Reunion Part 2

Warm and soft was the bed she was in. Snoring was the noise she heard. It took Michelle a few seconds to remember where she was. "This isn't the bunkhouse," she thought to herself.In all the years she had known him, she never knew Tim snored. She turned her head to look at him and let out a light chuckle as she watched him sleeping. Now she would be the sneaky one with suprises in store.
She gently pulled back the covers and crept out of Tim's cozy bed. With her feet clad in the soft slippers, she snuck out of the bedroom and into the hallway. It was filled with warm bright sunlight, giving the house a whole new feel and showing her what she hadn't seen last night. Michelle wanted desperatley to search every room and marvel at what Tim had accomplished, but she didn't. She knew he would wake soon and she wanted to be there when he did.
She quietly hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen to see what he had in the fridge. After whipping up some eggs with ham, and toast, she poured some orange juice and made her way up the stairs with her bounty. As she opened the bedroom door she could hear a yawn and soon she saw Tim rubbing his eyes and stretching as if he had been in hibernation for winter.
Michelle smiled at him as she made her way to his side of the bed. She sat beside him and held the plate out. "I figured you built me a house, the least I could do was make you breakfast." she said with a smirk."Oh, yeah, that seems like a fair trade." Tim replied, and leaned over to kiss her as he took the plate. She grabbed a piece of toast and walked over to her bag.
"You know, I have to go down to the ranch and hand Jewel over to Mag and Carl, and judging by that clock you are already late for work. What are they going to think happened to us?" she asked as she pulled out a fresh pair of jeans and a fitted t shirt.
"They are going to think we finally realized what everyone else already knew. Don't worry. We will get down there in plenty of time."
That was all she needed to relax. Him telling her everything would be fine. He had a calming effect on her that she welcomed.They both dressed and headed down to the barn.
After the horses were fed, he walked her around the property telling her about the build. He had 144 acres on this ridge and the valley below. He had scouted for months to find the perfect homesite with the most beautiful view. She agreed it was a gorgeous view as they got into the truck to head down to the ranch.

When at last they reached the ranch, Tim drove them straight to the barn. He parked next to Michelle's own truck, and shut down the engine. "You ready?" He asked her with a smile of sheer delight. She took a deep breath, squeezed his hand, and opened the door. It was like the ranch was a new place to her again. It was like the first day she had ever been there. Everything was different, yet the same. She had Tim now, and he had her.
They made their way in, and Michelle walked over to the stall she had Jewel in. She introduced Tim to the beauty she had brought with her. He understood why Maggie and Carl had wanted her. As Michelle lead Jewel out to the pen to let her run a while, Tim made his way over to the arena where Carl was.
Maggie soon joined Michelle who was watching as the special delivery galloped in the round enclosure.
"So, how do you like the house?" Maggie asked Michelle.They both smiled and looked at each other.
"Tell me you didn't buy this horse just to get me out here." They both laughed. Maggie put her arm around Michelle's shoulders and squeezed her. Their bond was different then the paternal bond Michelle had with Carl. Maggie and Michelle were more like sisters than mother and daughter, even though Maggie could very well have been her mother.
"You know, this horse is pretty comfortable with you, and I see no reason to turn it's world upside down with a new trainer." Michelle turned to Maggie with a look of wonder on her face, "How did you know I'm staying?" she asked.
"Because Tim hasn't stopped smiling since you two pulled up. It's been a while since we saw him smile that much." she met Michelle's gaze. Michelle could tell it meant alot to Maggie as well as Tim. They hugged each other, held tightly. Michelle could feel her eyes welling up knowing she was coming home, knowing how much she was wanted here. The last two years she had enjoyed the ranch she worked at, but it wasn't a family there as it was here. She had never fully fit in there.
They let go, and laughed. Michelle wiped her eyes and Maggie smiled. Michelle began to tell Maggie about her new horse as they walked into the pen to get acquainted.

"So, our girl's comin' home, eh Tim?" Carl said as Tim walked up to him in the arena.
"What gave it away?" he replied.
"Your swagger, young man! Your swagger." Carl said, as only Carl could without sounding rediculous. Tim laughed.
"I think you have earned the day off. Heck, take a week. How long has it been since you took some time off? Too long!"
"It's been a while. I don't think I know what to do with a week off, Carl."
"Michelle mentioned going up to the falls. There's two days right there. I'm sure you can figure out what to do with the other five." Carl looked at him, and a smile slowly crept onto his face. Tim laughed again.
"Carl, you are too much, and I'll see you in a few days." Tim said as he turned his back and walked toward the girls.
"Remember son, you deserve it... and I'm not talking about the time off." Carl called after him. Those last words echoed in Tim's mind as he made his way across the field. He hoped he deserved her.

Once Michelle had Maggie settled in with her new horse, she and Tim made their way to the trucks. "Get anything you are going to miss for a week." he instructed her.
"Carl gave you a week off?" she asked, her mind wandering onto what they would do for a full week. "Whats the plan?" she asked, as she rooted around in her truck for any stray items.
"Not sure," Tim said as he grabbed the rifle case and put it into his truck, "head up to the house first. I can think of a few things to fill our time until we decide where to go next." he said as he leaned up against the truck.
Michelle turned and took a step towards him, she leaned into him, and looking into his eyes said "Oh, I can think of one thing we both need.... a hot shower". They both laughed and Tim kissed her forehead. She finished grabbing things out of her truck, and climbed in next to him.

Drive: Part 4

She knew Olly wanted to say something, but couldn't get it into words. She hadn't meant to make him uncomfortable, she simply had a bluntness about her that sometimes got the best of her. She raised her glass, finished off the liquor, and set it on the coffee table.
Stalling until he could find the right words, Olly did the same. After he set his glass next to Audrey's, he began to pour himself another. Looking to her she motioned she too would like a refill. Olly splashed her glass, and Audrey fished two more cubes out of the ice bucket.
"You know," she started, "we could make a game of it." She took another sip of her freshened drink.

They were sitting side by side on the couch now. Both staring forward contemplating what to say next. Olly leaning forward, one arm across his knees, the other holding the glass of whiskey near his mouth. He turned to her trying to read her face. She turned to face his gaze, and said "Why not? I mean, we know the physical attraction is there, we know we both like each other so far. Why not just, keep getting to know one another for now, and see how long we can go before we.. before we can't any longer."

She was serious. That was fine with Olly. It was her idea so at least he knew she also wanted what he wanted. After pondering for a moment, Olly responded "If it's a game, there can only be one winner, and the way I see this, neither of us will lose." He had that devious smile again.
Audrey smiled. She took another swig of her drink and set the glass down. She stood up in front of Olly, took his drink out of his hand as he looked up at her and set it on the table near hers. She climbed on top of him and sat on his lap. He leaned back against the couch, as she settled in on him. She took his hands in hers, and set them atop her thighs. She was just about to speak when Olly said "You are going to make this difficult, aren't you?" with a grin on his face.
"I propose we lay some ground rules." she said as she wrapped her arms around Olly's neck. He looked at her waiting for what was coming next.

"How about, we can tease each other all we want, and the person who finally can't take it anymore and cries uncle first, loses." Audrey said. The look on her face made Olly think he would lose for sure. She began to run her fingers through his hair, soft at first and then with a heavier hand. She was already winning. Olly closed his eyes. Concentrate, he thought to himself. Afraid he may reveal just how much he wanted her. He gently squeezed his hands on her thighs, amazed they were still where she had put them. He could feel her warm skin on him, two thin layers of fabric were all that kept them apart.

Eyes still close, still laying back, he said "So what does the winner win...well, besides the obvious." He was almost gritting his teeth behind his smile, trying hard to think of other things than the beautiful woman on his lap. Breathe, just breathe he thought to himself.
"Wellllll," she started, as she sat up and adjusted herself, scooting closer down his lap to his body. Her breasts almost touching his chest. "The loser could give the winner a bubble bath in that huge tub you have up there."

"Do there have to be bubbles??" Olly asked. Audrey nodded much like a child would, "Mmm hmmm!" she hummed matter-of-factly.
Olly sighed, and finally said "I think I need another drink.". Audrey turned to get it off the table, and Olly opened his eyes and lifted his head as she placed it in his hand. He downed the contents of the glass, and set it down on the table. As soon as he set it down he scooped Audrey up in his arms and swung her over, onto the couch. She squealed with surprise, and giggled as if being tickled. Olly was on top of her, looking down at her smiling face, he was smiling as well. "All's fair..." he said with a smile, as he buried his face his her neck and began kissing her. He had never been one to make the first move, never the dominant one. This was new to him, and he was enjoying it.

