Part One

Dr. CC McKenna sat at the table, pen poised above the blank piece of paper. She chewed her lip, rolled her shoulders, then glanced around the motorhome, which was currently parked at a campsite a few hours north of Chicago. Jamie and Tracy were in the bedroom. Vin was staring out the window at the inky blackness of the moonless night.

Taking a deep breath, she finally began to write:

Dear Amy,

Why is it so hard for me to write this letter? You were the one person I could talk to about almost anything. Except this. And this still seems so unreal. I keep expecting to awaken and discover it's all been a very vivid, very bizarre dream. And you know something? That scares me. Despite the uncertainty of the situation and the ever-present tingle of fear, I feel more alive than ever. I do miss parts of my old life. The search for answers, the thrill of discovery... Still, I shudder to think of spending 12-14 hours at Quantechins.

Speaking of which, I'm sure by now that someone from that place has spoken to you. I am so sorry. That's another reason I didn't tell you of my plans. I wanted to keep you out of this. All I will say is, what they were doing was unethical; and what they were planning to do... well, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. I couldn't let it go on. It may eventually happen, but it won't be from my research.

You're the only family I've had since my parents died and I had to let you know that I am ok, and for you not to worry. I also had to say goodbye. It would be too dangerous, not only for me, but for you if I kept in touch. This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. You were not only my best friend, but the sister I never had. I love you and will miss you dearly. I'm not sure where this path I've chosen will take me, but I find that I look forward to the journey.

Your friend always,
CC

P.S. I'm not alone on this journey... And I now understand your obsession with the hard and muscular.

CC blinked, wiping at the tears as she folded the letter.

"Ya al'rig't?" Vin's warm voice asked, as he slid in beside her.

She nodded, snuggling against him as he draped an arm over her shoulder. "Just writing my friend Amy." McKenna sighed. "I hate goodbyes. And it's probably not the best idea, but I can't let her wonder what happened to me."

Tanner squeezed her. "Reckin ya can mail it 'fore we start travellin' agin."

"Maybe," she agreed. "And we should probably get going soon." After purchasing the RV, they'd driven almost constantly for two days with Jamie and CC taking turns, zigzagging across the midwest before stopping at this campsite on the lake, where they'd been for the past few days.

Vin nodded, then pulled from the physicist to stand and lean over, retrieving his bedding. He flushed a little as he realized she had been staring. CC stood and grabbed her sleeping bag and pillow, following him outside.

She shivered, her breath little white clouds against the air. He assisted her into the truck bed, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Ya a'int got ta sleep out here, jist 'cause I do."

"I want to." CC laughed. "And that amazes me. My idea of camping is taking a nice hike, then returning to a cabin with central air and a jacuzzi tub."

After arranging the bedding, the couple sat down. Vin tugged her against his side, pulling a blanket over them. She wrapped an arm around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. They absorbed the quiet sounds of the night for several moments, then Vin softly spoke. "How long ya know her?"

CC sighed. "Five years."

"I'm sorry."

She shifted to look into his eyes. "Hey, this is my doing. You're just the innocent bystander."

His azure eyes twinkled. "A'int been 'cused of bein' that in a mig'ty long time."

CC giggled, brushing her lips across his briefly, then said, "You know about my job. What about you?"

"Buff'lo hunter, tracker, bounty hunter," his gaze became distant for a moment, then he continued, "an' lawman."

"That's what you were doing."

"Me an' 6 others."

CC searched his eyes. "They were your family."

He inclined his head. "Ya're bett'r at readin' folks than ya think."

"Not really," she insisted, caressing his stubbly cheek. "I am sorry." Her eyes dropped. "Not that you're here, but that you lost your life."

He slid his fingers beneath her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I know ya didn't mean no harm. A'int no use cryin' over someth'ng ya can't change."

CC shook her head. "I'm amazed that you're handling this so well. Much better than I could handle being in your time. And I can't help but feel guilty. I acted rashly and it harmed you. Plus, you didn't even get to say goodbye."

He shrugged. "A'int keen on sayin' goodbye. None of us was. I jist hope they took care of Peso."

"Your horse?"

Nodding, Vin continued, "He's an on'ry mule."

"I'm sure they looked after him." She stretched and brushed her lips across his once again, but this time he returned the kiss, deepening it. Her tongue wound with his as it invaded her mouth. He growled, then pulled back, casing CC to whimper.

