Motorcycle Mama He opted to skip the much desired long soak in a cold tub. Instead he took a cold shower. His burning skin screaming out the rejection, then sighing in relief as the icey water coursed over his body. He scrubbed savagely, his growing hunger urging him on now that he'd had that needed relief from the seering sun. He had to admit... they fed him well. Adelle was an excellent cook and he was certainly someone who could appreciate a home cooked meal. He dried off hurriedly, his soaked hair sticking to his damp skin, but this time, the feeling was refreshing, not heated. He walked from the bathroom, tossing his damp towel over the puddle he'd left on the floor. Naked, with the breeze stirring the voile curtains he stood and looked out over the back yard, lost in thought as he worked the knots from his hair. He didn't even hear her come in. Her eyes were greeted with divinity. A bronze statue of a man stood embraced in the soft glow of late day light. His broad shoulders moving fluidly, the muscles of his back rippling like lapping waves as he pulled a brush through his long darkened blonde mane. Thick fingers were wrapped around the dark wood brush, the hand so big it was hard to see the handle. She watched in quiet splendor, his arm raking again and again, making the bicep curl up thickly and the rivlets of fresh scented water ooze out of the locks and roll down toward firm round buttocks. The distinct line where tan met pale flesh cutting him in half and leaving his thick muscular thighs looking somewhat awkward in the shadow of the room. Unbeknownst to herself, her breath hitched in her lungs, a tiny sigh the product. He turned suddenly, his eyes a bit wide but quickly going soft when he saw her standing at the door. His smile broke out gently and he went back to brushing out his hair as he now leaned against the window sill facing her. She came to her senses quickly, her smile answering his. "I've got to remind myself to get you a bell." He joked, though he was getting used to her sudden appearences in the silence. She chuckled and came into the room, shutting the door behind herself. She leaned against the door, not trusting herself to cross the room and be near him. Somewhat satisfied with ridding himself of the tangles from the day, he pushed himself away from the window and lay the brush aside when he stood. "I came to see if you were ready for dinner." She said softly, watching his long length stride eat up the floor. He pulled open a draw and fished in it for a moment. "I will be in a minute." He responded. She only nodded, though he most likely couldn't see her. She watched him quietly dress. Stepping into his snoopy boxers and covering up what she thought was one of his best attributes. She took the few steps toward him and opened a drawer, fetching out a pair of jeans for him. He smiled at her when she handed them to him. He tugged them up over his hips as she went to the bed and picked up a pile of clean and neatly folded laundry. She put them away as he pulled a wife beater over his head. He came up behind her, his hands reaching for her hips naturally. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck, breathing in deeply. "Mmm... you smell good." He said softly between planting small kisses against her skin. She smiled, tilting her head to let him have more room. She pushed the drawer back in and reached down to cover his hands with her own. "Dinner's waiting." She reminded him. "I know." He whispered against her neck, making her shiver. She felt oddly cold when he stepped back, pulling his hands from her body. She turned to face him, her eyes telling him that she too would rather skip dinner and go straight for dessert. He kissed the end of her nose playfully tugging the end of her hair. "Just let me pull my hair back and we'll go down. Ok?" He asked with a warm smile. She nodded, her own smile growing. He made a beeline for the bathroom and grabbed up the ribbon he'd carefully set aside earlier. He grinned at her as he tied his hair up behind his head with it, leaving two long tails to play in his long blonde locks. He dropped his arms then held a hand out to her. She took it and together they padded barefoot down the thick carpeting of the hall. They went down the stairs together, his heavy step beside her silent footed one. He thought maybe he would never know how she did that. It was just one more thing to make him love her. As they started dinner, the air was stonily quiet. The three women of the family shared a knowing look between themselves. This was not a night to try and lighten the mood. Adelle turned to her husband as he stoicly ate his meal. "Marshall called today. He says there's to be a meeting again in the strong bow lodge. I told him I would tell you but that you were rather busy and I didn't know if you would be able to make it. He said that it was rather important and they couldn't finalize any dicisions without your input." Her words informative, her tone searching for a receptive mood. He only nodded. Silence fell again. The odd scrape of fork on plate, soft thud of glass to table. Grandmother, ever bold and wise, took a stab at it. "Do they mean to deal with the govenor now boy?" She asked almost off handedly. He looked up at his mother. His eyes defiant but his words respectful. "That will be decided tonight Mother." He said concisely. "Well then I think you had better show your face son. An appearance now will mark our interests in the community. We wouldn't want anyone to loose the backing of his support now. Not after you've worked so hard for so long." Her statement a gentle command. He knew she was right, but he'd rather be childish and pout over not getting his own way. He didn't speak, or look up until his mother's biting tone forced him to. "Am I right boy?" She said sharply. His head snapped up instantly and his eyes lowered in respect. "Yes Mother." He said, his tone clearly telling her he'd rather stew in his foul mood. She nodded once at having won the silent battle of wills. She was the elder of the family, and it would have been very disrespectful to go against her wishes, but she was also very right. That he could not deni. He did not look at his wife when he spoke, only continued to eat. "I don't know how late I'll be home. You don't have to wait up for me." It was his way of saying, 'please wait up for me, we need to talk.' After many years of marriage, she knew her husband and his ways. She only patted his hand on the corner of the table then he held it. She continued to eat her food. A few moments passed and Roy jr. decided he would try to be a good brother and son. "I'll go to town and get the lumber if you take Chris's car and leave me the truck." He offered. His father gave him a once over to weigh the prospect. His words slow for his decision was heavy. "No... go to Elk mill. I owe David a favor." Roy looked at his father, but didn't question his orders. He knew that if his father had decided to pay the extra amount for lumber from Elk mill, then it was for a good reason. He also knew that his father decided they could afford it. "Do you want to call him ahead to order it, or do you just want me to go out and see what he has?" Roy asked. His father looked over at him. "I'll call." They were his only words, and they were the last of the conversation for dinner that evening. They cleared the table in silence as Roy sr. went to make his phone call. They were in the kitchen, a small assembly line of workers cleaning up the disarray of everyday life in a kitchen. "Adelle!" Roy sr. bellowed. She creased her brow but hurried off as she wiped her hands on a towel on her way out the door. Roy nudged his sister with his elbow. "Wanna come?" He asked quietly. She shrugged. "Come on, it'll get you outta the house." He offered. Grandmother smiled a bit hearing all of their exchange as she stood at the sink washing dishes and handing them to Zac to dry. Her voice was young in spirit when she spoke. "Go girl, bring back a bag of those wonderful sweets that Mable makes I like so well." She suggested. Chris laughed as she tied up the trash bag and handed it to her brother. "Why don't you go then Grandmother. You can gossip with Mable too!" She joked. "That's a great idea Grandmother! You haven't been out and about in a while. You need to see some new faces." Roy's words were enthusiastic as he headed for the back door. The old woman chuckled. "Now why would I want to do that?" She teased as she entertained the idea. Chris set the trashcan back and went over to wash her hands. She looked over her shoulder at Grandmother. "You know you want to. So why not?" She asked. Grandmother clucked her tongue. "It's getting harder and harder to refuse you children anything these days." She winked. Chris laughed. "What are you pestering your Grandmother about now?" Adelle asked as she came back into the room. Chris laughed harder. "We're trying to convince Grandmother to come to Elk mill with us." Chris told her mother. "Oh ho! So now it's we is it?" Grandmother laughed. Chris rolled her eyes. "Did you really think I'd not go after you reminded me of Mable's candy?" She teased. Grandmother chuckled deeply. "Well I guess it's a family affair then." Said Adelle. All eyes fell on her. She grinned. "I need to go for barter." She said simply, shrugging her shoulders. Chris's eyes lit up. "Mama! Can we take the willows?" She asked excitedly. Her mother indulgently nodded with a warm smile. Chris was almost giddy as she began to skip around the kitchen to finnish her tasks fo the evening. Zac couldn't help but grin at her good mood even though he had no clue what they were talking about. Grandmother laughed at her seemingly insane grand daughter. They finnished the dishes soon enough and the three women puttered about the house and gathered up things. He smirked when Roy came back in and was quickly informed that he had not one, but three women passengers. Roy rolled his eyes. "Geez!" He turned to Zac looking helpless. "You gotta bail me out man. Come with us or I'll go insane from their chatter! You know how women are!" He pleaded. Zac chuckled when all three women smacked him in the head. Roy cringed and smirked playfully. "See! They're out to do me in already!" He teased. His sister lightly punched him in the stomach and he grabbed at the 'wound.' "They're gonna do me in!" He joked and backed away comicly. "I'm gonna go get the keys from Dad." He announced and raced off. "Some day he's going to learn his lesson when his wife gets him tied down." Grandmother joked. Adelle laughed. "I don't know about that. Sometimes I wonder if I really do have Roy tied down or if he's just pretending with me." She laughed. Grandmother clucked her tongue, her head shaking. "There's no doubt that one is tied down." She said earnestly, her daughter in law sending her a winning smile in gratatude. Zac watched as Chris reached above her head to a high shelf for a basket. She was standing on her tippy toes and it was just out of her reach. Zac quickly went over to help her, standing closely behind her he reached it down for her, his other hand resting on her hip. "Thank you." She said quietly over her shoulder. He looked down at her, his hand placing the basket gently on the counter before her then reaching to lay on her shoulder. "Welcome." He said softly, his lips brushing over her cheek in a tender kiss. Adelle and Grandmother exchanged knowing looks. The pair did not realize it but that was the first time they had been afectionate infront of anyone besides her brother. It answered all of the un-asked questions, beyond a doubt. The two women quietly left the room with their hands full. They were not missed though. Chris turned, her hands skimming up his body to circle his neck. "So you're going to the village huh?" Her voice quiet. "Is that where we're going?" He asked. She nodded. "I just want you to know something." She told him, her words becomming serious. "What's that?" He asked tenderly, his fingers brushing her hair from her face as he looked in her eyes. "The village is not a place we go to often. It's not like it used to be when I was young. The people are poor, life has dealt them each a harsh blow. The people of the village are the ones that have lost their land, their identity, their pride in many cases." She tried to warningly prepare him. He only nodded. He had seen too many poverty stricken areas when he was granted time to travel in places like Malasia and Brazil. It broke his heart to think there was little he could do for those people. It made him realize just how fortunate he was and not take his blessings for granted. It made him work harder to be able to speak out on behalf of those people that had lost their voice to the public. He and his brothers never failed to work selflessly for any charity they came across. They felt it their christian duty. And if they were granted the luck of being in the public eye, then they were going to take advantage of it and open the eyes to as many people as they could. There were so many causes to try to help out, it was often a source of frusteration for he and his whole family that they couldn't do more. They all relied on each other to help them see that what they did by making the public aware and raising funds was just as important as the average missionary that lived among the down trodden and physicaly helped them trudge through their daily lives. It was a difficult lesson to learn early on, and it never got any easier to bear the twisted burdons that his position in life allowed him. "I understand." He told her, his eyes revealing that he really and truely did. She was grateful. True she was not some poor little rich girl. They often struggled to keep out of debt. But she was one of the fortunates of the reservation that had been able to keep their land out of the hands of the encroaching money hungry bussiness savy crooks that so easily preyed on her fellow peoples. She had seen it all too much. A skewed shady bussiness deal when they were down and out on their luck, and a whole family would have to resort to flooding towards the squallor of the village. The old ways and the new of sorts intermingled to form a new day ghetto. All of the land holders that were left tried their best to keep the reservation from shrinking and often got together to come up with new ways to save their culture and their livelyhoods. That was where her father was going tonight. They had been dealing with the government lately. Not the first time either. But it was always a touchy situation. Past wounds did not heal very well. Not even the ones that were hundreds of years old. "I just wanted to let you know that money is hard to come by there. It's understood that barter is better for then they are not embarrassed that they don't have money to live on. We all try to take care of each other when we can." She was not ashamed, her words were proud, as they should be. Their actions were noble and their deeds were silently appreciated. "Then I'll take care and follow your lead closely." He promised. He helped her gather up her load of varied objects and they went in search of Roy jr. Chris's car was already gone from the yard when they stepped out of the house. Roy jr. was at the pickup helping his mother and grandmother load their wares for bartering. Zac also placed his handfull into the back and helped Chris with hers. "Is that everything then?" Asked Roy as he gave his grandmother a hand into the truck. The women all nodded. "Hang on a second and just let me grab my boots and we can go." Zac said to them as he bounded up the porch steps. "Don't bother! You won't need them." Chris called back. He turned around and laughed. She was already settled into the back of the truck, her barefeet hanging over the side. She wiggled her toes at him. With a grin and a shrug he descended the steps and jumped over the side as Adelle was just shutting the door of the cab. He settled in beside Chris and stretched his long legs out before him as he rested his back against the cab. She laughingly lay her head in his lap with her feet propped over the side still. He grinned down at her, his fingers lacing with hers in one hand, the other one playing with her hair. The old truck groaned to life and in moments they were bumping down the long drive. Zac watched as the house shrank away from him. He realized that when he finally did leave the place and return to his other life... he was going to miss it. All of it. The house, the land, the people, and that sense of realism and peace that pervaded him when he was there. This was a home, a generational home of many many years. The meticulous history preserved in every small nuance of it's essence. It was the first time he'd ever felt a connection with a place other then Tulsa. And he liked how it made him feel. The dust was starting to kick up and breathing was becomming a gritty ordeal. It forced Chris to sit up, slotting herself beside him. He smiled over at her as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She lay her hand on his thigh, giving it a squeeze to let him know she cared. Her hair was wildly fighting to dance around her head. He imagined his was most likely similar for he could feel the stinging fingers slap at his face from the loose tendrils. It was too loud and windy to enjoy a conversation. But that didn't matter. They didn't feel like they needed converstion. Body language and simple gestures wee more then enough to let them know that they cared for each other. Once she silently pointed behind him. He turned his head in the opposite direction to see what she wanted to show him. He immediately got lost in the beautiful rolling scenery. The birds rose up out of the fields like clouds of black flies. There were so many of them. It was an incredible sight to behold. Once he even caught the flash of a white tail as a deer bounded off into the trees. It was enthralling to watch it all in the open air. He was so used to being boxed in, this was a new experience he wanted to mark in his memories. It was even more liberating then riding his bike. Most of the time he stuck to main roadways on his motorcycle. He made a promise to himself that next time he took such a road trip that he would travel back roads just to enjoy the sheer beauty of the scenery alone. It was worth it. There were a few houses similar to Chris's sprinkled along the roadway. Then the houses started to get closer together. Frequently they were even closer to the road too instead of set way back. The denser the habitations, the closer they were to the village he figured. And he figured right. Sometime along the houses started to look more run down, shabbier. He kept his eyes open and his mouth shut. Minutes later they were turning down a side road and rolling to a stop infront of a building with stacks of fresh crisp lumber outside of it. Roy hopped out of the truck and went around to help his mother down. She smiled at him and headed for the nearby house. Chris stood up, brushing her ass off of the dust and debris. Zac followed suit and did the same. He jumped out over the side and winced a bit when he was rudely reminded that he was barefoot. Chris laughed a bit when she saw his face, but she didn't say anything. He scowled at her playfully and raised his arms to help her down. She took the small step toward him and he grabbed her waist as she held onto his shoulders as he easily lifted her down to the ground. Of course, when she slid down his body it was a tease to the both of them and they grinned at each other. She giggled and stepped away from him. She went to the windo of the cab. "Grandmother, are you going to wait to go to Mable's or do you want to walk over there?" She asked. The old woman leaned over toward the window. "I'll wait child. I want to see what your mother gets for her fancy willows. If she can fetch what I think she deserves, I'll learn how to make them myself!" She answered. Chris smiled at the woman. "You do that then. Even if she doesn't get what she deserves, you should still learn to make them Grandmother. They are so pretty, and I know with your skilled fingers you could do something extra special with them." Chris complimented. Grandmother patted her hand lovingly and sat back waiting for Roy and Adelle to come back. Adelle and Roy came from the house, a tall thin man following them. Adelle reached into the back of the truck. "I've got peaches and cherries. I've also got horse hair twine. A tin of Grandmother's salve... a whole assortment of things." She rifled through the wares. Roy came up beside his sister and introduced the two strangers. "David, this is Zac." The man held out his hand and Zac shook it. "Zac Hanson." He introduced himself. "David Littledeer." The other man informed. They nodded cordially. Chris smiled up at the man. "Sup Snot?" She laughed, lightly punching his shoulder. He chuckeled. "Hey Squirt!" Adelle fished out a fetching basket of amber hue and finely woven work. "And we have some of these." She gained everyone's attention. David's eyes grew round. "Adelle! I can't take your willows! I really don't have something to exchange fairly. And if I don't get some of your twine and pickles, Ida will have my hide!" He joked. "Oh psht... they're just baskets David. I barter them equal to premium. And I'll give you the jar of pickles for Ida as a gift for the one on the way. Even and square all around." She nodded to make it a firm statement. David rubbed the back of his neck. "I dunno Adelle. Ida would love the pickles, and we do thank you... but that willow is steep." He hemmed and hawed. Adelle smiled at him, going over to wrap her arm around his waist and give him a bit of a squeeze. "David. I've got something for you instead of the amber willow." She said mysteriously. She handed the basket to her daughter and went to the cab. Grandmother grinned widely at her as she opened the door. "Roy, get out a two quart jar of bread and butter pickles for Ida. I know those are her favorites." She said over her shoulder as she reached into the cab. He did as told and David waited expectantly for Adelles 'surprize.' He gasped a bit when she pulled out a large willow basket stained in a soft pink hue. "Adelle! I can't take that! That's far too much!" He exclaimed. She brought it over to him with a gentle smile. "David. This may be pink already, but the chances of a girl are as good as a boy. And if it's a boy, I'm sure Ida will be able to do something about the color. She handed it to him and he cradled it, fingering the soft flannel baby quilt that lay inside. "Make a gift to your wife. Bring your little one into the world in something useful." She urged as she tugged on the handles of the long basket. He looked up at her with uncertain eyes. "This is so much Adelle." He tried to explain. "And the twine..." He said abscently, his fingers running over the scalloped edge of the basket hood. She lay her hand on his arm. "Take it. And the twine... I'll place an order for new split shelving for my pantry. And take a jar of peaches for the kids. I have too many shelves that have cracked." She told him softly. He looked at her, his gratefullness glowing in his smile. "Thank you Adelle." He bent to kiss her cheek sweetly. "Ida and the kids are at her mother's. I'll take this into the house with the other things and help you get your lumber. I've got just the thing for your shelves too." He told her. She nodded and took a jar of peaches from the box in the back of the truck and handed them to Roy who was already holding the pickles. She fished out a large spool of twine and handed that to him as well. She jerked her head toward the house and he trotted off behind David. "Mama..." Chris said softly. She looked at her daughter. "You just put up new shelves in the pantry last year." She told her mother. "Shush child." Her mother said gently. And the subject was dropped. Zac realized that Adelle had intended all along to see to it that David got the special gift. A baby basket was very much appreciated and would be used when the new baby came along. He had gotten a glimpse of the baby quilt that lay inside the blanket and knew that it was made with lots of love and care for a special little soul to come along. He smiled to himself when he realized that they did it all just to help out their friends without making them embarrassed or feeling like they were getting a hand out. Charity worked on so many levels... he liked Adelles soft brand of kindness. It suited her and made her ever so much more of a lady in his eyes. He already thought highly of her as a wonderful woman, now she was ranked exceptional... right up there with his mom and gram... and Chris. Roy and David came back to the yard shortly and headed over to the large building with the stacks of lumber cureing outside. Chris stayed with Grandmother to keep her company and Zac headed off with Adelle, following Roy and David. The mill was silent, the work done for the day, but the smell was incredible. Fresh hewn logs lay waiting to be finnished. Sawdust was piled thick on the floor. The air was perfumed with that special scent that only clean wood can provide. David led them all to a stack of lumber that was set aside, obviously it was Roy sr.'s order. "That's everything." David pointed. Roy nodded and got to work right away hauling them to the truck. Zac followed Adelle as she followed David. They seemingly wandered through many a stack of clean cut boards and lumber until they came to the back wall. He turned and smiled at her. "Last season's cured cedar. I've been using this for a cradle. I think it's more then satisfactory for your new shelves. And I'll make sure you have enough for a new potatoe bin, keeps the worms out really good." He said proudly. Adelle smoothed her hand over the honey colored boards. She smiled up at him. "It's beautiful David! Has Ida seen the cradle yet?" She asked. He grinned and shook his head no. "I've been hiding it over at Oldox's house. She'll never know until she goes into labor." He told her, the obvious pride of his concocted scheme evident in his voice. She nodded. "She'll love it!" She said enthusiasticly, squeezing his hand. "Come on, I'll help you get enough for your shelves. There's plenty more if you decide you want more later on for something else." He told her off handedly. "I just may fall in love with it so much that I might take you up on that David." She laughed as she picked up two long flat boards. "How many do you need Adelle?" He asked. "Eight." She told him over her shoulder. Right away Zac grabbed up four and David took up the last two. They all filed out to the waiting truck where Roy already had half of the order loaded. They carefully slid the new boards into the bed of the truck and Zac walked off to help Roy with the last of it. "I really appreciate this Adelle. You tell that husband of yours that we're all grateful for his help, especially with the new talks with the governor. We're all excited to see the outcome of that." He said kindly, his hand laying on her shoulder. She patted his hand. "I'll tell him David. We all hope the talks will be over soon and that we get what we want." She assured him as she handed him the check her husband had written out earlier. He nodded discretely pocketing the payment and looked over to Roy dusting his hands off. "It was nice meeting you Zac." David called as Zac followed Roys example. Zac smiled and nodded, then helped Chris up into the back of the truck and climbed up himself easily. He settled in next to her and she took his hand, placing them both in her lap. David noticed the small exchange of affection and grinned discretely at her. She stuck her tongue out at him as he was holding the door open for Adelle. He laughed and shut her door. "Thanks again Adelle." He said looking into the cab. "Nice seeing you again Grandmother. I suppose it won't be too long before we will be calling for you again will it?" He commented. She chuckled. "It always comes sooner then you think boy!" They laughed and Roy brought the old groaning truck back to life once more. David stepped back and waved them off as they headed back toward the center of the village. He stayed and watched as Chris gave him a last obscene gesture and a smile before they went over the hill and out of sight. He turned away and headed back to his tiny house laughing and happy for the small joy held that day in his life over the kindness and friendship of his neighbors. The truck bounced along the pot hole riddled road for a fair bit. The air was cooler some as the sun began to slip down past the mountain range off in the distance. The village was nothing more then a collection of small houses and a few larger buildings that passed for bussinesses and apartments. The tenements were run down but it was obvious that they were occupied by people that tried their best to keep them clean. They slowed as a group of children ran to the side of the road way. They were obviously playing soccer in the best place they could find that wasn't over grown with weeds. Chris smiled and waved at a few of them as they passed. Zac held his smile for them all. He remembered what it was like to be a kid and have your game interrupted. They passed through and the children surged back into the center to resume their game as if nothing at all had happened. Zac decided children were more resilliant then people gave them credit for. Only a few moments later they pulled up in front of a cluttered looking shop of sorts. The loud creak of Roy's door jarring the still air. Zac could see the children playing up the road a ways, but he could only hear the occasional yell from the lively bunch. Zac got to his knees and gave Chris a hand up to her feet. He brushed off the back of her and picked some bits of stray sawdust out of her hair with a grin as he stood up. He jumped down and opened his arms for her. She laughed mischieviously and literlly jumped at him. Caught off guard he fell over backwards, his ass hitting the packed dirt of the drive hard. Surprizingly not an inch of her flesh had touched the ground