He felt Audrey's arms wrap around his shoulders, firmly grasping at his shirt, playfully pulling it. Her legs wrapped around him as well, she clung to him. He wasn't sure who was playing who right now, but he didn't really care.
He kissed his way from her neck to her cheek. He pulled away and stared into her eyes. He was so intense and she matched his gaze, still smiling and laughing. He smiled back at her, kissed her passionately, and pushed himself up off the couch.

He watched as the look of suprise swept across her face. It read 'thats it?'.
"What? You thought you were the only one could be a tease?" he said with a note of playfulness in his voice and a million dollar smile.
She laughed "No, I just didn't know you'd be so effective at it..." she replied with a smile that made him wish he hadn't stopped.

The whiskey had definately brought both of them out of their shells more then either had anticipated. Olly poured himself one last drink, and disappeared down the hall with it. Audrey sat up, poured her self another as well, capped the bottle, and took it into the kitchen to be put back on the shelf. Perhaps they would enjoy it's flavor again tomorrow.
As she made her way back to the living room, Olly came around the corner with his drink, half finished.

They both sat on the couch, sipping the last of their whiskey, and winding down. Finally, after both had finished, Olly stood up, and offered his hand to Audrey. She took it and he lifted her up off the couch as if she weighed less than a feather. She was officially buzzed.
He led her upstairs, turning off the stereo and lights as he did.
When they came upon the door to his childhood bedroom, Olly turned around and leaned against the door jamb, he smiled at Audrey and said "Well, this is your stop. I'm just down the hall if you need anything."
"I think I'll be okay." she replied, then she hiccuped.
They both laughed, and Olly leaned in and gave Audrey a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight" he said softly as he turned and continued down the hall.

Audrey waited until he had entered his room and closed the door before she herself tucked inside the guest room door. She closed it behind her, and leaned on the door, floating from the unexpected delight of the evening. After a few moments, she made her way to the bed. She sat on the edge, and looked at the photographs on the nightstand, Olly as a teenager with his parents. She looked at the clock, 3:14am, she hadn't been up this late in years.
After she slipped under the covers, turned off the light and settled in, she decided she would call Darren in the morning (or afternoon), and fill him in when she had a free moment, just to let him know she was safe.

She closed her eyes, and smiled. She was happy, she was thrilled. For the first time in a long time, she looked forward to the day ahead. She wondered what they would do tomorrow, and mid thought, she fell asleep.
Olly's turn at sleep was much different. He wanted sleep, sure. But there was a goegeous woman in his bed mere steps from him. He laid awake listening, hoping, almost praying, that he would hear her call to him in the night. What would his parents say? He wondered. He knew. He knew his parents would have loved her too. His dad would have been his usual flirting old man self, and his mother would have hugged her almost to death by now. Olly finally realized that she was probably asleep by now, and he himself should do the same. He had no idea what they would do tomorrow, but whatever it would be, he wanted to be well rested. Olly turned off his mind, closed his eyes, and let his dreams take him where his body had not earlier in the evening.