"Guess this is goodnight?" she murmured.

Swallowing hard, Tanner replied, "Yeah."

CC sighed, moving from his warmth into the cool sleeping bag. "Good night Vin," she huskily whispered.

"Night CC," he rasped.

The physicist inserted a Bon Jovi cd into the player as she navigated the Winnebago from the campsite. "Where to?" She asked her passengers.

"Chicago," Tracy firmly said.

CC frowned slightly, glancing at the young woman who sat in the passenger seat, but said, "Ok." After a few minutes, she quietly questioned her friend. "Any particular reason?"

The other woman flushed, then leaned over to whisper, "I was hoping we could stay at a nice hotel tonight."

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Of course." Her eyebrow furrowed. "You have the bedroom."

"This will be... we haven't..." Tracy's blush deepened.

CC's eyes widened. "You've been too sick. And you want your late wedding night to be perfect." She grinned as the other woman nodded. "I know a great place. Marvelous rooms and a great view of the Gold Coast." She shot a sideways glance at the newlywed. "Even though, you probably won't notice that view."

Tracy unsuccessfully attempted to glare at CC, but giggled instead.

Part Two

CC smiled widely as she glanced around the hotel room. "Isn't this wonderful Vin?" She asked as she opened the french doors leading to the balcony and stepped into the cool air. He joined her and softly said, "I reckin." His azure gaze swept the horizon and he blinked at the sight of all the lights glimmering in the darkness. He looked upward and frowned. "A'int able ta see many stars."

The physicist turned to face him, gently trailing her hands up his chest. He quickly shifted, his eyes capturing her light blue ones which appeared almost silvery in the scant light. "I guess not. But," She glanced outward, and said, "this is a beautiful view."

"Yeah," he murmured, wrapping his hands around her waist. She blinked and faced him, winding her arms around his neck. His eyes searched hers, then with a slight grin, he slowly lowered his head, gently brushing her lips with his.

She sighed, then lightly nibbled his lips and when they parted, her tongue darted into the warmth of his mouth. He growled, tugging her against him, his tongue meeting hers. His whiskers rasped across her sensitive skin as CC melted into his muscular form, moaning and burying her fingers in his long dark hair. His hands caressed down her back and over her hips before tentatively cupping her ass. The scientist groaned softly, pressing against his swollen crotch. Her hands trembled as they slowly kneaded down his sinewy back, pausing as they travelled across his slim hips, before feathering over his ass.

Tanner jerked away, his breathing heavy and erratic, his eyes almost black. McKenna shivered as the cold air hit her overheated skin. "Vin," she huskily murmured.

Blinking, he led her inside and closed the doors. She settled on the edge of one of the beds, willing her pounding heart to slow. Her eyes followed his movements as he paced around the room. She bit her lip, then quietly said, "It's ok that you want me Vin. God knows I want you."

He paused, his turmoiled gaze meeting hers. He rasped, "I a'int goin' ta..." His jaw clenched as he ran a hand through his hair.

She extended her hand, and when he just stood, unmoving, she demanded, "Come here."

Tanner stalked across the space and gripped her hand, settling on the bed beside her, his muscles coiled.

CC rubbed her thumb over the callused skin of his hand, and licking her lips said, "I respect your vow and your committment to keeping it."

The blue depths of his eyes reflected surprise as he turned to meet her gaze. "But... ya..." He vaguely gestured at the bed.

She chuckled. "Yes." She ran the back of her hand over his cheek. "What you're doing is so uncommon these days. A lot of people just tumble into bed so freely. It's wonderfully romantic to wait until you're married."

"A born agin virg'n," he muttered, then flushed, lowering his head when CC laughed.

"You are something else Vin Tanner."

His brow furrowed and he tilted his head as he met her gaze again.

She grinned, explaining, "One minute your," it was her turn to flush as she said, "erection is against my hip, the next minute you're blushing over the word virgin." His blush deepened and he scowled as her grin widened. "How could I not want you, Vin?"

"Ta be honest, I still a'int sure why ya do." He glanced down at himself and then at her. "Ya're a beaut'ful woman. I'm jist..."

She placed two fingers over his lips, silencing him. "Don't." She shook her head. "You really don't have any idea of your appeal, do you? What woman wouldn't want a gorgeous man who is also kind, caring and sensitive, without being a wimp, and who is smart to boot?"