though as he held her in his arms. He laughed when he got his breath back, releasing her so she could get off him and he could get up. She stradled his lap, laughingly kissed his nose and pushed herself up by his shoulders. She stood with her feet on either side of his ankles, her hand stretched out to help him up as they were both laughing. He took her hand and she helped to haul him to his feet. She turned him around and brushed the dust from the back of his jeans and slipped her arm around his waist as they headed toward the door. Roy opened the screen door, the bell jangling in the soft breeze. Adelle entered the shop first, her voice ringing out in a friendly tone. "Mable!" Grandmother followed her in and copied her sentament. "Good to see you again Mable." Roy held the door open for his sister and Zac then followed them into the room. Zac took in the sights of the room, his eyes not able to stay in one spot for long as Chris slipped out of his embrace. The room was cluttered but brightly colored. Cases were filled with row after row of confections and the shelves were lined with baskets filled with their own goodies and treats. He could smell doughnuts frying in the air and the underlying aroma of chocolate was unmistakable. He didn't pay any attention to the women talking as his eyes, wide, scanned the room. Roy smiled and walked up behind him, clapping him on the shoudler. "A man could get fat in here huh?" He joked. Zac grinned at him. "I'll say!" He exclaimed as he went over to look over some sweets on the far wall. Zac had never been able to control his sweet tooth. He had always had a thing for candy, and this place was certainly a sugar junkies paradise. He looked over to where the women were talking near a cash register. He saw a neatly hand printed sign that said: "We accept barter and cash. No checks. No credit." He smiled to himself as he started to sift through a large basket of wrapped hard candies. "So what's your favorite?" He asked Roy. The other man looked at him oddly. "Why?" He asked back, not sure where the conversation was headed. Zac grinned at him as he began to fill a small paper bag with the candies he was sorting through. "Because I'm about to go on a major shoppig spree." He laughed. Roy laughed too. "A kid in a candy store? That's a bit cliched don't you think?" He joked as he took the bag from Zac. Zac shrugged as the started picking through a larger basket and filling a larger paper bag with wrapped lollypops. "It may be... but I can't help myself. Candy is one of my few vices." He admitted. Roy laughed. "You've got to be kidding!" He cried. Zac looked at him. "No." He said in all seriousness. Roy stopped laughing. "You're serious aren't you?" He asked. Zac nodded and handed him the second bag of candy as he began a third of the same lollypops. "I've always had a problem staying away from candy. I remember once in Japan my brothers and I found this funky little sweet shoppe." He reminesced. "Funky, like how?" Roy asked as he watched Zac fill the second bag of lollypops. "Like they had really freaky stuff in there. Deep fried monkey meat that was dipped in a hardening honey syrup." He said with a twisted face and handed Roy the thrid bag full of candy. "Ewww." Roy agreed. "I'm say'n!" Zac nodded, then he laughed as he started to fill another bag with wrapped caramels. "They even had real chocolate covered bugs too. Tay barfed when he found out there was a real bug inside!" His grin mischievious when he eyed Roy. Roy laughed. "You knew all along didn't you?" He asked. Zac nodded. "He didn't ask!" He laughed, handing the fourth bag to Roy. Roy took it and asked him a question. "What are you going to do with all of this?" Zac shrugged. "I share." He said off handedly as he poured a few scoops of gummy bears into a bag. He handed it to Roy. "You never did answer my question." He said as he started to fill a bag with gummy worms. Roy shrugged. "I dunno. Anything chocolate is good. I can never decide when I come in here... but I never leave without at least one piece of Mable's fudge." He said with a gleem in his eye. "That good huh?" Asked Zac as he handed the next bag to Roy. Roy nodded. "Then we haveta get up some of that then huh?" He said with a laugh, grabbing another bag and dipping into a basket filled with drops of chocolate wrapped in colored cellophane. "You're the boss." Roy shrugged. Zac laughed. "Don't let my mother ever hear you say that!" He joked and handed the bag to Roy. Roy chuckled. "A bit like Grandmother?" He asked. Zac only nodded with a grin as he grabbed a few fistfulls of some fruit roll up type of things and shoved them into a bag. He handed that bag to Roy as well and they went to where the women were still talking. Adelle looked at her son oddly. "Hey! Don't look at me!" He cried with a laugh. "This is Zac's stuff!" He told them with a jerk of his head toward the tall blonde with his back to them at the moment, his nose nearly pressed up against the glass of a large case filled with an array of types of fudge. They laughed as Zac looked over his shoulder, a sheepish grin in place. He shrugged. "I'm a big kid?" He asked, turning around. They laughed at him and Roy set the bags on the counter. "Is this it?" The woman Zac assumed was Mable asked. "Nope. Not done yet!" He said proudly. Again they all laughed at him. The woman chuckled. "Ok then, what else can I get for you?" She asked as if she were indulging a small child. He turned around and faced the fudge layed out behind the glass. "I'd like a pound of each kind please." He said firmly. The woman was a bit surprized but went behind the case and boxed up his request any way as Zac stood and nearly drooled on the other side. She smiled at him nicely and took the many boxes to the counter and set them with the bags Roy had placed there before. "That everything now?" She asked as if he wouldn't possibly want anything more. He grinned and shook his head. "Nope!" He said cheerily. Her jaw almost dropped. "What are you going to do with all of this? You can't possibly eat everything yourself. Not with those teeth." She quipped, her eyes on his wide bright smile. He chuckled. "True. But I'm from a big family. I'm used to sharing." He said mysteriously. She shook her head with a chuckle. "I'm not going to ask. What else can I get for you then dear?" She urged him on. He quickly strode over to another glass case and waited for her to join him on the other side. Several bags of candy, a chocolate cake, an apple pie and a few dozen doughnuts later... Zac pulled his wallet from his back pocket with a grin as Mable added up his purchases. Roy placed the baked goods into a box and handed it to his sister. Then he put the bags of candy into a large paper sack and hoisted it into his arms as they waited. Mable handed Zac back his change, but he silently refused it and she poured it into the local charities can sitting beside the register with a smile. "I don't suppose you want anything then do you Adelle?" Mable asked with a smile. Adelle shook her head. "I don't thanks." She said. "Too bad." Stated Mable. "I saw Janet Riverstone's willow basket and I wanted two for myself." She told her. "Oh! Well you can have one if you want. We'll leave it as credit and I'll send another one over when we come to the village again." Adelle offered. Mable thought it over for a bit. "I can't really afford two... so how about if we just leave it with credit for the one?" She asked thoughtfully. Adelle nodded. "Sounds wonderful to me." She responded. "I'll get it!" Zac offered. "The one with the green rim and wide handle!" Adelle called after him as he was already out the door. They all laughed and he came back shortly, handing it to the woman behind the counter with a dazzling smile. She smiled back. "Thank you." She said politely. "No, thank you!" He told her, then took the box from Christine who was still having difficulty holding in her giggles. He grinned at her and they all headed toward the waiting truck. Roy helped Grandmother and Adelle into the cab and Zac handed the baked goods to Adelle. "I want to air ship those to my brothers. They'll get a kick outta that." He grinned. She rolled her eyes and laughed. "Anything for a joke huh?" She asked. He nodded. "You know it!" He shot back then jogged over to the other side of the truck. He leaned into the open window on Roy's side and spoke quietly into his ear. Roy grinned and chuckled as he nodded. "Will do." He promised and waited for Zac to climb into the back beside Chris. "What was that all about?" She asked with a grin as she took the bag of candy from Zac that he had moved to sit down next to her. He shrugged, tight lipped with a grin. "You're up to something!" She accused, her grin wide. "Maybe..." He retorted vaguely. She shoved his shoulder with her own. "Tell me!" She demanded. He shook his head and looked away. She laughed. "Be that way!" She said with a huff. He looked back at her and just grinned. It didn't take long for her to get her answer though. The truck slowed at the top of the hill where the ground was flat and the children playing soccer dispersed to the sides of the throughway. A collective confusion rose when the truck stopped and Roy jumped out. He motioned to the local children and bent to them as they approached. Zac grinned at Chris and jumped out of the back of the truck. Right away she thought she knew what he was up to and she handed him the bag as she too climbed down. Zac set the bag on the ground and fished out a tasty looking lolly pop. He yanked off the wrapping and poped it into his mouth, grinning at the assembled kids. "So do you think you can do it?" Roy asked them all at once ad he got to his feet. They eyed the bag and knew what was in it. Their eyes traveling from the bag on the ground all the way up the length of the tall blonde man. His smile was inviting, his words taunting. "Come on! Can't hurt to try!" He urged. A few of them nodded and pulled away from the crowd. A few more followed them soon after as Chris leaned up to Zac's ear. "What's going on?" She hushed, her confusion written on her face. He chuckled deeply and leaned down to speak into her ear. "I've challenged them to a game. Winner takes all." He said. She looked at him cockeyed. "But there's thirty of them... and one of you." She said eyeing the growing number of 'takers.' He looked at her. "Correction. Two of us... three if you wanna play." He offered. She shook her head. "Are you nuts? I suck at soccer!" She exclaimed. He laughed. "I don't think that's gonna matter." He said, nodding at the rag tag band of opponents. Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. "Maybe not. but just the same..." She shook her head. "Suit yourself." He shrugged as he smoothed his hair back and tightened his tail. Roy motioned him over as he stood among a majority of the children. Zac jogged over to him. "Everybody agrees then?" He asked the group. They nodded. He looked over his shoulder at the remainder of the kids. "Anybody else?" He asked. They shook their heads, too afraid of his size to take up on the offer. He shrugged. "Ok then, but if you keep score and cheer a lot... I'll throw it into the deal and you can get what they get." He said, gesturing to the braver children. Many a grin was tossed his way and they all hunkered down for the upcoming game. "Ok, Roy, you gonna be goalie?" He asked. Roy nodded and headed off to the opposite side of the road. "Ready when you are!" He called back. Zac nodded at him. "Who's got the ball?" He asked. A cutie with flowing raven locks and startling blue eyes and a band-aid on her jaw approached him, holding up the battered ball. He smiled down at her, her mixed parentage apparent. "I'll flip ya for it." He offered tapping the ball with a meaty finger. She shook her head. "Woudn't be very fair. You can have it first." She told him, taking the role of spokesman for the whole team. "You sure?" He asked. She nodded, looking around at the others nodding in agreement. "Ok..." He said, taking the ball she offered. He placed it on the ground and set a bare foot on it as he yanked his shirt off over his head and tossed it to Chris. He clapped his hands together and rubbed them. "Let's get it on!" He shouted. Then chaos broke loose and the game was on. As soon as he'd crunched his candy and thrown the stick to the ground he took off like a shot and the children scrambled to take up their ragged positions of the game. Adelle and Grandmother watched from the comfort of the truck, their smiles wide. Chris leaned against the truck, her elbows proped behind her on the open window. She cheered them all on with racous voice and a piercing whistle. It was quite a show to watch a grown man get tackled by a dozen kids and be taken to the ground. They played rough, they played for keeps. His laughter rang through the air with ease as he rolled in the dust with a thick cover of anklebiters. He put up a good fight though, but they got the ball and they weren't going to wait around to see if he was dead or alive. They raced off, headed straight for Roy. His eyes were almost as wide as his grin as they surged toward him. He blocked thier first attempt at a goal. Miraculously Zac was able to get the ball back and took off down the 'field'. His long legs pumping hard to stay one step ahead of the enterage of rugrats hot on his heels. His years of inpromptu games while he was on the road flooding back to him as he manuvered around the closing in throng of little people. He scored his goal, a small victory dance to taunt the opponents. Chris whistled sharply, clapping her hands above her head as she cheered. "Alright Bay-bee!" He grinned at her, wiping the sweat from his face. Quite a few small voices teasingly threw out cat calls and made juvenile kissy noises. He chuckled. "Are we play'n or what?!" He roused them tauntingly. And the game was on again. Back and forth they fought over the dusty field. Zac had managed to make two more goals, but Roy was unable to prevent the children from making five in all. There was much rejoicing in munchikin land. The sun had set and the audience had grown, but victory was celebrated accordingly. Zac borrowed a large basket from the back of the truck and dumped the whole bag into it. Every eye on every child was comparitive in size to a dinner plate. He slumped down on the ground, his back to the truck tire with the basket between his legs. There was a crowd around him in mere seconds. Many a hand clamoring for their trophy. His hearty laugh rumbled from beneath the heap. "Ok, ok! You'll all get what's comming to you!" He sang out, his grin smeared over his face. His chest heaving and the sweat rolling down into his eyes. Chris helped out with crowd control, loosely lumping the little ones into small groups. "Hold out your hands." Zac instructed to the first few children that Chris had corraled. He dipped into the basket, dumping the bags and mixing up all of the confections. With a huge grin he scooped up a handful and plopped a generous amount into each set of outstretched hands. They moved along promptly to make way for the next wave, going over to the sparse grass to sort out their treasures. In due time the basket was scraped of the last sugary treats. He sent the last child off to trade and crow with their friends as Zac picked a stashed lollypop out of the clutches of Chris. He handed her the basket, climbed to his feet and brushed off his butt. He tossed his discarded shirt and the borrowed basket back into the truck and waved to all of his new found friends. "Let's boogie. I need to get cleaned up. These guys play hard." He grinned. Roy chuckled and clapped him on the back as they all piled back into the truck and rumbled off amid a sea of waves and sticky smiles. They didn't talk on the way back to the house. But their grins matched in size and strength. The coating of sweat he'd earned cooled him quickly in the new night air. He dived back into his shirt and she cuddled up next to him to try to keep him warmer, rubbing her hands up and down his hard back. They leaned their shoulders against the back of the cab, chins pointing to the stars as they drank in the milkyway for some miles. She stole his lollypop for a quick taste, grinning at his mischief filled eyes. It was a good day, despite all of the tensions. She gave him back his candy, their fingers mingling as he bent to taste the artificial sweetness coated on her lips. He licked at them, the ripeness of pineapple giving away to her own better and sweeter taste. His big hand went up to cradle the back of her head as the kiss deepened. Her hands caressing his thick chest and sliding up into his wild mane. He couldn't hear it over the noise of the old truck, but there was no mistaking the feel of her moan against his lips when his tongue dipped into her mouth. It never really occured to them that they were essentially making out in front of her mother, grandmother and brother. The passion they held between them was too all consuming to pay attention to the real world. She was tugging gently on his tongue with her mouth, her hands roaming his body and leaving a blazing trail where her fingers had touched. He had his arms wrapped firmly around her, pulling her close to his starving body. A sharp pain to his tongue made him yelp when they went over a huge bump that made her bite his tongue. He pulled away quickly, his hand flying up to his mouth in anguish. She was horrified that she could have seriously hurt him. She pulled at his hands to see inside his mouth in the dim light. He swiped at his tongue with rough fingertips, pulling it back and looking down, checking for blood. None, that was good. He let her look, opening wide so she could peer inside. She shook her head with sad eyes. She mouthed soothing words to him, her lips brushing against his ear as he pulled her close again. "I'm so sorry love. I didn't mean to hurt you. Are you going to be ok?" She asked worriedly. He nodded, laying his head on her shoulder as he nursed his new boo boo. She rubbed his back as she continued to whisper in his ear even though he couldn't hear half of the things she was saying. His wide shoulders began to shake and she thought it very odd. She pulled away from him, making him look up at her. He was laughing! Her confused smile came out and her eyes asked him to explain. He shook his head, taking a breath to get control. He leaned to her ear so she could hear him. "I don't think we will be making that mistake anymore when we ride in the back of a pickup." He grinned as she rolled her eyes. He spoke in her ear again. "I think it would kinda fuck up my career if I didn't sing anymore. I mean, I can still play... but musicians are a dime a dozen. I can just see it now. Tay's the cute one, Ike's the romantic one... and I'm the mute one!" He laughed. She smacked the center of his chest. "Make me feel worse why don't you?!" She laughed. "Aww..." He cooed and scooped her up into a hug. They laughed together over the ridiculousness of it all. Then they settled back once more to enjoy the beauty of the night unfold. Somehow Zac had even managed to fall asleep before they got back to the house. Chris smiled as she watched him nod off, his arm wrapped around her firmly, his mouth hanging open. She couldn't hear it, but she knew he was snoring. She figured his ability to sleep so easily was a combination of his pure exhaustion and his years of touring. She then wondered what it was like for him on the road. Cramped for endless hours in a speeding tin can. Sleeping in a coffin like cubby. Day in and day out of not knowing where you were or what time it was. She thought one had to be very resiliant and come from hardy stock to be able to endure that without giving in to the temptations of the lifestyle that so many others used as a crutch. She was proud of him. The way he lived his life, his accomplishments, his potentials. She'd never known anyone like him before. She was sure that once her father got past the fact of him being white and their whirlwind relationship... perhaps then he would be able to understand and accept him. She knew that deep down he already admired him in some ways. She was sure that he was only leary because he was being a father the best way he knew how to be. Protective. And she loved him for it. Now if only they could all come to terms and agreements... then her life would no longer feel like it was in such limbo. The bounced along the long stretch that lead to their house. The lone porch light shining, reaching out to them in welcome. She knew he father still wasn't home. She hoped things were going well, not only for the sake of their own land and the future generations of her family, but for the village folk and all of her people that lived within the perameters of the reservation that had kept their culture alive through the struggles of the world since the birth of their nation's western advance. It was the only link she had to the ancients. Her ancestors and the old ways. The past was to be treasured and learned from for the future depended upon it. When they stopped she shook him awake, his slow smile blooming as he rubbed his eyes and yawned, stretching. She gave him a smile and jerked her head toward the house. "It's late." She said softly, her words punctuated by the ringing slam of the truck door as Grandmother and Adelle headed in. He groaned a bit from his stiff muscles as he climbed out of the truck. "Leave everything until tomarrow." Adelle called over her shoulder to no one in particular. They were all tired. "How's you're tongue?" Chris asked, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. He chuckled. "I'll live. Thanks." He replied, throwing his arm around her shoulders. They lumbered up the steps, passing Roy as he held the door open for them. She gave him a weary smile and he poked her in the ribs. She shied away from the offending finger, a giggle bubbling up. The whole troop headed up the stairs. Roy started peeling off his clothes as he walked down the hall toward the bathroom for a much needed shower. From chin to belly he was caked in dust and dirt from their game. His jeans were a whole new color. "Night Ma, night Grandmother." He called before he closed the door. "Night." They both replied and they too shut themselves away in their rooms. Chris stood on tip toe and gave him a quick kiss on the end of his nose, one of the few places that were still clean. "Night love." She whispered. He smiled down at her. "See you in the morning." He returned, then he watched her go down the hall. She waved and slipped into her room. He sighed heavingly. His body was heavy from over use. His legs ached from trying to keep ahead of those kids. He hadn't played soccer since the last tour had ended. He decided it was far too long. Maybe when he got home he'd do something about that, but for now... a shower was screaming out his name and the bed was getting louder and louder in pleas for it to be in use. He trudged along, closing the door softly when he entered the room. It was the same as he had left it. Somehow it felt familiar, he liked that. It smelled like leather and old paint. It suited him he thought. He strode across the room, dropping into the leather chair in what seemed to be a new ritual for him. He leaned back and propped his bare feet up on one of the andirons in the fireplace. He could get used to a place like Papa's room. Maybe it was time for him to move out of his apartment and buy a house. He felt ready. He yawned as the thoughts cascaded through his mind. His body protested as he forced himself to sit up and pull his shirt off. He dropped it to the floor and soon after the jeans and boxers followed. He left the small light on near the bed, then took a hot shower in the dim light of the tiny bathroom. It was ever so soothing and he stayed there longer then was probably prudent. He didn't want to use all of the hot water so he reluctantly stepped out and wrapped a towel around his middle. He briskly brushed his teeth and dried his hair, then dropped the towel and crawled between the inviting sheets of the old feather bed. He drifted off into dream land, all of his thoughts of Chris, like it seemed of every waking moment. She filled him. Morning sun tickled at his eyelids... he tried his best to resist, refuse to play the game that he knew he would loose. He had a feeling that he wasn't alone in the room. He opened his bleary eyes and found he was right. Silently she moved about the room, like a graceful ice skater. She picked up the dirty things he'd tossed to the floor, bundling them all up and chucking them into the tub. She smiled at him warmly as she passed by his bed. He watched her, his own smile content to sit on his lips. She went to the window and threw the sash up to let air into the room. The sun hit her full in the face, radiating like a holy aura. She took a deep breath, eyes closed, and face raised to the sun in a moment of pure enjoyment. It was a fleeting moment. She turned and fetched him out some clothes, laying them on the foot of the bed lovingly, her hand petting over the softness of the thick new t-shirt. Her hooded eyes met his. His heart leapt up into his throat. She leaned on the foot of the bed as if she were a permanent fixture to the room. He miraculously found his voice. "Morn'n." He softly croaked. She smiled at him, then leaned to crawl over the bed toward him. His grin grew more and more the closer she got. She moved slowly, like a cat on the prowl. He loved the way she moved. She crawled up between his long legs on her hands and knees, he leaned back, propping himself up on his hands behind himself. Her head dropped and she kissed his belly. It sent shivers up his spine. Her tongue darted out and swirled around his navel. He sucked in a breath, his stomach tense. Tiny kisses, minute licks, she worked her way up his body, nipping softly at one of his nipples. Her nose nuzzled his chest and his hand met the soft hair at the back of her neck, his fingers lacing through it. She lapped a short trail over his collarbone, stopping to suck at his neck. His head dropped back and he moaned lightly. She slid her knees over his thighs, straddling his hips as her mouth moved up the side of his neck, her breath hiting his ear. "Morning." She said softly, her kisses running down his hard jaw. Her mouth hovered over his, torturing him sweetly. He moved forward to taste of her, she moved back quickly so he would miss his mark. His frusterated little grunt made her giggle. He chuckled then, his arms quickly going around her to make them both sit up and he grabbed the kiss he needed from her. Rough and hard, but so deep. A small sound of satisfaction escaped her then she pulled away, looking into his eyes. "Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Are you hungry?" She asked quietly. He grinned wickedly, his hands reaching for her tits. She laughed and rolled her eyes. "I meant for food you horndog!" She teased. He laughed, his fingers still making her nipples tingle. "Get a guys hopes up why don't ya?" He pouted. She laughed. "That will have to wait until later. There's work to be done." She reminded him. He groaned whiningly, his eyes closing and head tilting back. "But I'd rather stay in bed with you..." He whined. She growled playfully. "That would be fun. But we promised remember?" She asked. He nodded, his eyes finding hers again. "I'd still rather have you." His words blowing across her mouth as he neared her. He teased her with his lips, dragging them over hers briefly, his tongue comming out to lap at the corner of her open mouth. Her breath was quickening, her pulse racing. He allowed her a small peck, pulling his mouth away far too quickly, not letting her taste of him. He leaned in again, his mouth pressing close. His bottom lip nudged hers. Her tongue darting out to grab a quick thrill. Then he gave in. Pulling her close, her hands sliding up his chest and burrying in his thick hair as he allowed a full deep kiss to form between them. He pulled her hips closer in his lap and she could feel the hard heat of his desire through the sheet. Her wimper turned his insides to jelly as she ground her hips over him. She pulled back to gain a breath. His chest was heaving now, his heart pounding. "Oh gawd..." He wimpered. "Baby... if you don't stop that I'm not gonna be able to stop myself from taking you right here, right now..." He warned. She moaned softly, her hips moving more desperately then. She didn't know what had gotten into her, she had to have him. "Take me Zac!" She pleaded lustily. He groaned softly, his mouth racing to taste her exposed neck. "Don't tease me like that Chris..." He begged, his tongue making a trail down her chest and licking at the soft skin between her breasts where her shirt fell open. Her voice was husky with need and quietly begging. "Please Zac... I need you..." She whined. He growled, his hard cock stiffening even more. He didn't refuse her again. His thick fingers made short work of the buttons of her shirt, laying it open to his gaze. His rough hand tracing over the lacey cup of her bra. He popped open the front hitch and pushed them away, not bothering to take the time to remove it completely before his mouth was upon one of her nipples. She moaned, her hips gliding over his lap harder with the need he made boil within her. He fumbled with the closure of her shorts, she came to his aide and undid them for him, pushing them down as she raised up on her knees. He felt the loss of her heat on his burning shaft like a pain. Quickly she wriggled out of her shorts and panties as his fingers teased both of her nipples, making her hurry. She shruged out of the last of her clothes and knelt on the bed before him, gloriously naked. She pulled the sheet back and quickly climbed into his lap. He welcomed her with open arms, closing them around her and pulling her down to the bed to lay beside him as he took her mouth. For a moment he pressed his naked flesh against hers, inhailing deeply of her sweet scent. His breath was raspy against her mouth. "I love you baby." He