Drive: Part 3

Olly looked at her and smiled a boyish smile of delight. He was so sexy right now, and so likable. She felt it again--the falling. She tried to think back on previous relationships, and she couldn't remember ever feeling this way before. She didn't want this night to end, yet she couldn't wait for their next day together to start. She was in over her head and she didn't care."Well, now that we don't have a curfew, what would you like to do next?" he asked her."Do you dance?" she asked him, sitting up and looking down at him coyly as he lay on the blanket.He propped himself up on his elbows, and asked what she had in mind. She hopped up eagerly, and sprinted to her truck. Olly turned around to watch as she leaned into the truck and turned the key. He smiled and rolled over to stand up, eager to sway in the sand with his new partner.
Audrey flipped on the radio, and turned up the volume. She skipped back down to Olly who was already on his feet, and fell into his arms.
"I've never danced on a beach under the stars!" she said, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Neither have I. I guess it's a night of firsts." He leaned in and kissed her gently on the neck as they began to swing to the music.
They both laughed and smiled as they danced. What an exciting and unusual evening this had turned out to be for both.
Olly spun Audrey around, dipped her, twirled her. He made her feel like a princess. She had danced before, but never like this. It was thrilling. She couldn't believe she was here, in this moment with this unexpected man.
They danced for what felt like hours. Sometimes speaking, sometimes not. Always comfortable-no awkward silences between the two.
After sitting and talking for a bit, they decided it was time to head to the comfort of Olly's rustic farmhouse. On the way there, Audrey set her hand on Olly's knee as if she had done it a thousand times before.
When they pulled up to the house, the porch light illuminated the lower half of the house. It looked so warm and inviting, Audrey had no fear about staying the night here. Olly unlocked the door and inside they went.
He took her by the hand and showed her where everything was downstairs, then he took her to the second floor.
He opened a door and switched on the light "This was my room, growing up." he said. "It's the guest room now, so you are welcome to it." He didn't want to presume that she would stay with him tonight, and found himself hoping she felt the same. He didn't want to rush things with her.
Audrey stepped in and set her bag down. She looked the room over. It had touches of Olly all over. Some pictures pinned to a cork board of a younger version of him, ribbons and trophies, books. Maybe she would learn more about this mystery man staying in his room tonight.
She turned to him and said "This is perfect." as she set her bag down. "Show me the rest."
Olly led her down across the hall, he showed her where the bath was located, then he took her around the corner of the hall and opened another door. "This, is my room." he said as he flipped the light switch.
Audrey was particularly interested in this room. She wondered what it looked like, what surprises it held. It was a beautiful room. A large poster bed on one wall, beautiful antique oak dressers to match, warm earthy tones in the bedspread and curtains. Hardwood floors with a thick soft rug. A fireplace on one wall for cold nights, and an expansive closet on another. Olly had his own bathroom connected to this room, with a large soaking tub and separate shower stall. Vanity with two sinks, but only one appeared to ever be used. The unused sink at the end looked lonely with no products surrounding it, no water spots on the faucet. "Did you do the remodeling to this house?" Audrey asked, curious as to the mystery of the barren sink."I did, about 6 years ago after my folks died and I took the house over." Olly replied. Audrey detected a small sadness in his voice, but also a strength and maybe a little bit of pride. "Oh, I'm sorry Olly..I didn't mean..." Audrey started, but didn't know quite how to finish."It's alright. It's part of my history, and it doesn't bother me." he said, trying to put her at ease. She smiled at him, and walked back into the bedroom. Everything was in it's place, not a single sock laying on the floor. Still, he was a mystery. She wondered why a handsome, romantic, clean, seemingly educated gentlemen such as Olly was otherwise unspoken for. She did what women do-she asked him. Audrey sat on the edge of his bed as Olly leaned on the wall watching her. "So, Olly, why is it that you are still single? Is there some dark secret about you that I should know?" she smiled a devious smile, hoping there was no secret and that he wouldn't say he was actually married. God no, she hoped-please no."No, no secret." he started, half smiling, but looking at the floor as if unsure of how to say whatever it was he was wanted to say. "I just...I guess I really haven't been looking." he said, half surprising himself. "It's not really something I've thought about I guess."She smiled. Single, thank god! Audrey stood up. "Do you maybe have some PJs I could borrow for the night?" she asked. She usually slept naked, but she was not in her own home.Olly smiled, and pushed away from the wall. He went to a dresser and opened a drawer. Audrey peeked in at the open drawer and saw 3 stacks of neatly folded clothes. "Boxers and a tshirt okay? That's about all I've got that isn't jeans.." Olly said as he pulled a pair of blue boxer shorts and a white tee out of the stacks. "Perfect." Audrey said, taking the clothes. She walked into his bathroom, and nudged the door half closed. Olly wasn't sure if she did this consciously or not. He tried not to look, but couldn't resist. Through the half open door, he could make out her back, once he sat down on the bed. "I bet this tub comes in handy after a long work week" Audrey said.Olly couldn't take his eyes off of her. He had barely registered what she had said. He managed to utter a faint "Yah, it's really nice..." as he watched her unzip the white cotton dress she was wearing. He didn't see a bra under the dress as the zipper plummeted south. She tugged at the dress near her hips and wiggled out of it, letting it fall to the floor. Olly saw that she had on pale yellow panties. They looked fantastic on her tanned body. Olly noticed how perfectly she was proportioned, not too skinny, her flesh looked soft yet toned. "So what do you have planned for us for the rest of the night Olly?" she asked.He didn't say what he really wanted. He wrestled with himself on this. He did want her, oh so bad, at this very moment. But he genuinely liked her, and that didn't happen often for Olly. Heck, she was the first woman he had ever brought into his home. He didn't take his eyes off of her as he replied, watching her slip off the yellow panties. They fell onto the floor with her dress as she scooped up the boxers off the vanity."Do you like movies? We could watch a movie. Or we could just sit up and talk...Or whatever else you want to do." he said. He didn't think he'd be able to speak again until she put more clothes on. She was completely naked in his bathroom. Woman. Naked. In his bathroom. Beautiful woman.
As she bent down and slightly to the side to step into Olly's lucky, lucky boxers Olly caught a glimpse of her bare breast. He instantly looked away, feeling guilty for having admired her for so long. He stood up from the bed and went to the window. That perfect breast.
This was a lot of excitement for him. He felt as if by seeing her naked flesh, he had endangered any and all chance he had with her. He was becoming irrational. He laughed at himself. He hoped she hadn't seen him and hadn't been suspicious of his sudden move to the window. He called to her "You've got to come see the moon, it's huge tonight..." to try and call attention to something other then his mischievousness.
Audrey was pulling Olly's shirt on as he called her to the window. Without even realizing it, she turned and walked out the door before she had the shirt all the way on. Luckily Olly was turned towards the window. What had gotten into her? Was she really that comfortable here that she would do a thing like that without giving it a second thought?
As she walked toward him, pulling her hair out from under the collar of the shirt, Olly turned to look at her. He had never seen a woman wearing his clothes before. It struck him as odd in a kind of fantastic way, that a woman would want to wear his clothing. She looked absolutely adorable to him in his blue boxers and white t shirt. She looked like the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
This must have been written on Olly's face, because Audrey smiled, and blushed a little when she walked up to the window. She peered out through the glass, and marveled at the light coming from the moon. She could see quite a ways out onto Olly's property. The tree line in the distance, the pasture to the side. They were on the backside of the house, and she could now see the yard and a small garden. It was lovely.
"What was it like growing up here?" Audrey asked.Olly was surprised at the question. He sat with his cocked slightly to the side, looking off in the distance for the answer. Finally, he said "Would you like to see what it was like?" with a smirk on his face. Audrey herself looked bewildered as if she didn't understand his answer.
He took her by the hand and led her downstairs. "Why don't you grab a couple drinks and meet me on the couch," Olly said "I'm going to change, I'll be right down".
Audrey went to the kitchen and took two bottles of beer out of the fridge. She noted the contents, fully stocked. Not barren with only condiments like she would expect a bachelor to have. She pulled open a few drawers looking for a bottle opener. During her search she found there to be ample kitchen utensils and gadgets, again, not bachelor like. She found the opener, popped the caps, and made her way to the living room.
As she plopped herself down on one corner of the overstuffed over comfortable deep brick colored sofa, Olly came in and sat down next to her. She had one knee drawn up to her, and one leg folded underneath. She shifted her weight to scoot a little closer to Olly. She noticed he was clinging to a book of some kind. As she handed him his beer, he let the book fall into his lap and opened the first page. It was a photo album.
"These are all from my childhood." Olly said, "Up until I was eighteen when I went to college." He stared at the photographs as if he remembered the exact days they were taken. They sat and looked through the photo album, Olly telling Audrey stories he remembered along the way of growing up there. She laughed, and told him similar stories. When they finally turned the last page in the album, two hours and four beers each had passed. Audrey had learned some new information about Olly. He had moved away at eighteen to go to college. At twenty five, he had moved back home to help his parents with the family business, the garage in town. His father had been injured in an accident and his mother couldn't take care of the place by herself. He had left the city, a job, a life to come back home to help his folks. Both of his parents had passed away about a year and a half after he moved back, and he has been here ever since, taking care of the business and house they had left him.
Olly was twenty nine now, soon to turn thirty. Audrey felt sad for Olly, even though she had never known his parents. They must have been wonderful to raise such a great man.
Olly collected the empty beer bottles, and took them to the kitchen. He called out to Audrey "One more round?" to which she replied "Make it a double!" She was feeling good. She wasn't sure if it was the beer, the guy, this night..maybe it was a mix of all three.
Olly reached into the top shelf cabinet. "Bourbon or whiskey?" he asked from the other room.
Audrey smiled and pulled herself up from the couch. He sauntered into the kitchen to see Olly at the counter with two glasses, and two bottles. "Oh, I'll have whatever you are having." She said, and walked over to him. She watched as he pulled the top and poured two glasses of whiskey. She preferred to sip hers, and liked it cold. She opened the freezer and grabbed 2 ice cubes. Olly handed her the glass and she dropped the cubes in and swirled them around with her finger. She leaned against the counter, and he did the same. As he took a drink, he watched her swirl her ice, then lick her finger clean of the lingering alcohol. Olly was suddenly jealous of that finger.
He realized at that moment that he might be in over his head with Audrey. She seemed to have a natural way about her, a way of melting Olly like the ice in her glass. He was still, with his glass perched at his lips, he didn't move. He didn't take his eyes off her as she took a sip of whiskey, she closed her eyes, and enjoyed it. She made a soft noise, "Mmmmmmmmm" as she enjoyed the taste. "Why didn't we start with this tonight?" she asked him with a smile of contentment and excitement. She opened her eyes and looked at him. "This is what I needed..." She pushed herself off the counter, and took three steps toward Olly, closing the gap between them. Olly slowly lowered his glass to the counter. Audrey came in close to Olly, pressing herself against him. She stared into his eyes as if about to kiss him, close enough to, but did not. She put an arm around him as if to pull him closer, and Olly was suddenly frozen. He wanted her to touch him, and he wanted to touch her, but he was worried he wouldn't be able to stop and this night would become less than what it was. Olly realized that Audrey was reaching for a bowl behind him. As soon as her fingers found it, she pulled it off the shelf and set it on the counter beside Olly. Yes, he was definitely in trouble with her, and he loved every second of it.
Audrey put some ice cubes in the bowl she had retrieved, and grabbed her glass. She returned to the couch. Olly lingered in the kitchen trying to collect himself. He was having the best night he could remember, and he didn't want it to end. He was smiling like giddy school boy. He heard her call to him "Are ya coming?" He took a few deep breaths, grabbed the bottle, and walked out to the living room so see Audrey laying on the couch waiting for him.
The bowl of ice was on the table, her glass was in her hand. He rounded the corner of the couch, and she swung her legs, her long tanned legs, out to let him sit down. Olly set the bottle down by the ice, and lowered himself to the couch. Audrey put her legs back, over Olly's lap, as he put his feet up on the table. He laid his arm along the back of the couch, and turned slightly toward her. He took a sip of whiskey, as she did the same. They stared at each other with a silent yet deafening tone.
Olly picked up a remote control on the end table next to him. He clicked a button and the stereo turned on, soft music filled the room. When Olly set the remote back down on the table, his hand found it's way to Audrey's leg. Without thinking, he gently caressed her warm skin, making circles with his fingers. He stared out into space, sipping his whiskey, completely content. 'This,' he thought, 'is how life is supposed to be.' Here he was in his home, with a beautiful, fun, intelligent, interesting woman. Sipping a fine whiskey, enjoying the night. He wished he could spend all his evenings this way.
Audrey chuckled to herself, and smirked. Olly mirrored her smile, with an inquisitive note, and looked at her. "Whats so funny?" he said, half laughing himself."Oh, I was just wondering how long it is we can continue to keep our hands off each other before one of us cracks under pressure." She looked down at her whiskey, took a sip, and looked back up at Olly.
He loved her. He knew it. She was bold, sexy, funny, caring. How could he not. She really was making it difficult not to scoop her up and take her to the bedroom right now. Now, what would she think of him if he didn't?
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He didn't know how to say what he wanted to say. She smiled at him as if she had caught him with his hand in the cookie jar.

Drive: Part 2

"So, did I pass?" Olly asked Audrey with a smirk. He was smart.
"I think so. Did I?" She asked back playfully.
"You are definitely ahead of the curve, Audrey." he replied, and offered his arm to her. She accepted and they strolled along the sidewalk towards the theater arm in arm.

