Teaching Old Tricks

Author�s Note: The horse in this story is actually based on [my] horse, Money. He is a palomino with a sweet personality and a huge heart. I took a day to notice his characteristics and added that into the attitude of the horse in this story. So, I am going to dedicate this story to my loveable not-so-little horse, Money.

�I am so glad you could help us out, Jarod,� the old man, Mr. Carter said, flashing Jarod a smile as Carter set the rake down from cleaning the stall. �Last couple days have been so hectic what with all those rangers quitting because of Steve�s death.�

�My pleasure,� Jarod said, leaning against the heavy wooden gate of the horse stall, watching the man clap his gloved hands together and step out of the sawdust that he was pouring. Carefully, Jarod asked softly, �Has anyone figured out why Steve died?�

Mr. Crater twisted his lips together, looking down to the dusty ground of the huge horse barn. �Nope. It still is a damn mystery.� Sighing loudly, Carter kicked a pebble with his cowboy boot, sending it rolling. �He was one of the best rangers here, and a damn good roper too. I just can�t understand why he�d go out drinking and shoot his horse and then shoot himself like that. It doesn�t make any sense.�

Jarod nodded, filing away the information. Jarod slowly stood up straight from the gate he was leaning on to follow the older man towards the other horse stalls. As he watched Carter pour some sawdust into that stall, Jarod asked, �Where did it happen?�

Carter briefly looked up from his chore towards the tall, handsome man who stood in the stall�s entrance. �Near the beach,� he informed him. Jarod nodded. Straightening up, Carter pulled his gloves off, brushing his bare hands onto his blue jeans. Changing the subject abruptly, Jarod noted, Carter smiled and asked, �Would you like to meet the other workers?�

�I would love to,� Jarod said, following Carter out of the barn.

They walked up to a small arena, where two men and a woman were riding. Leaning on the white wooden fence, Mr. Carter called them over, all three quarter horses trotting up to the fence with their riders.

�Everyone, this is Jarod Rider,� Carter said, gesturing towards the younger man. Jarod smiled, nodding once up to the three others. �Jarod, this is Herald Francis,� Carter said, pointing to the man with a dark, heavy beard. �Jason Dulwrin,� pointing to the man with blonde hair, looking the same age as Jarod. �And...� Jarod looked over to the woman. She was beautiful! She had shoulder length brown hair, straight and beautiful, and her eyes were bright blue, glittering with her smile. �Kirin Summers.�

�Hello,� she said, her voice hummed like a song.

�Hello,� Jarod said back, smiling. She smiled in return, looking away shyly.

�There are other rangers, but these are the three in charge,� Carter explained to Jarod, gesturing to them. Jarod nodded, still watching Kirin carefully, taking in her every detail. Those blue eyes... who does she remind him of?

�Want me to show Jarod around, Carter?� Kirin asked, already swinging her long leg over the back of her horse and stepping down. Jarod, still watching her, smiled at her grace and beauty.

Carter chuckled at her obvious eagerness to show the tall, dark and handsome man beside him around. �Of course, Miss Summers.�

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�And this... this is Money,� Kirin said, gesturing towards the palomino horse. Jarod stared at the beautiful horse in confusion.

�They named a horse Money?� Jarod asked, looking over at Kirin. She smiled, nodding.

�That is short for Mr. Money Maker. This horse has more than seven medals and won a lot of contests,� Kirin said, staring at the horse in wonder. Jarod watched as Kirin�s eyelashes lowered slightly, staring at the horse with sadness. �This was Steve�s horse.�

Jarod snapped his attention to the tan horse with a blonde mane, staring at it in surprise. �The one that got shot?�

Kirin nodded. �The shot wound is right on the horse�s right flank. It�s been a while now and the wound has heeled over nicely. But the horse may never be the same,� she said softly, shaking her head. �Steve was my friend,� she said suddenly. �I can�t understand why he would kill himself like that.� Turning her gaze onto Jarod, she stared at him for a moment. �Steve isn�t that kind of person who would shoot his champion horse and then shoot himself.�

Jarod nodded, looking towards the horse. �May I go in there?� Jarod asked, wanting a better look at the shot wound.

�Oh no! He is wild. After the experience of getting shot, this horse is dangerous. We can�t even let him out with the other horses.�

Jarod frowned, staring at the horse. Slowly leaning down and pulling a hand full of hay that had been pushed out of the stall, Jarod reached his hand out towards the horse. The horse�s head snapped up, looking at Jarod�s hand with the hay and staring at it. Frantic eyes met Jarod�s and the horse let out a low snort, bobbing his head up and down and pinning his ears back. Suddenly, the horse charged at the gate, causing Jarod and Kirin to wobble back in surprise, staring at the wild animal in horror.

�Wow,� Jarod managed to say, staring at the snorting horse.

�See what I mean,� Kirin asked, watching the horse with caution. Jarod nodded, staring at the horse in consideration. �What are you thinking?� Kirin asked, looking at him in suspicion. Jarod looked at her briefly, before looking back at the horse.

�Maybe I can train him into being a��

�No, Jarod! That is suicide!� she said, crossing her arms across her chest. Jarod didn�t reply, watching as the horse rocked back and forth, ears pinned back, eyes still frantic and wide.

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�What?� Mr. Carter spat out, looking up in surprise at the younger man. �You have to be kidding!�

�No, I mean it. I would really liked to have a chance with that horse,� Jarod said, sitting down across from the older man at the patio table that sat on the porch of the cabin. Carter stared at him for a minute, looking briefly down at his newspaper to fold it up.

�Son, have you seen that horse? Money is wild. He will kill you!� Carter shouted at him.

�Please?� Jarod asked, staring at the older man carefully.

�I don�t want my newest, inexperienced ranger to get hurt or killed!� Carter said, shaking his head. �No, Jarod.�

�I know what I am doing!� Jarod said, slapping his hand down on the table.

�No you don�t! You just asked me if you could train Money!� Carter shouted, laughing nervously.

�Please Carter. Just give me a chance to show you I am capable of working on your range,� Jarod said softly.

Carter looked up at him. �Jarod, you don�t need to kill yourself to prove to me that��

�Please, Carter. Please,� Jarod interrupted softly.

�Fine, but I want you to be extra careful around that animal, you hear me?� Carter said with a huff.

Jarod smiled, nodding softly. �Thank you.�

�Yeah, yeah,� Carter said, waving Jarod away. �Get out of here and don�t let me hear the words, �call 911!� Alright?�

Jarod smiled. �You won�t.�

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Jarod slowly entered the red barn, walking up to Money�s gate and looking at the horse carefully. The horse�s head was down, his nose in a stack of hay, his jaw moving side to side.