confessed. She kissed him hard, her lips tingling from it. "Oh love..." She sighed. "I love you too..." Her words nearly lost as their kiss resumed and he settled between her legs. He reached between them and teased her clit with the head of his hot hard cock. It made her writhe beneath him. She wrapped her long legs around his hips, her arms circling his neck. "Please Zac... don't tease me... I need you!" She softly moaned, her words hitching from her quick breath. He gave into the primal urge and slowly sank his full length into her. He looked down into her dark eyes and he could see the fire there, he had to taste it. He slid down to his elbows, his hands slipping under her shoulders to cradle her head and back as he began a slow rhythm. He took her mouth like he took her body, sensously slow and deliberate. Her pelvis tilted as she hooked her ankles together, the base of his stiff shaft stimulating her needful clit. She moaned into his mouth and he swallowed her delighted tones. With his hips he gave her a short sharp jab, her eyes flying open wide in the sudden exciting plesure. She bit her lip to keep the scream at bay. "You like that huh baby?" He growled in her ear, doing it again. A tiny wimper broke from her and she nodded with lust filled eyes. His grin was wicked as her hips increased their speed. He pumped hard into her, the pounding of their hips gaining momentum. "Jesus baby you feel so fucking good!" He rumbled against her neck. Her hands slipped over his sweaty chest, her fingers tickling over his ribs. She slid her hands to his back, her arms soft against his sides as he moved over her. Her fingers dug into the tight muscles of his ass, making him slam into her again and again. He fucked her hard, the perspiration beading on his forehead and rolling down to drip off his chin. He could feel her starting to tighten, her slick walls closing in more and the enraptured look on her face told him that she was close. "Oh fuck yeah baby! Do it! Cum on my cock and let me feel that tight pussy!" He growled. He wanted it so bad, so bad he bit at his lip, the metalic taste of his blood spreading over his tongue. "Ohhh Zaaccc...." She moaned longingly. He couldn't take it, that sent him over the edge. "Fuck Chris!" His words sharply bit the air. His hard body stiffened, jerking and spasming along with his raging cock. He came so hard within her, five hot shots of creamy seed spilling aginst her sensitive walls. His heat filling her, washing over her and taking her along for the ride. She came, her pussy pulling against his rock hard flesh from the warmth that spread through her. Spent, he collapsed against her heaving chest. The waves of euphoria subsided for her, the love for him ebbing against her body with his hard breaths. She could feel him starting to soften within her body, it was a comfortable feeling. She stroked at his sweaty hair, pushing the plastered strands from his face and neck, running her fingers through it. She kissed his temple lovingly, her breath catching as it tried to return to normal. He heaved a heavy sigh, rolling off her, his soft cock slipping from her warmth, their mixed juices leaving a track over her thigh. He pulled her towards him, like as if she were his teddy bear. He snuggled into her, his body melding to her curves. "That was good huh?" She asked with a quiet chuckle. His chest vibrated with silent laughter. "Oh yeah..." He sighed his lips reaching for a kiss on her shoulder. "We're late for breakfast now you know?" She said. He groaned. He'd never thought of that. His prick had gotten the better of him, wedging out his good sense and all other thoughts. He was pretty sure that now everyone would look at them funny for surely they knew what they were up to. She laughed softly. "Don't worry. Daddy was up early and left already to take the lumber to the old Turner place for the new well house." She soothed him. "Still... what about your Mom and..." He tried to protest, not wanting to face them. She cut him off. "Mom and I had a talk this morning. I wanted to talk to you some more, but I just couldn't avoid her anymore. She already knew anyway." She told him. He could hear a hint of something off in her voice. "There's something else isn't there?" He asked, leaning up on his elbow to look down into her face. Her eyes shifted to the shafts of bright light spearing the other side of the room. He gently pulled her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Tell me." He demanded softly, encouragingly. Her eyes lowered from his and she licked her lips. "She and Daddy have been fighting." She admitted. He sighed, sitting up beside her. "I know." He revealed. She sat up too. Her hand smoothing up his back, she lay her chin on his thick arm. "It's not your fault Zac." She tried to soothe. He looked down at her, his waivering smile too meek to be brave. "Yes it is." He told her. She got to her knees at his side. "You can't blame yourself about this. Not when it concerns the both of us." She scolded him. "But if I hadn't..." He started. "Zachary!" She toned. He knew she was adamant when she used his full name. "They were going to have this fight anyway if it was you or some local guy. They are just expressing their fears over loosing a member of the family." She explained. "But their not." He pointed out. "I know that, and so do you. It's them that we need to convince. I think we need to talk about this later. Come up with some way that we can put them at ease. They need to learn to accept this... us... with open minds. No reservations." She stated with a nod. He held her face adoringly. His smile broad and warm as he looked into her dark eyes. "That's why I love you. You always know how to make me feel better." He told her softly. She smiled back at him, leaning to him for a kiss. He tasted of her lips and pulled away. "I'm starving." He announced. She laughed, rolling her eyes and climbed off the bed. His grin wide he watched her walk into the little bathroom. He heard the water run and her voice called out to him. "You gonna be ok? I mean, seeing everyone at the table when we go down?" She asked concerned. He chuckled. She was taking care of him already, had been all along and she didn't even know it. His mother had always told him that he needed a woman who would take care of him. But she had also wished him good luck in finding one that would put up with him. He chuckled, picturing his mothers face when she would find out that he had indeed found exactly what she had told him that he needed. Chris stuck her head into the room from the open bathroom door. "Zac?" She asked, trying to gain his attention, not sure if he had heard her. He looked up to her, his eyes warm from his smile. "Yeah, I'll be ok baby, don't worry about me." He told her. She smiled back at him. "Good. Hand me my things please?" She pointed to the heap on the floor that were the clothes she was wearing. He grinned at her and reached to the floor, bending over the side of the bed to pick them up. He slid off the bed, his big feet thudding from the hard wood beneath the elaborate rug. He took the two steps of his long stride toward her and handed her clothes to her with a kiss too. She smiled up at him. "I'll be right out and you can take a quick shower if you want." She offered. He chuckled, sitting naked in the leather chair so he could watch her get dressed infront of the mirror over the small sink. "It'd be better if you'd join me in there." He comented, his eyes following her long fingers as she dragged her silky panties up her never ending legs. She turned her head and grinned at him. "I'm sure it would be, but I thought you were hungry?" She asked as she stepped into her shorts. He shrugged. "I can live on love." He threw back. She laughed. "I bet you'd die trying." She teased as she wrestled into her bra. He snickered. "You know me too well." He shot at her. Her eyes met his, her expression growing soft. "I'd rather think that I've got a long time to get to know you better." She told him as she shrugged into her shirt, her fingers blindly doing up the buttons. He got up from the chair and went to her. His hands on her shoulders as he looked down into her black eyes. He smoothed a finger over her jaw as he cupped her face, his thumb tracing her still swollen lips. "I'd like to think that too." He admitted softly. He bent and placed a tender kiss against her mouth. His eyes saying so much more then his words when he pulled back and stared into her face. It took a lot for her to brake the hold he had on her. She looked away and cleared her throat. "I'll go make the bed, so you can get ready for breakfast." Her words quiet as she stepped away from him. He swallowed hard. The tension between them enough to make him start getting hard again. What was it about this woman? He couldn't get enough of her, she was like a drug. He was a happy addict though... always looking forward to his next fix. He tried to ignore the fire she had lit in his belly and stepped in to take a cold shower, tossing the clothes to the floor. Maybe that would help him... maybe not. He scrubbed down his body quickly as he hummed to himself. Lost in his own thoughts. She smiled as she made the bed, pulling the sheets straight and the blanket taught. She could hear him singing, his soft hum blossoming into full fleged words under the spray of the water. She fluffed the pillows, they smelled like him. She straightened the room, what little there was to do of it. Then she sat in the leather chair, waiting for him as he stepped out of the shower, a grin to her as he wrapped a towel around his naked hips. She chuckeled as she watched him brush his teeth, still humming. She'd never seen anyone do that before. He reached for his razor, stroking his chin. "Don't." She said. He looked at her confused. "Let it grow. I liked it." She told him. He grinned at her. "It's gonna give you whisker burns for a few days you know?" He told her. She shrugged. He chuckled. "Alright... just remember I warned you." He wagged a finger at her. She grinned back, making him laugh. "Crazy woman." He said to himself. Yanking the towel from his hips he rubbed furiously at his soaked hair, leaving it a mess of tangles. He tossed the towel into the heap and started to brush out his hair. "Do you always brush your hair naked?" She teased. He grinned at her. "Not always, but often." He teased back as he quickly ran the brush through the long length of dark gold that crowned him. She just sat back and watched him, appreciating the wonderous view it afforded her. He was truely magnificent in body she had to admit. It was hard to find flaws with it. She studied the way his fluid movements flexed and stretched his muscles. The curve of his firm backside. How long his legs were. The way his huge hands engulfed most objects. His profile was striking, dark mysterious eyes and a strong jaw. That cleft of his drove her insane. Her heart raced every time he wet his lips. His mouth was stunning. She'd never seen anything like it before. And she knew all too well the things he could do with that mouth, that made it all the more difficult to control herself. His thick arms and broad shoulders gave him a look of strength, but she knew he was just a big teddy bear. He was her gentle giant. Her smile widened at that thought. But then she remembered the day in the bar. He certainly wasn't a teddy bear that day... bear yes. Teddy bear? No way. Soft strength. It was an oxymoron of sorts but it seemed to fit him. He had pulled his wet hair back into a tail and turned to get dressed. It afforded her a good look at his whole form. Clothed or naked he was a beautiful man. A large man... she looked down as he passed her by, his manhood eye level with her. She grinned wickedly. A very large man. She'd never seen a penis as big as his before... not that she'd seen a lot of them, but still. It didn't take him long to jump into his clothes. Then she got up so he could dress his feet. She went to the door and waited for him. He pulled his jeans down over his boots and joined her as they headed down the hallway, hands blindly reaching to lace their fingers together. A bounce in his step as they took the stairs, he grinned down at her. She knew he would be ok then. They passed through the empty dining room and entered the kitchen where all of the noisey hustle and bustle seemed to be comming from. Roy just smirked at them as he passed by on his way out the door. She rolled her eyes and sat across from Zac at the kitchen table, filling his plate and handing it to him with the food that was left sitting out for them. Grandmother was sitting on the back step, the thud thud thud of her pounding cornmeal the old way making a rhythum for the day. Adelle was on the phone, talking animately with whoever was on the other end of the line. Zac and Chris ate in peace, only shared looks, no words passed between them. She dabbed her napkin at the corner of her mouth to catch some syrup. Her tongue lapping at her lips of the stickyness. He nearly moaned at the thoughts that went through his head. It were as if he were drunk from her. He reached to hold her hand across the table. It was an automatic response, one he didn't think about, just had to do. She smiled at him and continued to eat. She offered him more, always moving to fill his plate as he finnished. He thought he was going to get fat the way he shoveled food in around there. He shook his head, rising to place his plate into the sink where Adelle was still yaking on the phone as she filled a jug with cold water, a chunk of ice floating in it. He slid his plate carefully into the unused side of the sink and he turned to go. She reached out her hand to tug at his shirt sleeve, stopping him. He waited as she held up her finger. The jug filled and she shut off the tap. She placed the lid on and handed it, and it's twin, to Zac with a smile as she continued to talk into the phone. He grinned down at her. She may have had some misgivings about his relationship with her daughter, but she made it so easy to like her. He bent and kissed her cheek sweetly, making her blush. She smiled up at him. He took the two jugs of ice water and headed for the door, stopping to kiss Chris goodbye, more then sweetly. He left her breathless from his kiss, her head reeling and chest heaving slightly. The tingle of him still coursing through her as he walked out the door. She watched his back leave, her eyes glued to him. That man could do the most extrordinary things to her body as if it were an everyday event. She grinned. To him it was, and that was why he excited her so. She finnished her own breakfast and cleared the table, slipping the last of the dirty dishes to the sink as she headed off for the stables. Her mother was still talking on the phone, but her smile was a bit wider then usual. She did her chores, taking the time to baby her horses. They were like her children somewhat, and it made her wonder about what would happen to them if she ever left with Zac. That was something she hadn't thought about before. Leaving with Zac. Would she be able to fit into his life? Would she be able to handle the kind of life he led? Did he even want her to be a part of it? There were so many questions that had been unanswered. She shook her head, scolding herself inwardly. She would do her best to be able to fit into his life. He woul help her handle it. And he had already said that he wanted the world to know about them... he wanted her. That was apparent. She had to reasure herself that he wanted her in all ways. Still, it would be nice to hear him say so... she pushed it all away as she finnished her chores. It was no use stewing over it all now. It would just be best if she waited to talk to him. They were going to talk about everything. Everything would be smoothed over and all of her fears would be put to rest. She hoped. She let the horses out to the corale and emptied the bucket of the measured grain into the trough. Her brow creased as she thought over the situation and left the horses for the day. She winced at the thought of the long walk she had in the hot sun to get to the Turner place. She leaned against the corale gate, thinking about what she was going to say to her parents to make them realize that she was ready for the relationship she and Zac shared. Yes it was fast, but it was real and strong. It was undeniable. Unconventional, but undeniable. Sadie nudged her shoulder, looking for some attention. She smiled at her favorite old friend when she turned around. She patted her nose lovingly. "Sadie, life's a bitch you know?" She asked the equine sage. Sadie just nibbled at her fingers. A smile swept over Chris's face and she headed off to the stable, whistling for Sadie to follow. She shook out the old woven blanket and reached down her sadle as Sadie came to the gate. Chris threw the sadle over the door of a nearby pen and let Sadie back into the stable, quickly closing the gate behind her. Sadie knew what was comming and was excited over the aspect. Chris slipped a bridle over her head, placing the bit in gently and waiting for Sadie to adjust to the foriegn object. That was the part Sadie disliked the most. She tethered her to the post ring nearby and tossed the worn soft blanket over the horses back. Sadie danced a bit in anticipation. "Hold on old friend. We'll get there." Chris soothed. She hoisted the sadle up onto Sadies back, adjusting the position until it was snug. She reached beneath her belly and cinched her tightly into the saddle, poking her in the side to expell the air the horse held in and cinghing the belly band as tight as it would go. She scratched Sadie behind the ear. "Good girl..." She cooed. She untied the tether and slung her foot into the stirup. With a hop she rose up and swung her leg over. A few moments of rider settling into saddle and horse settling beneath rider, then they left the dark quiet of the stable. When the sun hit them she let Sadie loose. A fast clip as they headed through the back yard, a wave to a grinning Grandmother. They raced through the field, Chris pulling her back to slow her and cross the shallow part of the river. Then she let her run again, letting her release all of her excited energy as they headed for the Turner place. ***** Zac was taking a break from pounding in the corner post to the new well house. He was wiping off his brow and catching his breath while Roy was getting a drink from the water jug. Roy sr. was on his knees in the tall grass, measureing out the lengths of boards and marking them off with the pencil behind his ear. "Dad!" Roy laughed. The older man looked up to his son to see what the excitement was about, then he heard it. The unmistakable thunder of hooves on sod. Zac's eyes followed the direction that both of the other men were looking in. He thought he was seeing things. A sleek chestnut mare was racing toward them, her hooves pounding at the ground in her speed. But the mirage was the raven haired beauty that sat astride her. Brown face shining in the sun, long hair flying back in a cascade of onyx. He could even see the shine of her deep black eyes, the happiness in them. Every muscle flexing fluidly to move with the horse, her long legs wrapped around the barrel of the beast. It was a sight that would be etched in his memory for a lifetime. He felt weak like a baby at the mere sight of her in such a simple action. He couldn't take his eyes from her, not even when he felt Roy grip his shoulder. He didn't know when he'd walked over to him, but he felt his hand. "You're almost drooling man." Roy whispered quietly in his ear. Zac just grinned goofily, making Roy laugh and shake his head. He knew his sister was a beautiful woman, but to reduce a grown man to a puddle of goo? He just didn't get that one. He went back to work, silently observing both his father and the dopey grinning Zac. His father got to his feet, wiping the sweat from his face, a smile in place as he walked toward his approaching daughter. She slowed the animal, a dancing step from the horse as she tried to reign in the energy. Roy reached up to the bridle, gripping tightly to keep Sadies head under control. She stopped, only prancing a bit as she pawed at the ground. He smoothed a hand over her muzzle to calm her as a grinning Chris slipped out of the saddle. She hugged her father, pecking him on the cheek. He patted her back and let go of the horse so they could walk together. She led Sadie with a loose grasp on the reigns. "Can't leave you alone for a minute can I girl?" He joked. Her laughter tinkled over the wind. "I thought Sadie could use the run as much as I needed it." She shrugged, her arm easy around her fathers waist. "Well I'm glad you got here, there's plenty of work to be done girl." He said sternly. She chuckled, knowing her father was soft at heart and wasn't really scolding her. "Well what do you want me to do first? I can let Sadie graze until lunch." She said. He looked over to where he had been working and noticed the expression on Zac's face. There was no mistaking that for anything else but adoration. He felt a bit uneasy at it, but chose to ignore it. Zac had seen him look at him, it snapped him out of his stupor and he went back to work. Roy chuckled. One look from his father was like a smack in the head to Zac's love sick state. He went back to pounding in his own post for the new well house. Roy sr. had given his daughter a short list of jobs and gotten back to his work, his back to the three younger people. She let Sadie loose, her reigns dangling so she knew not to stray too far. Happily the horse began to graze on the sweet grass below. Chris lifted one of the poles they had used to mark the well the day before, her grin wide as Zac looked at her when she passed. She blew him a kiss and it made him grin so wide his jaw ached. He didn't care. He was happy. He started the next post, placing into the hollow and tapping it with the sledge hammer to make it stay as he watched her. She threw the pole onto the trailer of the tractor, then turned for the next one. He swung the hammer, the dull thud ringing as he drove it into the ground stablely. She took the second pole to the trailer and he began to pound the post in earnest. Now it was she that was the watcher. She watched the difference in the way that her brother and Zac pounded the posts in. Roy was strong, used to back breaking labor and a good worker. She'd never thought twice about how hard he worked. She hoisted the last pole onto the trailer and set about picking up the scraps that her father had begun to discard as he sawed up the boards into proper lengths. Roy's strokes were solid, varied, and he breathed heavily between each strike. It was nothing unusual to her. But when she compared it to Zac... it seemed clumsy. There was a rhythm to everything Zac did, even in the pounding of his hammer. It was like watching the blacksmith, the way he would fill in the chiming rings of the hammer against his anvil as he struck the hot metal. It was like an unheard song that he worked to. Zac was like that. His breath even as he forced his effort into driving that post. She assumed it was from years of learning how to breathe properly so he could play and sing for hours without passing out from lack of oxygen. She smiled. He wasn't even aware of it either. She found it endearing that he used his knowlege to aid him, no matter what the situation. He adapted. She came to the conclusion that was probably what made him get through his life. Being flexable. Working together it didn't take long for the four of them to erect the new well house. They cleaned up the scraps and unused boards, tossing them and the tools and nail bucket onto the trailer. They climbed up and sat side by side as Roy sr. headed off toward the remainder of the barely standing house they had worked on the day before. Chris let out a sharp whistle. Sadie lifted her head and trotted after them. Still they worked in silence. Clearing away the rubble, the ringing thud of the debris hitting like kind in the cellar hole. They stopped for a water break, Sadie straggling along behind Chris where ever she went. Occasionally she would nudge her shoulder, demanding attention. Chris would laugh, her own melody carrying on the breeze. "Time to tie that critter. We've got walls to tear down and I don't feel like chase'n no horse today." Roy sr. warned. Chris obeyed, looping Sadies reigns to the grill work of the tractor. This time Roy and Zac worked side by side to demolish a wall. It wasn't long before it was down. Chris and Roy sr. worked on the other side with claw hammers, it was slower but they got a fair amount done. Zac and Roy went to the other side and dropped the remainder of that wall as well while Chris and her father cleaned up debris from the first wall the two men had taken down. The four of them were cleaning up the broken bits all the way around the cellar hole when they heard the sharp ring of the bell calling them to lunch. They finnished their work and left a long pole with a ragged strip of cloth on it standing in the corner of the cellar hole so they wouldn't loose the large hole in the tall grass. "Why don't you ride her back? I'm sure she'd like the exercise." Roy sr. asked, gesturing to the horse. Chris smiled, she was planning on it. She loved her horses, but Sadie was more like an old friend. "As if I would have walked her in? Please Daddy, you know me better then that!" She joked. Roy and Zac got comfortable on the trailer. Zac was off in la-la land the minute he saw her hoist herself up onto the back of the horse. It was like watching poetry come to life. He couldn't take his eyes off her as she gave a sharp quick command to Sadie and they took off like the wind. He grin was lopsidedly smeared over his face, eyes glazed as he watched her ride away. He couldn't help himself... he was a man smitten. Roy watched Zac's reaction to the whole thing and hoped he never acted that way over a woman, he looked foolish. Roy sr. on the other hand wasn't so sure anymore if it was such a good idea for her to ride ahead of them, he too saw the effect it had on Zac... he didn't know if he really liked that look on his face. It was one of sappy infatuation true, but he could see something else beneath it. Something that left his blood running cold. What he saw was hunger. He wasn't really sure if he was ready to think about his daughter having that kind of a relationship with this man yet. There were so many reasons why he was against it. Every con he had, Adelle seemed to have a pro. Though they both agreed on one thing. It was all too sudden. What happens when the novelty wears off? What then? Will he toss her aside and go on to his next conquest? After all, isn't he supposed to be some rich and famous musician? A rockstar no less? What kind of morals could he possibly uphold in his life? How could he be reassured that he wouldn't crumble to the temptations that his bussiness offered all to freely? Where would that leave his daughter? She would be heartbroken and devastated. He did not want to see her go through that. He wouldn't allow it. He was going to everything in his power to prevent it. Maybe he would go away and leave her alone. Maybe... He looked at Zac again, the sloppy grin wide and his eyes shineing. Maybe not... They rode in silence back to the house for lunch. The three men climbing from the tractor and walking to the back door to clean off with the hose. Chris came to the back door, her face still flushed a wet from her ride and washing up herself. Her smile was wide as she helped her mother and grandmother carry lunch to the picnic table in the back yard. As they ate Adelle spoke up. "Zac, I've boxed up those things for your brothers. Grandmother and I are going into town today, if you'd like to just jott down the address we can have it shipped for you." Her smile warm as she tried to make him feel comfortable. He smiled back at her. "You didn't have to do that. Thank you so much. Just remind me after lunch and I'll write that down for you." He told her. He really did appreciate it. And he knew that his brothers would laugh till they rolled on the floor if he wrote a quick note too. He kept that in mind for after they'd finnished. All too soon the table was cleared and Zac ducked into the house to fetch paper and a pen. He scrounged up a scrap of paper for the address and scrawled it out as neatly as he could. Then as he checked it over he traipsed down the hall to the study. He grabbed a sheet of stationary from the corner of the desk as he sat on the edge of the chair. He even made himself laugh as he wrote to his two best friends. He added a brief sentiment of love to the rest of the family and folded it up. He searched the desk top for an envelope, not finding one he pulled open a drawer. "Looking for something?" A voice asked from the door. He jumped a bit, the quiet being disturbed so suddenly. "Oh! Grandmother, it's you." He sighed, a sheepish grin blossoming. "I was just looking for an envelope. I wrote a letter to my brothers to attatch to that package." He explained. She gave him a soothing smile and tottered into the room. "Won't find one in there. That fool son of mine keeps 'em up here." She said, reaching for a box in plain sight above her head on a bookshelf. He chuckled. "So obvious I missed it huh?" He joked. She laughed as she handed him one. "I suppose so." He stuffed it in, licked it and handed it to her. "There ya go. And here's the address too." He added after, picking up the scrap of paper with his scribbles on it. She took them both and they left the study behind. There was a bit of an uncomfortable tension as they walked down the hallway. He looked down at her and stopped. She stopped with him, looking up curiously as to what was on his mind. It was written on his face that he had questions to ask. "What is it child?" She asked soothingly. He appreciated that more then anything. He relaxed a bit, still biting at his lip in hesitance over what he wanted to talk about. "I won't say anything. It's clear that you need to get