for the shirt she had been wearing. He got up with it in his hands, bending down for his jeans as he took a step towards her. She took the shirt and he poured himself back into his pants. "I dunno? Perhaps that every time I've had to do this I've ended up alone after the guy goes running off, screaming into the night?" She said sarcasticly as she pulled the shirt around herself. He carefully tugged the zipper of his jeans up and looked up to her as he buttoned them. "Babe, I told you not to worry about that." He tried to soothe, reaching out to cup her face in his large hand. She pressed to his palm, her hand comming up to cover his as he stepped closer to her. He pulled her into his arms and she lay her head against his chest. He rested his chin atop of her silky hair. "I know." She sighed. "I just can't help it. It's always been the same and no matter how many times I throw a tantrum, Daddy still does it." He stroked her hair and held her tight. She pushed away from him and looked up to his eyes. "This time will be different." She stated emphaticly. "I'm not a little girl anymore, it's time I told Daddy that." She stated boldly as she turned from him, bending down and picking up his shirt. She turned around and held it out to him. He reached for it slowly as he listened to her continue her rant. "I'm just going to have to put my foot down and tell him that *this* time, there's no point in trying his tactics because not only will it not work on you, it won't work on me either!" He slipped his shirt on and watched her, her body movements becoming heated and her attitude getting fiesty. "He's just going to have to accept it this time, no matter what! I'm not going to be childish and throw a temper tantrum because I don't get my own way!" She rattled off as she scooped up her shoes from where they'd fallen off. He plunked his ass down hard on the ground and reached for his boots. She whirled around, one shoe on and pointing at him with her other one. "You mark my words! This time Daddy is not going to win this little battle of the wills! I won't let him! This time I actually care for the guy he has it out for." He nodded mutely as he shoved his feet into his heavy boots and stood up once more. She was still waving about her shoe like a baton, using it to punctuate her every exclaimation. "He doesn't need to make a target out of every one of my boyfriends! It's different this time I tell you! Different because I love you damn it!" Her voice had risen to yelling and she stopped suddenly as she leaned on his arm, standing on one foot as she pushed her shoe on. Suddenly she the realization hit her, and hard. Her voice grew so soft he hardly heard her as he steadied her and her foot slipped back to the earth. "I love you..." She toned. He smiled as she let go of him. Dazedly she turned to him, looked up at his grin. Her eyes searching for a speck of reality in his. "I love you..." She repeated. He nodded, smoothing his hands up her arms and drawing her by the shoulders against his body. "Mhmm." He said quietly. He held her and she wrapped her arms around his waist tightly, her hands smoothing up his tight back. The wind blew cold against the little hill, whipping their hair around, making it stingingly slap into their faces and making their eyes water. She shivered against him and wondered why he wasn't as cold as she was. "Cold babe?" He asked almost as if reading her mind. She nodded and stepped away from him. He pushed her hair away from her face, smoothing it over her shoulderss and caressing the back of her head. He kissed her forehead and stepped back, his hand smoothing down her arm and taking her hand. "Let's get you home." He said quietly. She nodded again, sleepy from all of the chaos she had just run through. He smiled down at her and bent down to grab the blanket from the ground. A flick of his wrist and he shook it out. One handed he tossed it over his arm and walked her back to the car. He dug in his pocket for the keys while he opened the back door, tossing the blanket in. She opened the passenger door and turned to him. "You don't mind driving back to the house do you? I think I'm too sleepy to drive safely." She explained. He shrugged. "Sure babe." She gave him a smile and climbed into the car tiredly. He got in on the drivers side and slid behind the wheel. "One thing though." He said before he started the car. She turned to him expectantly. "How do I get there?" He asked with a grin. She rolled her eyes and shoved at his chest. "Back out of her and go to the left." She said through her laughter pointing in the right direction. His eyes followed her finger then back to her face. "Go to the end of the road, take a right and you'll be on the road we took when you took me home yesterday." She explained. He nodded in understanding and knew exactly where to go. He started the car and the soft music leapt to life. He backed out of the spot she had parked in and left his arm on the back of the seat. He headed off down the road as he pulled her over to him by the shoulders. She snuggled up next to him, laying her head on his chest. "Go to sleep babe. I'll wake you when we get there." He offered. She placed her hand before her mouth and yawned daintily. "Ok." She said as her eyes dropped again. She slept all the way there. He pulled into the yard behind her father's pickup that sat behind his motorcyle that had never gotten moved. He awkwardly reached over and shut off the car, the lights and music dying in unison. The quiet of the ranch was tangible, the stretching vistas breathtaking. It looked like the sky was so wide it could swallow up the whole of the earth in one bite. He breathed deep, his head laying on hers. He turned his head and lay a soft kiss against her raven hued hair. He hated to wake her, but knew it was for the best. His whisper against her hair was warm. "Babe..." He said, his lips still brushing the top of her head. "Baby, wake up, you're home..." He tried again. She stirred a bit, then nestled into him more. He chuckled. "Baby, you gotta wake up so you can get into bed." He smiled, squeezing her shoulders to shake her a bit. "Mmmm..." She whined. He laughed. "I know... come on baby, I'll take you to bed." He promised. She laughed gently, her eyes still closed and her smile slow. "I bet you will." She teased. He laughed too. "I'd love to, but you wear me out woman! I gotta catch some sleep or I'm gonna be a zombie tomarrow." He teased back. She reluctantly opened her eyes, stretching her body against his. "I'm the one sleeping already cuz I couldn't keep my eyes open... who wears out whom?" She asked with a grin. He chuckled. "Point taken." He conceeded and opened the door. He climbed out of the car and reached his hand to her. She slid across the seat and followed him, pulling the shirt around her body more. "Brrr." She joked. He laughed. "You think this is cold? Try freaking Norway! Last year I went back there for the first time since Ike got married and damn near froze my ass off visiting her relatives for two weeks in winter!" He complained as he opened the trunk and she began loading up his arms with his purchases. She laughed. "Well you probably went around in a t-shirt and jeans... try wearing a coat next time!" She teased as she took the keys from the trunk and shut it. He rolled his eyes as they headed to the house as she took a few things from his burdon. "Oh please! I had a freak'n parka and electric mittens and I still froze my ass off!" He exclaimed. "Shhh!" She giggled as they neared the house. He chuckled under his breath as she fumbled to get the door open. She finally did and threw it open for him to pass. He entered the house quietly and waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. She walked past him and headed up the stairs. He watched her take a few steps, his mind on the movement of her ass in front of him. She looked over her shoulder, a grin on her face when she realized what he was doing. "You comming?" She asked. He chuckled softly. "I might if you keep swing'n it like that baby. Damn you got curves!" He cried softly, blatantly eyeing her ass. She laughed and shook her head then waited for him when she got to the top of the stairs. He took the stairs two at a time to get to her faster so she wouldn't have to wait for so long. He smiled down at her and jerked his head to the left. "Help me get this junk to my room?" He asked. She nodded and began to follow him down the hall. When they got to his door they stopped and she pulled the door open for him. He went into the room and tossed his things to the floor near the dresser with a heavy sigh. She entered too and placed them on the floor gently beside his pile of loot. She watched him tiredly plunk his ass down into the old leather chair beside the fireplace. He yanked off his boots and peeled the socks away from his feet, then he pulled his shirt over his head. She walked over to him and stood before him as he rubbed his eyes. "Tired huh love?" She said softly. He nodded then looked up into her face. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her hips, drawing her near him. He lay his head against her tummy and closed his eyes. She stroked his hair back from his face, her hand running over his broad shoulders soothingly. She bent over and kissed the top of his head. "Then go to bed silly!" She said with a laugh. He chuckled too, leaning back in his chair and dragging her along with him. She laughed softly as she sat in the chair with him, he'd scooped her up in his arms and turned her legs to hang off the side of the chair. His big arm wrapped around her hips comfortably, the other one roaming her body. "You just can't behave can you?" She teased. He laughed. "Do I have to? You're the one that started it last time." He accused. She rolled her eyes. "That's not fair." She whined. "How do you expect a woman not to turn into a puddle at your feet and want to make love to you when you say all the things you said to me tonight?" She querried rhetorically. He laughed again. "You're just full of spunk tonight huh?" He asked with a grin. She just laughed and slid off his lap. She stood up and looked down to him. "It's late, and I don't think it would be a good idea to give everyone a heart attack by finding me in here in the morning." She explained, hanging onto his big hand. He nodded, knowing she was right but still not liking it any better. She bent and kissed his lips softly. Then she stood up and her fingers slid through his. "Night love." She whispered. "See you in the morning." He promised. She slowly walked away, stopping to blow him a kiss at the door. Then she slipped out of the room like an abborition. He took a shakey breath and yanked open the buttons of his jeans. He tugged them off and lay them on the chair, then craweled into the bed, falling asleep with a wide smile fixed permenantly to his delicious lips. Every dream he had was of her. She filled his heart, occupied his mind and made his body scream for wanting to be close to her. He knew he was hopelessly in love, and he was ecstatic about it... now if only he could get her dad to warm up... Morning seemed like it came way too early, but he was awakened in such a pleasant way... he didn't seem to mind any more. "Mmm..." He rumbled with his eyes still closed. A tongue danced over his skin and lips kissed up his neck. He wrapped his arms around a warm body and a mouth began to suck gently on his earlobe. "Oh man... this is way too good to be a dream like all the rest." He breathed. A melodic voice giggled softly in his ear and made him chuckle from it's ticklishness. He opened his eyes as he stretched his body, pressing his arousal against a firm thigh. Her dark eyes shone at him as she lay her head next to him. "Good morning love." She