�This is going to be the first pretend where I help an animal,� Jarod said quietly to himself, staring at the palomino. At the sound of Jarod�s voice, the horse�s head swung up, causing Jarod to flinch in surprise. �Hey,� Jarod said to the horse, his voice quivering. Clearing his throat, Jarod spoke to the animal again. �Hey buddy.�

The horse�s frantic gaze stared into Jarod, his jaw moving back and forth with long pieces of hay sticking out of the corners of his mouth. Sighing heavily, the horse�s head swung back down, returning his nose to the hay.

Swallowing hard, Jarod exhaled, noting he had held his breath without even realizing it. Stepping away from the gate, Jarod reached up towards a hook that a halter hung from that was located on the post between Money's stall and another horse�s. Putting his arm through the halter and pulling it up to his shoulder where it hung like a bag�s strap, Jarod opened the latch to the gate. Opening it just enough for Jarod to squeeze through, Jarod inched his way into the stall, watching the horse cautiously.

Money�s ears perked up, his eyes darting briefly from his hay to the man who was now entering his stall. Suddenly, Money�s head swung up, snorting at the intruder loudly. Jarod gasped softly, taking a tiny step backwards, his eyes glued onto the horse.

�It�s okay,� Jarod said softly, reaching out for the horse. �It�s okay, Money.�

The horse stared at him for a long moment, his eyes wide and panicky. As Jarod stepped forward, reaching a hand for the horse�s head, Money pinned his ears back, smacking his teeth. Jarod froze, but didn�t pull his hand back. Standing there, his arm outstretched, his hand inches away from the horse, Jarod watched the horse carefully, his heart beating in his ears.

�I�m not afraid of you,� Jarod lied. He was. He was scared stiff. But was completely confused by this fear. He had come across many stronger threats in his life and didn�t even flinch. But when it came to this animal, he was dizzy, shaky and sweating. His knees threatened to give way beneath him as he stood there, his arm outstretched towards the beast. Raines didn�t even scare him this much.

Maybe, because it is an animal, his mind told him. With a human, you can beg for mercy; you can read their minds and expressions. With an animal, large and strong like this one, you can not reason with it. You can not communicate to beg for your life. You can not read its expressions as you would a human.

Jarod swallowed, nodding at his own reasoning. He slowly took another step forward, his fingertips brushing the horse�s jaw. The horse swung his head up higher, stepping back from Jarod and snorting, stamping his foot.

�Shh,� Jarod hushed. �It�s okay, Money. It�s okay.� Jarod stepped closer, noting the distance between him and the exit of the stall. If the horse were to charge him, Jarod wouldn�t be able to get out in time.

Jarod�s heart skipped a beat, watching the horse step closer to him and spin towards the gate. Jarod quickly dashed out of the way, slamming his back onto the side of the large stall, watching as the horse stops in front of the gate, now blocking the only way out.

�Damn,� Jarod whispered, noting the situation he was in. The horse snorted at him, his ears now forward instead of pinned back. Swallowing hard, Jarod stepped towards the horse, thinking he would spin the other way and get out of the way of the exit. But the horse stood his ground, watching Jarod with frantic eyes, his ears forward.

Gathering his courage, Jarod stepped forward again, his hand now brushing softly on the horse�s nose. �There,� Jarod said softly, looking from his hand to the horses eyes. The largeness of Money�s eyes decreased, the panicky glare in them gone. With his ears forward, Money stared at the intruder with curiosity. Jarod smiled at the progress, sliding his hand up the horse�s face and across his jaw. The horse snorted softly, but it wasn�t a threat at all, it was more of a sigh. The horse lowered his head, allowing Jarod full access to his face and ears.

Stepping closer, Jarod smiled, rubbing the horse gently on his face and neck. Chewing softly, Money stood quietly, his eyes drooping as Jarod petted him down. Jarod chuckled softly, running a hand up over the horse�s mane, the other hand under his neck. Leaning closer, Jarod placed his cheek against Money�s neck, hugging him gently.

�See? I�m not so bad,� Jarod said, softly, smiling. �And you aren�t bad yourself, either,� Jarod chuckled, leaning back to look at the horse as he bobbed his head up and down.

�What the hell do you think you are doing?� someone shouted.

Jarod stepped back quickly in order not to get trampled as the horse dashed frantically away from the gate, stopping in the corner of his stall and snorting wildly. Jarod looked from the horse to the man who stood, arms crossed, on the other side of the stall�s gate. It was Herald Francis, the one he had met earlier.

�Mr. Carter said I could train the horse back into�� Jarod began, gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder to the horse.

�I don�t think so,� the man boomed, getting a loud snort from the horse behind Jarod.

�Why not?� Jarod asked. �The horse recovered from the shot and I think he would be back to normal as quick as about two��

�Get out of there before that horse kills you,� Herald interrupted, coming towards the gate to unlatch it. Behind Jarod, the horse began to stomp his foot.

�Please, Mr. Francis,� Jarod said, no politeness in his tone. �I can do this. Now leave me to my work.� Jarod took a step towards the gate, watching as the man unlatched the gate, opening for Jarod. Jarod shook his head. �Please leave.�

�No. Now get out of the stall,� Herald shouted rudely. Jarod stared at him.

�What a way to treat a new employee,� Jarod said softly, but Herald heard him.

�Get your ass out here now or I�ll�� Herald said slowly.

�Or you�ll what, Herald?� Mr. Crater said angrily, stepping into the barn and crossing his arms.

�Carter!� Herald said in surprise. �I was just about to get you! This man is going to get killed just like Steve if he doesn�t get out of that stall.�

�I think he knows what he is doing,� Carter said, flashing Jarod a smirk. Jarod returned the gesture.

�No he doesn�t. The horse was going to kill him until I came in,� Herald said, pointing towards Jarod and the horse, both standing in the stall, staring at the dark haired man with a bushy dark beard.

�I saw what happened, Herald,� Carter said. �And Jarod was doing just fine until you came in.�

Jarod smirked at Carter, looking over at Herald for further argument. But Herald just flashed Jarod a dangerous look and then quickly walked out of the barn, brushing passed Carter.

�Thank you,� Jarod muttered towards Carter. Carter nodded, turning and leaving silently. Jarod looked over his shoulder at the horse and smiled. �Sorry about that buddy,� Jarod said gently.