something off your chest that's weighing heavily." She said softly, laying her hand on his arm. His eyes grew soft and his shoulders slumped. "I'm afraid that I won't be able to say anything to change their minds. I'm not out to steal their daughter. She's the thief, she's stolen my heart. Taken it clean away." His words only a whisper in the cool hallway, but they resonated with power. She slipped her wrinkled old hand into his huge paw. Her smile warm and genuine as her eyes shone up at him. "Say that boy... say that." She squeezed his hand gently and walked away. He stood for a moment, contemplating her words. He smiled to himself for a moment. He realized, that was two down, two to go. He was slowly winning over the hearts of her family. He was already Christine's, now he was headed in the right direction to make Christine his. There was renewed vigor in his step as he entered the heat of the seering Texan sun once more. He almost felt invincable. Five little words chosen with wisdom and care, it was all he needed for a new lease on life. He ran to catch up with the others that had alread started off toward the tractor. There was yet a lot of work to be done. And he was going to help this family. A family he wanted to be a part of. And if he had his way... soon he would be. For the rest of the day they worked at the rubble left of the house, and scowering the tall grass for scattered debris from years past. That was a tedious job, but an easy one. All they did was walk back and forth like mowing a lawn, stooping to retrieve a forgotten old tin can or board full of nails, tossing it toward the cellar hole of the once upon a time house. They rested in the shade, taking a water break as Roy and his son debated if they should burn the field to clear it for the next round of hay season. It was the fastest way to clear it of weeds, but could they risk the fire hazzard? Chris suggested trenching it, maybe with an irrigation channel for extra safety. Roy thought it was a pretty good idea, they both looked to their father for his approval. "If we do we'll have to take turns to man the field until it's burned out. I don't want to loose the orchard or the wind break either." He said, sounding as though he were seriously considering it. "That's not a problem Daddy. We can work in pairs and take four hour shifts. That way it won't be too hard on any of us and the least possible amount of sleep lost." Her tone as if it were elementary geography. He smiled lovingly at her. "Just like your mother. Always able to save the day in your own special way." He said gently, his dirty hand streaking grime on her sweaty cheek. She smiled back at him, eating up the attention and praise. Zac smiled inside, Roy knew what he felt like then. If Adelle was like Chris then he surely knew that satisfaction of being taken care of. It was a small beacon of hope he held onto. He wanted to be able to relate to this man, this icon in her life. He needed it or they could never be truely happy. He just couldn't do that to Chris. She deserved to have the world given to her on a silver platter as far as he was concerned. They went back to work, skirting the whole of the lot, tossing stones, carrying odd boards, lugging the occasional scrap of iron. They were all more then relieved when the supper bell was rang. "That's good enough for today. I'm bushed from last night and I'm going to turn in early." Roy sr. announced. Chris and Roy grinned wide. That was their fathers way of saying 'go on and have some fun while you're still young.' They all wearily climbed aboard the trailer and rode in silence back to the house. Zac let Roy and his son go ahead of them, hanging back to speak with Chris as they walked to the house from the back of the barn. "Hon..." He called softly to let her know to walk with him. She stopped and waited for him to catch up. "Something you wanted?" She asked. He nodded. "Today, after lunch, I went into the house to write that address for your mom..." He started. "Mhmm." She urged him to continue. "Well, I wrote them a letter too, and I was looking for an envelope when Grandmother came in to help me." He stalled. "And?" She pushed, sliding her hand into his back pocket, giving his ass a bit of a squeeze. He grinned at her. "And... I asked her for some advice." He stated proudly. "Really? What did she have to say?" She toned curiously. He let his hand slide down casually from her shoulder so it draped over her breast, he fingered the center of the rounded mound, thrilling at how it stiffened instantly under his touch. She giggled and swatted his hand away. He grinned at her again. "She basicly just told me something that would ease the fears a bit when it comes time to confront your parents. You know. When it's time to approach them together and let them know that you will always be a part of them, of here." His words were tender, his soft eyes staring straight into hers. "I'm not even going to ask what was said. I trust Grandmother, and I trust you. But we don't have to worry about that anymore tonight. How bout we go for a ride after supper? I saw the way you were looking at me when I surprized you all out in the field." She laughed as they took the steps to the porch. He chuckled. "Caught that huh?" He joked. "How could I miss it? You looked like a starving man." She joked back. "I wasn't that bad was I?" He asked. She shook her head. "Not too bad. But do you want to? Go for a ride I mean... on the horse..." She grinned, meeting his that was full of mischief that would put Loki to shame. The rumble of laughter from deep in his chest bounced off the walls of the hallway. "I'd love to. I haven't been on a horse since... geez. Not since we recorded the snowed in album. That was way too long ago!" He sighed, amazed at how time had passed by so fast. It had been years since he'd been horseback riding? How did that happen? They took the stairs and seperated to get cleaned up for supper. After dinner they went to the stables together. It was quiet as he watched her saddle up Sadie. He thought she moved with such grace and ease, she should have been a dancer. She went to the other end of the row of pen doors. Turning back to him with a question. "Would you rather ride Thunder or Pembrooke?" She called. He was about to ask her what the difference was when he got a wicked idea. "Neither." He surprized her. Her brow wrinkled in confusion. He grinned wickedly at her. "Can't we ride together?" He asked, hinting at the idea that was making him ache for her already. She still didn't see what he was getting at. "We will ride together. But I don't think you could handle any of the spunkier horses since you haven't ridden in so long. Thunder or Pembrooke would be the best for you. So, which one?" She asked again. He shook his head as he walked down the packed dirt path of the stable. He grinned down on her as he took her in his arms. He kissed her passionately, taking her breath away and making her stifle a moan when he whispered in her ear. "No, I want to ride... *together*..." Her knees felt weakened at the suggestion. How could she not want to? She'd be insane not to. She didn't waste any time, she grabbed his hand and dragged him down back to where Sadie was patiently waiting. She grabbed the reins and shoved him toward the stirups. He chuckled looking over his shoulder as he mounted first. "Bit anxious there babe..." His eyebrows high as he teased her. She grinned, grabbing his ass and making him almost loose his footing as he threw his leg over the horse's back. He laughed loudly. "Ok, a lot anxious then." He joked. He held out his hand and she gave him the reins. He switched hands with them and held out his hand again to her. She grabbed it firmly and put her bare foot on top of his boot, lifting her body up behind his. She snuggled close to him. her arms going around his hard body. She leaned up to his ear, her voice sending an icey finger down his spine. "Go through the pasture, there's a trail that cuts through the trees and crosses the river to end up on the back side of the quarry." He only found the strength enough to nod in response before he let the horse take the path Chris had told him of. He guided them slowly, a lazy plodding as they cut through the pasture. The other horses all watched them leave, curiosity and envy drawing them to the backs of their stalls to look out over the low doors. The evening was drifting down over them, soft and slow. A cooler feel in the air as the sun slipped away, melting into the horizon. It was an incredible feeling as they watched the one time only light show. She lay her head between his shoulders, her soft breath warm on his back. He loved the way her fingers stroked over his body, like she was doing it mindlessly. It made him feel like melting from the inside out. The rhythmic gait of the horse was lulling, he was so relaxed he could have fallen asleep if it weren't for her being so close to his body. He was painfully aware of how close she was. It was a sweet torture indeed. Her scent was intoxicating, rich and warm, just like her. The breeze would occasionally blow her soft hair over his arm, the strands sliding along the bare skin. It gave him goosebumps it felt so good. When they reached the other side of the pasture, she leaned down, her hand firmly hanging onto his belt so she wouldn't loose her seat. He leaned away from her, keeping them balanced as she unhitched the gate for them to pass. She sat up straight again, her smile meeting his gaze as he looked over his shoulder at her. They passed through the gate, turning the horse to shut the gate once more. She shoved it with her foot, surprizing him by flipping the latch back into place with her toes. He laughed, he'd never seen anything like that before. "Done that a few times before huh?" He joked. She chuckled. "A couple." She replied with a grin. It was quite a bit darker as they traveled through the trees, the wind lightly russling all the leaves in a song unique. Her hands crept under his t-shrt, her warm fingers dancing through the hair below his navel. He grinned, though nobody was there to see it. When her hand dipped between his legs though his smile slipped away and was replaced with a parted lipped silent moan. His head tilted back, back arching and hips thrusting toward her hand. It was as if she instinctively knew the perfect way to touch him for maximum pleasure. "Gawd Chris..." His head rested on her shoulder, his eyes closed in euphoria. She chuckled. "Feel good love?" Her breathy voice in his ear. He couldn't stop the moan this time. "Ohhh... yesss..." He licked his lips at the sensations surging through his body. He wimpered when she popped the button, his zipper slowly being slid down after his belt was undone. He reached behind himself, his arm going around her and pulling her closer. Tenderly she pulled him free, his erection standing at attention as she gently stroked him. "Fuck..." He sighed. She teased the head of his cock, her fingers grazing over it, darting to his slit to smear the dribbles of clear joy over the length of his engorged organ. She fisted him slowly, her grip firm as it slid up and down his long pole. Her teeth gently sunk into the meaty flesh of his shoulder. "Ohh gawd..." He cried, his hips now meeting her hand for a steady rhythm. He felt the surge of power run through him, that insatable need he got when she touched him. Her long fingers so easily pleasured him, making his mind scream out for more, more of her. His chest was heaving with the efforts to keep himself sane in her grasp. "Babe... I gotta have you... soon, or I'm gonna explode if I don't. Please, stop so we can get off." He begged lowly. "No." She whispered. He shivered at the touch of her tongue on his ear. "You sit still, be patient, and you can have me." He had no clue what she was talking about doing. His mind had gone blank of everything except of having her. He thought of what he had suggested back at the stables, and wondered how she intended on doing that if she was behind him. "Lean forward a bit." She softly comanded. Then he knew what she was doing... and he got so hard he thought it would split the skin. He couldn't see her, but he could feel her moving. She scooted away from him a bit, her legs no longer pushed up against the backs of his. He tried to concentrate on the horses forward single minded gait. He hadn't even been directing her at this point, he'd only been holding on. He knew Sadie had been down that path so many times that she didn't need the direction from anyone save herself. He then felt Chris's hands on his shoulders pushing down a bit, first one, then the other. His imagination was running wild and he looked over his shoulder as she reached forward, her shorts in her hand. "How the hell did you do that?!" He asked merrily with a chuckle in his voice. She laughed. "My secret." She cooed in his ear as she hung her shorts on the horn of the saddle. He was aching for her, now to the point of pain. He reached down to adjust himself, pulling the band of his boxers below his throbbing balls and pulling his jeans down some to make room for his exposed flesh. "Take off your shirt." She asked as she pushed it up his back. Then he realised that she was on her knees, balancing on the back of the horse. He didn't know how she could do it and decided to ask her as he pulled the shirt over his head with one hand and her help. "How can you ride on your knees? Don't you feel like you're going to fall off?" He switched the reins in his hand so he could take his shirt off the rest of the way then draped it across Sadie's neck. "I won't fall off. I can even stand up on bareback. I've been riding all my life. I know how to do stuff." She shrugged, though he couldn't see it. He felt her shove something into his back pocket. "What are you doing?" He asked frusterated. He took his hard shaft in hand, not being able to go without some sort of stimulation for any longer. She was driving him insane and the waiting for her was too much. He stroked slow and hard, his thumb catching on his fleshy head. Her hair fell over his shoulder as she leaned forward once more, her bare breasts pressing to his back. He watched her hand hook her shirt over her shorts as her voice hit his ears seductively. "Lean over a bit and I'll show you what else I know..." He groaned, his hand tightening on his cock. He pushed back in the saddle some, leaning to the side and regretfully letting go of his member to help her. She slithered around his waist, her legs wraping around him and her arms circling his neck until she was now facing him. He grinned. "How'd you do that!" He exclaimed. She grinned back. "I'll never tell!" She told him, mischief in her eyes as she settled infront of him, his erection pressed between them. His arm that held the reins was wrapped around her waist to keep her steady and he pulled her closer for a kiss. "I need you baby." He said urgently, his body pressing to hers. "I need you too." She admitted, leaning toward him for a heated kiss. They moved with the rhythm of the horses gait, thier bodies sliding against each other almost like a dance. She swirled her tongue in his mouth, making him hungry for her. He sucked at her tongue, his free hand roaming over her body to drink in the feel of her skin, the softness of her flesh against his roughened grasp. The heft of her breast was enticing, he leaned her back a bit to reach down for a stiff nipple with his wanting mouth. Her back arched the second contact was made, pushing her pelvis toward his straining erection. He grunted with the pleasure of it. Her slickness coating his balls as her warm folds pressed against him. She reached her hand between them, gripping him tightly. Fisting him with short quick jerks he groaned as he sucked the other nipple into his mouth. He could feel the pleasure overload snaking through his belly. It stalked him like an assasin. "Babe... you gotta stop that or I'm gonna cum..." He whined. Her hand gripped him tighter and tortured him with a few more hard strokes then let go before he was spilled over the edge of insanity. He tackled the side of her neck with his lips, sucking at the tender flesh there and making her writhe in his lap. "Zac... enough playing, I need you!" She whined. He couldn't agree more. He lifted her hips, helping her onto his long shaft as she held it at her sopping opening. She roughly shoved him into her hole as he pushed her down quickly. It felt incredible and he had all he could do to hold back. He clung to her tightly, his head laying on her shoulder as they waited a moment. The gait of the beast they sat astride made staying static impossible. It was as if they didn't even have to make any more effort then the natural sway of their bodies as they moved atop the horse's back. "Fuck baby that feel's so good." He moaned. "Mmmm..." She answered, her teeth grazing the skin of his shoulder. "I love it when you do that." He whispered softly as his hands caressed her rounded breasts. The feel of the leather straps in his hand against her heated flesh making her squirm. He pulled her close again, gripping her hips to delve deeper into her. They moaned together at the sensation. Her fingers dug deep into the flesh of his shoulders as she thrust at him. Her legs locked behind his back and her hips lifted in his lap as he reached further into her. His head fell back, face risen to the twilight streaked sky. "Jesus!" He cried out at the intensity gripping him. She took him to the edge so fast it knocked him nearly senseless. He gulped in air for he was drowning in her. He pulled the reins tight as his arms wrapped around her, Sadie prancing a bit at the sudden movement. Zac tightened his legs around the girth of her out of instinct and Sadie took it as a signal to speed up some. The locomotion of her pace facilitating in the coupling of the pair on her back. Chris held to him tightly and he reached for the saddle horn to steady them. When they fell back into a steady rhythm with the horse their eyes locked with chroma. Nothing else was in the world but them. He leaned back some to alow her more of a freedom of movement, his thick fingers splayed over her ass as he helped to support her. She leaned into him, her body movements fluid with the trotting horse. When her tongue traced the curve of his mouth he lost himself in the moment, and she kissed him hard, making his lips tingle. Her tongue grasping at his inside his mouth and the vibrations of her moans trickling down his throat. He tore his mouth from her, gasping for oxygen desperately. By now his body was slicked with perspiration, making an easier friction of her nipples as they slid against his chest. She licked at his neck, the salt stinging her tongue as her hands wrapped into his hair. She sucked at the hollow of his throat, the vibration of his deep groan tickling her lips. Her urgency was growing out of hand and he could feel the tight walls surrounding him gripping harder. She was close to the edge of that smudgy jutting cliff of extasy, and she was dragging him along for the ride. His body tensed for the quixotic rush he knew was emanent, his legs tightening again. The horse's hooves picked up speed, beginning to pound at the soft earth. Chris's eyes went wide as the sharp jolt hit her, the look of disbelief on her face letting Zac's heart soar. He could feel the earth shattering waves ripping through her body as she shook with the onset of her orgasm. She never looked so beautiful. Her cheeks flushed, mouth soft and wet, lips parted in a sultry 'oh' as whisps of hair spread out over her face in a thin veil. It was what he longed to see, what he wanted to give to her again and again. She came so hard, the thunder of the ground being struck paled in comparison to the mind altering state she was in as her body pounded into his. Her heaving chest did not slow her down as she rode him still, the movement they shared with the animal that carried them helping in keeping the ebbing wash of euphoria glowing in her face. She kept a tight hold to the back of his neck, her fingers still laced in his thick hair as she moved her mouth to his ear. "Cum for me Zac... I need to feel you now." He wimpered as she bite at his earlobe. He was her slave now, a slave to the fire of lust she had built within his loins. Leaning forward some he altered their position only slightly as he dug his heels into Sadie's sides. She now started to run in earnest, the spine jarring thuds inflicted upon the riders being converted with the momentum of his thrusts into her pulsing body. Her arched back and tilted hips making their perch precarious but they held tight to their position. He thrust at her with wild abandon, her cries of "Yes! Yes!" Driving him madd. With sudden force he drove into her body deeply, solidly as he pulled the reins back so hard they were thrown into an upright position and the horses head turned to keep from rearing up on her hind legs. Her slick pussy was grasping at him like a vice as she came a second time, stonger then the first and he released his seed and his sanity in a final moment of surging power and primal cries to the heavens. When the dust on the trail settled and Sadie had calmed from being a bit spooked they both allowed themselves the time to catch their breath. Everything had happened so fast and dramaticly that it seemed unreal. He leaned his forehead against hers, his chest heaving as their eyes met. He chuckled, the sweat rolling from behind his neck down his slick back, her fingers slipping against his hot skin. "That my dear... was unbelievable!" His trademark smirk in it's proper place. She laughed, her head tilting back as she squeezed him. "Nobody can ever accuse us of being boring huh?" She teased. "What?! You're going to tell somebody about what we just did!" He cried. She laughed again. "As if you won't brag about it later... I know you Zachary Hanson. You, love, have a big mouth!" She joked. He laughed heartily. "You know me all too well baby. I promise to keep my mouth shut... for now..." He ribed. She chuckled. "Oh yeah, that's gonna last." She said in mock disgust. He hugged her to him, diving into the crook of her neck. "You don't believe me?" He growled. She giggled as his fingers tortured her with tickles. She squirmed but couldn't get away from him, there was no place to go. "Ahhh! Stop! I do! I believe you!" She begged. He stopped tickling her but his hands stayed on her body instead to caress as he sucked at her neck. "Mmm..." She sighed. "Like that?" he asked, nipping lightly at her earlobe. "I do." She said quietly. He stopped, pulling away from her to look into her eyes. "Say that again." He asked quietly. "Say what?" She asked, longing to have his lips back on her skin. "What you just said, when I asked if you liked it..." He prompted. "I said I liked it." She stated with her brow creased. "No..." He said capturing her chin with strong fingers. He looked into her deep black eyes, the way they sparkled even in the low light. "Say it the way you answered me." He pleaded, his voice only an ache. "I do." She whispered. His eyes closed as his head tilted back. A tiny moan escaped him. She'd never seen anything anymore beautiful in her life. He pulled her to him, drawing her as close to himself as he could get her without having to be her. "Oh Christine! I love you so much! I want to hear you say that for real one day." His words solid and sharp. Her mind swirled with the concepts of the words he'd just uttered. Just contemplating it was like a dream in the midst of reality. Did he really mean it? He pulled her away, his hands gripping her shoulders as his intense eyes bored into hers. "Please, say you want that. I don't think I could get through life not knowing that you were there waiting for me when we're not together." He was near to begging but he didn't care. Something had touched off a powder keg in his brain when she had said those words. It was a chain reaction through his body, making his heart explode with the possibilities. He had to know. She couldn't not answer him. It was too strong. Felt too real. It had to be the right thing to say. The only thing to do. She nodded slowly, her eyes holding his for that brief moment until he could not hold back anymore. He descended on her quickly, her lips blazing with the passionate kiss he slammed into her with. His tongue stabbed at her, making her shiver with the overwhelming joy of knowing that she was wanted, desperately. He poured his love into her and she could feel him getting hard again within her. She moaned quietly when he pulled away for a breath then dove into her neck. She pushed at his shoulders to stop him and he pulled back, a hurt and confused look on his face as to why she didn't want him. "Help me down." She said quickly, her simple request soothing everything bad away. He lifted her off his lap, his semi erect penis slipping from her slick folds with an ache. He watched in amazement as she threw her leg up over his head, making him duck as she pushed on the top of his head with her hand. He chuckled. "That may come in handy later." She grinned madly at him and slid down. He handed her the reins then tucked himself back into his jeans, leaving them undone. He threw his leg over as he leaned forward, dismounting much the same way he would his bike. When his foot hit the ground she lay her hands on him. When the second foot hit the ground, her lips were on him. "Mmmm..." He moaned into her mouth as her tongue parted his lips. He blindly reached behind himself and grabbed his shirt. She let go the reins, letting them dangle so Sadie could graze. He tossed his shirt to the ground as he walked her back to a soft patch of grass and lay her down gently. On his knees he looked down at her, her eyes warm and waiting for him. No woman had ever made him feel so alive before. There was absolutely no doubt in his mind that this was the woman he wanted to grow old with. He could even see himself doing just that. That was how he knew it was so right. She watched him as he slowly lowered his jeans, his desire present in the stiffened shaft he revealed. She sat up some, her knees bending on either side of his hips as she neared him. Her hand slicked up his broad chest, curling around the back of his neck as she pulled him down, her lips meeting his as she lay back down. Slowly their tongues swirled together, a shared tasting of one anothers pleasures. With her fingers deep in his long locks she bound him to her with her kiss. His heavy body leaned against her, making her senses thrum with life. Her free hand slipped up his muscular back, kneading at the hard flesh of his shoulder as his arms held him above her. He pushed his hips into her center, the base of his manhood grinding against her nub, his heavy balls slicking with her juices. She reached her hand from his back and slipped it between them where his member lay against her belly. Her long slender fingers tracing it's length and bulk. He thrilled at the touch of her nails running over every throbbing vein, stopping to carress the sensitive head each time her hand passed over it. He pulled his mouth away, grabbing for air to fill his burning lungs. The pad of her thumb rubbing deeply into that most delicious spot just under the tip. He groaned, his head dropping to her shoulder. He shivered when he felt the flats of her feet slide up the backs of his calves, her heels dragging over the backs of his thighs. She locked her legs around his waist as she teased him, running her hand down his length and gently squeezing his sac. He nipped at the tender flesh of her throat, laying sucking kisses up it's long length. He pecked her just under the chin and pushed up a bit to flick his hair behind him and to one side so he could reach the other side of her neck. She took that opportunity to grab his stiffness and tease her clit with the spongey head of his cock. "Fuck!" He cried out as her hips moved against him. He abandoned her neck and went straight for her breasts. Round, warm and firm. He lapped at the brown stiff buds his hands cupping and kneading them as he leaned down on his elbows. He sucked at her nipples, the taste like candy to him. She arched her back with the delight he gave her. "Ohh Zac... make love to me..." She moaned. He looked up at her, his lips still wrapped around a stiff nipple. He flicked his tonge at it, making her suck in a quick breath. "Ooohh..." She wined, her hips undulating against him. Leaning all of his weight on one elbow he reached between them and took his prick from her, slipping it slowly into her wet hole. He filled her so fully, his hardness reaching to the very core of her soul. Her back arched and she cried out. "Yes!" He reached around her lower back, helping to support her as her legs aided her pelvis to move against his. The slow torturous rhythm stroked her insides to the point of her sanity bursting. His hips pumped into her, with firm slow strokes as he lay his head against her shoulder, his lips murmering words of adoration against the damp skin of her neck. He inflicted her with the sweetest of tortures for what seemed to her an eternity. She watched the heavens open above them. The sky darkening and the tiniest of pinpoints of blazing light sparked in the haze of the new night. She felt as if it were his body that was painting that picture of the universe before her eyes. The way his hard muscles moved against her, slicked with the sweat of his labors. His fingers of his free hand stroking the hair at her temple or sliding down the length of her arm to twine his fingers with hers. They were a pallet of every hue made ethereal. Every stroke he gave to her body was another brush stroke of the milkyway spilling out. His hot breath against her sweat slicked skin giving her shivers. Shivers that shook out the hiding stars from their slumber. Each of his words of love to her lighting every star as it shone down on them. That delicious ache grew within her. It curled through her soul, like a whisp of smoke, just before the spark takes the tinder and breathes life into a flicker