purred, her hip moving against his hardness. "Morning." He croaked. His eyes sank shut and a tiny moan escaped him. He licked his lips, great concentration painting his face. He started to pant when her hand snaked down his body and took a firm hold on his manhood. "Fuck..." He said so low she couldn't really hear him. She stroked him slowly, her mouth perching on his adams apple and sucking gently. His hips thrust at her gently, helping to stimulate himself with her easy strokes. His hands blindly found her breasts, shoving away the barrier of material that he encountered. He rolled her nipples, loving how they contracted and stiffened beneath his fingers. Still he had not opened his eyes, it just felt too good and he was concentrating on apeasing that burning ache in the bowels of his belly. He heard her wimper and his eyes shot open when he felt her pulling away. His mind screamed 'no!' and his hand nearly took up where hers had left off. He was so hot he didn't know what was going on, he only knew that his impending release was too close to let it slip away. His hands fell away from her body as she got to her knees, so he put them to use. One immediately went to his throbbing member, stroking it, teasing the head. The other, gripped at her hip, as if begging her to continue and put him out of his misery. His eyes widened in understanding as he watched her body being revealed to him in the soft morning light. She pulled her nightie over her head and dropped it to the floor. Her angered nipples jutting out proudly, enticeing him and making his mouth water. He let go of his aching prick and sat up to take a nipple between his lips. Sucking gently at it, his body enduring a rush of electricity when she moaned loudly. His hand crept up from her waist and he teased the other nipple like his mouth was. Her back arched and he wrapped his arm around her waist, lifting her into his lap. She parted her legs and stradled him as he released her, his hand slipping between her now splayed legs. He waste no time and dug a finger into her hole. She cried out, bucking against him. He slipped another in and stroked her walls, his thumb dragging through the slick juices and rubbing into her clit. She wimpered with want. he was about to burst she was making him so hot. He tore his lips from her, his fingers working her pussy furiously he looked into her extasy ridden face. His voice husky with his desire. "Ride me Chris..." He pleaded. She could only nod, slowly pushing his hands away from her body. She wimpered a bit when his fingers slid from her swollen lips and she watched him slip them between his lips and suck on them. She perched above him, her body writheing with anticipation. She pushed at his shoulder and he lay back as she directed. He gripped her hips, his eyes going down to the place where their bodies were about to be joined, he held his breath. Her center poised just over the swollen purple head of his shaft, her fingers splayed over his chest as she leaned down a bit and watched too. Slowly she lowered her hips, impaling herself on his hot hard cock. When she was filled they both let out a breathy moan, their eyes flying to meet one another. He reached up and kissed her hard, tongue plunging into her mouth like his cock was. Her hips undulated over his, the steady slow stroke maddening to his mind. He loved it. She leaned down further to him and he put his head back on the pillow. She was sucking and kissing, anywhere her mouth could reach on his face and neck. Her fingers were digging into the flesh of his shoulders and his pelvis thrusted up to her, making her desperation grow. She cried out and sat up quick, her body moving fast and hot, bouncing on his pole. He gripped her hips, helping her off and on his swollen organ, thrusting with her. He watched her above him, riding him like that was the only place she belonged, because it was. The extasy of her face pushed him so close to the edge, he had to bite his lip to make it last that much longer, not wanting to give up the incredible feelings she was letting him experience. Her hands covered his and pulled them away, lacing his fingers with hers, helping to hold her up as she shoved her body at his. He couldn't take it anymore, he was beyond the point of being able to hold back his passion anymore when he felt her tightening almost unbearably so around his thick cock. He sat up swiftly, one hand going around her waist as they moved together while the other one stayed clasped with hers, their union meshing in all ways. She squeezed his fingers, her ultimate pleasure gaining more as she rode his steel hard rod. His mouth sought out trickles of sweat to suck at, following the cascade to her over stimulated nipples. He dipped his head and sucked at her taught brown bud, making her cry out and pull at his hair. Her whole body stiffened and he couldn't feel anything else but the gripping of her pussy on his cock. His head tossed back and he came hard, body spasming and shuddering with the great release of volley after volley of hot cum. They collapsed against eachother, sweat slicked and exhausted as the thrill ebbed away to bearable and their breath slowed to where they could finally take in great gulps of needed air. He lay against her chest, his nose nuzzling the damp skin there. Her cheek was pressed to the top of his head, she turned and placed a kiss there. She pulled back and looked into his heavy eyes, his face serene and sated. "I love you." She said quietly. He grinned at her. "Apparently so." He chuckled. She rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully. He wrapped both of his arms around her waist and pressed his smile to her neck. "I love you too baby, very much." He told her. While he kissed up and down her neck she pushed his hair back, letting it cascade down his back, gold on bronze. He breathed deeply of her scent that made him dizzy with delight, then a thought occured to him. "Babe?" He said, still laying a path of kisses to her caramel flesh. "Hmm?" She returned, her hands skimming over his thick muscled shoulders. "Where the hell is everyone, and what time is it?" He asked making her laugh. He pulled away from her addictive skin and looked into her face. She stroked his cheek lovingly and smiled. "Mama and Daddy went to town to an appointment at the bank, Grandmother is over at Sue Ellen's, she was called away last night when Grace went into labor, and Roy is mucking the stables." She said all in one breath. He chuckled. "So, what time is it? I thought we had to get started on the hayfield." He said, his tongue darting out to punctuate his sentence and lick at her wrist while she held his face. She giggled for it tickled. "It's around nine. I let you sleep as long as I could stand it." She said, her fingers tracing over his lucious mouth. He kissed the pad of her finger, speaking against it. "What about the hayfield?" He asked again. She shrugged. "Daddy said not to do anything until he got back." She told him, then placed a soft kiss on the end of his nose. "I see." He said thoughtfully. "So, when do we get started on the work then?" He asked, his mind whirring to the possibilities. She saw the look in his eyes and giggled. "Down boy, I know what you're thinking!" She accused, tweaking his nose. He chuckled. "You do, do you? Tell me then oh wise one!" He joked. She laughed, pulling away from him a bit and starting to get to her knees. He held her, not wanting to leave her body yet though his softening member lay still within her. "Well..." She started. "I don't know exactly what you're thinking... but I know what you ought to be thinking." She offered. "I'll bite, what should I be thinking?" He countered. She pouted, so he let her go, unwillingly. She got up from his lap as she spoke. "You should be thinking about taking a bath with me, then putting away your stuff while I start a load of laundry and get your dirty clothes down to me to wash, then I will make you some breakfast... sorta lunch, depending on your point of view." She finnished with a nod. He laughed. "I should huh? Sounds good to me. I think I like your way of thinking, but I'll let you in on a little secret..." He teased as he watched her walk naked into the bathroom, the sun glinting off her bare bottom. "What I was thinking would have been a hell of a lot more fun!" His voice full of lust and merryment. She stuck her head back into the room and eyed him as he too got up from the bed. "Really now? Perhaps we shall have to try out your ideas later on." She teased, her eyes washing down over his body as he yawned and stretched. His arms curled up behind his head, his stomach tensed, his back arched. She looked back up into his eyes, hers conveying lively mischief. "You know, you make it really hard to keep my hands off you. How the hell am I supposed to get through the day without throwing you to the ground and fucking you senseless?" She purred, licking her lips. He laughed, sauntering toward her. He cupped her face and reached down to kiss her, licking at her top lip before pulling away. "That sounds like fun too. Maybe we can try everything!" He mused. She crinkled up her nose grinning up at him. "I'm sure as hell gonna try!" She nearly squealed. He laughed and watched her walk away, bending over the tub. He growled. "Damnit woman! Why you gotta look so good?" He moaned. She looked over her shoulder at him as she held her hair to one side and her fingers of her other hand played in the stream of water from the faucet to check the temperature. Her grin was mischievious. She reached to the window sill and grabed a bottle. She unscrewed the cap and poured a perfumed measure of the contents into the tub. A frothy foam immediately began to billow up. She stood up and turned around, holding her hand out to him. He grinned back and took the short few steps to her, taking her hand. "Come on, I'll wash your hair and you can wash mine." She whispered in offering as he pressed nearer to her. His voice was husky as his desire started to stir again. "I don't know what I did to deserve you... but I'm sure glad I found you." He said quietly in the hollowness of the room, their clasped fingers reaching up and he traced her cheek with one of his. She kissed his hand and took a step back. She dropped their hands between them and turned around to reach into the tub and test the water. She hung onto him and stepped into the tub. She stood before him, holding his hand still, waiting. He too stepped into the tub and placed a tender kiss on her lips as they lowered together into the water. He sat back and stretched out his long limbs, pulling her to rest her hips between his open legs. She leaned her back against his chest and they both sighed as the tub continued to fill up. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to the back of her neck. She reached forward a bit and handed him a bottle over her shoulder. He took it and fliped open the cap as she reached for a pitcher from a near by shelf. She filled it from the still running faucet and poured it over her head. He licked the dryness from his mouth at the sight and swallowed the moan that played at his lips. He poured a lavish amount of shampoo into his hand and caressed her as he washed her hair. Several pitchers of water later and he could no longer hold back the low rumble in his chest when she poured the water over her head. She turned around, water still dripping off her pointed long lashes. "Your turn now." She said softly making his stiff shaft ache. She knelt before him and coaxed him to lean forward, pulling on his thick neck. He neared him and she granted him one small soft kiss, but no more. It left him wanting so much more. "Close your eyes." She gently demanded. He did, picturing how she looked slippery wet and glistening in the morning shine through the window. She poured the warm water over his head and he heard her catching her breath. It made him moan softly. Moments later he felt her near and then, she was pressed to him, her hands in his hair. Her long fingers stroking through the thickness and tangling the soap bubbles amongst the blonde strands. She scrubed away every tension as he held her close, arms loose around her waist. Then she pulled back and he heard the pitcher filling again. Her hand to his shoulder and she slowly poured it over his head, watching the cascade of lather run down his deeply tanned broad chest. Again and again she poured warm water over him until he felt her fingers running through it and heard the little squeek of his sleek hair. Then he opened his eyes and drank her in. Her graceful beauty, the way she moved silently like she had always been in that time and space so she knew it well. She turned off the faucet and fixed the drain to hold the water in the tub, most of the pillowed clouds of bubbles long since gone, only scattered little islands that clung to her brown skin remained. He reached for her, drawing her into a kiss. She pressed to him, feeling his body against hers and his want of her. She didn't speak, for she needed no words. She reached behind him and came back with a soft cloth and a bar of soap. Gently she washed his face, her fingers following every contour and line. Tracing over the arch of his brow, the dip of his cleft chin, the curve of his ear. He took the bar of soap from her as she tenderly rubbed at his throat. He turned a bit and got a cloth of his own, turning back around as her hands washed over his chest and back up to pass over each shoulder. She stopped for a moment, letting him show his devotion to her. He followed her movements, mimicing her gesture for gesture until he had caught up with her. Then she took another turn. She pressed her body to his tightly, her arms going around to his back and running the soft cloth over it. He held her, his face burried in the crook of her neck. She dunked the cloth into the tub and brought it back up, twisting it and wringing out the water over his back. She did it again and again until he groaned from the slow torture. She pulled back and briefly placed her lips on his. He kissed her deeply, wanting more of her but savoring the pieces she fed him, a little at a time. She sat back then, her legs stretching out before her as she dug her feet under his thighs. She put her hands beneath the water and scrubbed at his long hard legs. Her hands ran over his thick firm thigh, back and forth and around, driving him slowly insane. She pulled his leg up, raising her knee to support it at the top of the water level. She washed all the way down to his toes, her fingers tickling the bottom of his foot a bit too. He chuckled softly and found her eyes and the mischief held there. Gently she lowered his leg, leaned forward and repeated every maddening step to the other leg. There was only one place left to wash, and he bit his lip in anticipation of it. Wanting to have her more then anything then was making him crazy. But when she failed to come forward to him, his mind screamed of the injustice. He groaned as he watched her. Teasingly she raised her long lean leg from the water, toe pointing heavenward as she slowly washed over the slick tawny surface. She lowered that leg, stopping briefly to let it rest on the bent knee of her other one. He grasped her ankle and reached for the forgotten pitcher. He poured the few drizzles that had been left in it over her delicate toes. She wiggled the digits as it tickled her skin. Her smile that of a joyed child, until he reached forward and sucked her pinky toe into his mouth. Then her head tossed back, the end of her hair dragging through the soapy water of the tub. Her eyes slid shut and her moist lips parted. He pulled her foot closer, his hand on her calf he could feel the tension in her. He sucked and licked, kissing every little toe in turn. He sucked her first toe into his mouth, the foriegn feeling of the ring she wore strangely enticing. Now it was her turn to moan. He pulled her foot away, his lips grazing up the inside of her instep and licking at her ankle as he held it in his big hand. She took a shakey breath, releasing it shudderingly as he let her go and once more sat back. His huge arms rested on the sides of the tub, fingers dangling in the water below. His dark blond hair was plastered to his thick chest that heaved slightly with the electricity flowing in the air. His wet lips were parted for his deep breaths and his eyes sparkled with wonton lust but were soft with love at the same time. She steadied her breath and went about the rest of her bath, now with a more than willing audience. He watched her intently as she washed her other leg, her toes wriggling as she thought about what he had done to the first foot. But he didn't move, the intensity of his eyes growing as hard as his cock. She leaned forward again getting to her knees, bracing herself with a hand to the floor of the tub. Her free hand slowly sliced through the water between his legs. Breaking his silent stare when her hand ministerd to his manhood. He moaned low and deep. With the utmost delicasy, she washed him. Her hand running over every hard ridge and soft curve of vein, cupping his balls and rolling them beneath the soft cloth. His head dropped back and lay aginst the cold enamel of the large old tub while she pleasured him. Her strokes slow and sweet, he could feel his release beginning to snake through his belly like licking flames. His mind screamed of the injustice when her hand pulled away from his hardness. She lay the cloth aside and picked up the one he had been using and had discarded, leaving it floating in the cooling water of the tub. He sat up some and looked to her. She turned around, her back to him and dipped the cloth into the water. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye from over her shoudler as she squeezed the water over her back. She moved her hair aside, bringing it to infront of her. Again she dipped the cloth and let the water sheet over her back. He found it quite erotic and voiced his pleasure in a raspy voice softly between them. "Mmm baby you make me so hot." He stroked his swollen member as he watched her. Her head tipped back a bit and he could see the parted lips of a moan surface on her face, but no sound came forth. He could not see her hands but as she knelt before him, sitting on her haunches with her back turned, her hips swayed a bit and he realized what she was doing. She was feeling the pleasure of washing her most intimate parts infront of him. He almost came then but bit his lip and held it back just for the sheer fact he wanted to be in her when he came. He growled his need and lunged for her. She didn't protest as he dragged her back toward him, sitting her in his lap. He pushed her hips toward his need of her and she lifted up a bit on her knees to reach between her legs. He kissed her back as he waited anxiously. She grasped his thickness at the base and steadied him. He was almost crying from the tremendous need he had of her. He throbbed and ached to torturous levels. "OH!" He cried out sharply as she thrust his engorged organ into her tight tunnel. His huge hands holding her hips. On her knees she easily lifted off and on his shaft as she stradled his lap. His hands smoothed up her sides and found a nipple for each to tease. She rode him slow and hard, his pelvis thrusting up at her and making the water slop over the top a bit. He pushed her hair aside as he sat up. His hand went back to it's favorite spot and he sucked at her neck as she bounced up and down on him. He sucked at the tender skin below her ear, his fingers turning cirlces around her hard nipples. He already could feel her tightening walls grasping at him He wondered if she would ever not be so tight. She was almost to the point of it being painful to enter her. It was like having a virgin everytime. "Ohhhh Zac I'm gonna cummmm...." She whined. He moaned against her skin, her words driving him so close to the edge of nirvana. "Cum for me baby. I wanna feel you cum hard around me." He urged her on. She bucked and writhed, her body moving in a fevered pitch to take her release and his. He kept a hand on her tit and reached between her legs to swirl the pad of a finger over her sensitive nub. "Fuck baby! That's it! Take it baby, take it hard!" He growled in her ear. "OHHHH...." She moaned, her walls collapsing around his stiff shaft. Her body stiffened and shuddered hard. "Zaaacccc..." She sang out, her fingers gripping white knuckled at the edges of the tub. Her body slammed into his in one final bonebreaking thrust, her muscles gripping at him like a vice as her back arched and her hair fell down her back as she raised her face to the heavens in primal prayer. His mind shattered and his body was shot into the outter atmosphere. His teeth sank into the flesh of her shoulder as he shot a thick creamy load so deep into her he thought she'd cough it up. His back arched and his cock jerked and spasmed within her tight pussy until the last of his seed was spilled. He relaxed his tight hold on her and took his first new breath, his cheek pressed between her shoulderblades. When his chest stopped heaving he spoke quietly, laying them both back as his spent shaft softened. "Jesus Chris that was intense!" He wrapped his arms around her tighter and her arms covered his. "Mmmm..." Was her sleepy reply as her head lay against his shoulder. He nuzzled into her neck. His whispered words breezing over the wet skin and raising goose flesh. "I love you, you make me feel so good baby. I can't get enough." He confessed. She sighed, her eyes still gently closed and a lazy smile painted over her lips. "You feel so good Zac, I know I could never give this up. I love you too, more than I can say." Her words touched him and he turned her head to kiss the lips that had spoken them. They rested, gaining strength to get them through the rest of the day. A few minutes of silence passed while his fingers stroked over her body, dipping his hands into the water and watching the droplets roll down her smooth skin. She sighed. "Love, we really need to get out of the tub. I'm turning into a prune!" She giggled, lifting her hand to show him the puckered wrinkles of her fingers. He chuckled, drawing her hand to his mouth to kiss and suck at the offended digits. He sat up with her, laying one last kiss to her shoulder. She stiffened, her back tensed as she sucked air through her teeth. "What is it baby?" He asked worridly. She chuckled a bit and looked over her shoulder at him with a sly grin. "You hit a sore spot." She told him, pulling her hair away from the dark bruise. He gasped. "Oh baby! What happened?" He cooed, tenderly stroking the flesh around the purpling mark. She laughed. "Zac! You bit me!" She accused good naturedly. He sucked in a breath shocked that he could have done such a thing. Then he remembered. He remembered cumming so hard his mind ached, his body converting to the actions of an animal during his primal lust. He looked at her sheepishly. "I'm so sorry baby. I really didn't mean to." He appologized, lightly kissing the afflicted area. He spoke softly against her skin as he lay his cheek to her shoulder. "It's just that I've never felt that good before. You do things to my body that my mind just can't comprehend. I'll try to control myself more." He promised. She slid off his lap and turned to face him. She cupped his cheek and looked into his sad eyes. "It's ok love. It was a small price to pay to feel that good. I probably would have done the same thing if given the chance." She