"I a'int had no schoolin'." His lips caressed her fingers and she shivered, letting her hand drop.

She snorted. "Schooling is no guarantee. You had to be smart to survive. And Vin, I'm not exactly a great catch. I'm better with equations than people. I've never had a successful relationship with a man." She paused, lowering her eyes before saying, "You're the first man who's ever thought me beautiful."

He embraced her. "They was all fools."

CC smiled against his neck, then rained kisses across his jaw. "Thank you." His arms tightened, then released her, but he laced his fingers through hers. "Ya're welcome." He looked around the room, noting the real wood furniture, fancy wallpaper and thick carpet. "A might pricey place, I'd reckin. Why'd we stop here?"

"Tracy wanted to. She has big plans for tonight."

He frowned, and she rolled her eyes. "It's Jamie and hers belated wedding night."

Understanding bloomed in his eyes. "'cause she's been sa sick."

CC nodded. "She wanted it to be special. Not in a winnebago with two other people sleeping just outside."

"Ya mean they hadn't... before they'd married?"

"Nope. He's another 'born again virgin'. And she's, well, an actual virgin." CC's mind drifted back to the conversation she'd had with Tracy earlier in the day.

"Um, CC?" Tracy quietly said.

The scientist looked up at her expectantly, while Tracy stood shifting her weight from foot to foot. She patted the cushion beside her and the other woman slid in, casting a quick glance to Jamie, who was now driving, sighing in relief as she saw he was talking to Vin.

CC patiently waited while Tracy stared intently at the tabletop for a few minutes before finally saying, "I'm..." She licked her lips. "It's about tonight."

The physicist frowned slightly, then softly prompted, "What about it?"

Tracy met her gaze. "You know Jamie and I haven't..."

CC nodded, and Tracy quickly blurted, "Well, I've never."

Her eyes widening in surprise, the scientist said, "So... tonight is your first time."

The young woman nodded, twisting her fingers together. "What if I disappoint him? How badly will it hurt? How will our relationship change? Will I like it?"

"Oh, Tracy," CC began, "I am the wrong person to give you advice on this." She sighed. "Guess I'm also the only one. Ok. First of all, he loves you so you won't disappoint him. You couldn't. It will hurt, especially at first, but how much depends greatly on him." She smiled encouragingly. "And I'm certain Jamie will make it as painless and as pleasurable as possible." McKenna grimaced. "As for you last two questions, I really am not the person to ask. I've had exactly two... lovers. Neither relationship survived very long after we began sleeping together." She shrugged. "And for me, the... act itself was just ok."

At Tracy's worried look, CC hurriedly added, "It won't be like that for you and Jamie. I've seen the way you look at each other. Making love will only bring you closer." She impulsively squeezed the other woman's hand.

Tracy smiled gratefully, but didn't look entirely convinced. Her eyebrows quirked and she glanced at Vin. "You and Vin aren't sleeping together?"

CC snorted. "Sleep is the key word. Another who now believes in waiting for marriage." The women giggled.

"CC?" Vin waved a hand in front of her face and she jumped.

"Sorry." She shook her head, then playfully tapped his arm. "And you don't have to look so surprised about her waiting."

"It's jist what I've seen on T-V, I'd reckin ev'ry body 'as sleepin' around."

CC sighed. "Yeah. And sadly, a lot of people do. I wish I'd waited now." Vin squeezed her hand and she continued, "I didn't know if I'd ever get married. My parents didn't until they were in their mid 30's. And I fancied myself in love with the man. I know better." She met his gaze. "Now."

Vin lifted his free hand and caressed her cheek, then claimed her lips in a gentle kiss. She nestled her head against his shoulder when he broke the contact. He slipped an arm around her shoulders. "What'd we do 'bout this?"

"Our mutual attraction?"

At his nod, she said, "What we've been doing." She lifted her head and searched his deep blue eyes. "And you don't have to pull away everytime things start getting... heated. We can kiss and touch without making love." He grinned as she blushed.

"I reckin," he agreed.

"Good." She stood and said, "I'm going to get into the jacuzzi. Join me?"

"Jacuzzi?" CC took his hand and led him to sunken tub.

"You sit in there and the water bubbles around you. It's very relaxing."

