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| Snow Tires |
| In the words of his father's father, it was colder then a witches tit outside! What a terrible time of year to be touring thought Zac as he sat glumly in the lounge of the bus. Speeding down the highway, a mighty blizzard raging beyond the window. Snow, snow and more snow. What a wonderful forecast! And here he was stuck on the bus, alone in his misery. Everyone else was positively gleeful! It made him sick! How could they possibly be enjoying this weather? He 'harumphed' and crawled into his bunk, closing the curtain firmly behind himself to keep out the merriment of his family. Somewhere on the road ahead... Standing nearly knee deep in a snow drift, Ivy Patterson cursed herself for not buying snowtires. Sure the big gifts were impressive that she'd bought instead. But now nobody was going to see them because she got stuck in a snow bank and now she was going to freeze to death! Wading out to the road again, she stamped her feet trying to keep her blood from turning into ice, then kicked her only showing tire. She was so mad at herself she almost didn't see the behemouth bus barreling down the highway towards her. She certainly couldn't have heard it over the roar of the whipping wind. She immediately started jumping up and down, franticly waving her hands in hopes they would stop and lend her a hand. She needn't have bothered. The bus driver began to slow down long before he got to her, not wanting to copy her perdicament. When he stopped, Ivy could have cried she was so happy. The door swooshed open and she looked up through the flurry of flakes dumping from the sky. Atop the highest step stood a very tall, handsome man with dark hair and smiling eyes. She gave him a grin of relief. "Need a hand huh?" His deep voice fell down to her. Dumbly she nodded. He smiled at her as he wrapped his scarf around his neck and bounded down the steps. She could hear a lot of commotion and voices spilling out of the bus along with the light. It was then she realized how late in the day it was and just how dark it had already gotten. She followed the kind, dark haired stranger over to her car, watching as he got to his knees and looked beneath her bumper with a pen light. "I swerved to avoid hitting some jerk that cut me off. I really should have bought snow tires! I could just kick myself!" She exclaimed as he got back up, dusting off his hands from the dirty snow. He looked at her and she became disheartened. "It's bad isn't it?" She was afraid to ask, but knew she must. "I'm afraid so. You're going to have to have it towed to a garage. It looks like you've wrecked the axel and most likely the universal joint." He delivered bad news like he were feeling her pain himself. She sighed, trying not to show how the tears were welling up already. How was she going to pay for that?! It looked like she'd either have to sell a few things- or ask Daddy for a loan. She loathed asking her parents for help. It made her feel so small. So guilty for being so irresponsible. He saw the strain on her face and right away went to her, wrapping a comforting arm about her shoulder like a favorite uncle. "There, there. It's not all so bad now is it? It's fixable, you're ok, and ... it's nearly christmas! What more could you ask for?!" He cheered. She felt foolish for being so negative then. She nodded, wiping the tears away as she sniffled. "Look." He said, glancing over his shoulder at her car once more. "Why don't you hop on the bus and we'll take you to a safe place where you can call to get this fixed? Hmmm?" He offered. She hesitated. She was a bit scared. After all, they were strangers. But, then again, they were nice enough to stop and help out weren't they? She decided quickly and agreed with a nod. "I really, really appreciate this. I can't begin to tell you how much." She sighed gratefully. He nodded, leading her back towards the bus. "I know how it is. We all have those days. Trust me." He smiled. She felt so lost but she found an easy comfort in this caring man's presence. As he helped her up onto the steps, in a gentle voice he asked. "Do you have anything we should get from your car? Keys, wallet perhaps...?" She turned, ready to head back after her belongings she'd so foolishly left behind. He stopped her, a graceful understanding smile on his face. "That's ok, you just get warmed up. Shelby and I will go and get them." He beckoned to the driver. "What do you need?" She was so grateful she nearly cried again. A small woman with the longest blonde hair she'd ever seen came to the top of the step. "Walk?" "Nothing too serious Di. We're going to give this young lady here a