"What a strange day this has been." Audrey said as they walked, "In a good way, of course." She didn't want him to think she wasn't enjoying herself.

"I agree with that," Olly started. "I was just thinking to myself this morning that it had been a while since some random woman had gotten stuck on the side of the road and asked me out to dinner while I changed her tire." He was playing with her, and she was enjoying it. They both laughed and she caught herself putting her hand on his chest in a way that felt much too comfortable for it to be the first time. Maybe it was the beers, but probably not. She wasn't a light weight drinker, she could put them down with the best of them. Maybe she was just comfortable with Olly. There was something about him that felt so good, so warm. She withdrew her hand, and instantly wished that she hadn't.

They arrived at the movie theater, purchased their tickets-Olly insisted on paying-and went inside. Audrey wasn't even aware of the movie she had agreed on. All she could think about was how her luck with men looked like it was changing. She had never been in a situation like this before, it was new and different, and she loved it. It was exciting, unexpected, fun, and just what she needed.

Olly led her in, and found them two seats in the back. There were only a few people in the theater, so they had their pick. This was exactly where Audrey would have chosen to sit. The previews began almost immediately, and Audrey turned to him and and said "Perfect timing!". He caught her gaze, and she forgot what she was saying. Why did this man have such a powerful effect on her? She fidgeted, looked down at her hands and giggled to herself.

About halfway through the movie, Olly's hand found it's way to Audrey's on the armrest. She didn't realize it as first, but a few seconds after his warm skin had made contact with hers, she felt a new twinge of excitement. This was it, she thought. This was the moment that she knew he was interested in her, for sure. Olly gently played with her fingers while they sat in silence watching the screen. She felt like a teenager. She wanted nothing more then to turn to face him and giggle like a girl on her first un-chaperoned date, but she restrained herself. She didn't want to make it too easy for him.

A few minutes later, after abandoning all hope of following the movie, she decided on her next move. She leaned her head onto Olly's shoulder and put her hand to his chest. God, his chest. She thought about what she was touching. She gently pressed into him, feeling the muscle under his shirt. She was glad he couldn't see her face, she was intoxicated by him. She had never even thought about giving herself so easily, and she was glad they were not back at Olly's house, otherwise she might find herself unable to leave without seeing those muscles unclothed.

She felt Olly lean his face near hers, heard him take in a deep breath of her long hair. She closed her eyes, feeling completely in the moment, and felt him gently kiss her head. Was this an invitation to turn her head upwards to receive another kiss? She wished the movie would end already. She wanted him, and she thought he wanted her too.

Unable to decide her next move, Olly helped her along. He leaned in and whispered "You know, you are really distracting me from the movie. I have no idea what is going on now..." She looked up at him and they both chuckled under their breath. She was glad Olly was funny, it made her feel as if some of the pressure had been lifted and she could express herself better without it. "Do you want to get out of here? Take a drive?" he asked her. "Yes, please!" she said without hesitation.
It wasn't that she hadn't enjoyed their time the movie theater, but she knew they both had other things on their mind.

No casual strolling this time around. They both practically sprinted to Audrey's pickup. "You drive." she said, and tossed Olly the keys. Wow. She thought to herself. She really must trust him to let him drive her new truck.

They both got in and Olly started the engine.
"Well, Miss Audrey, where would you like to go?" he asked. He was not presuming they would immediately return to his house. She liked that. Even though she very much wanted to go there, she liked the fact that he didn't assume anything.
"I don't know. How about you take me to your favorite place to look at the stars." she replied. What else was there to do on this wonderfully warm night?
"I can do that.." he said, smiling, and pulled out of the parking lot.

Audrey had no idea where they were. She didn't care. She wasn't concerned at all with having a stranger drive her throughout the countryside. She was floating on a cloud right now, and not very much could bring her down from it.

Olly pulled off of the road they had been on, into an orchard, and continued along it's side road. About five minutes later, they were on the bank of a creek, and Olly was shutting off the engine.
"Do you have a blanket in here that we could sit on?" he asked.
"In the back," she said as she looked out the window, marveling at how much moonlight was out on this night. Olly grabbed the blanket, and came around to her side to open her door. He offered her his hand and helped her out of the truck.
"It's beautiful here!" she said, looking up at the incredibly bright stars, and large nearly-full moon. She could hear the water from the creek, and looked down to see the lights in the sky dancing off the water. The light was dim, but she could make out trees, brush, and the creeks sandy beaches. She wasn't scared at all.

Olly led her down to the beach, and laid the blanket out for her. "Is this alright for you?" he asked. She nodded her head as she sat down and looked up at the sky.

"This, truly is my favorite place to watch the sky at night." Olly said as he sat beside her on the blanket. "I found this place when I was a kid. I've never brought anyone here, but you asked for stars so I wanted to share it with you." She looked at him with incredible gratitude and passion for showing her such a special place.

If this wasn't a moment for a romantic first kiss, Audrey didn't know what was. She was suddenly struck by a very odd emotion-she felt very shy and vulnerable. "I'm not keeping you from anything am I?" she said, trying to buy some time to gain her courage to kiss the handsome man in front of her.
He smiled, and looking her in the eye, said "There is no place more important than right here". She was falling. She wondered if he felt the same.
She didn't wonder long. Olly put his hand to her face, and leaned in to her. His lips gently kissed hers. Audrey closed her eyes, let every moment of that first kiss sink into her, and only opened them again after Olly had pulled away. All of the noises of the night had stopped. She heard no crickets, no water, no wind. All she heard was the fast beating of her own heart. His lips had been soft and supple, and she yearned for more of them.

Olly laid back on the blanket and looked at the stars with a look of wonderment and excitement. Audrey curled up at his side and he put his arm around her. Together, they laid for quite some time in the warm night air, admiring the view and enjoying each others company. Although Audrey wanted more of Olly, she was, for the moment, content and happy here doing nothing but being held by him.
"What are you doing for the rest of the weekend?" Olly asked her, out of the blue.
She paused a moment, taken aback by the question, unsure of what it really meant. "I don't know..I don't think I have any plans..." she replied.
"You know, I have a guest room...and you could stay all weekend. If you wanted to, of course." Olly had left himself wide open, he didn't do this often. He hoped she would stay. He wanted more time with her, but he didn't want to rush things.
Audrey smiled as soon as he asked. Not wanting to sound too eager, she paused before answering. She didn't even consider saying no. She had already hoped they could spend more time together.
"I think I could do that...But I need more clothes." She replied with a slight giggle. She would simply go into town and buy a new outfit tomorrow.

Drive: Part 1

The odometer clicked over 3,000 miles. She didn't even notice as she sped down the lonely sweeping road in her pick up truck. It was late Spring, and the air was perfect. She had the windows down, letting the breeze in to blow through her auburn hair. She was late, and trying to make up time by taking a shortcut. Singing along to the radio, she was in the middle of a turn when her rear tire blew. Instantly, she swerved, corrected, and pulled over on the shoulder.

Dammit. Dammit Dammit. She thought, as she flipped on her flashers and got out her cell phone.
She had been on her way to meet her brother for an early dinner, and to meet his new girlfriend. She would obviously not be making it on time. She called her brother, Darren, and let him know she would be there as soon as the tire was changed. He asked if she needed him to come help, but she reassured him that she would get it taken care of in no time. She rolled her eyes at herself after hanging up, knowing this was not going to be over quickly.
Having never changed a tire in her life, Audrey did what she knew, and dialed the number for Roadside Assistance. As she sat on hold, a blue pickup pulled up in front of her, and a man got out. She hung up the phone, got out of the truck and put on a friendly smile, hoping this stranger would be able to help her.


She couldn't quite make him out, as the waning sun cast across the horizon. She put her hand to her face to shield her eyes from the glare, and get a better look at the approaching figure. Just as she was about to greet him, she heard him say "Looks like you got yourself a flat, do you have a spare?"
"I think so, it's brand new, I haven't had to do this before..." She replied, thinking that this indeed was a good Samaritan.
"Well, I've got a jack in the back here if you need some help." The stranger said, as he rounded the back of his blue Chevy work truck. Audrey saw him pull out a car jack, and set it on the ground. The stranger was wearing work coveralls like you would see a service station attendant wearing, as he turned to come towards her with the jack she saw the name tag read "Olly". She also noticed he was about her age, late twenties, maybe slightly older. Dark brown hair, friendly smile, and quite handsome. Maybe this day was looking up.