of flame. It burned a hole, from her heart to his, a direct route of passion being eaten up with every punctuation of devotion of his body in hers. It shimmered with a life of it's own as it floodingly filled her, every inch of her body being saited. A welling crescendo of bliss in it's purest form took over her body as the tears of joy flowed like celebratory wine. "I love you Zac...!" She moaned, the slow ache fuzzing her brain from releasing anymore words. He held her tightly as she plunged over the deep end, pulling him with her into an orgasmic nirvana. His every need fed as he answered. "I love you too Christine...!" He spilled into her, his heart, his soul, his love, his seed. His mind was a blank field on only pure delight, white hot in over load, his lips finding hers in blind desperation. The tide turned, reality starting to creep back in as his breath came hard and he broke from her spellbinding kiss. He lapped up the air, drinking it in deep to feed his pained chest. He licked at his lips, looking down at her as he tasted the salt of her tears there. "Baby...?" His soft voice breaking from the sheer amount emotion he held at seeing her cry. She smiled timidly at him, sniffling and her fingers reaching up to brush the streaming drops from her face. "I'm ok love... it's just that..." She couldn't find the words to describe how she felt. He smiled down at her, knowing just how she felt, and not being able to voice it either. "I know honey, I know..." He soothed, stroking her hair from her damp forehead. He kissed her lightly, her lips just brushing against his. Her hands smoothed over his hard chest, fingers digging into his sweaty hair as she saw the perspiration glisten on his forehead. She pushed his hair back, scooping it up and holding it in a tail off his neck as she blew against his skin. He shivered. "Mmmm..." He voiced his pleasure. "Feel good love?" She asked, then licked his adams apple. He chuckled making it bob against the flat of her tongue. She pulled back, a smile lighting her eyes. "I know!" She exclaimed. "What?" He asked with a smile as he traced her jaw tenderly. "Let's go swimming!" She suggested. He grinned. "That's sounds like a wonderful way to cool off." He agreed. She pushed at his chest and he laughed. "Was it that bad that you want to get rid of me?" He joked. She rolled her eyes. "Very funny, now get off me!" She teased. He slid from her body, his sweat slicked skin gliding along hers as he got to his knees. She grinned at him as he stuffed himself back into his pants, tugging the zipper up. She scooted up, reaching behind herself for his shirt. She slipped it over her head as he got to his feet. He held out his hand to her and helped her from the ground. She slipped easily into his arms, his mouth pressing to hers lovingly. "Mmmm..." He sighed against her lips. They broke apart and he looked down on her. "You taste so good." He said softly, his tongue darting out to pass quickly over her lips once more. She smiled up at him, her fingers brushing over his mouth and he kissed them. "Let's go down to the river." She said softly. He nodded, moving to let her go and take her hand. The walked slowly, side by side down the dark path. Only the sky of stars above them that cut through the swath opened in the tree tops. She whistled over her shoulder and Sadie trotted up behind her, nudging her with her head. She smiled, patting her old friend and took up the reins as she led the animal to the river behind them. When they got to the open land of where the river carved a path through the property the breeze stirred unemcumbered. A wicked grin stretched over her face. "Last one in's a roten egg!" She yelled as she dropped the reins and started running. She peeled his shirt off, tossing it to the ground behind her before her feet splashed into the cool flow. "No fair!" He cried out in exasperation as he stumbled to yank off his boots and run at the same time. She laughed at him over her shoulder as the water splashed up around her knees. "Looser!" She taunted, wading out further. He gave up and sat heavily on the dusty ground below. He pulled his boots off, peeling his socks from his feet quickly after. He got to his feet, shimmying out of his jeans as fast as he could. "Wait for me baby!" He begged with mirth laced in his voice. She turned around, the water swirling around her waist in a cold embrace. She threw him a smile. "Hurry up Zac!" She urged, bending her frame to dip in a hand and smooth the life of the river over her throat. It reminded him for all the world of when she had cooled off in the river the day they met, except this time was better. Her face was still flushed from their lovemaking, her hair tangled from their wild ride on Sadie. And she was gloriously naked. Her ripe form enticing him to arousal again. He caught his breath, not realizing he had been holding it. His smile spread warmly and he whisked his boxers from his hips, stepping out of them and taking off running for the edge of the river. She giggled as she saw him crash into the water with much chaos, huge splashes spraying up over him from his big feet stabbing the river. She kept backing up, her feet gliding along the sandy bottom scattered with age smoothed stones. She could see that look in his eyes that just screamed, 'I wanna play.' Somehow, she had a feeling that she was going to get the worst of his playful punishment. The water crept up her body, her shoulders just above the lapping current when she saw him waist deep, dive into the wet blackness. She kept her eyes open and searched for him. Not trusting him in the least for fear he would surprize her and dunk her. In mere moments she could feel him near by. And she was right, he shot up out of the water, a great spray rained down on her as he grabbed her, kissing her roughly through his laughter. She smacked his chest, her lips parting from his. "You ass!" She laughed. He chuckled, drawing her into his arms. She reached up for a proper kiss, her tongue gliding over his bottom lip begging entrance. His firm lips parted, his tongue meeting hers to twine and play. He pushed the hair from her face, the long wet strands sliding over her soft skin. "You're so beautiful Chris." His low voice rumbled. She smiled up at him, the earnestness of his declaration making her quiver inside. She kissed him with softness so filling. He moaned slightly, his head falling back when she pulled away. He held her tighter, drawing her against his body as he let his feet leave the sandy bottom, and he lay in the water on his back. She giggled at the sudden sensation of weightlessness. He looked down at her, chuckling. She saw that look agian and held her breath instinctively. She had been right to do so for quickly he pulled the both of them beneath the blanket of water. It was an otherworldly sensation as his mouth grappled onto hers under the heavy pull of the river. His tongue teasing her for the briefest of moments before he thrust them up into the night air. Her chest heaving to catch her breath she looked up at him as the water sheeted off his body. It was like watching Posideon himself emerge from the murky depths. He was beautiful. "You're insane! Why do I love you?" She teased, shoving him away and disapearing beneath the water. He laughed hard when he'd caught his footing. His sharp eyes keeping a close watch on the surface of the river for her to come up. She was sneaky and he had to be careful or else she would get the best of him. He never had a chance. She'd quickly gone under the water to his back. She rose from the river with only her nose above the surface. With much natural stealth she crept up on him. He never knew what hit him as she dipped below and yanked his feet out from under him. He kicked hard, righting himself and touched the river bed below as he surfaced, coughing and sputtering, trying in vain to wipe the water from his eyes. He heard her laughing from a distance. He got his bearings, sighting her as she was swimming upstream as fast as she could go. "You can't get away from me woman! I'll exact my revenge!" He didn't know if she'd heard him or not, but he figured it sounded pretty good despite the threat being dictated between laughs. He shoved his hair back off his face and dove into the deep once more, his body slicing through the fast current with ease after years of practice when they'd gone surfing. It surprized her when he caught her. He grabed her ankle, yanking her back towards him as he stopped and stood up. He wrapped an arm around her waist so she wouldn't go under and pulled her close to his body. Her legs naturally went around him and she clung to his shoulders, as she fought to keep her breathing under control. They laughed together in the darkness. It was an easy feeling. A familiar one. One they knew they would share for a long time to come. As if they shared the same thoughts the laughter faded, but the racing hearts sped up more when her eyes met his. Her black eyes held the reflection of the diamond studded skies and he had to catch his breath. His mouth lowered to hers and all he had to offer her was a kiss of honest devotion. It was all she had ever wanted. He drew the very essence of his life from her caress. He was fed from her tiny shivers when his rough fingers passed over her skin. He breathed in her scent. Whole and rich, like the earth itself. She filled his heart, his mind, his very soul and he knew he'd never be able to get enough of the woman he now in his heart of hearts called his. She leaned to him, her tongue lapping at the wet edges of his mouth, driving him toward the edge of insanity as he tried to catch her tongue. When he did she moaned. He could feel it all the way down to his toes. Their kisses heated, the desperation growing with them. "Baby... I want you..." He hoarsely whispered. "I know..." She answered softly. He took a few steps toward the bank of the river so the water would lap below her breasts. He watched her heaving bossom, how her wet nipples glistened like gems. He leaned forward, holding her so she could lay back in the water and he could taste of her. His tongue darting out to flick at her hard nipples. Her back arched and her legs tightened around his waist. He was so hard for her he thought he'd pass out. He scrapped the flat of his tongue over her stiffened nub. His head turning then to apply the same treatment to the other breast. He sucked in her brown bud and she moaned again. His deep rumbling groan rolled from his chest in answer. His hand slid up her back beneath the dark water to cradle her body as his other one left her waist. He lavished attention on her breasts, her pulsing body writhing under his ministrations. He slid his hand up over her hip and down between her legs. His thick fingers parting her soft folds with ease. Her whole body shuddered as his calloused fingers passed over her sensitive nub and he sank two thick fingers deeply into her throbbing pussy. His thumb stroked her clit to a fast paced rhythm that matched the flick of his tongue on her tit and the thrust of his hand into her tunnel. He took her over the edge so fast she screamed out his name resoundingly, her fingers digging into the flesh of his shoulders. "Zzzaaaaccccc!!!" The echo of it ringing in his ears, and his heart. He needed her right then and didn't even give her time to recover. He pulled his hand from between her trembling legs, hoisted her up and grabbed her roughly by the hips. Before she felt the last of her orgasm fade he impaled her onto his rock hard rod. Her back arched and her fingernails broke the skin as she gripped at his shoulders even harder, the blood trickling down his back as it seeped from his skin. The intensity of her second instant orgasm rocked his brain. With brute force he pulled her body off and on his aching member, his primal grunts penetrating her fuzzy head, dragging her back to reality and making her loosen her hold. In the delicious glow of her satisfaction she watched with wide eyes as he completely dominated her body. His head tossed back and face raised to the sky in silent prayer for his hungered release. The quiver of his bulging biceps as he pouned her onto his body. The heave of his chest from his efforts. But what was the most beautiful was the painful pleasure painted on his face. Eyes closed and brow creased, jaw set hard and lips drawn thin as he clenched his teeth. Her fingers slid up his shoulders and dug into his hair, slightly pulling on it, as she tipped his head to the side and bit at his neck. "Fuck!" He called, his eyes shooting open to the heavens and his body going stiff. She could feel the force of his eruption blasting deeply inside her center as her tight walls throbbed against his massive meat. "Ohh... Chris...!" He called longingly, eyes closeing in euphoria and a moan of her name lilting off his thick wet parted lips. His knees went weak and he stumbled backwards a bit. She sucked in her breath expecting them to go under but he gained his strength back and righted himself. He held her tightly against his body. He was breathing so heavily he was rasping as he lay his head on her shoulder, nuzzling into the crook of her neck as he liked to do. His big arms circled her and enfolded her in his strong embrace. She stroked the hair from his face as his racing heart and quickened breath returned to normal. He lay tiny little kisses along her collar bone. Then lapped at her shoulder once before sucking on the flesh there lightly. He moved his sucking little wet kisses up the side of her neck and flicked his tongue at her earlobe. She giggled, squirming for he knew she was ticklish like that. He chuckled into her neck, his mouth sliding around to her throat, his lower lip dragging up it's length to end in a tiny kiss to her chin. He whispered against her lips teasingly. "I love you baby. I don't know just what it is that you do to me, but my body can not say no to you." His voice holding a deep husky rasp left over from his overload of sexual pleasure. She held his head tightly in place with the grip she hand in his hair at the back of his head as he swirled his tongue over her throat once more. Her fingers kneaded the back of his neck and he shuddered with delight. She chuckled. "You like that love?" "Mmmm..." He replied as he licked at the hallow of her throat. "Enough to make you sleepy?" She asked. He pulled away from her, looking into her endles eyes. "Why?" He asked with new curiosity. She smiled down at him. "Because if you take me to bed I'll do that for you... and a few other things as well..." She hinted. He chuckled. "Somehow I doubt it if we are ever going to be able to keep our hands off each other for very long." He answered. She chuckled. "That's the whole idea love..." Was her retort, and she kissed him to shut him up from saying any more stupid things. She pulled back, resting her forehead on his. "So now what?" He looked into her face. "You want to go back?" He queried. "Mmhm." She answered. "You want to go to bed?" He asked. "Mmhm." She toned. "You're tired?" He wanted to know. "Uh uh." She grinned shaking her head. He grinned too, visions of making love to her all night long in that big feather bed running through him mind. "We can do that..." He said suggestively. She stroked his face with her wet fingers. "Just remember love, we do have to get up in the morning. We have ditches to dig so we can burn the field." He sighed. "I know... I can just be happy to have you next to me." His tone sweetly caring. She smiled softly at the thought of sleeping next to him, and waking in the morning too. "Then let's go back to the house." He said with finility. He lifted her up some, his now soft manhood slipping from her warm body, they both shivered from the sensation of being seperated. She unlocked her ankles and her feet found the riverbed below. Her hands slid down from his neck, smoothed over his shoulders and and caressed his chest. In the dim light she saw the streak of darkness slip over his wet skin from her fingers. She gasped a bit in surprize. "What?" He asked worridly grabbing her shoulders thinking she'd hurt herself. She dipped her hand into the water and washed the marks from his chest. He looked down and saw what she was upset about. She rubbed at his upper arm and that too washed away. "Turn around." She demanded. He obeyed as she dipped her hand again. She passed a cupped handful of water over his shoulder and rubbed her hand at what seemed to be the origin of the blood. "Oh love... I'm sorry. I really dug in deep. Does it hurt?" She asked appologeticly. He looked over his shoulder trying to see where she had supposedly damaged him. "I can't even feel it." He shrugged. "You probably will tomarrow." She retorted. "Let's get you home and get that taken care of. I don't want it to get infected." She said sternly, pushing him toward the bank. He sighed. "Honey. I'm alright. Don't worry about it." He tried to protest as he lumbered through the thick feel of the water. "Zac. Please don't argue with me. I'd just feel better if I knew it was taken care of." She said irritatedly. He stopped and turned around. He looked at her curiously. "What's the matter with you? It's just a scratch for christ's sake. What's bothering you really?" His tone wasn't snappish but firm. He knew she was an even keeled type of person. If she sounded frusterated chances were there was something bothering her. And he was going to get to the bottom of it. He reached for her and she took a step back. "Chris?" "What?" She said sourly. He took a step toward her, tenatively reaching for her again. This time she let him touch her. He stood in front of her and rubbed her shoulders a bit. "What's really the problem? It's not like you to snap." He asked softly. She sighed and he could hear tears on her breath. He pulled her closer, the river passing them by as it swirled around them. "Babe, you know you can tell me anything." He urged. "I know." She said softly, almost choking out a sob. "Then what's the matter? Is this about you scratching my shoulders? If it is I told you it doesn't hurt..." He started. She took a deep breath. "It's not about that." She admitted. "Is it about when I bit you then?" He tried again. She shook her head. "No." She said holding back the tears. He gently pulled her head to lay against his chest. "Then what baby? Don't leave me in the dark. How can I help if you don't talk to me?" He asked as he stroked her hair back. She looked up into his sincere eyes, wiping at her tears. "Every time you get hurt or something happens where I think you could get hurt I get this feeling... I don't know what it is. It's like a sick feeling that gnaws at my stomach. It's like a constant reminder that if something would happen to you, not only would I not have you, but so many others would feel a loss. Like if you broke a hand or something and couldn't play for the tour. Thinking about all of those people that were looking forward to that one special performance from you guys but they won't get it. They won't get to experience something that they were so looking forward to and it would effect them. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I have to share you with millions of people." Her voice spilled her fears out into the darkness and he listened, startled that she felt that way. "Honey..." He started, not really knowing where to start first. She looked up and waited for him to continue. "I think I understand how you feel. I mean, I feel bad if I get sick and we have to cancel or reschedule something... but babe... I'm just a guy. I'm not really anything special. It's not the end of the world if I'm barfing and I don't make it to a radio interview ya know?" She chuckled with him as he eased her fears. "I do understand your concerns, and I know it's hard to think that you have to put up with all the crap of having a life in the public, but really baby, there is so much of our lives that we just don't share with the fans. We are very private people and for the most part, the fans are respectful. I'm not going to lie to you. It's really hard sometimes. I mean, when Zoe was really little we were always getting pissed about fans taking her picture. She didn't ask to be born into a public life, but she was and my parents took those risks, letting all of us be exposed to it. They did their best at keeping the attention focused on just the three of us and off of the rest of them, but they didn't go punching fans or anything." She laughed again, feeling better and understanding more. "This is something we chose to be a part of. It was all of us that made the decision, and we've always said that if it ever got to be too much then we would quit, ya know?" He asked, trying to see if he was getting through to her at all. She nodded, her smile creeping out. "A bit late for that now isn't it? I mean, don't you guys get recognized everywhere you go? How can you just stop being famous?" She voiced another worry. He chuckled. "You'd be surprized. Sometimes I can even walk down the street in a big city and nobody will notice me. Other times I'll stroll down the sidewalk of a little town and ten people will ask for my autograph. It's all relative. It's someting I grew up with so I'm used to it sorta now. I don't know how hard it will be for you. I've never been able to understand it from any of my past girlfriends points of views... but this time it's different." He said, tenderly stroking her face. "This time I'll be introducing the so called public to someone I care very deeply for." She smiled. "I want to tell you something." He said getting her attention. She waited patiently for him to continue. "I've never really paid any attention to how everyone reacted to my past girlfriends. They were just there, wasn't important... they were nothing more then a distraction really. I'd never told any of them any different really and still they didn't seem to care, they just hung off my arm like i was some trophy..." He held her closer, his eyes conveying all of the emotion he felt for her. "I've never told anyone that I loved them before because I just don't say things I don't mean. I find it pointless... but you Christine... I love you. With all my heart and soul. I know deep in me that I love you." He pulled her to him, kissing her with all the passion he felt for her, needing to show her how much he cared, how much he wanted her, how much he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He could taste the salt on his lips from her tears of joy. They tasted of forever. "I love you too..." She sighed. "Let's get you home and into bed. We have a long day ahead of us." He said, gently guiding her towrad the sandy bank of the river. They waded through the water with their arms wrapped around eachother, just touching was a comfort. Quietly they dressed, she slipped her shorts and shirt back on, her wet legs glistening like polished mahogany in the dark night. He chuckled when he found her silky little panties in the back pocket of his jeans. He tucked them back in and hoisted his jeans over his hips. He stuffed his sox, boxers and t-shirt into his boots, taking her hand and walking along side her as he swung gus boots back and forth in his other. She led Sadie down the path, her bare feet padding along as Zac tried to pick his way over the rough terrain. She laughed. "You should go barefoot more often. It's more comfortable then shoes and your feet will get tougher." She told him. He chuckled. "I know, but it's not usually an option for me." He said then softly cursed as he stepped on a sharp stone. She shook her head and walked along, her fingers tightly woven with his. Leaving Sadie behind for the night, they quietly crept into the house. They took the stairs side by side and detoured to her room so she could grab a few things. They knew that in the morning they were going to face the scrutiny of her family and most likely have to face her father... they were ready. They felt solid as a unit, two parts of a whole. He carried her bag and his boots and she toted her clothes as she held his hand. In silence they walked to the other end of the hall to 'his room.' He opened the door for her, waiting for her to enter the room, then slipped in himself, shutting the door and closing out the rest of the world. They never even noticed the cracked open door of Grandmother's room nor the quiet fall of her foot as she went back to her room from the bathroom behind them. She smiled and closed her door on the world as well. A new life was beginning, and she was at peace with it. The simple gestures and solid words had convinced her. Her grand daughter was as good as married in her mind. She settled into bed. Tomarrow would be a long day. She was sure they were going to need her to put in a good word for them with Roy. Her son could be stubborn, but this time he needed to see beyond the surface and pay attention to what his daughter really needed. Not just as his offspring, but as a woman. She was already taken, in her heart, there was no use fighting it. He would be good to her, he genuinely loved her despite the fact that they had only known eachother a short while. The old woman chuckled to herself. In all of her years she had only seen the rarest of occasions of love at first sight. How odd it was that it would happen to two generations of her own family. First her son, and then her son's own daughter... fate had a hand in these strange dealings. She was sure of it. She smiled and closed her eyes, turning over to let sleep over take her. ***** Morning broke softly over the ranch. Chris rolled over, her naked body pressing against a hard wall. Then she remembered where she was and why her body ached and why she was so tired. She smiled lazily to herself and opened her eyes. He was laying on his side, his head tucked up into the crook his arm made for it, his hair spilling over like luxurious silk sheets of gold. It was his broad thick chest that she had hit, like a brick wall. Her hand smoothed up over the tawny skin, nails gently raking over the hard muscle. His other hand lay gently on her hip. She was surprized that it wasn't heavy like his arm. She twined her legs with his as she snuggled up next to him. It was early, barely dawn. She supposed that she'd only slept a few hours for they had made love many times in the big feather bed that night. Catching brief resbits of sleep only to reach for one another in the night again and again. She didn't mind, it was a good ache that coursed over her body. She was actually looking forward to the new day. A day when she would stop pussyfooting around. The issues were not to be skirted any longer. It was time for her to confront her father and whether it be his worse fear or not, she had to tell him that she'd fallen in love. Her arms wrapped tightly around him and she tenderly stroked his back. He stirred, his arm going around her tighter and pulling her to him in his sleep. She smiled, even when he slept he wanted to have her near. It was a wonderful feeling to be wanted. An idea struck her and she reached up to nibble on his earlobe. He smiled in his sleep. She bit a little harder and he began to wake. His hard body stretching against hers, every muscle comming to life as he wrapped both of his arms around her as if she were a doll. "Morning love." She cooed into his ear. "Is it?" He asked, still not opening his eyes. "Mhmm." She said against the skin of his neck. He sighed, snuggling into her more. "G'morn'n." He said with a thick voice, his mouth against her flesh. It gave her goosebumps. "How about a shower and some breakfast?" She asked. "I'd rather make love to you again, but I suppose we could do that in the shower." He said with mischief as he grabbed her ass. She giggled, pushing at his chest. "We can take a shower, but we have to hurry." She scolded. He shrugged. "A quickie it is then." He joked. She laughed, her head tossing back and he dove in to kiss at her throat. "You're incorrigible!" She cried. "That's why you love me." He kidded. She laughed again, pushing away from him as she caught his eyes. "I don't think anyone else is up yet. If we hurry I can make breakfast for everyone and we can get on with the day." She told him, her eyes saying so much more then her words. He held her gaze, knowing that today was the day. He nodded. He yawned, stretching once more as she left the bed. They did take a quick shower, and she kept him in line enough that he sort of kept his hands to himself. She just mostly loved his pout when she would push his hads away. It was like a game with them. She almost let him win when he was drying her off. Just the way he looked up at her. It made her heart skip a beat. She wrapped a towel around herself to keep the chill off as she sat on the edge of the tub brushing her hair. She watched him go about getting himself ready for the day. I was like they had been doing it for years. The comfort and ease came naturaly, she liked that. She grinned widely whe she watched him get dressed as she brushed her teeth. The way the light struck his profile as he bent to step into his boxers. Every muscle smoothly gliding in unison. Like watching a living breathing statue. She was most definately physically attracted to him. That was easy to see, and not just to her. But it was the inner workings of his mind that intrigued her. The dynamics of what made him the man he was that she found truely attractive. He was fun often, she liked that. He was very intelligent, she loved a good challenge, and he did so often challenge her. His charm and wit were rapier sharp with out that stinging bite that made such qualities dull in so many people to her. His heart was very large, he tried to fit everyone in it and for that she admired him. His convictions were honorable, who could find fault with that? She was most certain that she would easily be able to defend their relationship now that everything was clear in her mind. She dropped her towel into the pile and went out to get her own clothes off as her thoughts swirled through her head. He watched her, the way she moved silently. It was a