ride. Take her in and get her warmed up, would you?" He asked as he turned around. Ivy called behind him. "The keys are in the switch! My purse is on the seat and there are boxes and a suit case on the back seat!" She felt foolish for all the fuss, and guilty for not helping, as well as feeling like she was leaving herself at their mercies. But really, she was damned cold, and grateful beyond belief! The woman pulled her back into the warmth of the bus, it filled her like fine wine as she breathed it in. As her eyes adjusted to the light she took in her surroundings, including the several faces staring back at her. She wondered how so many people could be so comfortable on such a small bus. "Come on in, get warmed up! Would you like some hot coffee? I'm Diana, what's your name honey?" Again Ivy could have kicked herself! She'd forgotten basic manners it seemed. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I guess I'm more shook up then I thought. It's Ivy. Ivy Patterson." She rushed out. "Perfectly understandable. It's alright dear. You can call me Mrs Hanson or you can call me Diana, which ever you're more comfortable with." Diana soothed with a smile, reaching for the coffee pot. The name struck a chord. It was then that she realized just who these people were. The famous Hansons! She was strictly a country music girl herself, but even she knew who Hanson was! She took a split second to look around, taking in all the blonde hair finally. So many faces! It was overwhelming really. Later, her belongings stored, her suitcase taking up space in the hall, she had a cup of hot coffee in her hand. "Why don't you get out of those wet things dear? Do you have anything in there to change into? I'm sure one of the girls would have a pair of slippers you could borrow if you need to." Dianna asked. Gratefully, Ivy shoved off her shoes and peeled off her wet socks. She grabbed a pair of fuzzy slippers from the outside pocket of her bag and nearly giggled at how good it felt. She lay her wet coat over the back of a seat and riffled through her bag for a sweater. "I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this Mrs. Hanson. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't had stopped." Ivy gushed. Diana smiled. The poor girl looked like a lost soul, so small and cold, wet to the bone to boot. "We're happy to help dear, really. It's the christian thing to do after all. It's nothing anyone with a heart wouldn't do." "Still, I don't know how I'll ever pay you back. I'll never forget it, really. You and Mr. Hanson have been so good to me. I guess there really are some nice people left in this world after all." Ivy smiled over her steaming cup. There was a clunk from behind her and a tall blonde man stumbled into the tiny space. He grinned at her appologeticly and fetched something from a cupboard. "Ike, you just ate, how can you still be hungry?" Diana asked. He grinned at her and went ont his way, this time making sure to detour around the bag taking up a good portion in the walkway. "Oh, my bag's in the way! Maybe we should put it with the gifts." Ivy suggested. "Oh, don't worry. We'll just put it in the bathroom, then nobody will trip over it." Diana said as she did just that. "Besides, there's no more room down under. Your boxes of gifts took up the little space left." Walker told her. He grinned. "So, what'd ya get me?" He teased. She laughed, loving how jovial they all were. With so many people in such a small space she was sure she would have heard more arguing. But the only fight she heard was Isaac and Taylor fighting over song lyrics. She figured they had to be the closest knit family she'd ever met. And they were all so very nice, she was sure she wasn't going to forget them either. A half an hour later and they were noticing how much the bus had slowed down. Walker went up front to see what was going on while Diana tried to coax a few cookies into Ivy. When he came back he looked a bit worried. "I'm not liking the weather Di. The road's getting really icy too. Shelby said we won't be making it to the hotel tonight. He suggested that maybe we should find a motel and get off the road before we have an accident. I'm inclined to agree with him." Walker confessed. Dianna then took on the worried look her husband sported. Ivy couldn't help but worry as well. But then she thought of something that should help. "Mr. Hanson? I know of a motel not too far off the beaten path up ahead. I stayed there once with my Gram when we were having car trouble on our way to visit my parents." She smiled, pleased that now she could help out when they had done so much to help her. They both smiled at her, grateful for the