To his surprise, the horse walked up to him, head low and nuzzled Jarod with his nose. Chuckling softly, Jarod turned around completely and patted the horse gently on the face, leaning his cheek against the horse�s forehead.

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�Miss Parker?� Sydney asked. The brunette flashed her icy blue eyes over at the older man that sat in the leather couch across her office. �Are you all right?�

�I�m fine, Syd,� she snapped, standing from her chair and walking around her desk. �I just haven�t gotten much sleep lately.�

�Why is that?� Sydney asked, getting up from the couch, tucking his hands into his pants pockets and stepping closer to her.

Placing a hand on her forehead, Miss Parker rubbed the flesh there. �The heater has been acting up again and it makes this awfully humming sound. It is so annoying.�

�That�s it?� Sydney said in between a chuckle. Miss Parker flashed him an icy look.

�Yeah, Sydney,� she said slowly, staring into him dangerously.

Sydney recovered, forcing his face to seriousness again. �Sorry, Parker,� he muttered.

Changing the subject, Miss Parker looked down to the floor. �Any news on Jarod, yet?�

�Broots is still working on it,� Sydney informed. Sighing loudly, Miss Parker walked towards her door. �Where are you going?� Sydney asked, watching her open her door and then freeze at his question.

Looking over her shoulder she said, �I am going to �encourage� our Brootsie to work faster.�

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�Well, well, look at what we got here?� Kirin said, smiling as she entered the barn. Jarod looked at her over the back of Money, smiling at her as she came up to them.

Jarod had gotten the halter on Money, got him out of the stall and tied him to the gate. Carefully, Jarod was now brushing the horse down.

�How in god�s name did you get this horse to calm down?� Kirin asked, running a gentle hand over the back of the horse. Money turned his head slightly to look at the woman, sighing and then resuming his head back to the current position, eyes drooped, head low. Kirin chuckled. �I think he is enjoying this a little too much, Jarod,� she said, looking over the back of Money to Jarod.

Jarod smiled, patting the horse on his neck. �Well, I am glad.� After a moment of awkward silence, Kirin circled around the horse to stand by Jarod.

�Can I help?� she asked. Jarod looked at her in surprise, before smiling and handing a brush to her. She began brushing the horse cautiously, running the soft bristled brush down the horse�s neck and down his legs. Grabbing another brush, Jarod helped her. �So� Jarod,� she began, looking over at him. �Why did you decide to come to this little �ol range?�

Jarod smiled. �I don�t know,� he lied, flashing her an awkward look. �But I�m glad I did.�

She bit her lower lip, looking over at him. �Why?�

�Well, for one thing,� Jarod began, laying a hand on Money�s neck. �I met a very handsome, sexy man with blonde hair and long legs.� Jarod ran a hand through Money�s mane, as Kirin laughed.

�Oh really?� she said between laughter.

He smiled. �Oh yeah.� Looking away from Money, he looked at her. �And I also met a woman too.�

�And which one of the horses would that be?� she asked, stepping closer.

Jarod wrinkled his nose slightly. �Nah, I don�t think she runs in that herd. I think I would consider her more of the human species.�

She leaned back a little. �Yeah? Well, who is this �woman�?�

Jarod smiled. �Well, she has brown hair, blue eyes and a wonderful smile.�

�Yeah? And do you like her as much as she likes you?�

�I hope so,� Jarod said softly, staring into her eyes. Kirin stared back, getting lost in his gorgeous glare.

�I hope you are talking about me,� she said, laughing softly.

He smiled, looking down to the ground, breaking the spell. �I am.�

�Good,� Kirin chuckled.

The soft whine from the horse caused them both to look over at Money. �Alright, buddy, I am hurrying,� Jarod said, petting the horse on the neck.

Together, they got Money saddled, bridled and out to the small riding arena.

�Now Jarod, he may have calmed down a little, but you can not just leap onto this horse and expect him to�� Kirin began, stopping at the gate and watching Jarod lead the horse inside the arena.

�I know, Kirin,� he said gently, flashing her a smile. Her heart leaped. �I know what I am doing.�

�I hope so,� Kirin whispered to herself, watching as Jarod hooked the lunge line onto the horse�s bridle, looping the rope through the stir-up of the saddle; doing the same on the other side, the rope coming behind Money.

Soon, Jarod had the horse walking a steady walk in a circle around him, Money�s head low and eyes calm. Happy with the progress, Jarod flashed Kirin a smile.

Pulling slightly on the lunge line, Jarod told the horse to stop with a, �Hoe, Money.� The horse stopped. Inching his way up the rope, Jarod patted the horse on the neck, smiling widely. �Good boy, good boy.�

Bobbing his head up and down, Money neighed softly. Jarod chuckled, hearing Kirin�s laughter as well.

�If it isn�t the beauty and the beast,� a low voice said from behind Kirin. �Oh and Money.� Jarod looked over towards Kirin to see Herald coming up behind her, flashing Jarod a look to kill.

�What do you want, Herald?� Kirin growled at him.

He shrugged. �Nothing. Just wanted to see how we were doing.�

�The hell you do!� Kirin said angrily at the man.

He flashed her an evil smile, looking over at Jarod. �Why don�t you get on him, Jarod?� he called, leaning against the fence beside Kirin. Jarod looked from Money to Herald, staring at him with narrowed eyes. �If you trust the damn beast so much,� Herald added.

�He isn�t ready for that yet,� Jarod said, his tone neutral.

Herald lifted both eyebrows. �Oh? Is that right? Or are you just scared?� Jarod shook his head, staring at the man dangerously. �Go ahead, Jarod. Climb aboard.�

�Why don�t you?� Jarod asked, leading the horse closer to the fence. Herald�s eyes darted over to the horse, staring. Finally, his frantic gaze resumed his calmness again.

�It�s not my responsibility to get this wild beast back into riding,� he said calmly.

It was Jarod�s turn to raise his eyebrows. �Oh? Is that right? Or are you just scared?� Jarod said, mocking the exact words Herald had just used. Herald�s eyes narrowed dangerously, staring at him with pure hatred.

�You have no idea what you are dealing with,� Herald growled, turning on his heel and walking away quickly.

As Kirin and Jarod watched him leave, Kirin whispered, �I wouldn�t be surprised if he killed Steve.�

Jarod looked at her. �Why you say that?� Jarod asked.

Kirin flashed her blue eyes over at Jarod. �Well, just look at him. His attitude is sharper and uglier than a rusted nail and he is always threatening people.�

�Do you know any advantages he would get from Steve�s death?� Jarod asked.