explained. "Let's not dwell on it ok?" She asked. He looked up into her eyes and saw that she was being completely honest. Her serious eyes filled with understanding. He leaned to her, catching her lips. Between his words he continued to kiss her. "Thank you baby... for understanding and making me feel better... about it... I love... you... so much... so much..." His voice aching with what he felt for her. She tore herself away from him and looked into his eyes. "Let's get out of here. We have things to do today." She took control of the situation. He smiled at her and held a hand out to steady her as she rose in the tub to step out. She was breath taking in her shimmering wet skin, cascades of tiny clinging bubbles slicking down her body. "God you're beautiful baby." He sighed as if he were taking in a work of art. But he was, she was the most exquisite creation ever fashioned, and she was all his. She held his hand while she stepped ouf of the tub, her smile filling his eyes. She bent to give him a last kiss and whisper against his ear. "Don't be long love. I'll go start the laundry and fix you something to eat as soon as I get dressed. Hurry and bring your clothes down to me." Then she was gone like a breeze. He opened his eyes to catch the sight of her leaving his room wrapping a towel around herself. He shook his head to clear it. She always left him with fuzzy thoughts and he smiled. Only one woman in the world had ever managed to muddle his mind so, and she had just woken him from a dream to plunge him into reality that was even better. He got up from the bath and drained the tub. He went about wrapping a towel about his hips and cleaning up the water slopped on the floor, rinsing out the tub and getting himself dressed for the day. Ripping open the packages open from his shopping excursion, he tossed them all into a drawer and gathered up the refuse and the laundry she'd requested. He padded down the hallway in jeans and barefoot towards the stairs. He had a lively spring in his step despite his lack of sleep. He chucked the packing string and brown paper wad into the recycling bins then toted the rest of his grungy load to the cellar where he could hear a sweet voice humming. He watched her from behind as she busied herself with seperating her darks and lights. He smiled when she continued to pick out a few of her unmentionables, no doubt to wash by hand. Her humming became a familiar tune and he was compelled to join her. His deep rasp complimenting her clear toned pitch. She turned with a smile when she heard him. Their song unsung continued as she took is clothes and sorted them into the piles she had already set out. She rifled through the pockets of his jeans, scooping out a myirad of objects and setting them on the table to be collected by him afterwards. He sat on an old table against a wall and watched her happily go about her task, still their voices as one. When her tune changed, his voice took on the words for he knew them well. Certainly he had trouble hitting the high notes, but he did the best he could. She tossed the first load into the washer, pouring the soap over it and clanging the lid shut as he hopped off and walked to the table to retrive his junk, still singing. "I'm crazy for feeling this way..." Then he saw it. Her turquoise ribbon that he'd shoved into his pocket the night before. He snatched it up for a souvinere, quickly plaiting his hair, weaving it through it. He tied the end of the ribbon around the braid to hold it in place as he smiled at her with his hands at his shoulder doing the busy work. She stepped to him, smoothing her hand up his chest as her other one hugged a basket to her hip. Her smile was warm and tender. His hands slipped from their task when done and reached to touch her. He held her hand against his heart and the other traced her faces lines. "I love you." He hushed. She closed her eyes, letting it sink in. "I love you too." She breathed out, a small kiss to her lips by him. She looked up to him. "Come on, I'll fix you something to eat." And she left him there to gather up the rest of his pocket treasures. Grinning as he scooped them up he hurridly followed her up the stairs. By the time he got to the kitchen she was at the back door. "I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable." She told him then left him to his own devices. He watched her from the window for a while as he leaned against the sink. She was graceful in everything she did, even hanging laundry. The wind blew gently, making her hair sweep over her face, she didn't even brush it away, just kept on with her task. He'd watch her bend, her long fingers grasping an article of clothing, then with a quick snap she would force some of the wrinkles out and hang it quickly, neatly. He had to tear his eyes away from her. Everything she did, it was the epitome of gracefulness, and it turned him on. He would have started to make them something to eat, except he wasn't very good in the kitchen. As a matter of fact he had been bannished from his mothers kitchen after a certain incident when he'd been left to watch the younget two of his siblings. Having left Zoe and Mac in his care his mother had reminded him to feed them lunch. No biggie. When she got home, all was well, or so he'd thought. The kids had had their baths and were tucked in bed. He was at the piano in the livingroom working on something that had come to him when his mother yelled to him, and it didn't sound very good because not only did she use his full name... she growled it. He quickly ran to the kitchen thinking one of the kids may have broken something and it slipped his attention. When he got there she was standing over the trash can, a can from the refuse of their lunch in her hand. {They had pizza delivered for supper.} "Please tell me this is a joke." She demanded, almost white as a sheet. "What?" He shrugged. She shoved the can into his face. "Do you not know how to read?!" She nearly screamed. She looked like she was about to bite his head off. He took a close look at the can and his jaw dropped. He ran to the bathroom and promptly threw up. How the hell was he supposed to know it wasn't tuna? They didn't even own a cat for christ's sake! Yeah. So being all domestic in the kitchen was out of the question in his mind. He shoved his hands into his pockets and wandered off to the parlor where an old friend was calling him. He padded over to the old upright sitting against the far wall. He stroked it lovingly as he sat down and opened the ivories to the new day. He warmed his fingers up with a few scales, then challenged himself to see if he could remember all of the movements to his favorite piece of Chopin. The music gladly carried him away to another time and place. Within that tiny space those notes created, he wasn't even there, he was on another plane with the music, chasing after it like a childrens game of tag. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, but when he felt warm hands on his bare shoulders it brought him back to reality. His fingers slowed and eventually stoped. They reluctantly slid from the keys and his hands settled in his lap. His eyes slowly lifted from the row of black and white before him. He looked over his shoulder and up into her face. He sucked in his breath, trying not to be dizzy. She placed a tiny kiss to his cheek, her smile warm. "Come and eat." She said softly into his ear, her hands smoothing over his flesh. He shivered, though he was so hot inside he thought he'd break out in a sweat. Her tongue gently lapped at his earlobe, her cool breath floating over the damp skin. His eyes closed and his hand reached over his shoulder to find hers. He grasped it lightly. He had diffuculty finding his voice, and when he did it was a mere croak. "Baby, you better stop that or I'm not gonna be able to control myself." He warned. She laughed softly, pulling her mouth away from his skin. "I'm sorry, you just taste so good." She said when she stood up. He gave her a shaky smile as he turned around, his hand still over hers. He stood up before her pulling her close around the waist and bent his head to be granted a tender kiss from her divine mouth. "Get a room!" A voice chuckled from the hallway. She laughed on his lips then turned around to stick her tongue out at her brother. He laughed and walked off with a smile shaking his head. Zac's chest bounced with his pent in laugh. She rolled her eyes and headed for the kitchen, tugging him along behind by the hand. "Roy!" She laughingly demanded his attention. He turned around, mouth full of food. "What?" He mumbled. "That's *my* breakfast." She said pointedly. He grinned at her shrugging as he bent to shovel another mouthful in. She laughed as Zac sat down before the other plate. She let go his hand and swept it over his thick arm and broad shoulders as she walked behind him. She reached for another plate, making herself a second breakfast. She'd made plenty of food for she knew Roy would eventually invade. Whenever there was food around, he always seemed to show up soon after. Zac waited to start his own meal until after she'd sat down. He slid his hand into hers, their eyes connecting briefly before he bowed his head in silence for a few seconds. His head rose and she squeezed his hand before letting it go and beginning her own breakfast. As Roy continued to scarf down his sisters breakfast he tried to keep a conversation. Not pretty, but Zac was a guy, used to guy things and Chris was used to her piggish brother. "After lunch, I'm gonna steal your can and skip to town, want anything?" He asked. She shook her head, then looked over to Zac. He too shook his head. Roy shrugged. "Tell Dad I'll be back in an hour, I'll get the chicken wire he wanted while I'm out. That way, he won't be mad when I'm not here when he starts on the Turner place." He reasoned. She nodded in agreement. He wiped the last reminants of food off his plate with a thick slice of bread and shoved it into his mouth. He swallowed quickly as he got up to put his dish in the sink. He knocked back a fair amount of his sisters milk, wiped his mouth and kissed her cheek before heading out the door. From the hallway he called back. "Grandmother should be back in half an hour. By the way, it was a boy!" Then the door closed and he was gone. Zac just chuckled as he continued to eat his breakfast. She shook her head and followed his lead. When she had gotten up to put her plate in the sink as well, she stopped long enough to fill his plate again, then she went to the cellar and got the next load of laundry from the washer, then started the next one. She toted the basket up the stairs and headed for the back door. She looked over her shoulder and waved at him with her fingertips, then slipped out to the back yard to hang the wet clothes. He polished off the last of what she had set before him, then went about in silence cleaning up. As he watched the bubbles froth in the sink he heard a tune through the hiss of the water pouring into the sink. He hummed as he washed the dishes, the song taking a form in his throat and passing over his lips. Words began to filter through his brain and tumbled out of his mouth as he rinsed away the soap. He watched her from the window. Her gleeming hair, the shimmmer of the ripe sun on her skin. He was so lost in her as he sang without knowing it. The towel wiping over and over the same dry dish. "You're going to wear the pattern off it boy." Startled, he dropped the dish, it shattered loudly on the hard wood floor. He swallowed his heart and looked up from the broken plate to find the grin on Grandmother's face. "I'm sorry! I didn't hear you come in... I'll pay for a new one." He appologized. She chuckled, going over to fetch the broom. "No need for that boy. It's not special." She eased him as she thrust the broom at him. He smiled waiveringly with appology still in his eyes as he took the broom and began to clean up the mess he'd made. "I still feel bad though." He told her with honesty. She held out the dust pan to him. He took it and bent to sweep up the shards of broken pottery. "It's not important. What is important is why you were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't hear me until I spoke." She said with a knowing tone in her voice. He looked up at her from his place on his knees. He knew exactly what she was alluding to. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to dive into it just yet. He rose, and tossed the bits of broken plate into the trash bin. "I suppose something was distracting me." He admitted. "More like some *one*." She accused with no malice. He walked across the kitchen, avoiding her steady eyes as he put the broom and dustpan away. "Perhaps. Is that wrong?" He asked, gaining sudden courage and looking into her face. She didn't speak for a few moments, and he feared the worst. "Not wrong if it was meant to be, if it's tended well and grows properly." She said mysticly. He was grateful that she was straight forward in thought but not in speech. She spoke with elequence and he admired her for that. "I see. And do you think it will?" He asked. She surprized him with a mild chuckle. "That has nothing to do with me child. One would think it would be up to the two of you." She said with a smile. He smiled a bit back at her. "Then you're not angry?" He asked hopefully, leaning his tall frame against the door jamb, arms crossed as well as ankles. She pulled a chair out and sat her weary bones down. "I'v got nothing to be angry for. You've done nothing to make me that way." She stated, her eyes trained right on him. Her demeanor clearly saying that if he did piss her off there would be hell to pay. He nodded thoughtfully, then looked up quick. "You're home early. Roy said you wouldn't be here for a while yet." He informed her. Her eyes went to the kitchen clock on the wall and she chuckled deeply in her rattley old voice. "You are bad off boy. I don't know how long you stood there gawking out the window... but I'm late." She said with mirth laced in her words. He looked at the clock too and realized she was right. It had been fourty five minutes since Roy had left, he knew because he'd looked at his watch. He grinned sheepishly and shrugged. "I... I'm gonna go get dressed." He said suddenly. His face growing heated with a blush under her grin. He turned tail and scurried off down the hall. She smiled to herself as she saw his braid swinging over his bare back, the bright turquoise ribbon screaming through the blonde locks. She recognized it well for she had bought the ribbon herself to make hair bows for her grand daughter. She chuckled in the quiet kitchen as she listend to his bare feet thud up the stairs. He was a slippery one. But she had to admit. He was a fine catch if one could net him. She heard the click of the door behind her. "Grandmother!" A glad voice greeted. She turned around to her grand daughter and gave her a smile. Chris set the basket on the floor and shoved it with her foot toward the cellar door. She went to the sink and a tumble of vegtables thudded hollowly. "Thank you for doing the dishes, but really, you should be resting, you must be tired after such a long night." Chris mildly scolded. Grandmother chuckled. "I did not do your dishes child, and I think I will be going up for a nap. These old bones don't work the way they used to and they are not very welcoming to a long night of hard work." She told her as she rose. Chris washed her hands quickly, turning to place a kiss on her grandmother's cheek. "Goodnight then. I'll let Mama know that you got back safe so she won't bother you." She promised. The old woman nodded and headed for the door. "By the way, what did they name him?" She asked off handedly. Grandmother turned around and smiled. "The little dickens was a screamer from the get go." She mused. "They gave him the christian name of Aaron. His grandfather says he will be Howling Wind." She finnished her thought. Chris nodded. "Very proper." She said, a smile on her face as she watched the old woman turn and head off for some much deserved rest. She busied herself with scrubbing the vegtables and putting them away. As she picked up the basket and opened the cellar door she heard the front door open. "We're back!" A sweet voice called through the house. She smiled and stepped to the door of the kitchen. "Hi! How did it go?" She asked. Her mother smiled, hanging her hat and bag on a peg. She walked toward her, kissing her as she passed into the kitchen. "Fine, fine. You're father went out to the barn to change the oil on the tractor so he can get started right away on the Turner place after lunch. Where is everybody?" She asked as she began to bustle about the kitchen. Chris laughed a bit. "Mama... Mama!" She tried to get her attention. "What?" She asked distractedly as she began going about preparing lunch. "Mama, calm down. There is nobody to make lunch for except you and Daddy." She she told her with a smile. Her mother stopped, a confused look on her face. Chris chuckled. "Zac and I slept in late, I just barely fixed us something and Roy scarfed down his fair share of it and then some. Grandmother just got home but is resting, it was a long night for her. So you see? Only you and Daddy need to have lunch." She said as if it were elementary. "I see." Her mother said, sitting down at the table, a worried look crossing her eyes. Chris knew that look, she also knew the next words out of her mothers mouth. She quickly wriggled out of the situation to avoid the conversation she was not in the mood to have just yet. "I've got a load of laundry waiting for me to hang. I'll be right back." She blurted out and took off for the cellar. Adelle was not stupid. She knew the answer to her unasked questions already. She just wasn't sure if it was such a good thing. She knew she had to let her daughter make her own choices and stumble over her own mistakes as well. After all, she was a grown woman. She just wasn't very comfortable knowing that her daughter may have been setting herself up for a very big fall this time. This was different from any other time she had worried. This time it was fast, unexpected. She didn't really know the man. But what complicated it more, was the fact of who he was. And it wasn't just because he was white. She shook her head and got up again to fix a bit of lunch for herself and her husband. Perhaps she would bake... that would take her mind off things. She was digging through the potatoe bin for a spare onion that wasn't too big when she heard the quiet footfalls of her daughter dart out the back door. She knew for certain now. She just hated to avoided... and hated knowing that her husband would figure it out as well if she didn't tell him. She genuinely liked Zac, as much as she knew him. She shrugged as she washed the vegtables at the sink and watched her daughter hanging unfamiliar clothes on the old grey line. There wasn't much she could do about it as long as Chris was avoiding her. She let it go from her mind for the time being and went back to prepareing a light lunch. ***** Chris could see her mother watching her from the window out of the corner of her eye. She really didn't want to delve into the topic of her sex life just yet. It was too fresh, too... startling still. It left her feeling unsettled and she knew, what she needed to do first was to talk to Zac. She finnished hanging out his long leged jeans to dry in the sun and left the basket beneath the full lines for when it was time to take in the dry clothes. She took off towards the stables and tended her morning chores as quickly as she could. Meanwhile back in the house, a contemplative Zac sat in a creaky old chair at a tiny drop down writing desk in Papa's old room upstairs. The words of that mornings song kept ringing through his head and he had to get them down before he lost them. He scribbled out the few lines of music he could gather together and looked it over as he thought of Tay and Ike back home. This was one song he would show them. One of the many he had come to him while he was away. It always seemed that when ever he took a break away from the family, was when he wrote the best. Perhaps it was the freshness of the situations. Maybe it was just being able to get away and let his mind go... whatever it was. Tay and Ike were always more then receptive when he came back to the studio to work. They knew that was the best time for pouring over recently penned works. Striking while the iron was hot so to speak. He was struggling with a few bars that seemed off kilter to him. Abscentmindedly he headed down the stairs to the piano that he knew would help him work it out. The thud thud thud of his heavy feet were lost in his thoughts. Blindly he went into the parlor and sat at the piano. He opened the rich brown key cover as he set the papers on the stand. His fingers tickled over the creamy ivories as the soft song washed though the house. Adelle had heard him comming down the stairs, his heavy footfalls unfamiliar. She went to the door of the kitchen and watched him. He was so lost in his thoughts, nose pressed to the papers in hand, that he didn't even see her. She left lunch waiting and quietly walked down the hall to stand in the parlor doorway. Soft sunlight fell over his broad shoulders as he sat with his back to her. He wasn't hunched over the keys like a mad maestro. He sat with spine erect, large arms moving subtly as his fingers passed over the keys. His head was bowed in concentration, and she got the feeling that his eyes were closed as well. His long thick braid hung down his back, swinging back and forth a small amount from his natural sway as he played. The brightly hued ribbon did not go un-noticed by her, and she smiled a bit to think him somewhat sentimental. She could see the pencil poking out from behind his ear and the waist band of his boxers, gawd awful flourescent orange with bright pink and yellow smiley faces sporting a mix of grins and grimaces of black. She shook her head at his quirky sense of humor. But then his voice broke free of his humming, the words floating through the air almost tangable. She forgot all about what she had been thinking and the words sunk through her skin like raindrops. She felt a shiver in the heated mid day. His voice was earnest, and the images his words conjured made her cry. The picture his song painted in her head was a portrait of her own daughter. His words stilled and the echoing ring of the piano quieted. Somehow she felt that she was being intrusive. She wiped at her tear streaked face and silently went back to the kitchen, leaving him with his head hanging and the song he wrote drifting on his mind. She was chopping an onion when her husband came in. By then the music from the parlor had shifted to classical. She thought it may be Bach, but wasn't quite sure. He passed the parlor on his journey through the hall. He looked in, but didn't stop or say anything. He entered the kitchen and met the eyes of his wife. He knew she wanted to say something, but also knew that when she was ready, she would approach him. He had stripped his shirt so as not to get it soiled when he was tending to the tractor. He tossed it to a chair and washed his hands. He was hungry and lunch smelled good. He wiped his hands and kissed his wife's cheek before sitting down to the table and sliding his shirt on again. She tossed the chopped onion into the bowl and gave it a stir. The music from the parlor changed again. It grew softer, lighter. In her mind she was thinking Motzart perhaps. Still, they didn't speak. She fixed his lunch and set it before him. She poured them a glass of icewater and sat next to him. He looked at her, waiting for her to say something. She didn't. He reached for her hand, holding it tightly from across the table. His eyes telling her that he was there for her when she was ready and needed him to be. She gave him a small smile, then began her lunch. Their silence wasn't uncomfortable for it was filled with the sweeping strains from the parlor. As Adelle was washing up and tidying the kitchen after lunch, the back door opened. Chris came in with a look on her face that told her mother that she had something to say, but wasn't ready. Roy thought that maybe it was a genetic thing for she looked the same way as her mother did when he'd come in to eat his lunch. In silence Chris kissed her father's cheek and sat down. Her conversation was all business. "Roy said he was going into town to pick up the chicken wire you wanted. When he gets back are we going to start on the Turner place?" She asked. He nodded. So did she. From the parlor a building transition in the music began to pour out. Stonger notes, faster rhythm. A powerful crescendo took hold and rang vibrated through the house. Curiosity was peaked and together in quiet the three in the kitchen took the trek down the hall to the door of the parlor. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes they would have sworn that it was Beethoven sitting there himself playing the piece with all of his body. Chris could actually see the sweat on the back of his neck. She crept further into the room, watching and listening. A pounding, powerful movement made the very air shudder on a deep and resounding note. Then all was still except the silence. His breath heavy, head bowed, hands motionless on the keys. He took in a deep breath, filling his lungs till they ached. He stirred suddenly from his seeming trance and his head snapped up to look over his shoulder. A gasp of 'oh!' tatooed on his mouth when he realized that he wasn't alone. His voice miraculously found him and he spoke unsteadily. "I.. I'm sorry.. did I disturb you?" He asked, appology in his eyes. Chris was wide eyed in near shock but she managed to shake her head. Adelle took the liberty of speaking for hem all. "No dear. That was... it was unexpected, but wonderful." She assured him. He smiled at her, turning only slightly but still not facing them. "Thank you." He told her genuinely. Roy only walked away, heading for the door. Adelle tried to appologize with her eyes for his rudeness and excused herself with a gesture as she went after him. Chris took the opportunity of being alone with him to her advantage. She stepped behind him, her arms going around his neck. She leaned down to speak quietly into his ear. "We need to talk." Her breath flowing over his skin. He closed his eyes, his head tilting back a bit. "Babe... don't do that right now ok?" He pleaded. Her brow creased, not understanding what he was asking. "Do what?" She asked, removing herself from him and stepping to his side to look him in the face. Then she understood. No wonder he hadn't turned around when her parents were in the room. He would have been extremely embarassed by the obvious bulge behind his zipper. She smiled at him teasingly, stepping toward him. He couldn't resist her and opened his arms to her as she stood between his knees. She brushed the errant whisps of hair from his face, even the one embedded in the corner of his mouth. He held her, laying his head against her warm body. He took a deep breath as her fingers skimed over the back of his damp neck. "I'm sorry I got your dad mad. I was just... sometimes I get lost in music." He confessed. She shushed him soothingly. "Shh... he didn't get mad at you. I think you just confuse him. He has a thing... he just doesn't trust white people much." She told him. He looked up at her from her tummy. He'd never thought of himself as being different then she was. And by his expression she knew he hadn't. She smiled down on him. "Don't worry about it. It's something he has to work out for himself. I'm sure that once he gets to know you he'll be fine. He does have white friends you know." She filled him in. He sat up, his hands sliding to her hips. "Is that how you see me? As being white?" He asked. She shook her head quickly. "No, of course not. I just see you as you. Everyone is different and I don't seperate them or slap labels on them either. But I know Daddy and I know the way he thinks." She informed him. He nodded, a bit relieved for some reason. She could see he was still sifting through things in his head and she squatted down to look him in the eye. "It wasn't the music. Daddy loves music, he knows classical pieces too. That's how he and Mama met, she used to sing country music at a small club in Oregon and he had jokingly requested some off the cuff aria. Everybody laughed until she surprized them all and did it anyway." She said proudly. Zac smiled. "That's a wonderful story to tell their grandchildren." He said softly, the double meaning not lost to her. She looked away, her shy smile escaping as she put her knees to the floor to sit before him. He chuckled, turning her head back to him. Her dark eyes were still worried behind the small shared happy moment they were in. He tenderly traced her lips as he looked into her eyes. "What's bothering you? I can see it." He told her flat out. She nearly winced, but stalled for time by settling herself to sit crosslegged on the floor infront of him. Leaning his elbows forward on his knees he stroked her hair, his fingers lightly weaving through the dark strands on the back of her head. She looked up to him. "I was in the kitchen when Mama came back from town." She started. He nodded encouragingly. "I hated to do it, but I really wasn't ready to discuss 'us' with her just yet. She know's me too well. She didn't even ask or hint. She just acted like she already knew." She explained. "Does that worry you?" He asked gently. She shook her head. "No. I just wanted to be able to talk to you first. I mean, this is all so sudden and..." She struggled to find the words that fit. "And you want to be able to reassure them that we aren't just jumping into bed because of hormones." He finnished for her. She looked up at him, a tiny smile on her face in appreciation of just being understood. She nodded. "Do you want me to be there when you do talk to her? Would it make it easier for you?" He offered, though inside he felt like a mass of quivering cowardice. She gave the warmest of smiles, her fingers twining with his on his knee. "That's wonderful of you to ask love, but it's something I have to do alone. Besides, I would never make you do that, you would be far too uncomfortable." She told him, her face still shining, knowing that he was willing to do such a thing just for her. "I would do it anyway. If you change your mind you just let me know." He reaffirmed. She nodded, stretching her back as he bent further down. Their shared kiss became a keepsake, something to look back on and remember the moment. His bottom lip dragged over hers before he pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you." He told her with certaintly. "I love you too." She said back with as much conviction. He cradled her head and tugged her closer to taste her again. "Geez! Don't you two ever do anything besides making out? Oh, wait. How silly of me. Of course you do... Get a room!" Roy's taunting voice came from the hallway, Chris just waved him away, her smile on Zac's lips infecting him with one. He pulled away quickly. "Wait! How does he know?" He asked, he was so confused it made his head spin. She chuckled. "He met me leaving your room in a towel this morning... I do believe he figured it out on his own." Her grin sly. Zac chuckled. It seems that their sex life was not to be hidden at all from her family. Most of them already knew, and the one that didn't... well, he just hoped that he didn't figure it out very soon. He wanted some time to try and measure up in her father's eyes. He lifted her chin lovingly with a thick finger, his eyes pouring down into hers. "Finnished in the stables?" He asked quietly, his gaze slipping to her lips as she wet them. She nodded silently. "Good." He said in a low husky voice. "Should we head out to get to work?" He asked, his lips brushing over hers as he spoke. "Mhmm." She replied, her mouth too busy to form words as she kissed him. He slid from the stool, his body pressing against hers as he got to his knees, his arms enfulfing her in affection. She held him tightly, not wanting to let go but knowing she had to soon. His tongue was alive in her mouth, tasting, touching, tickling. She sucked on it lightly until he yanked it back and she chased it with her own. He copied her moves and tugged at her tongue as it invaded past his plump lips. His fingers were captured in her hair, the black curtain of silk urging them to delve deeper. That familiar stirring of his loins took on a sharp pang when her hand smoothed down his chest, her fingers rippling over his abs and tickling along the soft hairs below his navel as her fingers crept up under his shirt. He groaned and pulled her hand away. His voice like a starved man being deprived of prime rib. "Gawd baby, you gotta stop that or we're gonna end up sneaking off and really get your dad mad at me." He whined. She smiled at him. "I'm sorry, but if you get so carried away in the music that you get hard and then sit there in front of me... do you really expect me not to do something about it?" She replied. He grinned at her. "I wasn't doing it on purpose." He pouted. "Oh? And how about what you're doing now huh?" She accused. "What? What do you mean?" He asked her as he pulled himself off the floor and reached for her hand. "That!" She pointed to his pout. "What?" He asked once more as he looked down at her. "You're pouting, that's what. It drives me insane and I think you know it. Know it very well." She accused. "Now how am I supposed to know that?" He asked as he followed her out of the room. "Because you did it by chance and saw what it did to me. Now you do it to tease me. It's seduction. Pure and simple." She stated firmly. "What the hell are you talking about? I never did any such thing! Besides, I don't know the first thing about being a tease." He defended as he watched her slip her workboots on. "Oh please!" She stamped her foot and rolled her eyes. "Well, not all of us learned the art of being a tease." He joked. "Ha! You're saying I'm a tease?!" She laughed. "I call 'em like I see 'em little lady." He drawled a'la The Duke. She laughed. "You're insane!" She spouted as she waited for him to shut the door behind himself. "I am so not a tease." She toned, nodding her head firmly as she headed toward the barn. He chuckled. "Really? Well then what about your walk?" He accused as he watched her shapely ass sway before him. She stopped and turned around to look him in the eye. "What about it?" She asked as if she didn't trust him. "Oh come on! You can't tell me that you've never been hit on because of that sexy sway you got going on there." He pointed at her hips, his eyes lowered suggestivly. Her mouth gaped open as she walked backwards. "I can't believe you just said that! I don't walk sexy!" She denied. "Oh don't give me that! I'm a man damnit! I know a sexy walk when I see one. Believe you me honey, I've been all over the world, have had a million women throw themselves at me, and watched a million more I wanted to throw myself at. I know how women move and I know *you* have a sexy walk." His tone making his words undeniable. She turned back around as she walked, her gaze slipping over her shoulder as she