idea. So, not much later they were all found anxiously pressing their noses to the window as they waited for the bus to pull up into the drive of the motel. Ivy smiled to herself when she saw the familiar faux log cabins and kitchy lawn ornaments topped with snow like fluffy whipped cream. "Wait here, I'll see if we can't get a few of the cabins. We'll have to squish together I'd think, but it's nothing we're not used to." Walker smiled at the assemblage. Diana pulled his hat down over his ears and kissed his cheek before turning him out into the cold. There was a bustle about the bus as the family Hanson readied themselves for the makeshift nightly plans. Shortly there after, Walker returned with a smile. He paired up siblings, handing out keys and directing traffic like a pro. Ivy watched it all in amazement. They worked like a well oiled machine. When Walker got to her, he handed her a key and smiled. "I got you a room of your own, surprizingly, they were quite empty. Luckily for us huh?" She smiled up at him, grateful once again. She was loosing track of the tally now there were so many favors they were doing for her. She sat and began to dress her feet again, shuddering at the cold wet shoes she had to replace on her feet. "Where's Zac?" Walker asked over the heads of a few of his children to his wife. She looked around and shrugged. "Either already off the bus, or still asleep in his bunk." She decided. He only nodded and rounded up a few last belongings and helped his youngest down the steps and into the snow. Diana bundled up and lay a hand on Ivy's shoulder as she was getting ready to disembark. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to us. We're in number ten." She offered. Ivy smiled and stood up, donning her half dry coat once more. "Really Mrs. Hanson, you've already done more then enough for me. You've made me feel so welcome, it's no wonder you all have such a great reputation. I guess the media hype was just truth for once... wonders never cease." Ivy joked. They both laughed and seperated at the bottom of the steps. Mrs. Hanson headed in one direction, Ivy in the opposite. She got all the way to her room and opened the door, before she realized she had forgotten her bag. "Oh great Ivy, you moron!" She chastised herself. She rolled her eyes and began the short trek back, trudging through the wet snow. She reboarded the bus just as Shelby was getting off. "Forgot my stupid bag!" She explained. He grinned at her in understanding. "I think we've all had one of those days. You get some sleep. I'm sure tomarrow will look totally different to you." He promised. She smiled back at him and watched him go down the steps and out into the cold. She sighed and went to the bathroom for her bag. She pulled the door open, then jumped back aghast. She stood, hand on the knob, jaw on the floor. There stood a god of beauty. An example in perfect anatomy. His bare back with it's wide shoulders to her, his jeans hanging low on his narrow hips. His rounded backside was mezmerizing to her. She couldn't help but stare. He turned a bit, looking over his shoulder. She woke from her stupor and quickly closed the door. "I'm so sorry! I didn't realize anyone was in there!" She tried to appologize. There was a flush, then the door opened. She was too embarrased to look up to face the man. She could see his bare feet and her eyes traveled up a bit when she heard the thrum of a zipper. Instinctivly her eyes went to the sound in a split second. She looked away again when she realized he was zipping up his jeans. Her embarrassment was growing by leaps and bounds. She just wanted the floor to open up and swallow her to get her out of there faster. He went to wash his hands, then turned around and leaned on the counter, wiping his hands on a towel as he reguarded her. "So who the hell are you anyway? Crazy fan? Biggest fan? Some bimbo Ike picked up?" He asked, venom in his voice. He tossed the towel down and crossed his arms over his chest. He was large already, but in that stance, he was quite intimadating. His thick arms were hypnotising, but the cold stare was down right scarey. "Actually, I resent the bimbo comment. But your parents invited me on the bus because I was off the road. My car was stuck in a snow bank and they were nice enough to care about a perfect stranger. I can see that despite all their golden heart good intentions, at least one of their offspring was unaffected." She sniped back. She could almost see a slight grin errupt upon his face, but it faded too quickly for her to be sure. "Well, then what was the peepshow for?" He shot back. She turned, opened the bathroom door, and grabbed her bag. She turned back to