�Well, Herald always had a grudge against him. You know, Steve always winning those medals and Herald stuck in second place.�

�Second place? Herald went into showing too?� Jarod asked, looking over towards the back of Herald as he made his way up the steps of the cabin that stood in front of the red horse barn. Kirin nodded.

�Steve and him always competed. But everyone thought it was just for fun,� she said softly, looking down to the ground. �It all makes sense now.�

Jarod looked from the cabin to her. �Don�t do any accusing, Kirin. It could get you hurt or worse.� She looked up at him, staring into his eyes. �Okay?� Jarod asked after a moment. She nodded. �Good. Now lets do more lunging,� Jarod announced, looking over his shoulder at the patient horse.

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�It was great,� Kirin said proudly, watching as Carter nodded.

An old woman shuffled into the room, wiping her aged hands on her apron while she smiled at Kirin. Kirin smiled back.

�I bet,� Mr. Carter finally said, looking through the kitchen window to the barn, where Jarod led Money. Noticing the woman, Carter looked over at her. �And how are you Mrs. Brown?� he asked the housekeeper.

�Just fine, boss,� she said cheerfully, her old face creased with more wrinkles as she smiled.

�Great,� Carter said, smiling. Then, looking back at Kirin, he said, �Ask Jarod if he will help you lead the trail riding group tonight.�

Kirin smiled at him, but her face became serious and confused in a matter of seconds. �Why aren�t [you] helping me?�

�I�m getting too old to be leading a couple of tourists through rugged trails on horse back. And besides, I want to let Jarod have a shot at it,� Mr. Carter explained.

Kirin nodded. �Alright, I�ll ask him.�

�Good,� Carter said, smiling at the young woman. �Now get out there and get the horses ready for their riding.�

Kirin smiled, turning and leaving the cabin without further word.

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�It is high up here,� the little girl said, smiling widely. She placed her little hands onto the horn and giggled. �Look at me mommy!�

�That�s nice dear,� the woman said, smiling up at her daughter as she sat on a little white, welsh pony. Lowering her voice, she turned to Jarod and Kirin. �Now will she be safe on that thing?�

Kirin smiled, flashing Jarod an annoyed look. �Yes, that �thing� is very safe. Your daughter will be all right. Just pop a quarter in that thing and you will take a ride of your life.�

Jarod flashed her a confused look, but Kirin ignored him, watching the woman step towards the horse and pull her little girl�s pant leg down.

�How many people are coming on this riding group?� Jarod asked.

�There are only six horses,� she said, turning towards him. �If that answers your question.�

Jarod briefly lifted his eyebrows at her, before looking towards the couple coming up to them, both smiling.

Reaching out, Jarod shook the young man�s hand, smiling at him. �Welcome to the ranch. I am Jarod and this is Kirin. We will be your guides today.�

The young man with dark short hair glanced at his wife briefly, looking back at the two. �Hello, I�m Ricky Johnson, and this is my beautiful and talented wife, Danielle. We got married a week ago,� he announced proudly.

Kirin smiled. �Congratulations!� Ricky and Danielle both nodded once. �Here, I�ll show you two to your horses.� Jarod watched as Kirin walked away, the happy couple following. Smiling to him self, he approached a young woman and a teenager.

�Hello and welcome to the ranch. My name is Jarod and I will be your guide today,� Jarod said, his tone on automatic, getting sick of saying the same thing to everyone.

They both smiled widely at him. �I�m Lisa Adams and this is my little sister, Tonya.�

Jarod smiled at her. �Hello,� he said kindly.

The teenager smiled. �Hi!� she said with excitement.

Looking away from her, Jarod returned his eyes to Lisa. �Are you interested in riding a certain horse.�

�One that moves, but well behaved,� Lisa said, smiling.

Jarod chuckled softly. �I�ll see what I can do,� he said, leading the two towards the barn.

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After a long, fun day of riding, Jarod and Kirin lead all six horses into the barn. Leading the black quarter horse Jarod had ridden on the trails into the horse�s stall, Jarod glanced over at Kirin, and flashed her a smile.

�So, you had fun?� he asked, as he slid the halter of the horse�s face. Kirin simply shrugged, smirking smugly back at him.

�I ride the same horse on the same trail at the same time for four times a week,� she huffed, hanging the halter up on a hook between the stalls. �It gets rather boring after while.�

�Boring?� Jarod asked in astonishment, stepping up onto the lower rail of the gate and leaning forward to pet the horse on his face. �I like riding.�

Kirin smiled, staring at him with wonder. �Well, I�m glad.� Stepping closer to him, she leaned her elbows onto the gate, watching as the horse graciously stood there letting Jarod pet him. Smiling, she looked over at Jarod. �What do you enjoy most about it?�

Twisting his lips slightly, with his eyes still on the quarter horse, he stared in thought. �I am not sure exactly. Maybe it�s the control you have over an animal that is twice your size. Or bonding with the horse. Or�� he explained, but paused to look over at her. �The company.�

Biting her lower lip, she looked away, smirking. �Thanks, if that is a compliment.�

�It is,� he said softly, flashing her a smile before returning his eyes back to the horse. Brushing her brown hair from her cheek to behind her ear, she stepped up onto the gate to lean over and pet the horse. Watching her, Jarod watched as her shiny hair flowed off her shoulder to brush over her face, hiding her cheeks. Suddenly, the urge to run his fingers through that hair was more then he could stand, so he stepped down from the gate, watching as she looked over her shoulder at him.

�Want to join me for dinner?� she asked sweetly.

He gave her a small smile. �Maybe,� he said, teasingly. �And what would be on the menu?�

�Well, I thought we could grab a basket and have a little picnic on the beach. What do you say?� she asked, stepping down from the gate.

Jarod shrugged. �I guess so,� he muttered.

Giving him an evil eye, she punched him lightly in the shoulder. �You guess so?�

�Fine, I will,� he said, smiling widely.

�Great,� she said, leaning forward quickly, and placing a kiss on his cheek. Walking passed him, she didn�t catch the wide-eyed expression that took over Jarod�s face.

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�You�ve never went swimming at night?� Kirin asked, smiling up at Jarod as she watched his face fascinate the dark black water. His eyes held the curiosity of a child, innocent and pure. The urge to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight was more powerful then ever. Blinking a couple times, she was surprised at that thought. How can one man have such an affect of her?

�Wow, it is very warm,� Jarod noted, dipping his toe into the water to test it. Smiling up at her briefly, he stepped his whole foot into the oncoming crashing waves, his pant leg rolled up to his knee.