phenomenon that he'd never encountered before and he loved to study her to find out more, about her and what made her who she was. He felt like he knew her so well already, but he knew very well that it would take him longer then a lifetime to get to know her as well as she knew herself. He was more then content to be a life long student, knowing that he'd never get a degree. She slipped her shorts on, he watched them slide up her long legs and had to take a deep breath and force himself to stay where he was and not walk across that room and take her with all the heat and passion she forced to the surface of his bubbling brain. She slid the neck of her halter top over her head, pulling her long black locks from the confines as she reached behind herself to tie the back. Like lightning he was behind her to take the strings in his own thick fingers. She smiled at him over her shoulder and he returned it lovingly. He'd do anything just to be near her, touch her soft skin. Even if it was just innocently tying her top on. He'd do it. He slipped his arms around her middle, pulling her against his body. She could feel his hardening member press against her backside. She didn't say anything, just let him hold her for a moment. She loved how she felt in his arms. Like she'd always been there, where she belonged. He pulled away first, not being able to stand being so close to her and not have her, for much longer. He took her hand and led her from the room. Quietly they took the stairs and headed to the kitchen, apparently the first ones up. He sat heavily in a chair, rubbing a hand over his face. "Tired?" She asked. He nodded, trying to stifle a bit of a yawn. She chuckled as she slid the big black iron fry pan from the stove. "Well I wonder why? You only were up most of the night involved in a pretty heavy workout." Her fingers sifting through the back of his hair as she passed behind him. He grinned, remembering the night before. "Then why aren't you as tired as I am? I seem to remember some pretty incredible moves from you last night." His chuckle thick as he got up to stand behind her at the stove. She laughed. "You do huh? Well a girl has to work pretty damned hard to keep up with you, you know." She leaned against him, her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her, nibbling on her ear. They stayed like that for a while as she watched the sausages fry. He would lay a line of tiny kisses up and down her neck just to feel her shiver against him. "I'd say good morning but I'm afraid it most likely won't be." Both she and Zac turned to the door where the voice of her father had interrupted their quiet loving reviere. Zac went to pull away from her, let her go, but she held him to her as she stood her ground, facing her father with such a look of determination that he'd never seen on her face before. Already it seemed like a long day as he sighed disappointedly, pulling out a kitchen chair to sit heavily. He turned, a face off with his daughter it seemed was the breakfast entertainment. "I suppose there's something that you want to tell me." He said, his voice old and weary. She took the fry pan from the burner and set it aside. She stepped from Zac's easy embrace and he suddenly felt very exposed. "Daddy, I know you're not very happy right now. But this is not something I'm going to argue with you over." She said firmly. He closed his eyes. His face looked haggard. "Princess..." He started. "Don't Princess me. Daddy I'm not going to let you get away with it this time. I'm a grown woman and I intend to live my life my way. I love you but you have to learn to let me make my own way." Zac stifled a grin. When she got a head of steam she was a spitfire. Roy was speechless. Sure he had seen her heated up before. She was defiant against many things and spoke her mind. It was a fool that argued with her that expected to win. Except she had never been that way with him. She had always done things his way and he was very used to it. Seeing it as not only her respect, but as her love for him dictating that she thought he knew what was best for her. Not so this time. "Wh...what?" He nearly squeeked. Chris stood firm before him, Zac behind her, letting her control the situation. She was doing fine on her own, he saw no need to open his big trap yet. "Daddy, you have to see things from my point of view. I know it's sudden, and I know that you have a lot of reservations against us being together. But really, I'm sorry to tell you like this, but it isn't any of your business who I fall in love with. And yes, I have fallen in love. I'm plenty old enough to know when it's happened and yes, it's happened with Zac. So either you learn to accept it, or learn to live with it getting under your skin because this time, it's different. This time I really love the object of your irritations." She was not yelling, but her voice was stern, firmer then he'd ever seen her speak to him before. She left him flabbergasted. Adelle inched her way into the room, laying a comforting hand on her bewildered husbands shoulder. Her eyes connected with Zac's and they knew this was not going to be easy for him to get through, but it was done. It was said. There was no turning back now. He was stoicly quiet. His eyes misty and far away. He just didn't know what to say to that little tirade of hers. When had she gotten so willful? She certainly took after his mother. He could almost have cracked a smile at that thought. Almost, if it hadn't have been for the fact that she basicly just told him that he'd lost his little girl forever to this.. white rich man. He wasn't sure what to do or say to that. He didn't know this man. Certainly didn't think that he would be what was best for his Christine. She needed someone to take care of her. See her through difficulties and be there for her. Someone that would love her, all of her for the rest of their lives. Someone that would respect her and help her raise his grandchildren with the old ways in their lives. He thought about it, looking at Zac, a deep need to understand why. "And what do you have to say about all of this?" He asked, his voice a cold clip towards Zac. Zac swallowed hard. It was crunch time now. "I... I can only tell you that I love her. I love her more then life itself. I can't think of life without her anymore." His words sincere and his voice cradling much conviction. Grandmother appeared in the door. His heart strengthened as he saw her small smile. It was enough to encourage him. It was exactly what he needed. "Mr. Watersong sir, I know you think of me as just some rich white guy that can't understand you or your people. I understand that and I'm sure I can't say anything to make you think differently. I'm sure that it will take some time for you to get to know me before you understand that I'm not like that. I know you're worried about loosing your daughter, about not being able to have your grandkids around. I really do understand all of that as well. Family has always been very important to me. All of my life I've been surrounded by a family that loves me dearly, I thrive on it. I'm not out to steal your daughter. She's the thief, she's stolen my heart." His eyes were sparkling with the truth and even Roy could not completely deni what he saw. Grandmother smiled wider at him and Chris turned to him, her eyes damp from unshed tears. She stepped to him, not caring who was there. He wrapped his arms around her when she held him, reaching up to kiss him ever so sweetly. "I love you." She said softly. "And I do love you too Chris, I do." He returned, his eyes only on her as he stroked her hair. Adelle felt the tears slip down her cheek. She wasn't worried anymore. She wasn't blind, she saw the bare bones truth as it was laid out before her. She accepted it without anymore heartache. She was happy for her daughter, and for the man that she believed would become a part of her family now. It was just that evident. Roy wanted to grumble, want to bitch enough to scare away this man tha had taken over his daughters life... but when he looked at her, really looked at her, he saw how happy she was. He just couldn't take that away from her. He couldn't bare to see the pain that it would cause her. He decided that whether he liked it or not, he was going to have to learn to accept him.. them together. It wasn't going to be easy. His voice was thick when he broke the quiet, all eyes falling on him. "Alright. I won't say anymore about it. I guess I'll have to learn to live with it. But mark my words, if you hurt my daughter, I'll make your life a living hell!" He nearly growled. He wasn't happy and if he had to grouse about it to get through it, then so be it. She turned in Zac's arms, her eyes filled with shimmering happy tears. Zac's low voice cut through the static building up in the room. "Believe me. If I ever hurt her, my life will be a living hell by my own hand." Roy looked in his eyes, the deep commitment to the statement striking him as real. He only nodded, knowing exactly what the younger man meant. Perhaps he was not as bad a person as he'd thought. Maybe it was going ot be alright afterall. Maybe. Time would tell. Roy jr. stumbled into the room, totally oblivious as to the great drama that had just played out. "Am I too late for breakfast?" He was thouroughly confused as to why everyone in the room laughed at him then. He just shrugged and plunked his ass down, waiting to be fed before he had to begin his day. They were all surprized that the mini skirmish was over so soon for breakfast was not as somber an event as they had initially thought after the mini war had broken out. It went rather quickly too, too quickly for Zac's taste. He was bone tired, but he left the house with a grin wide for he had a song in his heart. He'd kissed Chris bye, and right in front of her father too. He didn't even get a dirty look. That surprized the hell out of him. The three men took off for the Turner place as she stayed behind to tend the horses. Another day, another event of excrutiating back breaking labor ahead. Oh joy. Simple instructions and shovel in hand, one so called famous rich white guy instantly became a common ditch digger. And he was never happier. He worked for an hour before he took off his sweat drenched shirt. He tucked the end into his back pocket and kept on working. His feet ahced from breaking the rough Texan ground and his back throbbed with a deep ache from being hunched over for so long, but he continued on. An hour later he stopped to rest, catching his breath. He reached up to take the band from his tail and redo it, tucking the loose ends that had come free back into place. His eyes searched the slightly sloped field he worked in. He couldn't see Roy sr. who had taken the furthest side where the stone wall lay. He could just make out the outline of Roy jr., toiling away under the unforgiving sun. When his gaze swung to the right he lost his breath all over again. Chris had joined them sometime, he knew not when. She'd taken up her shovel and gotten to work silently, as was her way. He could see the sweat glistening off her back and it made him ache for her. He knew what her soft brown skin felt like when it was slicked from her labors, knew how hot her flesh was to the touch and how her body thrummed with life when her chest heaved to gather air in aching lungs. Her long black hair was pulled back in a thick braid and he was hypnotized at how it swung over her shoulder during her labor, it reminded him of when she would sit astride his lap and lean down to taste his mouth. He groaned to himself, reaching down to adjust his swelling member. He tore his eyes from her and went back to work at twice his pace. He figured if he could get his side done faster then he could assist her. And since she had started later then the rest of them, it would give him more time to just be near her. He raced with himself to get it done and do it well to reach her. When he got near to the end of his channel and could see where hers started, he got more excited and worked at triple pace. His need to be near her driving him. When he got to the end he rewarded himself with a resbit and a healthy slug from the water jug Chris had toted and set down where she had started working. He took a long hard pull, washing back the biting dust, then lifted it over his head to soak his hair and caress his sun stung shoulders. He closed the jug and took up his shovel in hand once more, heading off in the direction of the dark flame he was attracted to like a blind moth. She was working so steadily that she didn't even hear him come crashing toward her until he was a few feet away. She smiled to herself, knowing his step as he strode toward her. Just before he got close enough to reach out and touch her she turned quickly, a grin fixed for him. It slipped off her face so fast it made her dizzy. He made her dizzy. He was glorious as he walked toward her, his ponytail was wet and the end was plastered to one browned, sun crisped shoulder. His broad chest and shoulders glisteningly wet, beads of damp running over the grooves of his hard abs. His jeans were slung low on his hips, moulded to the firm thighs of his long legs. Her eyes slammed back up to his face when he licked his full lips, the pink of his tongue raking over his top lip and making her ache. His eyes were dark and she could see the desire in them. She would have given almost anything to have him then and there. She swallowed hard to try to get herself back under control. "Hi." His voice crawled out of his gravely throat as he dropped his shovel. "H..hi.." She said back as she looked up into his eyes as he took her shovel from her hand. He smirked a bit, knowing how she felt as he pressed close to her. His hand slid to her backside, thumb going under the hem of her denim shorts. His other one cradling her face, thumb stroking her trembling lips. "I've missed you ya know." He said huskily. She blinked, trying to remember how to breathe as he pressed his hardness into her belly. "Y..you just saw me.. a few hours ago." She tried to point out in a normal voice. It didn't work quite as well as she would have liked. "I know, but I still missed you." He purred. She melted. He took advantage of her flustered state, taking her mouth with a heated barage of passion. She moaned on his lips just before she slipped her tongue into his mouth to reciprocate his actions. He pulled her tighter against his sizzling body, her leg curling around his hip. His deep kiss took her to heights of joy. She could feel his rough hand slide up the back of her leg and she shivered despite the raging heat. It took everything in him to pull away from her. His mouth burning to taste her again as his words rasped out. "Chris..." Her lips took hold where they could when they were deprived of his mouth, she lay a line of small sucking kisses down his throat as she answered. "Mmm?" She sucked at his adams apple and made him moan softly. "Mmmm... we gotta get back to work babe." He tried to clear his head as the words tumbled from him. "I know." She said softly then licked the salt from his shoulder, laying a tiny bite there. Her fingers ran up his slick back and broad shoulders until he winced. "Oh love! I'm sorry! I forgot all about those." She soothingly appologized when she realized that she'd hit the deep gouges on his back. He grinned down at her. "War wounds." He chuckled. She laughed as she pulled away from him. "You're insane, but I love you." She said, stroking his rough jaw. "And here I thought you were only after my body!" He joked. She pushed him away, her laughter flowing like wine over his soul. They got back to work then, side by side in a light mood. They worked well together and had her side almost done by the time the dinner bell rang out over the distance. She stopped, wiping her brow as he continued on. "Aren't you going to go up for lunch?" She asked as she watched him work for a moment. "Yeah, I just wanna finnish this first. Only a little more to go and this side is done too." He said over his shoulder without looking up from his work. She smiled, appreciating his determination. She hunkered down and went back to work beside him. She figured four hands would get the job done faster and they could get to the table for a rest and something to eat. She was sure he was hungry. He had a big appetite anyway, and surely after all of that work he would be starving. He grinned at her as he tossed aside yet another shovel full of dirt, thankful that she was there with him and glad she had decided to stay and help him finnish it. It didn't take them long either, but by the time they walked back to the house for lunch everyone else was already long since finnished. They got cleaned up with the hose in the back a bit, holding the spray over their heads to cool off as well. Grandmother was sitting under the largest tree, her knees resting in the sparse grass as she worked a smooth stone over another stone slab. Zac watched her for a bit as she ground away at the dried plants, wondering what she was doing as Chris took her turn under the refreshing water. When she wiped the water from her face and saw him wathcing Grandmother she smiled, it was nice to see his curosities about her culture in plain view. She brought him back to the present with a quick spray of water to the center of his chest. He jumped, yelping a bit before his laughter spilled out. Grandmother was watching the whole scene from the corner of her eye, she smiled. Zac took his turn under the hose then, loving the way it sheeted down his burnt back. It was a relief to be out of the sun. When he turned off the water he glanced back over to Grandmother. Her soft hum followed the rhythm of her movement and it was nearly hypnotizing. Chris grinned and leaned up to his ear. "She's grinding those for dye. She's going to weave a new blanket and has to make the dye for the wool." He looked down at Chris. "Really? That's so cool! How long will it take her?" His eyes were wide and glued to Grandmother. He never even noticed Roy sr. standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "The rest of the season. Grandmother works fast and she can usually make three or four of them a year." She said proudly, catching sight of her father from the edge of her vision. She wasn't surprized when Zac pulled away from her. He was totally mezmerized by Grandmother and her work. He sat before her on his knees, he towered over the small woman but it was almost as if he were the small one as he sat and watched with the curiosty only most children held. It warned Chris's heart to know that he wanted to learn, was open to any and all things with such enthusiasm. She quietly walked to where her father stood in the back door, abscently gnawing on an apple. She slipped her hand around his waist easily, cuddling up to the man she had looked up to all of her life. It was a silent truce when he pulled her close, his arm around her shoulder as they watched the pair under the tree and listened as Zac asked quiet questions with reverence, not wanting to break the spell Grandmother held him under but the drive of his curiosity unquenchable. Chris turned, finding her fathers gaze. They didn't speak, just looked at eachother. He understood what she was trying to tellhim. He was still pissed, but he loved her, more then anything and he knew, if she was so set on this, it was something he was going to have to accept. He wasn't going to like it, but he'd better get used to it. She kissed his cheek and went into the house to fetch something to eat for she and Zac. Roy stood and watched the two under the tree. What was it about that man that had his family so drawn to him? Could he ever be able to look at him and not see the threats he posed? He doubted it, but he knew for the sake of his daughter he was going to try damnit. He tried to look at it in an optimistic way. Well, it was good that he was showing some interest in the ways things were done. And he had to admit, for a rich white man, he certainly could work. He wasn't too sure about his so called faith. He never held much stock in religion himself. He was more old fashiioned then that, he leaned toward the old ways more then not. He knew there were spirits that tended those on the earth, but as far and the white mans religion... he was tepid in reception. One thing that he was ok with was that he was not wanting for anything. That had to mean something. He liked the idea of his daughter in that position. And if this, Zac, could continue to be a good provider, well then all the better. He wasn't really sure exactly how well off he was, but judging by what he had gleaned from his family, it was quite possible that he'd never have to actually work to survive the rest of his life. It was a difficult concept for him to wrap his mind around, he'd never known anyone with that kind of money, and it made him curious as to just how much money this kid had earned, for really, he was still young, how long could he have possibly worked to earn such an amount? But, the one thing that bothered him a lot, the one thing that he hadn't even dared to ponder let alone discuss with anyone. It was the fact that this man was supposed to be somebody famous. He wasn't sure if that was what was best for Christine. How was she going to be able to handle that? He was afraid she'd would be giving up her privacy, never would be able to have any secrets. He didn't the idea of that. He sighed and turned away from the pair under the tree. He went back into the house to throw his apple core into the compost bin. He had some thinking to do. "Honey?" He toned softly as Chris fixed two plates on the kitchen counter. She turned to his voice and waited for him to finnish. "Did you and Zac get both sides done?" He querried. She nodded as the licked mayo from her finger. "Then why don't you go and spend some time with your horses. I think we've done enough for the day and it's still a bit too dry to start burning yet." He offered. She smiled widely. "Thank you Daddy! I'm sure they would love a bit of exercise, maybe I'll bring them out to the bigger paddock." She pondered aloud. He smiled back at her. "That's a good idea honey. I'll see you later then. Do you know where your mother is?" She screwed the lid back onto the mayo as she spoke to her father over her shoulder. "I think she's upstairs in the sewing room. Later Daddy." She called as he left the room nodding, a wave over his shoulder. She smiled to herself. A day off. Well that was cause for celebration. She sliced the sandwiches in half and fished a pickle from the jar as she hummed to herself thinking of what she would do with the rest of her day. She thoughtfully nibbled on a chip as she chewed over some ideas. She brought a plate and cold beer out to Zac as he still sat under the tree with Grandmother. He smiled up at her gratefully. "Aren't you going to eat too babe?" He asked when he noticed there was only one plate. She smiled down at him, pushing his wet hair out of his face. "I will, but I have some things to do in the kitchen first. You go ahead and enjoy some time with Grandmother. You can learn a lot from her. I'll be back out shortly." She promised. He nodded, biting into his sandwich then watched her walk away. As soon as she was gone his attention snapped back to Grandmother. He was fascinated with all that she did. When Chris got back to the kitchen she cleaned up the mess she'd made getting lunch, then set about making another mess as she ate her lunch. She hummed quietly as she went about the kitchen, pulling pans out and fetching eggs and such. It was a while later that she placed her plate in the sink and went back outside. She quietly knelt beside Zac and leaned on his shoulder as he sat with his knees drawn up, clasping his ankles. He turned to give her a smile and watched as Grandmother carded her wool with worn old paddles. After a while Chris grabbed his wrist and looked at his watch. He gave her a quizical look and she grinned up at him. "I have something in the oven and I don't want it to burn." His grin errupted. "You baked?" He asked with glee like a five year old. Grandmother chuckled. Chris nodded, her smile warm. "Chocolate chip cake with peanutbutter frosting. Should be done in 'bout fifteen minutes or so." She said matter of factly. He grabbed her, throwing her over his lap as the peppered her face with tiny kisses. "Now I know why I love you!" He squeeled. She laughed and squirmed as he tickled her until she was gasping for air and let her up out of pity. She was still laughing and a bit dizzy as she tried to rise from the ground. He jumped up quickly and helped her up, taking her into his arms. "Whatcha do'n?" He asked with a grin. She got her bearings and smiled up at him. "I'm just going to take your plate in and make the frosting." She told him. His mischief twinkled in merry brown eyes. "Do I get to lick the bowl?" He begged. She and Grandmother both laughed. "Yeah, yeah... come on you big kid. You can lick the bowl and help me clean up the mess as well." She said over her shoulder as she dragged him by the hand back toward the house. He looked over his shoulder and grinned widely at Grandmother. She shook her head with a smile as she went on with her work. Chris sat Zac at the counter on a tall stool. He fidgeted like a kid in anticipation as he watched her stir together the gooey concoction. "Daddy said we can have the rest of the day off. I thought I'd take the horses up to the biggest paddock. Wanna help?" she asked. He grinned, thinking about the last time she'd asked him to ride. She caught the gleem of naughtiness and chuckled. "You'll have to have your own horse. They have to be herded and it's easier to do it with two riders." She informed him. He pouted. "I suppose so. But I think it's a hella lot more fun to go riding the other way." He moaned. She laughed. "So true, but they really do need the exercise, and the new grazing would do them some good too. I think I'll leave them out there for a week or more. The weather's ok for it now. They'll love it." She said more or less to herself. He smiled, watching her as she thought about the things she loved and he couldn't help the chuckle when he noticed her rub at her nose abscently, a small smear of fosting on the end. "What's so funny?" She asked as if he were madd. "You." He said, raising up off the stool but keeping his big feet on the lower rungs. She creased her brow as he neared her, then laughed uproariously when he licked the end of her nose. "You had frosting there." He explained with a broad grin. The she surprized him when she dipped her finger into the bowl and smeared a long line of sticky sweetness over his cheek. "My turn." She said slyly as she shoved the bowl aside and pushed him back down to the stool. He grinned, waiting for his turn to be divested of frosting. He rather liked the idea and tucked it away for later. After a rousing game of slap and tickle with some peanut butter frosting... they put the kitchen back in order and left the house with water and a packed dinner. In the back yard they stopped briefly to tell Grandmother of their plans for the day and she only nodded as her old fingers worked their magic, sending them on their way. He set the water jug down when they got to the stable door next to her discarded load. He helped her sadle up Sadie and Thunder, loving the way she moved silently next to him. They packed the horses and she handed him the reins to both horses as they walked out together to open the corale gate. He hoisted himself up into the sadle and watched her work. It amazed him that such a graceful silent creature such as she was could make as much noise as she was at the moment. With her rope slung across her ample bossom she ran about the pen barefoot whooping like a cigar smoke'n beer guzzling grizzled old cowboy. His smirk did not go un-noticed by her but she tended to her work and got he herd moving off in the right direction. He picked up the subtle signals quickly as she showed him how to work the animals and keep them going in the right direction. They fell into an easy pace, pretty much silent save for the occasional gruff words to the mass of energy they were herding toward the other end of the pasture. They gained ground quickly as they went up the slight slope, heading for the treeline. When the fence came into view she let Sadie run like the wind so she could open the gate and shove the throng through. Zac kept a steady pace behind the horses, arcing Thunder in a left right swing to gather the stragglers. He couldn't stop smiling all the while. It was comfortable to him, and it was something he wasn't used to doing. It surprized him and made him feel extremely confident that she hadn't even asked if he could do this, just assumed that he could. She had only asked if he wanted to. Her confidence in him bolstered his own. He caught sight of a rogue trying to break away from the rest of the pack as they were streaming through the gate into the next paddock. He dug into Thunders sides and hunkered down as the horse took off at an almost alarming clip. He reined him hard to circle around the run away horse hollering 'ha!' The two horses lined up and turned a hard left making them circle back toward the herd. The rogue returned and took his turn passing through the gate as Zac once more paced left and right to gather up the stragglers. He was the last through the gate and Chris sat waiting for him astride Sadie. She shut the gate, a huge smile stretched over her mouth. He saw the sparkle in her eye and trotted up next to her as they both headed off behind the horses to get them to the next gate. "What?" He demaned with a grin. "What? What?" She asked coyly. He chuckled. "What are you grinning about woman?" He joked. She laughed. "You." She told him. "What about me?" He recanted. She shrugged. "One would think you'd been doing this all your life. It's like watching a movie to watch you." She laughed. He threw his head back laughing loud and long. She had to laugh with him, but when she got her thoughts back she had to