Vin frowned, staring into the water, and warily asked. "What ya wear?"

CC fought to keep a straight face. "Nothing."

His head jerked up and she laughed at the expression. He glared until she calmed and said, "A bathing suit."

"No," he flatly said and strode across the room. "I a'int sittin' in no water with no woman wearin' that scrap. Jist as well be naked."

CC shivered, but huskily said. "If you want..."

He crossed his arms over his chest so she shrugged and retrieved her sensible one piece tank suit, deciding that if she donned the bikini Amy had given her several years ago, Vin would implode. She went into the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later, one of the hotel robes belted around her waist and her long blonde hair piled atop her head. She took the champagne, fruit and cheese platter and chocolates to the jacuzzi, flipping it on.

CC looked at Vin who was sitting on the small sofa, flipping through the tv channels, while glancing toward the tub. With a grin, she dropped the robe and sunk into the water, a small moan escaping as the jets massaged her flesh.

She leaned disappointed if I didn't."

The corners of his mouth quirked upward, but he said nothing.

"And believe me. You have nothing to be ashamed of." Her body had reacted immediately to his lean, yet muscular form. He didn't have the fake muscles of a bodybuilder, but rather the whipcord hardness of a man who'd earned his muscles through hard work. She could imagine burying her nose in the light dusting of hair covering his chest and trailing down his stomach, leading to his manhood which had been lightly outlined. She couldn't wait to see his backside encased in nothing but clinging, wet fabric when he climbed from the tub and wished she see his lower body through the bubbling water now.

He softly replied, "Ya a'int neither." His body had immediately reacted to the sight of her every curve and dip exposed, covered only by a thin layer of tight material. Her breasts would fit perfectly in his hands. And her impossibly long legs would wrap around his waist as he plunged into her depths. He had waited those several minutes before joining her to give his body a chance to calm.

Vin accepted the champagne glass CC offered him, taking a sip. "A'int 'actly bourbin."

"No," she said, plucking a strawberry from the tray and pressing it to his lips. He bit into it and the juice dripped down her hand. With a gleam in his eye, his tongue darted out to clean her skin. CC's eyes darkened as he pressed a berry to her lips. She lightly sucked the fruit before delicately nibbling it, letting her tongue and teeth scrape across his callused hand.

Tanner growled, "Thought ya said this 'as relaxin'"

McKenna giggled. "Ok." She released his hand. "Just sink into the water and let it soothe you. You might want to stretch your legs out." He obeyed and she sighed as the brown nubs of his nipples disappeared from view. She followed suit, stretching her legs out, letting one rest against Vin's leg, while sliding up to her neck in the bubbles.

"An' we jist sit here?"

"Mmmm, huh." She joined hands with him beneath the water.

Water Games

CC softly moaned as she slowly awoke. The bubbles gently caressed her skin. Her leg was still pressed to Vin's and their joined hands floated near the surface. Her instinct was to burrow against him, but she resisted and forced her eyes open to look at him. Her mouth dropped slightly as he was still asleep. Ever since he'd arrived, the slightest movement or sound would awaken him. And after hearing his previous occupations, the physicist could understand why he'd developed that particular skill. She smiled, letting her gaze wander over him.

The ends of his long dark hair skimmed the water. She wondered if it had been so soft and silky in the 19th century... As she continued this visual exploration of his face, she briefly considered why men seemed to have the lushest eyelashes. When her eyes dropped to his mouth, she licked her lips, reliving the feel of his lips on hers. She let her gaze move lower, then frowned. Her view was obstructed by the bubbles. She glanced to the switch, then back to Vin, chewing her lip.

McKenna very carefully shifted, stretching her arm to flip the jacuzzi off. Swallowing hard, she turned back to Tanner, her breath catching as she saw him clearly, clad only in the bathing suit. She silently rejoiced that she had picked light blue as his manhood was clearly outlined. Warmth pooled in her center as she almost inaudibly said, "Wow." Her mind also registered that his legs were whipcord hard, just as the rest of him.

Vin immediately awoke and tensed, then as awareness filtered in, he relaxed. He frowned, looking down at the now still water, then flushed as he realized how exposed he was, while his eyes traced CC's form, her long, shapely legs, the juncture of her thighs, finally pausing on her nipples, which tightened even more under his scrutiny. His jaw clenched as he finally met her eyes.