Laughing playfully, Kirin dashed into the water, splashing Jarod on her way. Jarod gasped in surprise, watching as she waded into the water until the water reached the bottom hem of her khaki shorts, making a dark ring on the material. Turning to face him, she challenged him to follow her with her dark blue eyes, her stare never wavering from his face.

Keeping eye contact, he began to wade slowly into the water, the cloth of his rolled-up baggy jeans now dipping into the water. Backing up, Kirin watched as Jarod followed her, deeper and deeper, farther and farther away from the shore, until the water reached Jarod�s shoulders, Kirin�s chin.

Finally breaking the spell, Jarod looked away from Kirin�s gaze to look around in fascination. Listening to the rolling calm waves lap against his skin and the sound of crickets calling their song into the night. Watching the dancing circle of the bright gray moon on the water, Jarod almost jumped in surprise as he felt the slick skin of Kirin�s hand brush down Jarod�s cheek, pulling under his chin so warm brown met icy blue.

They stared at each other, their eyes absorbing every detail of each other. Jarod�s heart skipped a beat as Kirin stepped closer, her breath on his lips. Never in his life has Jarod felt the urge to beg to be held, to be touched. He closed his eyes, waiting for those soft lips to brush up against his, when�

SPLASH! Jarod�s eyes snapped open in surprise, watching Kirin�s smiling face frantically scrambling out of his reach. Wiping the water droplets from his face, he smiled, and took after her, the ground now gone from his feet. Swimming after her, he drank in the sound of her beautiful laughter.

Finally, catching up with her, he quickly wrapped his arm around her waist.

�Jarod!� she laughed, struggling out of his grasp and trying to dunk his head under water. �You put me down!� Screaming playfully, she struggled within his grasp as he reached shallower water, his feet now able to touch and the water only up to his stomach. Swinging her to his right, he threw her into the water, listening to her screaming burst of excitement before it was drowned away as her head went under water. It was only a matter of minutes before she came up, gasping for air and smiling evilly at him.

�Jarod!� she shouted, wading after him as he took off for deeper water. �Jarod you get back here!� Both laughing, she caught up to him, grabbing him by the arm and using her other hand to dip his head under water.

Jarod came up for air, after prying her hand out of his hair. Smiling widely at her, both their chins skimming the water as they circled around each other, he stared at her in wonder.

�Now is that any way to treat me?� Jarod asked, his tone teasing and playful. Kirin pierced her lips together, the line of her mouth forming a smirk.

�Yes, after you threw me into the water,� she growled at him playfully.

Chuckling softly, he said, �I didn�t �throw� you, I tossed you.�

She smiled, her eyes sparkling in the gesture. �Oh! Well, excuse me.�

He chuckled, reaching a hand up to wipe a droplet from her face. Her smile faded, her eyes staring at him in fascination.

�What is it about you, Jarod?� she asked softly.

Jarod was startled by the question, searching for an answer to a question he didn�t understand. �What do you mean?�

She shrugged simply, smiling a little. Even though it was dark at night, he still was able to see the blush that crept into her cheeks. �I mean... I like you, I mean I [really] like you.�

Jarod smiled. �I like you too,� he said.

�Really?� she asked, stepping closer. He nodded and after a moment, she bit her lip. �But is your like mean friendship or...?� she paused after Jarod looked confused. �Because my like isn�t like, you know, not like a friendship... it is like...�

�You are confusing me,� Jarod mumbled, seriously.

She burst into a heart filled laugh, shaking her head. �Me too.� Pausing, she moved closer, Jarod inhaling sharply. �Maybe I should show you what I mean then.�

Before Jarod could ask what she meant, he felt her soft lips onto his. The kiss was as innocent as ever, just soft, brief contact of the mouth, before pulling away. Jarod looked at her for a moment, trying to read her expression as she became even more close, reaching a hand up and pushing the back of his head so his lips brushed hers again. This time, the contact was longer, holding the lips� embrace for a moment before he felt her tongue lick across his lower lip, forcing it in his mouth. He gasped softly as her tongue lashed into his mouth, running over his teeth. He carefully slid his tongue into her mouth as well, returning the dance. Finally, both pulled away, breathless.

�Wow,� Kirin said softly, staring at him. After a moment, she smiled seductively. �Let�s go for shore.�

Jarod swallowed, looking briefly towards the shore. Before he could reply, she was pulling him towards the shore. Stumbling after her, he fought to keep up.

As soon as water was ankle high, Kirin turned to Jarod, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him deeply, the kiss more demanding and rough. Jarod stumbled back a little as she put all her weight into him, both stumbling down in the water with a quiet splash.

They broke the kiss, laughing as the water splashed into their faces. Coughing softly, Jarod mumbled, �Oops.� Jarod laid his head back into the sandy button of the shore, the water lapping just above his ears.

Kirin giggled softly, leaning down and taking his lips again, thrusting her tongue into his mouth hungrily. Groaning, Jarod wrapped his arms around her lower back, holding her against him. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she pulled his head back, breaking off the kiss. Looking deeply into warm brown, she smiled. �I want you, Jarod.�

Jarod nodded. �You can have me,� he said softly, watching as the smile became wider on her lips.

�That�s exactly what I want to hear,� she said, running her knuckles down his cheek. He smiled, leaning his head to capture her lips. Smiling against his lips, she ran her right hand down his side, lifting his T-shirt and sliding her hand up his ribcage, digging her nails into the flesh. Jarod moaned into her mouth, arching up into her. She returned the moan.

�Ahem,� they heard someone say. Both ripped away and looked up, seeing Mrs. Brown standing there, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised. �Well, kiddies, are you two going to just lie there or do I have to bring out the hose?�

Jarod and Kirin scrambled to their feet, not making eye contact with the older woman. Hearing her soft chuckled, Jarod nervously ran his hand through his short wet hair, glancing over at Kirin briefly. She flashed him a mischievous smile.

�Is, ah, is there anything we can do for you Mrs. Brown?� Kirin asked the maid as politely as possible.

The woman chuckled. �Yes, Mr. Carter wants you two to help out with the cook out tomorrow after noon for the guests that are staying in the cabin. Can you two keep your hands to yourselves long enough to cook?� she asked, a huge grin ear to ear spread out across her wrinkled face.

Jarod and Kirin exchanged looks to consider it, both having a smile on their lips. �We might be able to do that,� Kirin finally replied, turning to the woman.