him, nearly shoving him out of the way to pass him by to the door, and nudging him with her suitcase. She didn't think anything more needed to be said. His arrogance was enough. She hoped the obviousness of the situation would serve to humble him at least a little bit. She jumbled with the bag and her purse as she tried to get the door open in the tight spot. just as she got the chance to tumble out and head back to her room, a large hand gripped her shoulder, spinning her about and causing her to drop her everything. Before she knew what was happening, she was mashed up against a thick chest, divine lips upon her own. He tasted like chocolate. She couldn't help the tiny sigh that escaped her. Presumptious or not... the man could kiss like nobodies bussiness! Her knees felt weak as she slipped her hands around his neck up into his silky hair. Their tongues got aquainted and she gave up any and all thoughts of reality. Surely this was a dream. Their kiss broke after an eternity and he looked down at her with his sloe brown eyes filled with hazy lust. "Stay..." He asked in a whisper. She nodded. He kissed her again, this time, taking her into his arms more gently. He pressed up against her, pinning her to the wall. She could feel his hardening length and thought she might turn into a puddle because of it. He took his mouth from hers, a breath filling his lungs as he pulled her from the wall. He bent and kissed her once more, pulling her toward him as he backed down the narrow hall. They entered the small room at the opposite end of the bus and he turned her around, leading her backwards as his lips found purchase upon her neck. His kisses sent shivers down her spine. He lay her back upon the narrow couch, his mouth doing wonderful things to her skin. His hands were large and warm. So strong as they passed over her body, exciting her. Slowly he started undressing her, licking and nipping softly at each inch of revealed skin. She ran her hand down his back, fingers delving beneath the denim of his pants. He grunted softly when she grabbed his ass, pushing him into her warmth. It urged him to hurry on. He sat up to undo his jeans, she pushed him back, her hand diving into his open fly to fish out her prize. He groaned when she wrapped her fingers around his bulky length, hand sliding up and down over the smooth skin. "Gawd yes..." His voice floating over the space between them. "Ride me baby, ride me hard." He begged. She grinned, loving the sway she held over him so easily. Then again she couldn't believe she was about to have sex with a perfect stranger either. But she wasn't going to pass up the opportunity. After all. The man was drop dead gorgeous! Her grin grew evil and she crawled over him, making him ache for her. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her to him, over him. She teased him, but only a little bit, then sank down on his length. Their soft cry was in unison. It felt better then either one of them had expected. She started slow, the pleasant torture a divine sport for the both of them. But she couldn't keep that pace for long. No. The pleasure she took from him was too much to waste. She hungered for more, but being afraid of being caught, made her raise up more often, plunge down upon him faster, push him deeper, ride him harder. His face began to twist, his need more urgent. She was so close then. He grabbed her hips and began to thrust with her. Two bodies heaving in motion to lust. Her soft moans grew louder, whining for her release. "Oh fuck yeah! So close baby... do it!" He demanded, sliding a hand between them. His fingers slipped over her swollen clit and instantly she was sent soaring. Imediately after he let go. A warm wet surge shooting within her. His breath let loose in a long hiss, then he fell back against the couch. She slumped forward, her hands sliding down from his broad shoulders. She sighed. A few minutes later, they were dressing in silence. This time, he was putting on a shirt that had been thrown over the back of a chair. He was about to head down the hall when he turned and looked at her. "By the way... I'm Zac. Hi." He offered with a small smile. She gave one back. "Ivy. Ivy Patterson. Seems I keep forgetting my manors all day today. I'll have to work on that." Was her response. He grinned. "Don't do it on my account." He replied. She walked past him, grabbing him through his jeans and giving it a slight squeeze. "Merry Christmas." She said, then left him standing there with a huge smile as she took up her bag and this time succeeded in leaving the bus. Not buying snow tires was the best thing that she'd ever done! |
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