Audrey put on her best smile, and said "I'd sure appreciate it. I am on my way to meet my brother for dinner, and it's bad enough I'm the third wheel, but being late on top of that really makes me look inconsiderate." she laughed, hoping that Olly would laugh to. He smiled, and said "Well, I'll try to get you taken care of and back on the road soon enough."

As Audrey followed the coverall clad man, she watched him walk, wishing his coveralls were tighter so she could better size him up. "So, do you often rescue damsels in distress, Olly?" Audrey asked, baiting him into conversation.
"Only when I'm still in my coveralls, ma'am." He replied, as he bent down to jack up the truck. She thought she detected a slight bit of playfulness in his voice, but not knowing him, she couldn't be sure.
"Thank goodness for your coveralls, then." she replied, "I'm Audrey. I guessed on your name since that's what the tag says, was I right?"
"Yes ma'am, you were." He said, and looked up and smiled at her. He had a nice smile, a trustworthy and warm one. Audrey smiled back, and noticed herself looking him in the eyes just a few seconds too long. She quickly turned away, and realizing she was blushing, stammered on about getting something out of the truck. As she walked away, she could feel Olly's eyes watching her, and sizing her up. She thought to herself "Well, I guess it's only fair since I did it first..." and allowed herself to smile.
Rooting through the contents of her purse, she found her lipstick, reapplied, and checked herself in the mirror. Her roadside mechanic was too busy with the tire to notice her primping. Audrey was excited. Here was a genuine nice-guy, willing to help a stranger. He was good looking, polite, and the closest thing to a date she had had in the last two years.

Wanting to express her gratitude, and keep her pseudo 'date' going, Audrey grabbed 2 bottles of water out of the cooler she kept in the truck, and made her way back to her new friend.

Olly was just finishing up with the spare tire, when Audrey rounded the corner of the truck. She set a bottle of water on the bumper for him, and had one of her own she was taking a long drink from. He looked up at her as she lowered the bottle, and said "I'm just about finished with this, hopefully you won't be too late for your dinner date."
"Oh, it's not a date. It's just my brother and his new girlfriend...I don't even really want to go, but you know family..." She wanted there to be no mistaking, she was available. She watched Olly as he tightened the lug nuts on her truck. Strong. Add that to the list of attributes.
Olly stood up, and grabbed the bottle of water Audrey had brought for him. He took a drink and wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his coveralls. He looked at her with a kind of 'whats next?' look on his face, he was waiting for her to say something... Then it dawned on her.. Thank you!
"Thanks so much for stopping, I have no idea how long I would have been out here if you would've kept going...I hope there is some way I can make it up to you" she said, knowing full well what she was walking into and not caring.
He smiled, and said "It's okay, I'm used to changing tires all day, so what's one more on the way home?". He capped his water, and began to roll the jack back to his truck.
Audrey followed behind, "I don't mean to push my luck," she started, "but could I possibly buy you dinner as a thanks? I mean, it would be dinner with my brother and his girlfriend as well, but... I'd really be grateful if you would be my date." She held her breath and crossed her fingers. She didn't know if this actually worked like it did in the movies, but she figured she might as well try.

Olly stopped, and Audrey almost ran into him. He turned around and looked at her, she smiled a kind of coy yet desperate smile at him. Olly replied to her invitation "Is that wise? Asking a stranger out to dinner?" he chuckled as the words escaped him.
"Well," she said, "You won't be a stranger any longer if you come". She didn't break his stare. After what felt like minutes, but was more likely to be only ten or fifteen seconds, Olly finally said "Do I have time to clean up?"
Audrey let out a sigh of relief, and smiled. "Do you live nearby?" she asked.

Audrey got in her truck, as Olly climbed into his, and pulled away from the curb, following the good Samaritan roughly two miles to his house. On the way, she called her brother Darren and explained that the tire was fixed, and she was on her way. She would be there shortly.

When they pulled onto Olly's driveway, Audrey peered down the lane to get a glimpse of the house. She saw an old barn, not dilapidated, but lovely and well taken care of. She saw a fence with horses behind it, two-no three- beautiful horses neighing at the sound of Olly's truck. She smiled. He really must be a good guy, what kind of psycho has horses?

They made a slight turn to the left and the house came into view. A beautiful two story farmhouse, a cheery shade of yellow with white trim. An expansive wraparound porch, lots of potted plants and flowerbeds. Clearly a well cared for property.

Audrey parked behind Olly, and rolled her window down as he made his way over to her. "Where is it we are going to?" he asked her, unsure of the dress required. "Angelo's on First Street, do you know it?"
"Yeah, that's the Italian place, right?"
"That's the one..Hey, do you mind if I change inside? I had planned to at the restaurant but since we are running late...." She hoped he said yes. She really didn't want to change in the yard.
"Sure, come on in. I'll only be five minutes..."

Audrey grabbed her bag and followed Olly up the porch steps. Exciting. Breathe, Aud, Breathe, she thought to herself. She wasn't nervous to go into a strangers house, she was excited and anxious to be in such close, personal proximity to such a good looking man for the first time in ages. Olly led her inside his home, and pointed the way to the bath. He climbed the stairs and was out of sight as she made her way down the hall.
The house was very comfortable, very clean, and homey. Audrey was comfortable here, and it appeared to have only one occupant. No lingering traces of a woman, no errant heels, or left behind lipsticks. Good sign, she thought.

As Audrey closed the bathroom door behind her, she hung her bag by a hook on the back of the door. She had packed a short casual summer dress for tonight's dinner, and so she plucked it from her sack and set it on the vanity. As she undressed, she could hear Olly's footsteps upstairs. She imagined him coming down to find her undressing. She smiled at herself for thinking about him that way.
She slipped on her dress. It was white cotton with a pale green trim along the bodice. It was strapless, and hugged her curves in all the right places. It was one of the most feminine dresses she owned, but she had wanted to make a good impression on her brothers new flame. She changed her shoes, and took her hair down from the ponytail it had been in all day. She quickly touched up her face and hair, and stuffed her clothes back into her bag.

Audrey was a quick changer, so it was no surprise that Olly was still upstairs. She could hear him rushing, and was not worried that they would take much longer. She waited near the front door for him, admiring photographs of the house they were in on the wall.

Olly was still buttoning his shirt as he bounded down the stairs. When he finally looked up and saw Audrey he almost stopped dead in his tracks.
"I'll take that as a compliment, I guess.." She said, and smiled as she opened the door to the warm evening air. He looked good. The coveralls had not done him justice earlier. He was quite a bit more handsome cleaned up then she had expected, and she was even more excited then she had been previously. He was wearing a sage colored long sleeve button up shirt, and khaki pants. His sleeves were rolled up around his muscular forearms, his skin was tanned from working in the sun. Audrey noticed there was not a single wrinkle in any of his clothes. He was a mystery to her, an unwrinkled mechanic. She was beginning to think there was much more to Olly then she originally thought.

Olly climbed into the passenger side of Audrey's truck. She had insisted that she drive since it was her treat. Once she climbed in and closed the door, she could smell his cologne, not too strong, not too pungent, it was a clean smell. She took another breath, held it in, then smiled as she exhaled and started her truck.

On the way to dinner, Audrey explained to Olly that they were meeting her brother, Darren, and his girlfriend Sarah. Audrey had never met Sarah, but Darren had told her that 'she could be the one' and wanted them to meet. She explained that she was close to her brother, as they were all each other had, so it was important to him that Audrey approve.

Olly asked "And what are you going to tell your brother about me?"
"The truth!" she started, "That you rescued me." She didn't know what else to say. She hadn't insisted, she hadn't forced him, but she had hoped very much that he would go to dinner with her. How should she relay that information without sounding like a crazy person who picks up strangers?

"I don't do this, just so you know," she said, "I have never asked a stranger out or gone into their home without knowing them. I just want you to know, I'm not used to this. I just...when you stopped, you just struck me as a genuine good guy, and I wanted to thank you for helping me when you didn't have to." she paused. "Okay, and you clean up VERY well and make quite a handsome dinner date. That might have had something to do with it too." She flashed a smile at him. Had she said too much?
"Well, I hate to see a girl in trouble...Especially one as pretty as yourself. Please, don't take this the wrong way Audrey, but when I came down the stairs and saw you in that dress, well, you were just about the prettiest thing that's ever been in that old house!" He laughed, hoping she didn't take his comment the wrong way.
"Well thank you sir." she said, as they pulled up to the restaurant. "Now, what do you say we have ourselves a lovely dinner and get to know each other a little more?"