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�Did you find Jarod, yet, Broots?� Miss Parker snapped, entering the office, the metal doors hissing shut behind her.

�Miracles don�t happen everyday, M-Miss Parker,� Broots replied, looking briefly up from his computer screen. Miss Parker gave him a look, before the tech continued his work.

�Where the hell have you been?� Miss Parker hissed, turning as Sydney came into the office.

�Any news from Jarod?� Sydney asked, ignoring her rude question.

�No such luck. Maybe Wonder Boy will give us a break and just vanish for a while,� Miss Parker sighed. �Or better yet, show up on a silver platter, handcuffs and all.� Sydney winced at the devilish smile that spread across her face.

�How�s the search coming?� Sydney asked, turning to Broots.

Broots gave the older man a brief look of recognition, before looking back at his screen. �Well, so far I have zeroed it down to twenty possible locations.�

�Only twenty, huh?� Miss Parker said, sarcastically. �Well, call me if there is any news. I am off to find my twisted, psycho path brother. You know where to reach me.�

And with that she turned on her heel, leaving the two men to their work.

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�It�s two cups,� Jarod stated, watching closely as she added one cup of flour to the batter and set down the measuring cup.

Looking up at him, Kirin crooked an eyebrow. �It�s one cup.�

�It�s two,� Jarod said, pushing off the counter, and gesturing towards the bowl with the batter.

�I know what I an doing,� she said, flashing him a smile.

�Evidently,� Jarod snapped, sarcastically.

Kirin lifted both eyebrows. �Now we are getting smart!� she said, laughing and hitting him in the stomach, smiling with satisfaction as he grunted.

�Trust me, it�s two,� he said.

�It�s one,� she said, returning towards her mixing.

�It�s two!� Jarod said, laughing, pointing towards the piece of paper with the recipe on it. �See!�

Kirin stared down at it for a moment, and then looked back up at Jarod, her eyes narrowing. Dipping her hand into the flour bag, she said, laughing, �Here�s your flour!� The white powder was thrown into Jarod�s face, giving him just enough time to close his eyes, before his face was white all over. Opening his eyes slowly, he pierced his lips together, watching as she laughed uncontrollably, covering her mouth and shaking her head.

�You think this is funny?� he asked, but couldn�t hold back his own laugh.

She shook her head, but the muffled snort of laughter was his answer. Doubling over in laughter, she thought she was going to die if she didn�t stop, her stomach aching. As she straightening up again, she was greeted with a poof of flour in her face, her face turning white as a ghost also.

Gasping, she jerked back, shock taking over her face, her eyes wide and her jaw hanging open. It was Jarod�s turn to laugh, staring at her as he did so.

In the same swift motion, both grabbed at the flour bag, pulling and tugging as they repeatingly dipped their hands in the bag, tossing the cooking ingredient at each other, until they were completely white.

When the whole kitchen was splattered and filled with white dust, they laughed and laughed as they waited for the air to clear, finding Mrs. Brown in the doorway, hands on hips.

�What the heck are you two kids doing in here?�

Kirin and Jarod stared at the woman in shock, looking over at each other briefly, before casting a look around. Looking back at the older woman, at the same time, they replied, �Cooking.�

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Four hours before the cook out, Jarod began to saddle up Money, the horse patiently standing as Jarod brushed him down and saddled him. Quickly sliding the bridle on, Jarod lead the horse out to the arena, connecting the lead rope and began lunging him. Smiling after a while, Jarod walked up to the horse and patted him on the neck.

�Good boy,� Jarod said, laughing as the horse bobbed his head up and down.

�Making progress, huh?� he heard a deep voice say, spinning around to see Herald leaning on the fence. �Now why don�t you get on him?�

Jarod�s eyes narrowed slightly, staring at Herald as he waited. Looking back at Money, Jarod took a deep breath, willing to show this man what he wanted.

Disconnecting the lead, Jarod threw it aside, grabbing the reins and the back of the seat and placing one foot in the stir-up. Heaving himself up and over the horse�s back, Jarod took a deep sigh of relief as he sat safely on Money�s back.

Looking briefly up at Herald, Jarod turned the horse the opposite way, walking Money quietly along the fence of the pasture.

Suddenly, there was a soft whistle, followed by a mild snap and the horse reared up on its hind legs, throwing Jarod off, landing with a thud on his back, knocking the air out of him.

His vision blurred slightly as he stared up at the puffy clouds in the blue sky, before he saw Herald standing over him, smiling and shaking his head.

�Told you that horse is dangerous,� he said, lending a hand to help Jarod get up. Moaning, Jarod climbed to his feet, a sharp pain zapping through his body, causing a yelp to escape his lips. �Gonna be swore for a while, huh?� Herald said, watching carefully as Jarod winced, his brown eyes flashing angrily back at him.

Shrugging, Herald flashed Jarod one last smile, before turning and walking out of the arena. Staring off at his receding back, Jarod felt Money�s nose nuzzle him against his arm. Looking over his shoulder, Jarod smiled, rubbing a gentle hand over Money�s nose.

�I forgive you, buddy. Don�t worry,� Jarod said, circling around Money�s right side and looking carefully over him. Spotting a slight mark on his stomach, Jarod�s eyes narrowed. It was the mark of a vicious hit from a sharp rock.

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Everyone joined the cook out that afternoon, including all the ranchers and visitors. Kirin flashed Jarod a smile from the picnic table she sat at, sipping at a cup of lemonade. Patting the seat next to her, Jarod sat down, wincing as he leaned his back against the table and staring off towards the beach, where a couple of kids were playing. Smiling, his eyes fascinated them, before Kirin caught his attention, finding her staring at him in admiration.

�What?� Jarod asked innocently.

Shaking her head, Kirin shrugged. �Nothing, sorry,� she said softly, looking down at her cup. �Your back still hurt?�

�Not that bad anymore,� Jarod said, glancing over his shoulder at the food table and noticed that his home made brownies were all gone. Smiling, he looked over at Kirin. �Told you they would like my brownies.�

Kirin looked over as well and smiled. �I know, and I helped finish those delicious things off too.�

Laughing softly, Jarod turned towards her, swinging one leg over the bench so that he straddled it. �Would you like to have another picnic on the beach, tonight?� Jarod asked, avoiding eye contact shyly.

Kirin smiled widely at how cute he looked, and then replied, �Maybe.� Jarod looked up at her then and gave her the most adorable puppy face. Laughing, she lifted both hands in the air. �Alright! Alright! I will!� Jarod smiled at her.