ask. "What's so damned funny?" She wanted to know exactly why she was laughing so hard. It was hard not to when he laughed, even if you had no clue why, you just had to laugh with him. It was almost like a requirement in life. His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Ya know, I feel like I'm in a movie when I'm doing this... I've never done anything like this in my life... but I love it!" He beamed. She grinned widely at him. "You're just a big kid sometimes aren't you?" She teased. "And you're just finding this out now? Where the hell have you been?!" He laughed. She joined him and they once more got back to the work of getting the horses to the big paddock. Three gates later she trotted over to him, looking over at him with a grin. "What?" He grinned back, his eyes steady on the animals before him. She was silent, but her smile was maddening. He couldn't take it anymore and he quickly reached out to grab her reins and pulling her to a stop beside him, forcing her to look at him. She laughed at his frusteration but gave in when his pleading eyes got to her. "This is the last gate comming up. We have the rest of the day to do whatever we want." She licked her lips, her eyes growing dark. He chuckled, mischief flooding his expression. "We do huh? Whatever will we do with ourselves?" He teased. Her head lolled back in laughter, his gaze washing over her smooth lined features. The beauty she held was heart stopping and it made him ache to know that she was his and that smile was for him. Only the woman he loved could make him feel like his emotions were turning him inside out. And he loved every minute of it... and he loved her for it. His eyes were rivoted to her as she rode ahead, executing the same moves as every other gate they'd passed. She was an amazing woman to him. He was very much looking forward to some quiet time with her. It had been an incredible week so far and today was just the topper. He felt very free right then. So free that he felt nearly invincable. He was going to accomplish great things with her at his side... this he knew. He just knew it. He'd never seen a better sight then when the last horse broke free into a run after feeling stifled from the confining gates and constant herding the crowd together. He stopped, his legs wrapped around the girth of Thunder as he watched the herd take off like wild fire was chasing them. He could feel the tension under him of the beast of burden he sat astride clearly wished he were one of them. Running wild and free. He wished he were one of them too. Chris came up beside him, her gaze in the same direction as his. Her expression was one of serene joy. It fitted her so well. "Beautiful aren't they?" She asked. He thought so too, then turned to her, watching her watch the racing ponies. "Chris...?" He said softly, his voice almost pleading. "Hmm...?" She answered, her eyes still on the horizon. "Can we?" He tried. She turned to him, a question in her eyes. "What?" She asked softly. "Can we let them go too?" His hand smoothing over the sweaty neck of Thunder, his eyes full of compassion as they fell on Sadie's pawing hoof. She smiled, knowing that he wanted to let them go but was not too keen on walking back. "Sadie will come when I call her, even if Thunder won't always." She said tenderly, her hand following his as she leaned forward and felt the strong muscles beneath the corse hair of Thunder. Zac's smile was wide but his demeanor was demure, peaceful. It was a rare moment to see him in. He was always moving, forcing through his day. It was nice to see him static in a moment. Silently she slipped from Sadie, smoothing her hand along the hide of her old friend. He too climbed down and began to unload the horse he was about to release. She helped him get the bridle off and watched the satisfaction wash over Zac's face when Thunder took off like his namesake. His eyes were far away and she knew that look. She often held it herself but never to such a degree as he was. He longed to run among them. To be one of them. To be that free in life. She knew his life was frought with commitments and he had people tugging and pulling him in all directions at all times. She wanted nothing more then to ease that burdon for him, though she knew she couldn't. She eased Sadie's bridle off and clasped her around the neck, whispering in the beast's ear and nuzzling against her warm body. She kissed her nose and let her go. Tenatively Sadie took her first few steps, turning back to see if it was ok as Chris slipped into Zac's embrace. "Go on girl. I'll call you when it's time to go home. Now git!" She snaped her fingers and pointed off in the distance. Sadie got the clue and her head picked up as she sniffed the breeze. She pawed a bit at the dusty grass, then decided it was time. She verily flew away, off toward the galloping herd in the distance. Chris smiled. It felt so good to see something so right. She felt Zac's soft kiss on top of her head and she lay her cheek against his shoulder as she turned to him. He held her as they listened to the rumble of hooves on sod. It was a melody so lovely to be heard. "Come on, let's go find some shade." He said quietly. She nodded and let him go. They gathered up their things and headed off toward a small patch of scraggly trees. She carried the blankets and bridles and jug of water along with the food, he took both heavy sadles, one in each hand as he hoisted them over his shoulders. They were both hot and sweaty and more then ready for a rest by the time they got the cargo set aside and the two blankets spread out to sit on. Zac stripped off his t-shirt and toed off his boots right away. He peeled off his socks and tossed them aside as he reached for the water jug. The sun was on it's slope down for the day, but there were still a few hours left of daylight, it was a bright late afternoon. Chris sat, her knees drawn up to her chin as she watched him. He was so beautiful to her. She would never get tired of watching him. He never even realized that he was being watched, just went about making himself comfortable as he took a long swig from the jug his adams apple bobbing, guzzling it down in great gulps and letting it wash over his chin and run down his chest. He tipped his head back and poured some over his face and head, the long locks plastering to his golden skin. She knew he had absolutely no idea what he was doing to her. She was on fire inside with desire for him just from watching that. How could such a simple act be so damned erotic? That thought plagued her so often, for most everything he did was erotic in her eyes. He wiped the water from his eyes and chin, leaning down with a smile as his chest heaved from holding his breath so long. "Want some? It's still cold." He offered her the jug. She just blinked at him, her mouth hanging a bit open. When she didn't answer he chuckled. "What? Do I have something on my face? What is it?" He asked, wiping his face. She shook her head. "No... it's just.. yeah... I'd like some, thanks." And she took the jug from him, taking a sip then a deep swallow as it refreshed her dusted throat. She pulled it from her now wet lips and looked up at him. His smile broke out and she reached her hand, grabbing him by the waist of his jeans an hauling him down next to her. He laughed easily as his back thuded against the ground and she crawled over him. She playfully growled and nipped at his lips. He tried to catch a kiss but she was too fast, each time she pulled back. His laughter tumbled out as he grabed her round the waist, picking her up and turning the tables on her. She didn't even know what hit her but the next thing she knew she was on her back and he was looming over her. "Now I've got you right where I want you." He growled. She laughed, squirming as his fingers tortured her sides. She quickly lost her breath and she began to beg for mercy. "Please Zac! Stop! Please!" She pleaded. He chuckled evily. "Who do you love?" He demaned, making her writhe. "You! I love you! Now please, stop!" She lamented between bursts of giggles. He stopped suddenly and grined down at her as her chest heaved to gain her breath once more. Her eyes shone with simple joy and he couldn't be happier. He leaned down and she granted him a tender loving kiss. One kiss led to another, and yet another still. It didn't take long before she was smooting her hands over his shoulders and whispering into his ear. "Make love to me Zac." It made him shiver as if her words had touched his very soul and caused the ringing ripples to radiate through his world. He slowly untied her top as he sprinkled kisses over her hot flesh. When his tongue lapped at the soft skin between her breasts and he pulled the garment away she sighed in contentment. He knew exactly how she felt. He felt it too. This was where they belonged, together. Gently with his lips he nibbled a path up her bossom, lapping a bit at each nipple then continuing on his way. She arched her back when his big rough hands slid up her sides and cupped her heavy breasts. He kissed her, the hunger starting to grow within him. A hunger that only she could feed. "Mmm..." She sighed as his wet lips slid down her neck. His breath was getting heavier and it stirred her as it caressed the side of her neck. He wanted to touch and taste her everywhere. Make every inch of her tingle as she did to him just by being close to him. Her long fingers slid over his hard belly, the tips swirling through the soft hairs that marched below his waistband. Her hand cupped him and he moaned into her shoulder, pushing his hips against her. Gently she squeezed him and moved her nimble fingers to pop open the snap of his jeans. He tried to stay still as she worked slowly to free him of his confined misery. His mouth sucking lightly on the smooth flesh of her shoulder. His hands tangled in her long black hair, now long since freed of the braid she'd once worn. Her hand easily dove into the opening of his pants, her fingers gliding down the length of his manhood. "Oh gawd..." He whimpered quietly, his teeth grazing her neck. "Shh... it's ok baby." She soothed, calming him, lulling him. Wrapping her hand around the firm flesh she stroked him deliciously slow. His mouth found purchase on her nipple and he suckled like a babe. His body was running on instict as he started to pump his hips into her hand. His tongue lapped a line from one breast to the other and paid attention to that side as she slowly drew him out of his jeans. He groaned in appreciation when he escaped the tight space of his clothes and she began to fist him with long slow strokes. His hands smoothed over her body, every angle and curve he knew by heart. He pulled at her shorts, tugging them open and down as his mouth slipped further south and she lost her grip on him. He licked at the flesh as it was exposed the more he removed her clothes. A tiny parade of kisses marched down her leg as he pulled her shorts off at her ankles, then back up the other leg. Holding her hips he dipped his tongue below the waistband of her panties, dragging it along the edge and making her writhe. Her hands burried themselves in his long thick hair as she held his head closer to her body, silently begging for what she knew he would give her. Gently he tugged her panties down, his mouth sucking and kissing the exposed flesh of each hip as it was revealed to him. She quietly moaned when he blew his hot breath across the wetness of her folds as he slipped her panties from her ankles and tossed them aside. Getting to his knees he looked down at her. Love so thickly clouding his eyes as he pushed his jeans down and wrestled free of the heavy cloth as well as his boxers. She reached out to him, and he slipped into her arms and into her body. Her back arched with the exquisite feeling of him filling her so full, her lips parting in a silent moan. Wraping himself around her to get as close as he could, slowly he moved over her. Their hips meeting like soft waves washing on a shore. He rained tiny kisses over her, each lighting like miniture butterflies on her skin. Then he kissed her lingeringly, tasting all of her and sucking in her love for him as he breathed in deeply, pulling his lips slightly apart from her. "Ohhh...." He sighed, the feelings that swirled within him coupled with the surging pleasure of their andante lovemaking was pushing him towards the edge too soon. He stilled within her, his forehead resting on her shoulder as her fingers danced over his shoulders. He let the feeling pass then indulged in another deep breath as he began once more, slowly pumping into her. He loved the way her body moulded to his, the way they moved together in perfect synchronicity during their union. He could never tire of hearing the little 'I love you' she would whisper under her breath as he filled her again and again. He knew he could never grow weary of gazing at her in all her beauty inside and out. And he could never get enough of how sweet she tasted on his tongue or how warm she felt in his arms. She was a needful ache within him, a love incurable. All time was lost as he loved her, moving in and out of her body to a cadence from another time. When he would feel her stiffen against him he steeled his resolve and rode her waves of joy. He didn't let himself partake in that sweetest of moments that he gave to her over and over. He kept his hard body under control as he made love to her under the open skies for hours as the clouds rolled in. The sweat would pour from him, running a river down the center of his bare back and stinging his eyes as it plastered his hair to the sides of his face. But he would not give in. Would not stop until he could move no more. The ache it created within him was far greater then any he had ever felt before. When the rain began she could almost swear she heard it sizzle as it hit his seering flesh. It renewed him, made him feel strong again and he surprized her when his pace quickened. For hours he had been making slow sweet love to her, a deliberate set pace that was maddening and took her to heights of euphoria many times. But now she knew this was his time, his turn. He had held back for so long. His strokes were harder, faster, stronger then she'd ever remembered him doing before. It was making her slip over the edge so fast, he was taking her with him, she could feel it building up inside like stoking a fire. He raised up on his strong arms above her, reaching further into her as he embedded himself between her legs. Her back arched and her eyes stung as the rain washed over her face and mixed with the tears that clung to the corners of her eyes. She watched the glowing emotions radiate over his face as he satisfied himself with her. A tremendous force of joy ripped through her and pushed a moan from her lips, making her shudder as euphoria passed from her into him and escaped the pair when a primal scream tore from his throat. His head was thrown back, the rain kissing his hot face as the silent force rendered his soul from his body into hers with his spilled seed. His hard body jerked with finality and he collapsed atop her with exhaustion. His hands digging into her hair and his nose nuzzling the crook of her neck for security. She stroked the hair from his face, laying tender kisses against his temple. When his voice found her ear, it was small and almost childlike. "I love you." He said quietly. She could hear the need in his voice. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders lovingly. "Oh love... I love you too... so much." She sighed, her words forceful. He shivered against her and she smoothed a hand over his back. "Cold?" She asked. He nodded and she reached for the corner of the blanket to cover him. He rolled to the side some but would not let her go as he snuggled up next to her and drifted off to sleep. She held him as he slept and watched him in his slumber as the light rain fell on them. He had given her so much it amazed her. He always amazed her, every day in every way. Somehow, she doubted that would ever change. His face remained sheltered from the rain as long as he was curled up with his nose pressed to her throat. The air was cooler and it was beginning to grow dark when she decided she should wake him. She traced the line of his jaw, cooing into his ear gently. "Love... it's getting late.." He stirred, his arms going about her tighter. She chuckled softly as she leaned to his ear again. "Zac... Zaaaaccc..." "Mmmm..." He responded, his lips pressing to her flesh. She pushed the hair back from his face and kissed the top of his head. "Come on Love, it's time to go." She shook his shoulder gingerly. "I don't wanna." He whined quietly. She laughed, her finger tracing the curve of his ear. "I know, but it's getting late." She informed him. He cracked an eye open and squinted up at the the encroaching darkness. He closed it again quickly and dove back into the warmth of her neck, snuggling closer to her. She laughed, gently pushing him away. He clung to her, wimpering comicly as he tried to stay close to her. "Come on you, get up. We've got to get back before it really starts to rain and it get's dark." She lightly scolded him as she sat up. He stretched, his grin blooming soft on his lips as his arms raised above his head. He propped his head in one hand as he lay on his back and reached the other to smooth over her back, loosing his fingers in her long black tresses. "I know. But I was just so comfortable." He explained. She looked over her shoulder at him like he were crazy. "Laying on the ground? How could you be?" She teased. He smiled at her, his eyes shining. "Anywhere next to you is comfortable." His voice tender and so filled with the love he held for her. She smiled, turning to give him a kiss as she got to her knees. His hand cradled the back of her head as she kissed him sweetly, just a taste of what she felt for him. "I love you." She whispered against his lips. He smiled up at her. "And I, love you." He returned, pecking her lips as she got up, his hand slipping from her long locks to rest on his chest. He watched her, the way she moved. How the raindrops beaded and slid down her brown skin. Her tight nipples jutting and her taught thighs, sleek and slick in the rain. Her firm behind that curved just so and aroused him beyond comprehension when she bent over. Even though he was as close to exhausted as he'd ever like to be, he could feel his manhood stir. There was just *something* she did to him. He didn't know what it was, nor did he care to find out. Just so long as it was always thusly. He was more then confident it would be. "Come on lazy bones." She giggled, yanking the blanket off him. Her laughter stopped short, her eyes washing over the perfection of his body. And the way he looked at her... it made her shiver. He just lay there, a temptation sent from hell itself in all his golden glory. Her eyes lighted on his and she could see the slight smirk behind them. He knew exactly what he was doing. He figured turn about was fair play. She forced herself to look away. It was almost painful to speak as she distracted herself with folding the blanket. "It's getting late." Her now hoarse voice croaked. She set about putting things together to leave. Still, the vision of him was burned into her eyes. His broad shoulders and narrow hips cradled by the earth. Firm thighs and thick roped arms tense. Soft, wet, parted lips that would drive a nun to sin if she'd but look into his eyes. The cascade of damp gold that flowed over his hand and spread out behind him on the ground only to reach back around to flow down over his shoulder and lay against his chest, the ends brushing his long thick fingers that rested there. But what made her mouth water and her very spirit ache was the arousal that proudly was displayed between his legs. She knew it was only for her, and she did want it. She didn't know how he could want more after the way he'd pushed the limits of endurance before. She smirked when she bent to retrieve her clothes and heard him moan painfully behind her. Oh yes, he definately wanted more. She sorted through the pile of clothes, picking out her own and gathering them to her. He watched her, in physical pain of wanting her again. He could stand it no more when she bent over to the pile that was their clothes a flash of dark pink of her folds making him insane. A painful moan slipped from him as he quickly got to his knees. He crawled toward her hastily surprizing her. She yelped when he grabbed her hips and pulled her back a bit. She was startled and dropped the clothes, stumbling as she tried to gain her balance. He was on his knees behind her and quickly steadied her as she awkwardly fell forward. She looked back over her shoulder and down to him with a scolding look. It melted away faster then it had materialized when she felt his hands glide down her legs. His lips dragging kisses on her thigh and the back of her leg. His hand slid over the curve of her buttocks, gripping it lightly then snaking between her legs as he sucked at the skin of her hip. Her breath left her when his fingers traced the edges of her entrance. She wimpered lightly when he pulled his hand away, the sensations catching her soul on fire. "Shhh..." He cooed, turning her gingerly to face him. She looked down at him, her hands stroking the hair from his face and gliding along his rough jaw. His eyes were pleading with her from his need. How could she have ever said no? He took her hands from his face and placed them firmly on his shoulders. She trusted him and did as he asked. It surprized her a bit, but turned her on more when he tenderly lifted her leg, his thick fingers splayed across the back of her thigh then sliding along his arm and resting on his thick bicep as his hand crept up her backside and his fingers pressed against her hip to steady her and keep his grip. She could feel his heavy breaths puffing against her wet womanhood. Her body coiled, ready for him to love her as he did so well. His free hand slid up her leg, all the way from her ankle to her hip, pressing her forward a bit as he leaned into her. "Ohhh..." She sighed when his fingers slid off her hip and into her aching hole at the same moment that his tongue slipped over her throbbing clit. His fingers stroked in and out of her as his mouth surrounded her most sensitive spot. He sucked gently, making her writhe. Then he slowly swirled his tongue over it in exquisite circles. She looked down to where his mouth was joined to her body, the sight extremely erotic. His whole body moved with a rhythm as his fingers dove deep and his mouth made love to her. His eyes were softly closed and the dark lashes lay against his ruddy cheek. She wondered what she'd ever done to deserve such a beautiful man that loved her so fiercely. She felt the scrape of his teeth graze her flesh and she moaned. "Ohhh Zaaaac..." He felt her walls tighten, making him moan on her and causing a sharp jolt to rip through her. Her head fell back and her fingers gripped at his shoulders as her toes curled. Her whole body was stiff as her orgasm washed over her, slowly ebbing away as he lapped lightly over her oversensative nub. She shuddered, a raspy moan falling as she righted herself then looked down on him with a great amount of love in her eyes. He smiled up at her, then licked her quickly one last time as his fingers slid from her. She shuddered then chuckled, making him chuckle too as he let her leg slip from his arm. His hands slid up her body, his mouth laying a line of soft kisses over her belly. He pulled her down gently before him and just stopped to look at her for a moment. He licked his lips, his eyes flicking from her breasts to her mouth to her eyes. He reached his hand to cup her face, the softness of her skin such a contrast to his rough hewn paw. "My god you're beautiful." He exhaled. Her dark eyes dropped shyly, her small smile to inviting. He pulled her closer, her body pressing to his as he indulged himself with tasting her kisses. Her hands slid down over his taught stomach and headed toward his throbbing erection. He stopped her, holding her wrists away from him on either side as he reluctantly broke their kiss to speak. "No, not yet." He said softly, his grip loosing of her. Her hands slip up his strong arms, fingers lacing throug his hair as he pulled her close once more. He groaned, almost as if in pain when she sucked on his tongue. His body was heated with the wild fire of passion she stirred within him. He no longer even felt the rain. Her kisses slipped down to his jaw, sliding along the rough line to his ear. Her light breath blowing over it making him shiver. She nipped at his earlobe, then sucked on a soft spot of skin, making him moan in return. Her mouth rained tender touches over his shoulder, down his chest and across his taught stomach. His hands tangled in her hair as they followed her head's descent down his body. Her fingers gripped tightly at his hips, digging into the flesh and making him pant. Her tongue circled his navel and he felt like he was falling into oblivian. The moment her mouth touched his member he was lost for sure. Sizzling little kisses down his length ended with a languid lick around the base of his hard cock. Her hand firmly cupped his heavy balls, gently squeezing as she licked her way back up to the tip. His appreciative groan urged her to take him all into her hot wet mouth. Swirling her tongue over the fleshy knob once she then plunged down onto him fully. "Jesus!" He cried at the sudden jolt of painful pleasure when he felt the back of her throat. Slowly she sucked off him hard, the tip of her tongue searching every groove and ridge. He watched as he slid back between her lips, his eyes heavy with the burning lust she caused in him. He held her hair back away from her face as her pace quickened, her hands stroking along with her mouth as she sucked him hard and fast. His breathing became erradic and his grip tightened in her hair as he tried to stop his hips from giving into the rhythm that ached within them. He wanted so badly to thrust into her mouth, that exquisite precarious balance of want and need making him push her off him. She looked up confused. He never gave her the time to ask for an explanation, he gruffly turned her around, his urgency prohibiting his usual tender touch. She didn't mind too much though when she realized what he wanted as he pushed her down to the position of hands and knees, dragging her hips to him. His animalistic need was most evident as he entered her hard and fast, her cries echoing in the growing dark. "Oh!" As he stabbed her with his body his want of her stabbed at her heart. He not only wanted her, he needed her, and it was a good feeling, being needed. His big arm wrapped around her waist as he bent over her, his huge hand, fingers splayed, next to hers as he held himself up. She could feel his hot harried breath on her bare shoudler mingling with the misting rain. The power that radiated from him was intense as he pumped into her, sending her dangerously close to the edge of sanity. A building tension grew, the silence of anticipation only being broken by his soft grunts of exertion and the slap of flesh on flesh. Her walls began to tighten with the overload of sensations he was causing to shoot through her body like hot sparks. He growled with the response of her body to his, his head laying on her shoulder. She could feel his hot cheek pressed to the cold skin of her back, his breath dragging over the damp surface as his chest rumbled deeply. His fingers dug into her flesh almost painfully as his arm tightened and she could feel his jaw clench against her shoulder blade, his manhood swell within her. It was too much and she gave in to the desperate feel of her orgasm. "Uhhhoohhhh..." Her moan dropping low and sated. Harder his hips slamed into her backside for the next few strokes, a roar errupting from him as he shook with the intensity of his release. It filled her, warming her from the inside, reaching all the way to her heart, his seed, his love. His body eased of the tension as he began to calm. She could feel his legs quivering against the backs of her thighs, his heart pounding wildly against her back. He lay on her heavily, barely holding himself up. She struggled to support his weight for a moment until he could return to his senses. His chest was heaving and his fingers now limp, barely clinging to her hip as his arm was wraped across her front. He felt her spine begin to buckle and groaned as he slipped from her, falling to the wayside, collapsing in a heap of arms and legs when he brought her down with him. When her breath returned she stirred, turning and snuggling against him as his fingers stroked through her hair. She kissed his salty neck, her whisper making him shiver. "My god, that was incredible!" He smiled weakly, a small chuckle passing his lips. "What an understatement." He teased. She laughed, her nose pressing to his shoulder more. "We really need to get back." She said, not wanting to go anymore then he did. "I know." He said softly, still just laying beside her as his hand stroked her hair at her temple. They lay in the quiet like that for a while, until she shivered. "Cold?" He asked, already knowing the answer. She nodded as he rubbed her shoulder with his big rough hand. "Then let's get you back to the house. We can get into bed early and I'll keep you warm." He promised. She laughed. "Don't you ever get enough?" She teased. He laughed with her. "Never of you my dear. Now let's get some clothes on." He toned as he got up from the ground. She followed him, gathering their things as they went along. His whole body ached, but it felt satisfying to him. It was hard to keep the smile from his lips. She called Sadie and Thunder with a sharp whistle that carried long on the wind. It amazed him at how attatched Sadie was to her. He wondered how well Sadie would fare when they were seperated. When? Wasn't it more like if? Yes he wanted her to be by his side. But they had yet to talk about the practical points. They