As they made their way through the restaurant, Audrey spotted Darren and Sarah at a corner table. Darren waved, and Audrey smiled and continued on her path towards them.

As she reached the table, Darren stood up and gave Audrey a hug. It had been a couple of weeks since they had seen each other. Both had been busy with work.
As she turned around, Olly pulled out her chair for her. A smile of pleasant surprise crept on to her face as she said thank you, and turned to her brother to introduce her escort.
"Dar, this is Olly. Olly, this is my brother Darren. This gorgeous woman I am guessing is Sarah." She smiled at Sarah. She wasn't lying, Sarah was a beautiful girl, long blond hair, bright blue eyes, perfect skin. Darren had chosen well.
"Good to meet you both." Olly said as he shook Darren's hand and smiled at Sarah.
Once seated, Darren gave Audrey a look of surprise that she had expected. She had never brought a 'date' along to meet Darren before, it was typically the other way around. She gave him a look that read 'I'll fill you in later...' and left it at that.

The waiter came by the table and took drink orders. Both Audrey and Olly ordered beers, while Darren and Sarah had martinis.
One more thing she liked about him. Down to earth, a beer drinker, like herself.

The evening wore on, as the four of them laughed and talked. It wasn't as if they were all strangers, but as if they had been friends forever. Audrey liked that. She also like that Olly was quite personable, and much more talkative then he had been while working on her tire earlier in the day.
Sarah was quite lovely as well, and she could see why Darren felt so strongly about her. She felt they complemented each other quite nicely.

They finished their meals, which were excellent, and sat making small talk, none of the four really ready for the evening to be over.
Finally, Olly said "Are you all free for the rest of the night? Because the movie theater is right around the corner. We could all catch a show." Audrey was pleasantly surprised by this invitation. She was hopeful that Olly was enjoying himself, but wasn't completely sure. Now she knew he was, and he must have liked her at least a little to sit in close quarters for two hours in the dark with her.

Darren and Sarah explained that they had an after-dinner engagement with Sarah's parents, but a rain check was definitely requested. Olly turned to Audrey, and asked her "Well, how about you? Care to keep me out a little longer?" he flashed her a smile that she hadn't seen from him yet. Playful, yet devastatingly handsome. She almost lost her composure, but managed to utter a simple "yes, please" in response to his question. Excitement. Total excitement. That was all she was feeling right now. She tried to remember the last time she had been to a movie-let alone with a man-LET ALONE on a date! Was this an actual date now? It had to be. He had asked HER. Simply thrilling.

Darren snatched up the check as usual and would accept money from no one. That's just how he was. Both Audrey and Olly thanked him for his generosity. As the four made their way out of the restaurant, Darren pulled Audrey back, so the he may have a moment to chat with his sister. Sarah took this cue, and chatted with Olly as they exited. Audrey knew exactly what Darren wanted, so she cut him off before he had a chance to ask.
"He saved me after the tire blew. I know, I know, don't look at me like that." she whispered to him.
Darren looked at her with a smirk on his face.
"You have NEVER brought a guy to dinner...and now you bring a total stranger. You are full of surprises, Sis."
"I know, but look at him. Do you think I could resist? And he seems like a really nice, funny, charming guy, doesn't he?" She realized that she was getting that dreamy look in her eye and that Darren had been staring at her as if she were a love struck teen.
"Well, yes, he does seem very nice, and all. Just be careful is all I'm saying. I love ya, Sis. But that doesn't mean I'm not protective...even if you CAN take care of yourself."
"I know. Sarah's really nice Dar, I like her. Very good choice." She smiled at him, hoping that she had deflected the attention on to him, rather then herself.
"Thanks, it means alot to me that you like her. I think she's going to be around for a while." He beamed with joy. She could see it on his face.

The two strolled outside together to find their partners chatting and waiting for them. They all exchanged hugs, and Sarah and Darren made their way to to the parking lot.

Untitled 'Reunion' Piece

Part 1

Driving along the dirt road out to the ranch, she felt a sense of dread coming. She didn't want to be going there. So many memories at that house and stable, so many old faces to see. Especially one. He had been everything to her, although she had never told him. Maybe he was the real reason she had fled two years ago and left the ranch and the only life she knew. Looking back as the miles closed in on the property, she realized that she had been afraid to tell him how she felt, afraid that her feelings would be un-matched. Sure, they had some chemistry, but nothing much had ever happened between the two. Tim had never tried to force his hand with Michelle, especially because they worked together.

Fate or luck, which had brought her here? The owners of the ranch had bought a horse from her new employers, and they decided that since Michelle knew the area, she should deliver it. The four day journey from her new 'home' to her old had been filled with thoughts of the past, and of a future that could have been, but never was. What would have happened had she told Tim how she felt instead of taking a new job three states away? Was he even still at Triple Creek?

As she pulled onto the drive, a mile long gravelly road, she could see down the hill at the house it looked as if there was a party. She decided to pull straight to the barn, but Maggie, the horse's new owner ran out to the drive as Michelle was about to pull past. Maggie waved her down and Michelle thought to herself "And so it begins...". As she pulled to a stop she rolled down her window, put on a smile and greeted her old friend; "Maggie! I didn't want to disturb you guys-looks like quite a party. I was just going to pull Jewel and Sam into the stable...". Maggie smiled, clearly more excited to see her former employee then her new horse, and replied "I didn't know you brought Sam too! Are you going to stay for a while with us and do some riding? We would love to have you here, Michelle. As soon as you are done in the stable, come in! There are alot of people in there that will be thrilled to see you!"
"Will do, Mags." Michelle replied, and gently pulled away towards the barns.

After she had unloaded both her horse, Sam, and Jewel, her delivery, Michelle tried to postpone the inevitable. She dilly-dallied. She stalled. She himmed and hawed. Finally, realizing that if she didn't head to the house soon, the search party would come to her and she would REALLY be the center of attention, she headed to the bathroom and freshened up. She splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth, combed her hair. She had been living out of that truck for the better part of a week; she felt it only right to spray a little perfume on for the sake of the party guests. Michelle left her jeans and boots on. She was not one to dress up 'fancy', and you never know when the urge to go for a ride would strike.

She closed up the barn and walked towards the house, not knowing what the party was for, only that there were about 30 cars and trucks in the field belonging to guests she probably didn't know. How many of the old crew were inside? There were a few she hoped would be there, and a few she could do without. Some she still spoke to every now and then, but never about the ranch, and certainly not about Tim. There he was again, popping back into her head. After two years, she still couldn't stop thinking about him no matter how hard she tried. The truth is, she hoped she would see him here. She had something for him, even if she didn't tell him how she felt, she had a gift for the man she had tried not to think about. The butterflies were creeping back into her stomach, and as soon as she touched the doorknob she felt them fluttering like wildfire.

Walking into the lions den, she wiped her boots on mat, took off her jacket and hung it by the door in the mudroom.
Why am I so nervous? She thought to herslf. I'm only here for a couple of days, why am I so shaken??
She knew why. She knew exactly why. Tim. She may have tried to fool herself into thinking she didn't want to see him and didn't care, but if that was the case, why did she have a box in the backseat of her truck with his name on it? Why. She hoped he was here, and that he had, by now, figured out why she had left two years ago. She hoped she wouldn't have to be the first to say hello, she hoped he would find her and instantly be everything she had hoped for-in love with her.
She snicked at herself. At least she still had her sense of humor. Now, get in there, and use it to make your rounds.

She walked into the house and saw about 50 people. She only recognized a few faces in the crowd so far, but maybe that was just because there was only one she was looking for. She made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water, "better not drink in case the urge to flee grabs me.." she thought. She snickered again, under her breath this time.