"Hey," she whispered, then whimpered as he hauled her against him, hungrily claiming her mouth. His tongue thrust into her mouth while his hands roamed her back.

He swallowed her low moan as her breasts pressed against his bare chest. Her fingernails lightly stratched down the damp skin of his bare back and he groaned into her mouth, running one hand up her side and between their bodies to cup her breast. She arched into his touch as he flicked his thumb over her swollen nipple. One of her hands travelled around his hips to grip his burgeoning flesh. He growled low in his throat and thrust as she slid her hand up and down. With a growl of her own, she broke the kiss, burying her face against his neck. She stilled his hand against her breast, entwining her fingers with his, then she paused, letting her hand just encircle his manhood.

CC shuddered and huskily said, "We should stop."

Vin's chuckle vibrated through her, eliciting a groan. "Tha's a change," he rasped.

She shakily laughed, shifting to meet his gaze. She softly said, "I... if we don't stop now..."

He nodded, gently pulling away, removing their joined hands from her chest, then quirking an eyebrow and glancing down. The scientist flushed, then reluctantly released his erection. "Guess we should get out. I am all pruny."

Tanner smirked. "Ladies fir't."

She scowled, but rose and climbed from the tub and with a smirk of her own, leaned over to retrieve her robe. She slipped it on, leaving it open, then turned back around. "Your turn."

He reddened. "But..." His eyes dropped, then met her's again.

One eyebrow raised. "Vin." She raised her hand and moved it up and down, causing his blush to deepen, but he stood and she stared as the water beaded and slid over his form. She bit her lip, quellching the crazy urge to bite his tight little ass as he bent over to retrieve his robe. He belted it, then turned to face her.

"Wha' now?"

"We dry off, change and go to bed. Unless you want to watch some TV?"

Tanner shook his head, glancing at the two queen size beds. "Bed'd be jist fine."

Part Three

CC grumbled as she kicked at the 400 count Egyptian cotton sheet which was currently tangled around her legs. They had felt divine when she'd snuggled beneath them last evening, but after she'd tossed and turned all night, they felt no better than the poly blend she'd slept on at some of those cheap motels she and Vin had frequented. With an exasperated sigh, she sat up, frowning as she opened her eyes. It wasn't even 7AM and Vin was already out of bed. With a glare, she noticed that his sheets were smooth... After disentangling herself form the fabric prison, she stood and shivered. A quick look to the balcony confirmed that he had indeed stepped outside, leaving the doors wide open.

"Just like a man," she muttered, slipping on the thick terry robe and slippers, before walking across the room. She paused in the open doorway, her ire quickly dissipating at the sight of Vin leaning against the balcony railing staring at the sun as it rose over the lake. Her gaze slid down his robed body and she smiled, spotting his bare feet. She wondered why she'd not noticed how sexy his feet were last night, then blushed as she realized she'd not gotten much further south than his manhood.

Shaking her head, she stepped onto the small balcony, saying, "Morning."

"Mornin'." He tilted his head to her, grinning as he took in her tousled hair. "Sleep aw'rig't?"

Her eyes narrowed as she glared, but she sweetly replied, "Wonderfully. And you?"

He laughed, stepping behind her, tugging her to him and wrapping his arms around her waist. He whispered against her ear, "Jist great. An' had the best dreams."

McKenna shivered slightly, lightly scraping her nails across his hands, fully settling against him. "Breakfast will be here about 8." She was glad she'd remembered to hang their order on the door before she'd retired last night.

"I 'as thinkin', mebbe we'd best git a new vehickle soon."

She sighed. "You're right." She paused a beat, then asked, "Vin, would you have stopped last night if I hadn't?"

Silence enveloped her for several moments, then he softly said, "No. Don't rig'tly think I woulda."

CC whimpered, "Damn."

His slight chuckle reverbrated through her, then he said. "Thank ya. Fer 'specting my wishes."

She turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck, letting her fingers comb through his hair as she stared into his cobalt eyes. "That's the only reason I did - could- stop."

Tanner smiled, then lowered his head, claiming her lips in a gentle kiss. When he pulled away, she rested her head against his shoulder and said, "I think we need to go northwest and get rid of the Dakota someplace like Montana or Idaho. Then, if they pick up the trail, they'd think we were heading to Canada."