thought. "Well... maybe so." She relented. He grinned triumphantly. "But it's a natural gait! I don't do it on purpose!" She defended. He shook his head. "That's what makes it sexy babe. If you forced it, then you would loose it." He shrugged with his know it all expression in place. She grinned as she turned around and waited for the split second it took for him to reach her. She launched herself at him, jumping up and making him stumble with laughter as he fought to steady them. He grabbed her around the waist and held her up by her ass as she wrapped her arms and legs around him. "You really think I have a sexy walk?" She asked with a grin as she touched her nose to his. He laughed heartily. "Didn't I just say that?" He asked rhetorically. She tossed her head back, her long soft hair tumbling over his arms as she laughed to the sky. He strode forth through the field with her still attached. She kissed him lightly, her words demure despite their conversation. "Thank you." Her eyes were like velvet when he looked down at her. He stopped and she slipped down to plant her feet on the soil once more. "I meant every word of it. You're welcome, but it's me who should be thanking you." He told her, kissing her tenderly. "Why?" She breathed against his lips. "I should thank you for letting me enjoy that sexy walk of yours. I've been loving it since I first saw you walk across that nasty bar." He told her. She smiled at him and placed a token of her love on his lips. When he released her she took a step back, looking up into his eyes. "We should get to work before it gets any later." He only nodded, taking her hand as they went around the back of the barn. He laughed when she jumped up into the seat of the tractor. "Is it safe to ride with you?" He teased. She laughed. "I've been driving this old heap since I was ten. That's how I learned to drive. I do believe you're safe." She assured with a grin. He grinned back at her and hopped up to the trailor. He stood behind her, leaning forward with his hands on the back of the seat to steady himself like he'd seen Roy do. The ancient monster snarled to life and crawled it's way over the bumpy field. They had discussed it all before, and she knew what and how her father wanted things done. She cut across the shallow river bed and took the long right to the old Turner homestead's furthest back corner. Already Zac was hot, with the unforgiving sun beating down from a cloudless sky he was sure he'd be turned to dust by the time the day was done. He skillfully jumped off the trailor into the soft grass as she continued on, turning around and pointing the nose of the tractor toward home. He swiped at the sweat beaded on his forehead and went to work straight away. He walked along the old stone wall, tossing the strays back to their den. The dappled shade was a relief as he went about his task. He met her in the middle from where she had left the tractor and started working at the same job he was doing. They stood quietly together, stooping with hands on knees to catch breath. With a sigh, she heaved her body upright and walked off in the direction of the next chore to be done. He followed obediently. She called over her shoulder as she picked through the thistles. "Watch your step. The old shed is here somewhere, but I may miss my mark." She warned. He took note to do as told. A few minutes later she found what she was looking for. The reminants of an old shed. There really wasn't much left to it, and the tracter wasn't far off. Proof of her knowledge of her birthplace. She kicked at the decrepet old boards a bit before bending to them and starting to stack them up. "Snakes." She said in explanation. He nodded and copied her. By the time they had a good portion of it ready to cart off, her father and brother were walking across the field to meet up with them. No words were exchanged, only the work was tended to. The ice in the air was so thick it nearly cooled Zac physically. The shed disappeared onto the tractor's trailor and the three youngest followed the smelly old contraption as it chugged toward it's next destination. The collapsed waterhouse was found and removed. Zac and Roy were sent off to the treeline with barely enough words strung together to make a sentence. Axe in hand they located three small saplings of the right size and felled them swiftly. Roy limbed them silently save for his grunts of efforts when meeting a knot. He sat for a moment as Zac gathered up two of them, hoisting the butts to his thick shoulder. "You know they had a fight." Roy said quietly. Zac stopped, the green treens he'd been dragging behind him. "I thought they would." He said with out turning around, only the ground saw his worried face. "Was it bad?" He asked, fearing the answer. Roy took a deep breath and stood. "I've heard worse." Roy shrugged, though Zac couldn't see him. Zac nodded. "I didn't want to cause any trouble you know." He said, resigning himself to getting through the conversation. He carefully dropped his load and slowly turned around. Roy met his eyes with understanding. "I know. But you have to understand that my father..." Roy tried to answer. Zac filled in for him before he could finnish. "Has trouble with white people in general... yeah. I know." He said to the ground. Roy sighed. "Zac." He said firmly, gaining the other mans attention. Zac looked up again. "He doesn't hate you. He doesn't know you. He just never likes the idea that one day, she's gonna not be here anymore maybe. And what is really scaring him, is the fact that if she goes away with you... that he won't get to see her much anymore and she will not want to feel like a part of our family anymore." He tried to explain on his father's behalf. Zac shook his head. "That's not gonna happen. She's too connected with this place to ever be taken away from it. Sure, if she decides to come with me, yes we will be gone a lot. That's just the way my life is. But I still take time to go home and reconnect. I couldn't survive if I didn't and I'm sure she will be the same way." He tried to explain his own side of things. Roy nodded. "I know that man, but you know what scares him the most?" He asked. Zac waited for the answer quietly. "He's afraid he's gonna be too old to enjoy watching his grandkids grow up." Zac was confused and his face was just as readable as an open book. Roy smiled. "He wants what's best for her because he cares about her so much. He wants her to be happy too because he loves her. But he wants to be able to watch his grandchildren grow up. Teach them the old ways and take part in their lives. He's afraid that if you take her away, he won't have that to look forward to in his old age. He likes you Zac, believe it or not... But he's scared that you're going to take her away forever." His words were clear. But the future was just as sketchy as before. In silence Roy bent and picked up a tree, slinging it to his shoulder as he took a tighter grip on the axe. He started back toward where his father was waiting for the saplings. Zac turned and retrieved his own load and followed. Many new thoughts were swirling through his mind now... now he needed to talk with Chris... alone. The two men brought the needed saplings to the clearing and watched as Roy sr. expertly erected a tripod over the gaping hole of the well. Zac held the poles together at the top as Roy sr. lashed them together with a strip of leather cord. Chris picked through the rubble on the trailer and found a suitable board to lay over the hole until it was time to build a new well house. They all took the time to wipe their brows, catch their breath again, then started off for the next chore. Even though Zac had his hair braided to keep it off his neck, he was almost unbearably hot. He realized then that he wasn't as much of an outdoorsman as he had thought. Sure he spent the odd days gone all day on his bike or climbing up a sheer face of a craggy mountain... but he'd never in his life spent a day doing manual labor under the sun... and certainly not under the blistering Texas sun. He jogged ahead and swiped the swinging jug of tepid water from the hook on the back of the tractor. He chugged a fair amount from the open spigot and let a bit pour over his head as he held the jug high. He didn't waste much of the precious water and replaced it as soon as he was done, jogging again to do so. Chris thought he was doing a fine job of keeping up and felt bad for she knew he was struggling to do so. She took the bandana from her back pocket and went to him. She took his large hand in hers as they walked along behind the tractor in silence. He looked down at her as she tied it on his wrist, his brow knit in confusion. When she had secured it loosely she continued to hold his hand for a bit as she explained. "Wipe off your forehead with it. It's too hot to wear one anywhere else. Perhaps tomarow you should wear a hat, your nose is burning." She smiled, gently tapping the end of his nose. He grinned down at her. Grateful for the way she took care of him with out making him feel helpless. The tractor surged a last sputtering gasp before it came to a rest alongside a delapatated old shell of a house. He kissed her cheek sweetly, quickly, and hurried off to start what would most likely be the last job of the day before dinner was called. Roy hauled a few tools from the box on the trailer and set them aside as Roy sr. looked inside. "It's too far gone to try and go inside and save anything. Chris, start on the back side with Zac." He said with athority, handing Zac a sledge hammer. "Just demolish it, be careful you don't fall into the cellar hole." He warned sternly to Zac. He nodded at the older man and shouldered the sledge hammer. "Keep his path clear girl and we'll have this done in no time." He called after the retreating pair. "Be careful Daddy!" She reminded him as she disappeared around the back of the forgotten house. Zac stood for a moment and surveyed the job as she cleared a small place for him to place his feet firmly and begin. He watched her backside sway as she bent, and he smirked to himself. "Nice view." He said quietly so as not to be over heard from the other two on the other side of the house. There was little chance of that for the thudding cracks of desctruction were already ringing from the front of the house. She looked over her shoulder as she tossed small bits of debris aside. She grinned at him, her eyes lustily smirking. He chuckled, a hand shoved in his pocket as he hung onto the sledge hammer draped over his shoulder with his other hand. She stood up and faced him. "Think you can handle that?" She asked. He grinned at her cheekily. "I think I have handled that... and I wanna do it again." He said huskily. She giggled, rolling her eyes. "I meant the space. Is it large enough for your feet while you work, you horny bastard!" She said lowly. He laughed and nodded to answer her real question. "Hit low, it'll go down faster and be less work." She advised him as he stepped up to the rotting and weather worn grey wood wall. He set the hammer's head on the ground and swiped at his forehead with his wrist as she had told him to do. He wiped his palm on his thighs and took up the heavy hammer once more. "Ever swing one of those before?" She asked taking a few steps back to give him a wide berth to work in. "Only at the carnival." He said shortly as he poised the weighted head over his shoulder like a baseball bat. She was secretly keeping her fingers crossed that he didn't get hurt. She didn't know what she would do with herself is she let that happen. He was important to a lot of people, not just her, and it was a chore to remind herself of that. A mighty heave of his body set the tool in motion. He swung it with a great force that