Maggie sprinted up to Michelle and grabber her arm "I have someone you have to come say hi to!" she squeaked, as only Maggie did, and led her through the crowd. Butterflies... Butterflies! Was it time yet? It was too soon, she wanted to flee but had no good excuse to give to Maggie. She looked at the ground as they weaved through people, she tried to distract herself from thinking about who they were about to greet by noticing the new floors Maggie had put in since she had last been at the house. Michelle looked up, just in time to see who they were greeting-Maggie's husband Carl. Maggie led Michelle past a few more people in a tight bottle neck of guests to get to Carl. Michelle turned sideways and squeezed through a small opening, brushing up against a man, letting out a quiet 'pardon me'. After the words escaped her mouth, she looked up, realizing who it was she was pressed against in this instant, the person she most wanted to see. Tim.

Maggie continued pulling Michelle past, and as she looked back at Tim, she saw the smile forming on his face as he said her name, "Shell...", thats what he had always called her. No one else ever did, it was a name used just by him.

The butterflies she had thought would do her in, quickly left. She was struck by an odd kind of serenity and peace. She was mystified by her reaction. God, he looked good, she thought.

"Michelle! Come give me a hug!" Carl exclaimed as soon as he saw her coming. She turned around and instantly found her way into his arms. Carl gave bear hugs. She had missed him the most-besides Tim-and was genuinely happy to see him again. She didn't hate everyone here, she just hated who SHE was when she had been here. She had changed and felt more at ease now. Carl sensed this, and after he finally released her from the long embrace he said "I hope you are planning on staying a while. Mags told me you brought Sam with you, so I hope that's the case..."
"I was due for a vacation, I hear the falls are really going this year so I figured we'd stay a while and check them out. How are you, Old Man?" She had always thought of Carl as a second father to her, and he had always felt the same. He had respected her decision to leave them, but had never wanted her to go.
"Oh, same as always. Mags is running me into the ground here, and then making me attend fancy shindigs like this! At least she feeds me well..." A warm, familiar smile crept onto his face, "Welcome Home, Michelle. Even if you're only here for a little while, welcome home." He patted her shoulder and turned around, off to mingle and tell jokes. Mags turned to Michelle and said "Your room in the bunkhouse is still free, I put fresh sheets and towels out there for you this morning." Michelle thanked her and smiled. Maggie knew that Michelle wasn't exactly comfortable in a room full of strangers, so she smiled, and told her "You must be exhausted. I won't make you stay in here with all of these people. We'll catch up more in the morning." Michelle nodded, and made her way to the back of the house.

As she was walking towards the mudroom, she remembered Tim. She had forgotten all about bumping into him after seeing Carl and his jolly smile. She had planned on finding him before she retired for the evening, but had completely neglected to do so. She turned and scanned the room before she made her exit. Nope. He wasn't there. Maybe he had escaped when he saw her. Maybe he was in deep conversation with someone in a hidden corner of the room. She didn't know.

She opened the mudroom door, and stepped in. As she did, she saw a welcome sight, Tim. He was leaning against the wall on the opposite side, and as she closed the door behind her, he looked up. "Been waiting for you...You going riding?"
"Why, do you want to come with me?" She replied.
"No, YOU are coming with me. But it'll be dark in about 3 hours, so we have to get going." He said

She sat down and started to put her boots on. He chuckled and said "You have more boots than anyone I know. How many pairs are you up to now?"
She laughed too, he was right. She did have alot of boots. "Oh, you know I like to have a pair for any situation!"
"All your stuff still in your truck?" He asked her.
"Yeah, still all packed in my bag." She replied, not quite sure where this was going.
"Give me your keys, I'll get Sam packed up for you."
"You know I never lock up out here-the keys are in it. How long of a ride are we going on?" She said.
Tim just gave her a smile and a "you'll see" as he headed out the door towards the barn.

After the door closed behind him, Michelle let herself smile. She was excited. He was the only person she trusted besides herself to saddle up her horse. The only person she would go on a ride with at dusk, the only person she trusted completely. She wondered where they were going, and what Tim had in store for her.
She finished lacing up her boots and pulled on her coat. She smoothed out her hair, took a deep breath, and headed toward the stable.

As she rounded the corner of the barn, she saw Tim at her truck with the door open. He had found the box in the backseat with his name on it. "Rooting around in my things eh?" she called out to him.
He turned and looked at her, his smile said it all. He was happy with his find.
Tim loved old guns. Michelle had found a beautiful old rifle that belonged to a rancher near her new home, and he had sold it to her. She knew Tim would love it, and couldn't pass it up.
"This DID have my name on it." he said, "How did you afford this? I KNOW what it's worth..."
"I sold a couple of my cars." Michelle answered. She had inherited a small car collection from her uncle when he passed away.
"It's not worth THAT much, maybe one car...I hope you paid a fair price." Tim said, his smile only slightly waning at the thought of Michelle overpaying for such a beautiful present.
"Well, that one cost me one car...But it's twin, it cost me another." She said. She explained that after she had bought that rifle, the rancher had told his brother, who had the twin to it, about Michelle's interest in it. He called and offered her the second matching rifle. She couldn't pass up giving Tim the set.
Tim was in awe. He put the rifle back in it's case, and looked at her, leaning on the truck. Michelle tried to look away, afraid he would see the emotion in her eyes. "Thank you, Shell. This means alot to me.."
Michelle had no choice, she looked him in the eyes and all the emotion she was trying to hold back came forth. "I just wanted to show you..show you how much you have meant to me. I know that I never really told you..I, I just wanted you to know." She managed to get out.
He took a step toward her, and pulled her to him. He held her tight and stroked her hair; "Thank you." he said again.

"Well, we better get going to this mystery spot you are taking us to!" she said, trying to lighten the mood. He held her for a moment more, then broke his embrace. "The horses are ready, Sam is all packed, and Rodeo is good to go." He said. Ro was his mare. She was a stealthy, good natured horse. He had had her for many years, and she and Sam had been stallmates many years ago. As Michelle walked towards the horses, she could see they were back together acting like old friends, she hoped all things would be as they were.

Heading out East of the Ranch, Michelle could see they were headed towards the mountains. For the next hour, the laughed, and talked, and caught each other up on the happenings in their lives. All the while making their way toward Tim's unknown destination.
"The light out here is beautiful right now...I didn't realize how much I missed this place until right now." She said, half to herself, half to Tim. It was true, she hadn't thought she would miss the familiar hills and valleys of the place she once called home, but she did.
"It's missed you too," he said. She wasn't sure if he meant that as he had missed her. She hoped. He steered Ro towards Sam, and rode alongside Michelle. He looked at her like he was seeing a long lost love for the first time in ages. It felt good. She blushed and smiled. She shook the reigns and she and Sam took off.
Tim had been waiting for this. He and Michelle had loved to race. They were evenly matched, as were their horses, so it was always a toss up as to who would win. No one else gave either of them as much of a thrill when it came to racing.

They let Sam and Ro run it out, called it a draw, and Tim took over, leading Michelle up the ridge. This was about as far as she had gone before on this particular ridge, so she was now in new territory. They crossed a stream, and another 30 minutes of riding, before they came to it.

Alone in a beautiful forest, a small dirt road. This was a new road. Not weathered more than a few months. Michelle was definately curious. She followed as Tim lead her another few miles up the road, but now, it was starting to get dark fast, and Michelle realized that wherever he was taking her, they were staying the night.

In the distance, Michelle could make out what she thought was a barn. New, white clapboard with gray trim.
"This is it." Tim said, as they pulled up to the barn. He dismounted. "You mind bunking up the horses? Come in as soon as your done.." He said. He took the bags and began walking towards the house he had pointed to. As Michelle stood next to Sam and Ro, she looked around, taking in what she was seeing. A big barn, a beautiful house, and a driveway with a truck. Tim's truck, she thought. Where were they?

She led the horses into the new barn, excited to see what else was in store. She took their saddles and put them in the tack room, and led Ro into a stall with her name on it. She turned to get Sam, and noticed that the next stall over also had a name tag. "Sam". Odd, maybe whoever's barn this was had a horse named Sam also. She put Sam away in the stall of the same named horse, closed up the barn, and went towards the house.

It was starting to get chilly out, and Michelle hurried to the house, even though she wanted to take everything in. She would have time tomorrow, she thought.

She climbed the porch stairs, running her hand along the railing. She saw the swing, the pots with beautiful plants. This was the kind of house she had always wanted.

She walked into the mudroom and hung her coat. As she was sitting to take off her boots, Tim came in with two coffee cups. One for him, and one for her. She knew he wouldn't bring her coffee since she didn't drink it.
"Hot cider," he said, knowing that would be what she wanted."Thanks, " she said, untying her laces and pulling off her boots. "That barn is amazing! Sam feels special-the stall had his name on it." She stood up, and took the cider from him. It warmed her chilled hands and she let out a sigh.
"Slippers there for you, too." he said, and led her into the house after she slipped them on.