�Look what we got here,� came a deep voice, both looking up to see Herald sitting down across from them at the picnic table.

�Who invited you?� Kirin hissed, but the man just smiled wickedly at her.

�How�s your back, Jarod?� the man asked innocently, turning towards Jarod.

Jarod�s eyes narrowed. �Fine,� he replied calmly, but his face held anger.

Lifting his bushy eyebrows, Herald smiled. �Fine? That bad, huh?�

�Not bad at all. It barely hurts,� Jarod said through clenched teeth.

�What drove you to killing Steve?� Kirin suddenly blurted out, and Jarod snapped his attention over to her.

Herald stared at her for a long moment, his eyes holding a calmness that was almost scary. Standing up slowly, Herald kept eye contact with her until he turned and walked away, disappearing up the trail.

�I told you not to say anything,� Jarod whispered.

�I know he did it!� Kirin spat out.

�I have my suspicions too, but you can�t point fingers. Not yet, anyway,� Jarod said.

�When then?� Kirin asked.

�Soon� I promise.�

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�Miss Parker?� Broots asked, poking his head in the door.

Looking up from her work, she lifted her eyebrows at the tech, waiting for him to say what he needed to tell her. �What do you want, Broots?� she hissed.

Walking into her office, he laid a piece of paper on her desk, watching as she lifted it up and read it before saying, �The jet is already. I have a lead on Jarod.�

Looking up from the paper, Miss Parker smiled. �Good boy.�

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Jarod suggested they ride horses down at the beach, and after a slight hesitation from Kirin, they saddled two horses and made their way down the trail, their food gathered inside two saddlebags.

Turning in her saddle, Kirin smiled widely at Jarod, he catching the glitter of mischief in her eyes. �I will race you!� she said with excitement, arching both eyebrows.

�You�re on,� Jarod laughed, trotting his horse to catch up with hers, before counting. �1�2�3� Go!�

At that, both horses took off into a run, the wind pounding onto the two riders� faces. Sand was thrown up from under the horses speeding hooves, the rush of adrenaline enough to make anyone�s heart flutter. The sound of the waves crashing to the shore and the whistle of the wind filled their ears.

Jarod flashed Kirin a smile, urging his horse faster than hers, but she only laughed and stayed right with him. He laughed with her, watching as she hooked the reins on the horn and swung out her arms, tilting her head back and laughing towards the sky. Jarod smiled, watching her with wonder and a bit of sadness. She loved life so much, and if he follows his heart and stays in her life, the Centre will ruin her life like they ruined his.

Slowing her horse down, Kirin turned towards Jarod. �I beat you!�

�I guess you did,� Jarod laughed.

Swinging her leg over the horse�s back, Kirin stepped down from the white quarter horse, and reached up for the food. Looking over, she watched Jarod do the same, getting down from his palomino horse, and patting him on the neck.

�Good boy, Peach,� Jarod said, smiling as he looked over at Kirin, finding her staring at him again.

After tying their horses to the hitching post, Kirin began laying out the blanket, Jarod carrying both saddlebags over to the spot. Both sitting down, Kirin smiled at him.

�Here we are again,� she said, nervously, recalling what happened, or what was to happen last time.

�Yeah,� Jarod said softly, looking down. �Look, Kirin,� he began quickly, looking up, but was interrupted as lips covered his own, silencing him to shock.

Finally giving into the passion, Jarod moaned into her mouth as she grabbed the back of his head, pulling him closer. Running her hand down his neck, she laid it gently below his collarbone, fiddling with the first button on his white button-up shirt.

Pulling away, he gasped, placing his hand gently over her mouth to stop her from kissing him again. �We need to talk,� he said, his voice husky.

She leaned back slightly, blinking a couple times. �Okay,� she replied, clearing her throat. �What is it?�

�I- I am going to have to leave soon, and I just don�t-�

�When are you leaving?� she asked, her eyes filling with sorrow.

Shaking his head, Jarod continued. �I am not sure. But I don�t want to hurt you in anyway.�

Kirin�s brow furrowed. �What- what do you mean?�

�If I have to take off all of a sudden, I beg you not to blame yourself. It was nothing you did.�

Kirin looked away towards the water, swallowing hard and forcing back the tears. �Will I see you again?�

�I�m not sure,� Jarod said softly, watching her carefully.

Kirin looked back at him, her eyes sparkling in unshed tears. �Do you want to leave?�

Jarod tilted his head to the side, staring at her in confusion. �Of course not,� he said after a moment.

�Then don�t,� Kirin said, grabbing his hand. �Stay here� stay with me and-�

�I can�t, Kirin,� Jarod whispered, looking down at his lap, covering her hand that held his. �I am so sorry.�

�Why can�t you?� Kirin asked, angrily, yanking her hand back. �Do you not love- do you not care about me?�

�I care about you!� Jarod said, reaching for her hand, but only to have her yank it back again. �Please Kirin, you wouldn�t understand-�

�Explain it to me!� Kirin hissed.

Jarod inhaled sharply, his eyes staring at her carefully. �I can�t. It would endanger your life.�

�What?� Kirin asked, her brow furrowing.

�I was involved with some very dangerous people,� Jarod murmured, his gaze steady on her.

Kirin shook her head, the muscle in her jaw twitching in anger. �You don�t trust me, do you?�

�It�s not that! Please� � Again Jarod reached for her hand unsuccessfully. �I told you, you wouldn�t understand.�

Kirin�s eyes narrowed angrily. �Of course not Jarod� because you won�t explain it to me.�

Jarod closed his eyes briefly, biting the inside of his cheek. �I have to leave after I take care of some things here, and I am sorry.�

�Fine, leave!� Kirin spat out, leaping to her feet and storming off towards her horse.

�Kirin, please!� Jarod shouted after her, climbing to his feet. She leaped on her horse and took off towards the trail, never looking back.

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Herald slowly walked into the barn, looking around carefully. It was awfully dark in there and he suddenly got the spooks, feeling as if he was being watched. Looking briefly down at the small piece of paper he held, he read the note once more: Meet me in the barn at 12.

Who wanted to meet him, and why at midnight? Tucking away the note, he sighed deeply, making his way towards one of the stalls.

Suddenly, the rumble of the doors shutting caught his attention, spinning on his heel to watch as the moonlight was shut out, leaving him in pure darkness.

�Who�s there?� he shouted into the dark, straining to hear.

