| Chapter Eight Hours later, we pulled up and dismounted, tying the horses to a tree branch. “How much longer do you think it’ll be?” he asked, as we pulled out the remaining food and sat down to eat. I glanced around determining where we were before answering. “I’m figuring about two, maybe three more hours.” We ate quickly and mounted back up. I set a quick pace, alternating between walking and running, to make sure the horses didn’t tire. Around three that afternoon, we topped a rise that overlooked the Triple C. We both sighed in relief and headed down the hill at a fast clip. Before we neared the house, I could see my sister’s standing out on the porch. I felt tears prick the back of my eyes. Mayhem, feeling my anticipation, perked his ears and sped up. Darlin’ followed and in no time we were in the side yard, surrounded by our family and friends. “Good Lord, what happened to you?” Callie asked as she got a good look at us. We were dirty, tired and Kevin’s shirt had a large tear in it. I quickly explained as we both slid from the back of the horses. “Oh my God! Are you all right?” Callie asked as she ran her hands over my arms, assuring herself that I was fine. “I’m fine, we’re fine,” I said as I grabbed her hands in mine and squeezed. “Let’s get you both inside,” Carly said as she turned on her heel and led the group towards the house. Kevin and I were swept up in the crowd and herded towards the welcoming and waiting warmth of the house. “Go shower and change and we’ll get dinner ready,” Callie urged. Kevin and I nodded and followed her instructions. When we reached the hallway that separated the guest quarters from our living quarters, I turned to him and said, “Why don’t you let me clean that scratch on your face?” He nodded slowly and followed me to my private bath. He lowered the lid to the toilet and sat down, while I grabbed a few supplies. I worked quickly, washing his face gently with a warm soapy cloth and then rinsing before I added antibiotic cream. “Thank you,” he whispered tiredly. I smiled down at him and replied, “You’re welcome,” before moving back so he could stand. He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my lips before walking out of the bathroom and down the hall. I closed the door quietly and leaned against it for a moment before stripping my dirty clothes off and stepping under the warm spray of water. The last two days replayed in my mind as I stood under the warm spray. The thing that stood out in my mind the most was the sexual tension that was a constant factor anytime I was around Kevin. It seemed he only had to be in the same vicinity as me and it would flare up. It was even stronger now that we had returned from our adventure. While I had cleaned his face, it had been so strong. Standing between his legs to reach his face, I could feel his body’s heat reaching out for mine; and it had been all I could do not to lean down and kiss him senseless. I shook away those thoughts and I lathered up and rinsed in record time. All I wanted was to rest, but I knew full well, sleep would have to wait. My sister’s and Kevin’s friends were waiting for us and I no doubt had a ton of paper work to catch up on. I dried off and slipped on a clean pair of jeans and a comfortable t-shirt and headed for the kitchen. I met Kevin at the top of the stairs and together we walked into the kitchen. His friend Howie noticed us first and moved quickly to our sides. “Sit down, the food is almost ready.” Kevin smiled at his friend and so did I, but I couldn’t help wondering what a guest was doing in my kitchen. I looked around and nearly gasped out loud. All of Kevin’s friends were in my kitchen and they were all helping my sisters to cook. Callie caught my look and just smiled before turning back to listen to what Nick was saying. Moments later, the eight of us were seated at the big kitchen table, eating spaghetti and meatballs. Talk centered around Kevin’s and my adventure as we ate. I had a ton of questions of my own, but forced them back until everyone else seemed convinced we were okay. After the dinner plates were removed, Callie placed Strawberry shortcake on the table and quickly served each of us with a generous piece. Seeing my opening, I asked about the ranch, and was soon put at ease when they told me everything was taken care of. “And don’t worry about the paperwork, when you weren’t back this morning, I did it for you,” Carly said. I smiled a grateful smile, letting her know how much I appreciated it. I stood to help clear the table when we had all finished with desert, only to be prodded back to my seat. “Just relax, we’ve got it,” AJ said as he took the plates from my hands. “It’s under control Cassie. Why don’t you and Kevin go sit on the swing and relax,” my sister Carly, suggested. I glanced up at Kevin and he held out his hand to me. I took it and together we left the kitchen and walked out onto the porch. “You look shell shocked,” he whispered as he pulled me closer to his side after we had sat down. “I am. That’s my kitchen,” I said incredulously, pointing an accusing finger towards the kitchen. He chuckled at that and then said, “I know what you mean. For years, it’s been me taking care of those guys in there and now that the roles are reversed, I don’t know how to take it.” “Me either,” I said, agreeing, but wondering just how long he had known his friends. “Just enjoy it. It won’t last long,” he reminded me. I groaned dramatically and we shared a laugh. We both knew that by tomorrow morning, we’d both be back to taking care of things, because everyone else looked to us for direction. We sat there in the dark, curled against each other and enjoyed the time just sitting together. He gently pushed my head down onto his shoulder and I sighed as my eyes slid closed. I felt him moving around, but was too tired to care. I was safe, I was home and I was extremely comfortable. CCC Index Chapter 9 Main Page |