shook the whole of the house and made it shudder with a sickening crack as the steel met a support post low to the ground. Well that was a pretty damned good start she thought to herself. Again he raised the hammer over his shoulder and swung like he were Thor himself. His steady movements gliding one into the next and carrying the force forward, time and time again. The grunt of his laborous efforts punctuating every collision as a hole was growing in the side of the house. His work ate up a large portion of the back wall in no time, and his back was soaked in proof of his hard labor. He stopped when he ran out of room for his feet from the rubble getting in the way. He jerkingly stopped his fluid movement and placed the hammer down to the ground. He leaned on it and took a well deserved breather. She quickly went to work at clearing a new space for him. Her eyes shifting to him from time to time to see if he was ok. He gained his breath and stood again, wiping his face and neck. She tossed the refuse into the hole he'd just made and quickly cleared him a narrow path to work in. He whisked his shirt off over his head in an effort to stay a bit cooler. He didn't want to get overheated and have something drastic happen to himself. He shoved the shirt into his back pocket and left it hanging there so it wouldn't get lost in the tall grass of the unused field. Once more he took a wide legged stance and swung his hammer into the dry, worm eaten wood. It shattered and splintered many times. Other moments it clung as if alive and fighting for survival. He attacked it with a hardy ferver. Gnawing away at the edges of the hole, making the gaping maw grow wider, and wider still. He got to the end of his path and struck yet another main post in the wobbly construction's wall. A groaning creak warned him to quickly jump away and he watched with sweat stinging his eyes as a large portion of wall crumbled down and fell into the cellar hole below the ancient ediface. "Everything ok back there?" A worried voice shouted. He was too winded to answer. "We're find Daddy!" She assured the man, shouting back. Zac stood for a few moments, leaning on the handle of the sledge hammer, chest heaving and sweat dripping from his body. She stood behind him watching the rivers of perspiration pour down his muscular back. He glistened like a golden idol under the sun. He turned his head and looked at her as he still bent. His voice was a croak and his face was flushed. He looked tired, but beautiful. His hair was darkened from the damp sweat and it was plastered to his neck and chest and around his face. "Babe..." He breathed out the word heavily. "Can I have a drink, please?" He asked sounding like he didn't want it to be an imposition. "Of course!" She assured him, letting him know that it was no bother. She ran to the tractor, her father and brother not asking why when they saw her run back with the water jug. She opened the spigot for him and held it over his head. He opened his mouth wide and let her pour it down his parched throat. He swallowed great gulps of it, letting the liquid flow over his lips and chin, chasing the sweat down his throat and chest, then opened his mouth for more. When he'd had his fill he lowered his head and let her pour some over the back of his neck, standing to make it wash over his neck and down between his shoulders and run into the waistband of his jeans. He sighed heavily. "Thank you." He said quietly and she took it that he was done. She closed the spigot quickly and set the jug on the ground. Her hand reached out and smoothed up his hard back, over his shoulder as he turned to her and against his neck as he faced her. She brushed the hair from his face, her smile all for him. "Ok now?" She asked a bit still concerned. He nodded. "Better now, I just didn't want to get over heated. I pass out when that happens." He said like it was no big deal. Her eyes got big. "You pass out? You've done it before?" She asked worriedly. He took her hand from his face and held it gently as he smiled down at her. Touched that she cared. "When I was younger. I tried to do too much sometimes without getting enough water. I'd play a show with, like, only one bottle of water in the heat of summer and I'd end up passing out off stage when the adrenaline wasn't kicking in anymore." He explained. She shook her head. "I would have kicked your ass." She smiled, trying to make light of it, not letting him see that she was a tad bit worried. He saw right through her ploy but chose to let her think otherwise. He smiled down at her. "My mom did." He chuckled. "You should have seen her when I told her that I was only drinking one bottle of water... I've never seen a pregnant woman run so fast in my life!" He laughed at the visual. She smacked his bare wet chest scoldingly. It stung a bit, but didn't really affect him... not the way her eyes were. "I promise not to do that anymore... I know better now." He said slowly as he bent to taste her lips. They were salty from her day in the hot sun. He pulled his mouth away for a breath, then moved to her neck as he held her close. He licked at her skin, softly biting until she moaned quietly. "Gawd I love it when you do that!" He whispered in her ear. She swallowed her voice lest it should give them away. She kissed him hungrily, her mouth probing and exploring every inch she could reach. For those brief few moments they were alone in the world. He needed a new breath to fill his lungs but his heart ached when he had to leave her mouth. She soothed him with her tongue trailing down his throat, lapping gently at his collarbone, and nibbling on his shoulder. But it started a new fire... one he knew he could not control if he let her go on much longer. He tried to ignore the sharp pain to his soul as he took a hold of her shoulders and pulled her away from his body. His eyes were etched with lust when he looked down into her face. She knew they had to stop then before it was too late. Her soft chuckle sliced through the tension. "Sorry... I guess I kinda got carried away huh?" She appologized, her fingers tracing the curves of his chest. He smiled down at her. "We both did. How 'bout we save some of that for later?" He suggested. She grinned up at him. "You can count on that... most definately." She promised. He licked his lips, his fingers smoothing up her shoulders as he brought one hand to the back of her neck. "That's good to know." He rasped lightly before kissing her teasingly. She moaned ever so quietly. It made him want to scream to the heavens and take her right there. But he forced himself to let her go. His eyes telling her of everything he wanted to do to her body. She felt like melting into a puddle at his feet. She took a shuddering breath and stepped back so they could get back to work. Steadily they tore away at the sorry old house. Before too long the back wall had finally given in and collapsed all together, making the both of them jump back and run a bit away to watch it fall in safety. They stood side by side in the tall grass, his arm wrapped around her shoulder and hers comfortably settled around his waist. He lay his head on hers, a sigh of weariness from them both. He turned to lay a tender kiss on top of her head, her eyes closing to enjoy the small but loving gesture. When the dust had settled and all had quieted they looked at the work they had done. Then noticing that they could see a fair amount of the field on the other side of the house too. And there stood her brother and father, one with a steeley eye on the pair. Awkwardly he let her go and they set about dumping the debris into the cellar hole. They worked in silence of words, but deeds and the constant scrape and thud of the task set the mood. The front of the house decided to follow it's predecessor and fell favorably inward. Once more the dust of the chaos settled and they went back to filling in the cellar hole. The back of the house was relatively cleaned up, the broken pieces of a once long ago family dwelling being held by the hand dug hole of times past. They were just starting on the foundation wall when the blessed sound sharply rang through on the calm fingered breeze. The dinner bell had been rung and they all were grateful. Tools were stowed and work was left behind as they all piled onto the tractor and it's following trailer for the trek back to the house. The ride was jolting and no words were exchanged. The day had been long even though they had not started until late to begin the work. Every ounce of his body hurt as Zac sat next to Chris, his hand the only thing touching her as they watched the sceenery move by at a snails pace. She'd laced her fingers with his after hopping up to sit between he and her brother. Roy kept to himself, lost in his own thoughts Zac had thought. They bounced over the smoothstones in the shallow river bed, the subtle splashes a welcome tease as thoughts of a shower loomed in mind. Roy sr. did not return the tractor to it's usual resting place. Instead he'd taken it to an odd charred cement pad that lay some fifty feet or so away from the barn. The tractor sputtered and died as Roy sr. hopped off, a quiet thud of his feet upon the earth. He followed the cue as did the other two and Zac climbed off the trailer. He supposed they would be unloading it the next day or later after supper, for the family headed toward the house. He was more then glad to do so. He wanted nothing more then to pull off his boots, strip down and soak in a very cold tub of water for a very long time. Chris still held his hand, all the way back to the house, and still, not a word passed amongst them. The quiet click of the door as he started up the stairs was the only thing heard in the bright hallway. His eyes shifted to the sound and saw Roy jr. behind him. They exchanged a brief smile, one of understanding, and went on towards getting cleaned up for supper. Chris was at the top of the stairs, her hand behind her back, clasped within Zac's when a sweet voice called to them from below. They all stopped and turned to look down the stairs at Adelle. "Don't be too long, dinner is nearly on the table now." She informed them. Her eyes traveling from her son, tall and dark and handsome but obviously tired from a hard day of work. To Zac, taller, blonde but tan, bare chested and rivers of sweat still pouring over him and plastering his fly away hair to his face and neck. To her daughter, dirty and disheveled but still radiant beneath it all. To her husband. The handsome man she fell in love with still proud featured under his grey streaked locks. His eyes were troubled and she knew they had yet to finnish the argument that had begun that afternoon. She didn't like the tension in the air amongst them all. She was deterimned to do something about it. And soon. "We won't be Mother." Roy sr. stated for them all. And he turned to head down the hallway. A simple look was all that was exchanged when Zac Chris parted ways at the top of the stairs. It was all that was needed to let them both know that they too needed to talk things over. They didn't like the tension any more then the rest of them did. Roy followed his sister down the hallway, his words doing the best job at breaking the heavy spell that had been cast over them. "I got the bathroom first!" He suddenly shouted and took off for the prize. "Hey! No fair!" She yelled back as if she were ten again. "Daddy! Tell him he cheated!" She pouted. Zac chuckled from the open door of the room he occupied. He couldn't hear it himself, but saw the shake of Roy sr.'s shoulders in silent chuckle as well. He loved his children. And no matter how old they got. Some things just never seemed to change. For that he was most grateful.

return unto me pg. 2 new site indexxx