BANG! The sound of a gun going off made him yelp, taking a step away from the sound, feeling something slip around his ankle, flipping him upside down. Hanging there from the ceiling beam, Herald swung back and forth, cursing and shouting as he struggled to reach the rope that was tied tightly around his leg.

Hearing movement, he froze, his eyes struggling to see who was out there. �Hello?� he asked, his voice quivering.

�Don�t you hate being out of control?� he heard a deep voice say, and he swallowed.

�Jarod?� he hissed. �Is that you?�

�Tell me, Herald�� the voice began, a single light flickering on, Jarod stepping into it. �Why did you kill Steve?�

�I didn�t! He committed suicide!� he said, too quickly.

�Or you made it look like that,� Jarod said. �I find it weird that the gunshot was *under* the horse�s flank, meaning that Steve couldn�t have shot him from where he sat on the saddle. The horse was shot from afar.�

�No,� Herald said firmly, once again trying to reach the rope that was tightly around his ankle. �Steve was drinking that night. He was drunk! He killed himself!�

�Even so, he couldn�t have shot his horse!� Jarod shouted, stepping closer to the swinging man. �You killed him admit it!�

�I didn�t!� the man shouted, thrashing his arm angrily out at Jarod, but the pretender easily dodged it.

�Liar,� Jarod hissed, raising a gun from his inside pocket and pointing it at him. �But, oh well.� Sighing, he fiddled with the safety on the gun. �Maybe *I* can enter Money into a contest, since well, after tonight, there won�t be any more components.�

�What do you mean?� Herald said softly, shivering as he stared at the inhumane look flash through Jarod�s brown eyes.

�Tonight is a very sad night indeed,� Jarod said, the sadness in his voice an obvious act. �Tonight our dear friend Herald has committed suicide.�

�What?�

�That�s right,� Jarod confirmed, narrowing his eyes at the man. �I�m going to kill you, making it look like by your hand. You could give me pointers, you know.�

�Please, Jarod...� Herald whispered.

�Begging is a sign of weakness,� Jarod stated, pacing slowly around the handing man. Pointing the gun at the man�s head, Jarod flashed him his infamous smirk. �Confess now, and I might consider letting you live.�

Herald shut his eyes, blocking out the image of the gun. Whimpering, he fought the battle within him and finally spilled. �Fine, you asshole! I did it! I did it!�

�You did what?�

�I killed Steve!�

�Why?� Jarod demanded, still keeping the gun aimed on the man.

�Because... because I wanted a chance at a medal.� Sighing, Herald watched as Jarod dropped the gun to his side and walked over to a sawhorse, picking up a radio and pushing it off.

�The tape is riding the pony express to the nearest police station,� Jarod declared, waving it in the air for Herald to see. �Thanks for your time,� he said dryly, and with that, Jarod turned and walked out.

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Wiping the sweat from her brow, she eyed the police cars coolly, making her way up to the porch, followed by her two companions. Stepping up the old steps, Miss Parker sneered as a police officer pushed past her through the open door of the cabin. Allowing herself in, Broots and Sydney followed short after, all three looking around as people scurried about busily.

�Excuse me,� Miss Parker sneered, grabbing the arm of an elderly woman. �But do you know a Jarod?�

�Of course. He�s out back,� she said, and Miss Parker�s eyes widened slightly, looking over her shoulder as she flashed Sydney a look. Quickly making their way out the back door, they walked out towards the big, red barn.

�Have you seen this man?� Parker asked the nearest person, and she looked down at the picture briefly, before looking back up at the brunette.

�Yeah,� she replied. �He is down by the lake. Just follow the trail.�

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She seemed to look anywhere but his gorgeous face, her nervousness so obvious it could have been tattooed on her forehead. He just stood there, staring at her with such concern and passion that it made chills run down her spine.

�Kirin...� he finally whispered, and she swallowed, before giving in and flinging herself at him, wrapping her arms around him tightly as if she would never let him go.

�I�m sorry, Jarod,� she whispered against his neck, taking in the musky male scent of him, so sweet and good. "Please, please forgive me!�

�You were already forgiven,� he whispered in return, hugging her just as tightly.

�Don�t leave,� she said, leaning back to see his face. �Please don�t leave.�

�I have to,� Jarod said. �They will be here soon.�

Nodding, Kirin sighed, kissing him softly on his lips. �You�ll keep in touch, right?�

�Of course,� Jarod replied.

�Visit too?�

�Most definitely,� Jarod said, smiling.

�Good,� Kirin said.

Just then, Jarod spotted the three figures over Kirin�s shoulder, making their way down the trail. Jarod�s eyes went wide briefly, before looking down at Kirin. �I�m sorry.�

�I know,� she replied, looking over her shoulder, before turning to him again. �Thank you, Jarod.�

�Good bye,� he said, kissing her one last time before turning and running for the woods.

�Good bye,� she whispered, watching as he disappeared.

�Excuse me,� she heard a woman say sharply from behind her, Kirin slowly turning towards the tall brunette. �Do you know this man?� Kirin eyed the picture of his beautiful brown eyes and face.

Smiling sadly, she looked back up at the woman. �I would die if I didn�t,� she said softly, before walking past them towards the trail.

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�What?� she snapped, lifting the phone to her ear.

�I�m surprised you didn�t ride while you were there. It is very fun. You should try it,� Jarod�s voice came from the other line.

Sighing, she sat down on the couch heavily. �Been there, done that. Besides, I hate riding.�

�Liar,� he said simply.

�What do you want, wonder boy?� she snapped tiredly.

�You know, I had met a wonderful woman at the ranch. She reminded me of you some what.�

�Oh yeah?� Parker said, trying to act uninterested.

�Yeah,� Jarod said. �Her soul seemed so glorious, yet so trapped. Her smile beautiful, yet hidden. And her eyes... a dark blue that looked like the blue moon shining off the water at night.�

�How romantic,� Parker said dryly.

�You�d be surprised,� Jarod stated.

�And what�s that supposed to mean, rat boy?� Parker asked, but she was ignored.

�Have you ever went swimming at night?� There was no answer. �It was nice, you know. Crickets chirping, the moon above and the crisp night air.� Jarod sighed loudly into the phone. �Now that�s romantic.�

�Whatever,� Parker snapped.

Jarod grinned. �Yeah, whatever,� he repeated. �Well, see you around, Miss P.� And then the line went dead.

Sighing, she tossed the phone down beside her on the cushion of the couch. She sneered as she stared down at the small, black phone, a thought popping her head.

Life�s hell, love is damned and jealousy is a bitch.

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The end???

Hee hee... Sorry if it sucked.