Tim had a fire going in the fireplace to warm the house, and he showed Michelle around. Kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom. They stayed on the ground floor. They settled in on the sofa, warming from the fire, drinking cider, and winding down after their ride. Finally, Michelle couldn't resist any longer.

"So, where exactly are we, and who's house is this?" She said with a smile, as if they were things she should know, but didn't.

"We are in the living room, and this is my house." Tim said, in a sort of smart alec way.
"Your house?", she questioned.
"Yep. Just finished it two weeks ago. Carl and Maggie sold me the land last year, and I've been working up here every weekend building. Do you like it?"
"Oh, Tim. It's gorgeous! It's exactly what I would have built. I love it...Seriously?? Your house. Wow. I've been gone along time..." she replied. She was happy for him. He had wanted some land of his own for so long.

He smiled. There was something he was leaving out. She didn't know what, but figured in time he'd tell her.

They sat in the warmth of the fire and visited for what felt like hours. Michelle was happy to be near Tim again. She didn't know if he had the same feelings she did, and she worried that she would complicate things if she told him how she felt. She didn't want to ruin this reunion. She wished this night could last forever.

Finally, after several hot cider refills, Tim turned to her. She knew by the look on his face that he had something important to say, so she put down her cup and listened.
"Shell, I've really missed you. When you left, I.. it just wasn't the same without you. I don't know why you left, if it was something I did or didn't do, but I don't want you to leave again." He said, his voice so full of emotion, Michelle was sure this was the most earnest she had ever seen him.
"I know this is kind of coming out of the blue, but...I just, well, I built this house hoping you would come back. And you did! I'm so glad you did. I don't know what your life is like now, but I want you here, with me. Michelle, I was too scared of what it meant before, when you left, but I'm not now. I love you. I have loved you all this time, and I want you to stay here with me and live in this house that I built thinking of you-of us. Thinking this house could be for us."

Michelle was in shock. Everything she had felt, he had just said. He was looking at her, waiting for a reaction. She wanted to scream with excitement, but she didn't want to scare Tim!

"I, I want you to know why I left. Then, then we will talk about the rest." She started, "I left because I thought that if I stayed, things would change. I loved you. I loved you so much, and I knew that us working together, I just, I felt like it would change and we would end up bitter. For so long, I was scared that if I told you how I felt, you would just walk away. I don't know why, call it my irrational fear. At the end, right before I left, I felt like I turned into someone I didn't like. I was so scared of someone finding out that I wanted to be with you, that I closed up and didn't let anyone in. That's why I left. I had to get back to me, and I felt like I couldn't do that seeing you every day and not being able to have you. I'm sorry," She told him, "I'm sorry I wasted the last two years of both our lives. I guess..." She started, realizing what was about to happen..." I guess I will just have to try and make up for that mistake every day until you can forgive me." She smiled, a small tear of happiness in the corner of her eye. She looked at him and waited for it to sink in, for him to realize she had just told him she loved him, and had loved him for years.
Tim looked down, staring at the blanket on Michelle's lap for a few moments. Then he looked up at her and smiled, and said "Well, I guess you are going to have to start making it up to me now." and he kissed her. He kissed her with the passion she had dreamed about ever since they met eight years earlier on her first day at the ranch. He put his hand to her face and felt her warm cheek, and swept away the lone tear. He put his other hand on her shoulder slightly pulling her towards him, then moving his hand up to her neck and then to her hair. He brushed it away from her face, and pulled away from the kiss. He looked at her with such intensity, and devotion.
He said "So does this mean you will stay? Because I already put Sam's name on the stall...and I only have one bed in the house." he laughed, so did she.
"Yes! Yes, I'll stay..but I'll have to go back home to get some things..and a few more horses, at some point."
"Few? Well, don't go pushing your luck there, missy..." Tim said jokingly.

They sat up for a while longer discussing logistics, laughing, kissing, and as the evening wore on, Michelle began to tire. She had a rough 4 days of travel, and even though this had been a joyous night, she couldn't fight against sleep any longer.

"I'd love to stay up all night with you..but I'm fading fast." she said to Tim.
"Come on, I've already got our bags upstairs..." He said, as he stood up and led her to the bedroom. Had she not been almost asleep, Michelle would have toured the upper floor of the house as well, but there was always tomorrow for that. Tim sat her on the bed and brought her bag to her. There was a nightstand beside her with a glass of water, a small clock, and a picture in a frame. She recognized it immediatley and was momentarily awakened by it. It had been taken about 5 years ago, back at the ranch. Carl had taken it, in the days when he had been trying to play 'matchmaker' for Michelle. It was of Michelle and Tim on Carl's horse Bandit, back to back, laughing like there was no tomorrow. "I remember this day," she said to him, he was in the bathroom brushing his teeth, and peeked his head out to see what she was holding. "I remember Carl told us it was for the Ranch's annual calendar.. even though there never was a calendar. I didn't know you had this.."

Tim came out from the bathroom and walked over to her. He had taken off his shirt, and even though she had seen this site many times before, this time it was new and different. This time, she could touch him. She put down the photo as Tim knealt in front of her. He picked up her foot, and removed her sock, then moved on to the next one. He was so gentle, and caring. He made socks look sexy. He looked up at her, and asked "Do you have pj's in your bag?", She nodded, "Green..." was all she could manage to get out, thoughts swirling in her head of touching his bare stomach, thoughts of him dressing her in her nightgown, thoughts of sleeping next to him all through the night and not having to worry about waking up in an unwelcomed embrace.

Tim found Michelle's green nightgown, and laid it on the bed beside her. She put her arms up, as if to give him permission to take off her shirt, and he did. He gently pulled the long sleeve henly off, careful of her face, and set it on her bag. She stood up, and unbuttoned her worn jeans, they were snug, and Tim gently pulled them down, gliding his hands down her smooth warm legs as he did. She put her hand on his shoulder and stepped out of them, Tim then folded these up and set them on her bag as well. He turned back to her, and watched as she lifted the thin tank top she had been wearing off, leaving her in only her pale blue cotton bra and panties. She threw the top onto the neat pile Tim had already made. As she did, Tim stepped toward her, his warm arms drawing around her waist, and her arm finding it's way around his neck. He was so warm, and strong. She had longed for these arms to be around her for so long. She could hardly believe it was finally happening.

Tim kissed her lips, sweetly. Then her cheek. She sighed, as if to say "I've waited for this for so long..". He held her for a few more seconds before letting go, and kissed her again. She desperatley wanted to be with him, but she knew she was far too tired to be everything she wanted to be for him. She knew that he understood, without hearing her say a word, and that it was allright.

He pulled back the covers and picked up her nightgown. She turned around and lifted her long hair, he gently helped her undo her bra, and she let it fall to the floor. Tim had waited so long to be able to tell her he loved her, and to be able to touch her, he didn't dare rush it. He lifted the green satin nighgown above her head and helped it find it's way onto her body. He kissed the top of her shoulders, lingering to smell her hair, and helped her into bed and under the covers.

Tim made his way around the footboard to the other side of the bed. He shed his jeans, revealing something that Michelle had seen a glimpse of on occaision, his green plaid boxer shorts. She let out a small snicker, and he smiled and looked at her. "What? Were you expecting something else?" He said as he himself chuckled.
"No," she replied, "it's just that...we match". He looked down and looked at her, realizing she was right, they were wearing the same color green. "Well, how about that." He said as he pulled back the covers and climbed in.
He turned to his nightstand to switch off the light, when Michelle said "No, leave it on...I want to fall asleep looking at you. I want to get as much of you today as I can." and smiled one of the purest, sweetest smiles Tim had ever seen. He had no idea why it moved him so, but it did. He turned his face away towards the wall so she wouldn't see how happy he was. He fiddled with his watch, ultimatley setting it down on the table.

He turned back and snuggled up to his pillow, facing her, and she facing him. His hand found hers under the sheets, and he held tight to it. He didn't want the day to end, but he knew there would be another to fill with new memories tomorrow. He leaned over and kissed her one last time. She smiled again, and closed her eyes, asleep within minutes. Tim waited a while, then turned off the light and joined her in slumber.