needed to talk. He turned around and faced her. "Honey?" She was standing, her hand to her eyes as she scanned the horizon for Sadie or Thunder. She turned to him a bit. "Hmmm?" Then she turned back to look for her mount. "I think we need to talk." He said softly. His voice was so longing, almost fearful. It forced her to turn all of her attention on him then. "What's the matter?" She asked, worry laced in her quiet voice. "Well..." He didn't know quite how to start. He fidgeted with the fraying blanket draped over his arm, his eyes down cast and head hanging. Her hand reached out and covered his that played with the fringed edge. He looked up into her dark eyes. "We can talk about anything. You know that. Don't keep it inside, it will only eat away at you." She encouraged him. "I know, it's... it's just that I've never had to do this before." He admitted, she could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "Do what Love?" She toned tenderly, her body melting toward him as she took the blanket from him, dropping it to the ground. He looked down into her lovely brown face, knowing what he wanted was right, gaining the courage to go on. "I've never asked anyone to come with me... I mean, I can't cancel the tour... there are obligations to be met, and..." He was lost for words. He beat himself up inside. Some poet he was. Couldn't even find the words to say to the one and only woman he loved. The words to let her know how much he loved her and wanted her with him. Her hand smoothed over his scratchy jaw. Her eyes so full of understanding. "I will." She said softly against his lips with a kiss. He then knew that she understood, even if he was such an oaf with his raw emotions that he couldn't properly ask her. She could feel his grin stretch beneath her kiss and it made her smile too as she pulled away and looked up into his warm eyes. "Let's get out of this rain before it get's completely dark." She suggested softly. He nodded, aching when she slipped free of his arms. "I love you. You know that?" He asked when she had her back to him, picking up a bridle. "I know. I love you too you know." She said with a smile. He nodded, a wide smile slapped on his face as he picked up the blanket once more. Sadie decided to make her appearance before too long. She was a bit reluctant to have the bridle back in place and shied with the bitt. But the relationship with woman and horse was congenial. It didn't take long after the inital refusal. "Gimmie a boost? I'll go get Thunder. I don't want to have to carry an extra sadle." Chris asked. Zac nodded, making a cradle with his hands for her foot. She shimmied up onto the horses bare back and settled. "Hand me that other bridle?" She pointed. He fetched it for her. "Sure you don't need help?" He asked. She shook her head and took off at a fast clip toward the roaming herd. He watched her from a distance after rummaging the packed dinner for something to gnaw on. He chuckled as he watched her single out Thunder from the herd and corner him in an almost bare pasture. He licked his fingers and dove back into the basket for a second piece of chicken, munching on it as he watched her slowly approach the younger horse. He didn't protest as much over the bridle and bitt. It didn't take her long to start on her way back, leading both steeds with a bounce in her step. Zac could see that being with her horses was something that she loved. He didn't want to take her away from that. No matter what she had said. He still felt an uneasy guilt about asking her to give up so much. Later... later he would talk to her. There was so much they needed to discuss. His days were growning short, the tour rehearsals would resume sooner then he would have liked. He needed to square things before then. He didn't want to stall things with his brothers, but he also didn't know how he could just leave her after finding her. The one person he'd literally searched the world so long for. He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand, tossing the bone behind him then rubbing his hands on his thighs on his jeans. Quickly he strode forward to meet her. "You make that look easy!" He smiled. She smiled back. "It isn't that hard really." He snorted. "Yeah, right." She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with merryment as they headed back to sadle the horses and finally get the hell out of the rain. They took their time heading back to the stables, grazing on the packed dinner. She laughed when they got to the last piece of chicken and he looked at it with longing. Realizing that he'd eaten three times as much as she did he was of course willing to let her have it. She teased him for a minute but eventually handed it over to him. He sank his teeth into it with a grin as he watched her nibble on an apple. By the time they'd gotten back to the stables to bed the horses for the night it was dark. No moon to light their way for the rain clouds had thickened and the rain began to come harder. They were soaked to the bone but it was still quite warm so it didn't bother them too much. He helped her settle things in the stable until she asked him to go to the loft for some hay. He took a few minutes to figure out how to get up there, but he grasped the pole with the pegs they used as a sort of ladder. She chuckled as she watched him shimmy up through the narrow hole that opened to the loft, just barely big enough for a bale of hay. "How many?" He called down. "Two for now, there's just enough flakes for Sadie and Thunder, but we'll have some for morning that way." She answered. He promptly tossed down two bales, the chaff and dust settling before she heard his voice, small and uncertain. "Chris... how do I get down?" She laughed despite her attempts to stifle it. "Hey!" He yelled indignantly. She stood beneath the opening to the loft and looked up at him. "Just come down the way you went up." She shrugged. "I.. I don't know how..." He said, something else in his voice. She saw the slight fear in his face, even in the dim light. Her heart softened and she started up the ladder towards him. He stepped back as she slid her backside to the floor of the loft. She reached out to him, soothing him with her touch. "Are you afraid of heights?" She asked gingerly. He couldn't look her in the eyes, he nodded, stareing at some point far off to the right. "Oh love! Why didn't you say something? I never would have asked you to come up here if I'd known!" She tried to appologize as she crawled toward him, hugging him around his hips and pressing her face against his belly. He slid to his knees, his hands tangled in her hair as he bent for a kiss. Then she felt him, the silent shake of a chuckle trying to break free. She pulled away from him, looking into his mischief filled eyes. "You rat! You're not afraid at all are you?!" He grinned, shaking his head. "Nope." He said quietly, his smirk almost evil. "You just wanted to get me up here didn't you?" She asked, a grin forming on her lips as she reguarded him sideways. He nodded. "Yup." He said, proud of himself for pulling it off. "Oh you!" She shoved him away by his chest and he reached out to catch her before she got away. He pulled her back to him, gently guiding her mouth up to meet his kiss. She eased into his embrace, leaning against him as he lay them back. His mouth pulled away from hers, lighting again on her smooth neck as he sucked and kissed at it. Her voice quiet and filled with pleasure when she spoke. "This is what you were after the whole time wasn't it?" She sighed. He nodded, his husky whisper blowing against her throat. "Yup." She giggled a bit. "No wonder you have such a big family, it must be genetic or something." She teased. His chest shook with a quiet chuckle as he pulled the strings of her halter once more, his hands running up underneath the fabric to cup her breasts. "Mmm..." She sighed, reaching behind her neck to remove the top alltogether. His lips slid down her skin, leaving a path of gooseflesh. His tongue swirled over her hardened nipple, making her head loll back and her back arch. He suckled gently, a tiny nip now and again as her fingers sifted through his long tangled locks. He left the one nipple with a final lap of tongue before he moved onto the next. Her knee slid between his thighs, pressing against the hardened desire there. Their hips already moving toward the other with want. Her hands smoothed down his hard chest, nails scraping lightly against his sides as they glided to his back and down to grab his ass, pulling him to her hard. He groaned from his confinement in his jeans. He quickly reached down to undo his pants, pulling himself free, stroking a few times. "That is so fucking hot when you do that." She murmered, her dark eyes rivoted to his hand fisting his rock hard erection. He grabbed her wrist behind him, dragging her hand to replace his before he worked at unfastening her shorts. He tugged them down, working them over her long supple legs. She helped him by kicking them the rest of the way off. In a heartbeat his fingers slid into home, making her wimper against the wet t-shirt that covered his broad shoulder. His thumb stroking over her clit he slowly slid his fingers in and out of her, thrilling at the way her hips swayed in time to his hand and hers on his cock. "Fuck baby, I gotta have you." He whined. "Ok." She said softly, feeling the loss of his fingers from her hole. He pulled her leg up over his hip, pressing her tight to him. He reached beneath her, manuvering the head of his cock to slide over her thigh and into her entrence as she lay beside him. They moaned together at how good the connection felt. He began to thrust toward her, holding her lower back to steady her against him. When he'd filled her completely her back arched. "Ohhh..." She cried. He bent his head, grasping a jutting nipple to suckle as he pumped into her. "Uhhh... yeah..." Was her pleasure filled moan. Her hips rocked toward him, driving him insane at how good she felt, she always did. Her nipple slipped from his lips as she pushed him over onto his back, straddling him to deepen the contact. "Oh fuck!" He growled as her hips ground on him. He grabbed her hips, helping her with a forward motion as she rode him slow and hard. He licked his lips, his breath comming in short bursts and eyes clamped tight as he held onto that incredible feeling only she had ever been able to illicet from his body. His fingers dug into her flesh when he felt her tightening. It was such a close fit already, but when she neared her orgasm it became almost unbearable for him not to explode with joy. Her hips moved faster, harder. He knew she was close, it was comming so fast. He opened his eyes wanting to watch her beautiful face as it was swept with enrapturement from their coupling. Her hands slid up from his chest where she'd proped herself up. Over his strong arms, caressing his fingers and moving over her own body sensualy, cupping her heavy breasts. He groaned, his cock stiffening and he knew he couldn't hold it anymore when her fingers closed over her stiff nipples, pinching and rolling them, making her face twist into pure pleasure. "Christine!" He growled, his whole body stiffening as he came so hard his vision blurred. "Mmm.. yeahhhh Zaaacc... ohhhh..." She answered, his thick hot cum pushing her over the edge as it washed her walls. Watching her body sway with pulses of orgasmic delight he tried to make his body calm, but he couldn't... he'd not even gotten his breath back yet from the first load he'd shot when another one errupted from him, making him cry out. "Ahhh..." His fingers gripping tightly on her hips. The warmth of his second release making her shudder with pleasure as she was comming down from her orgasmic high. She covered his hands, squeezing them then letting her hands run up his thick arms to curl around his strong shoulders as she lay on his chest, her cheek pressed to his heart, thudding aginst his ribs. She listened to his breath come back to him in great gasps, their tension ebbing away as they lay there in the quiet of the stable loft. His rough fingers stroked her lower back, holding her close to him. She felt his soft kiss on the top of her head before he spoke, his voice quiet and reverent. "I don't want to take you away from your life here, everything you've ever known. I don't know how I could leave you here either but I just couldn't do it..." Her fingers were on his lips, stilling his words before she rose and held his gaze. "I want to go with you. I've been happy here, yes. I've loved my life. But I also want to see what else is out there, experience new things. It's a big world and I'm ready to explore it. I want to be with you, no matter where that is." She soothed. He was so happy he wanted to cry. He held her close and kissed her, letting her know just what it meant to him for her to say those words. She pulled back and looked down at him. "I think we should go to bed early. We'll take the first watch for burning the field. Since we've had rain it won't be too bad now and we shouldn't have to worry much. Come on, I'll even make you breakfast early and we can surprize Daddy." Her smile encouraging. He nodded, even though she saw his slight wince when she mentioned her father. She knew it was going to take a very long time before those two would be on good terms. Her father was a stubborn man. He pulled her down for a last kiss as he sat up with her. He pulled his legs in to sit cross legged and support her in his lap as she kissed him back. "We better cut this out or we'll be sleeping in the hayloft." He chuckled. She laughed. "My god man! Do you ever tire? I've fallen in love with the energizer bunny!" She teased. He laughed heartily, helping her get up as he got to his knees, then hoisted his jeans back up around his hips. She searched the vicinity for her clothes that had been scattered. He chuckled as he watched her hop about, getting back into her shorts and panties at once. "What? I'm cold ok?" She laughed. He chuckled and handed her top to her. "Fine. But you're still pretty cute when you're frusterated." He teased. She laughed as she tied her top back on and watched him ease down the peg ladder. She was still wondering how he pulled pranks so easily on her and laughed to herself when she remembered how he'd faked being scared of heights. She followed him down the ladder as he stood below. "What's so funny?" He asked at her giggle. "I was just thinking you should have been an actor. You certainly don't have any trouble fooling me." She laughed. "Oh for the love of cheese." He laughed. "I'm a musician woman!" He exclaimed. She laughed as she jumped down. "I know love, but still... you're a good actor." She said almost seriously, her fingers walking up his chest. She playfully pretended to punch him and he turned away as if struck with great force, his words merry. "Yeah? Well tell that to the people over at Saturday Night Live. They had a hissyfit when they tried to teach me lines and I flubed em so bad during rehearsal they scrapped the skit and did another." His grin filled with mischief, eyes shining. She grinned back. "You just didn't like the scene did you? You did that on purpose!" She accused. He looked at her with mock indignation. "Me? Nooo... I was only twelve! I was too young to do such a thing!" He cried. She laughed as she walked away shaking her head. "Sure... and I'm the queen of England." She said over her shoulder as she bent to pick up the water jug. He laughed and jogged to catch up with her, grabbing the basket on his way. He slung his arm over her shoulder. "Well, that's what my Dad told them." He snickered. She laughed, her arm going around his waist and her hand sliding into his back pocket. She squeezed his ass and they laughed together as they headed for the house. ***** The next few days were a haze of hard work and divine loving. He hated to see the end of the week come. It was not something he was looking forward to. But at least he was at peace somewhat with Chris's father. He didn't know how, when or why, but sometime along the man had reluctantly opened his heart to Zac. He was thrilled to be accepted into the family. He had no doubts that Adelle was behind it all. It was in the way she would look when she though nobody was watching her look at Chris. Zac just knew. The evening after Zac had left Roy's study, a long talk between the two men was held within those walls, he went to the kitchen to sneak some of Adelles delicious apple bread. It was dark and he crept to the fridge in quiet, the light brightening the room for the moment he held the door open as he grabbed two thick slices and the jug of milk. Munching on his treat he walked to the cupboard and reached for a glass when a voice in the dark startled him. "Do you ever get filled up?" He dropped the milk at the suddeness of the question. Thankfully it didn't open or spill. He hadn't known anyone was there, he thought he was alone. With his heart in his throat he chuckled as he bent to pick up the milk, he heard the other person shuffle about then a light was flipped on. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were here." He smiled down at the lovely woman. She smiled back, warmly. "I'm sorry I startled you. I like to sit in the quiet when I'm thinking." She explained. He grinned at her, pouring his glass of milk. She took the jug and put it back in the fridge as he chugged half his glass, wiping his mouth on his sleeve before he took another bite. She smiled at him. "It's no wonder you're so big, what with the way you eat and all." He shrugged with a smile. Then he looked at her, a bit serious. "What were you thinking about?" He asked, not wanting to pry but knowing she wanted to talk. She sat again, gesturing for him to join her. He did, craming his mouth with the last of the bread and gulping down his milk to put the glass in the sink before he sat. He sat back with his hands clasped over his full belly, that snack had hit the spot. Adelle smiled at him, reaching across the distance to brush some crumbs from his chin that had bedded in his whiskers. "Did you and Roy talk?" She asked, knowing very well they had been in that study for hours. He nodded, reaching out to take her little hand. "We got everything talked out. I think we're on an even field now. He know's I love her and I'd never do anything to hurt her. It took some fast talking to get him to agree to letting me pay for the hired help while Chris is gone. He's still not too pleased about the computer and other things. I told him I'd give em to Roy, a brother's got to keep in touch!" He grinned. She smiled back at him, thankful that he could get his way. "We're going to miss having you around here you know." She said softly. He squeezed her hand. "I'm going to miss being here. I understand why Chris loves it here. There's a lot of love and pride in her life... and it all comes from here." His words tender. She looked about to cry. He got up from his chair, pulling her up as well and holding her to him. "I know... but it's not forever. I promise to remind her to call almost every day, no matter where we are. And before we go to Europe we'll come to visit for a week, that'll be nice huh?" He asked. She nodded against him, not trusting her voice that was choked with sobs. They were quiet for a few minutes while he held her, rubbing her back as she calmed. Her voice was shakey when she broke the silence. "Do you have everything?" She asked. He pulled her away, looking down into her face. He gave her a smile. "I do. Thank you so much for all that you've done. Especially this past week. It wasn't easy to tell them I wanted the extra time, I was lucky to get this extra week. I'll never be able to thank you enough. You and Grandmother have made my time here so happy, a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life, our lives." He wiped at the silent tears that slid down her cheek. He bent and kissed her sweetly there, tasting the salt of her happiness. She looked up into his warm eyes, her sad smile all for him as she touched his cheek. "You've made us happy too Zac, thank you. Now you'd better get to bed. It's late and I'm sure Chris is waiting for you. You've got to get started early tomarrow if you're going to make it back to Tulsa before your brothers come down here to drag you back." He laughed, hugging her to him once more. "I suppose you're right. Let's go to bed Mom." He suggested, throwing his arm around her shoulders and flipping the light off as they headed out of the room. At the top of the stairs he kissed her forehead and they parted ways. He gave her a wave as she went into her own room and he slipped into the quiet room that had been his for the past few weeks. It was his last night on the ranch for that trip, but certainly would not be his last ever. He had an idea that he was going to see a lot of that room... and he was more then happy about it. ***** But he was just as happy to be back on the road and headed home. Home. Texas now felt a bit like home too. Would Tulsa ever be quite the same? Probably not, and he couldn't be happier about that, or about the long legs sliding against his sides either. "Baby! I'm warning you!" He called over his shoudler, she laughed yet again. "That's it! Now you're gonna get it!" He laughed back. She squeezed him tight around his chest, her mouth on his ear so he could hear over the rumble of his big harley beneath them. "It's about damn time!" She toned with mirth. He laughed hard as he brought the bike to the side of the road, eating up the long scratchy grass of wheat yellow. The sun was hung high and the wind was deliciously cool when he brought the motorcycle to a halt, the idle like the rumble of thunder under them. She laughed fully when he jumped off the bike and quickly took her mouth with a hot kiss. He wasn't kidding either that she was going to get it as his fingers tugged at the tie of her halter top. She laughed against his lips, her hands sliding up under his shirt. "In a hurry love?" She teased, feeling his hardness pressed to her thigh. "Yes." He said breathlessly, taking another kiss from her before he yanked her top off, tossing it to the ground and diving for the closest nipple. "Oh!" She moaned, her back arching as he lay her back against the seat. He sucked at her stiff nipple hard, nipping at it and moving to the other one as his thick fingers ripped at the snap of her jean shorts. Her fingers were twisted in his long golden hair, her breath heavy as he made her body writhe beneath his ministrations. She raised her hips, helping him remove the rest of her clothes. He stood up, his eyes dark as he looked down on her. He stradled the bike backwards pulling her legs open for his view. Subconciously he licked his lips, lust heavy in his expression. She was panting with the way he was looking at her. "I need to taste you." He said roughly, then lowered his mouth to her womanhood and lapped a long line from her entrance to her throbbing clit. "Ohhh goooood..." She cried, her fingers twisting in his hair. His tongue plunged into her hole, making her hips buck as he held them, her thighs pressing into his shoulders. In only a few moments a mind bending orgasm hit her hard, her moan mingling with his as he lapped up her sweet taste. He let go of her legs, sitting up and unfastening his jeans to free his achingly confined cock. She watched him with dark eyes as he pulled his stiff member into the open air, shoving his jeans below his balls and giving his shaft a few quick storkes. "You want some of this?" He asked her with a thick husky tone. She wimpered, her mouth watering. Quickly she sat up, pushing him back some to lean on the handlebars as she went down on his hot hard cock. He kept himself standing with his hands behind him, propping himself up as he watched her lay on her belly, gobbling up his every inch. His mind reeled at how good it felt, then she stilled her head, just her tongue flicking under the tip. He reached out to take a fistfull of her hair, holding it back as he gently thrust into her mouth. "Oh fuck!" He cried as she sucked him down her throat. He watched his member slide in and out of her wet mouth with every push of his hips. It was almost more then he could bare. She moaned loudly, the vibration shooting through him like electric currents. "Baby... I... turn around I want you from behind." He rasped, his voice rough and husky with his urgency. She let go of him, the glistening head of his throbbing member slipping from her lips as she got up. Her kisses wended up over his hard belly and broad chest. He bent to take a kiss from her then she turned around, leaning forward on the narrow seat. He wimpered at the sight, her wet flesh just waiting there for him to fill. He gently slid her knees to either side of the seat, her soft flat belly laying on the seat, breasts pressed against the black leather. He leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her and filling his palms with her soft rounded breasts as he slipped into her hot wet hole. "Mmm..." She moaned. Slowly he began to pump into her, his hips rocking to an old rhythm. He could feel her every muscle tight beneath him, knowing that she was feeling just as good as he was then. He pressed to her harder, his balls moving against the seat, cramed against her quivering clit in the position they were enjoying. He could feel her walls tightening again already when his pace picked up, his pelvis starting to slam into her. "Oh! Yeah... mmm... Zaaaccc....!" She moaned, her body stiffening and pulling him over the edge. White hot fingers of heat licking inside his belly as he emptied his release into her spasming cavern. He growled against her shoulder with his satisfaction. He'd needed that, for so many mile she'd been teasing him. Now he'd had her and he was only a few hours away from dusk, away from home. Tulsa. Family. He kissed her shoulder, nibbling on her ear as he kneaded her breast. "I love you Christine." He purred in her ear. She smiled lazily, reaching behind her to run her fingers over the side of his face, tickling him through his whiskers. "I love you too my love. Now hand me my shorts and we can get to some civilization. I'm starving!" She laughed gently. He chuckled, slipping from her body and reaching to the ground to hand her shorts to her. She hopped off and dressed quickly as he stuffed himself back into his jeans. He mounted the bike the right way once more and she settled behind him, wrapping her arms about him again. Without anymore words they got back on the road, heading back for home. Tulsa. A new life. ***** She was sitting in the swing on the porch when she heard the familiar rumble comming through the woods up the drive. He was finally home. She was sure they would all have a million questions to ask Zac when they welcomed him home. Starting with the dark haired woman behind him on the bike she saw now that he'd come into her view. What? She asked herself. She waited patiently, not getting up until he'd stopped the bike and shut it down, leaning it on the kickstand and giving the raven haired beauty behind him a hand off, then dismounting himself. Stretching his long legs he grined up at his mother. She looked down at her son, almost a stranger under beard and mustache and caked road dust on his clothes. He jogged up the steps, scooping her up in a tight hug. "Hey Mom. So good to be home." He kissed her cheek and smirked at the bewildered look on her face as she looked past him to the quiet dark girl standing patiently on the ground. He turned, slinging his arm around her. "Mom. I'd like you to meet Christine Watersong-Hanson. My wife." Slipping from her son's embrace she sat again. Hard. ***months later on the tonight show*** "So how is the tour so far guys?" Jay asks. They all nod. "Fine, fine." Ike says. "Europe next huh?" Jay asks. "We're going to take a bit of a break, then go right back to it, yeah." Tay fills in. "So... this is new..." Jay laughs, stroking his chin, his gaze on a so far, quiet Zac. He shrugs about the question. "Yeah, well, the wife likes it." The audience laughs. He smirks. Jay pipes up. "Oh come on now Zac, we know you're a confirmed bachelor. You've been asked before if you have a girlfriend. You always say no!" Jay prompted. Zac grinned, looking right at Jay. "I said I didn't have a girlfriend. Nobody asked me if I had a wife." An odd nervous laughter hovered over the crowd. Jay smirked, knowing full well what was about to come. "Well wow! Is she here? Can we meet her?" Jay asked with much enthusiasm. Zac turned to the side stage entrence. "Come on out here honey!" He called, getting up from his spot beside Tay. He ran across the stage, taking her hand and wrapping his arm around her lower back as he escorted his shy wife to the small group waiting. Tay, Ike and Jay all rose when they neared. She stopped for a kiss on the cheek from Tay, and another one from Ike as he moved over to let his brother and sister in law have the chair next to Jay's desk. Jay had come around and shook her hand with a friendly smile. His eyes reassuring her that it was ok. Zac sat, pulling her into his lap and holding her securely. Jay sat down, waiting briefly for the roar to die down a bit. He finally got control over the flabbergasted audience once more. "Well! It's nice to meet you Mrs. Hanson! Tell me Zac, how did you two meet?" Jay started. Zac smiled, a bit of a far off look in his eyes as he looked up into his wifes beautiful face, then back at Jay. "I took a road trip on my motorcycle down to Texas. Damsel in distress, she stole my heart... happily ever after." He said shortly. Everyone laughed. "So yet another marriage made in Harley heaven?" Jay joked. Zac grinned at him then turned his eyes to his wife. His smile softened, his thumb stroking over her lower lip tenderly for a moment as she held his loving gaze. Then his grin came back, his eyes jovial as he cracked his joke, his hand proudly smoothing down over her rounded swollen belly. "Yup! She's my Motorcycle Mama!"

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