She felt his nod. "When ya think Jamie and Tracy'll be ready ta come out?"

The physicist giggled. "It was their wedding night. And we do have reservations for another night." She leaned back to meet his eyes again. "I told her to call me," she grinned widely, "if she wanted to come up for air before we have to move on."

Returning her grin through his slight blush, he replied, "I reckin it'll jist be us then."

"Oh, the horror!" Her hands slid down the plush terry covering his arms, then slipped beneath the fabric, kneading the sinewy muscles of his forearms. "Spending time alone with you in a great hotel."

His eyes gleamed as he unbelted her robe, exposing the silkly chemise. He lightly ran his rough fingertips over the bare skin of her shoulders, sliding under the spaghetti straps. She arched into his touch, her eyes closing, one of her hands reaching for the tie on his robe. "Plannin' ta git me in that ja-cuzzi again?"

CC abruptly stopped, her eyes popping open. She halted the downward movement of his hand. "You do know this isn't just about," she flushed, swallowing hard, "sex?"

He gently gripped her chin, staring deep into her light blue eyes. "Yeah."

She sighed. "Good. Because... what I said... I mean, before we met Jamie and Tracy, I meant it." She lowered her eyes for a moment, then meeting his again, said, "Only now, I know. I'm definitely falling in love with you."

Vin gulped, embracing her tightly, but not before she saw the answer in his eyes. "I... a'int... any good at... I mean... you... aw, hell!"

CC burrowed against him. "It's ok." She pulled back, grinning as she brushed his lips with her. "I can wait for the words."

Sighing gratefully, he returned her grin, then noticing her trembling, herded her inside and shut the doors. "Ya wanna shower first?"

She nodded, retreiving her toiletries and clothes.

Cabin just outside Santa Fe

"This is definitely her car," Dr. Wyatt Quinn stated as he peered into the interior of the Jeep Liberty.

The psychiatrist scowled, her voice shrill as she ordered, "Well, let's search it."

"I don't have a key," he grated

One of the other men strode to the vehicle and expertly opened the door with a slim jim. A thorough search yield nothing.

"Damnable woman," the shrink muttered as they all moved to the cabin with Quinn bringing up the rear. He cursed the day he'd ever laid eyes on this shrink, hell, the day he'd taken CC McKenna to bed, no the day he'd met her which, incidentally had also his first day at Quatechins. If he was honest with himself, he did feel a grudging respect for the woman. She'd shown far more backbone and resourceness than he'd given her credit for. He actually almost hoped they never found her and that time travelling cowboy...

"Don't just stand there," the sharp voice of his least favorite psychiatrist said.

Wyatt sighed and began to search.

The team was all gathered in the living room and their leader spoke. "Nothing. Not a single note of her research." She looked to Wyatt. "If she left that car here, what is she driving now?"

He glared at her. "How the hell should I know? I've never been here."

"So, she let you into her pants, but not her life."

The male physicist growled. "Ok, bitch. That's it. I don't care that you work for Burkesfield Intelligence. If you want my continued help, cut the attitude."

She smirked, looking to her associates. "Took him long enough. If he'd shown any measure of backbone with her, she never would have gotten those access codes. Not to mention, that she might have been more than a meaningless fuck."

Quinn stomped from the room, slamming the door to block out their laughter.

Chicago

As they finished demolishing the breakfast, CC asked, "What do you want to do today?"

He wistfully said, "Ride."

She frowned, then smiled widely. "There may just be a way! Come on." Grabbing his hand, she tugged him toward the door, pausing to retrieve the long coat and hat she'd bought him.

A Great Ride

Vin's eyes automatically swept the area as CC drove the Dakota down the narrow dirt road to finally come to a stop in front of a well maintained stable. Smiling, she climbed from the truck, meeting Tanner in front of the vehicle.

His azure gaze was questioning as he meet her eyes.

"Belongs to friends of my parents," she explained. "I brought us in the back way so there'd be less chance of anyone knowing we're out here."

He nodded, taking her hand and following her into the barn.

CC breathed deeply allowing her large grey mount free rein. She glanced over at Vin who'd chosen a black horse with a white blaze. Grinning, she leaned forward, spurring her mare on, laughing as she heard the gelding's thundering hooves advancing, but not quickly enough. CC smirked as she spotted the small stable and corral. "Come on girl," she whispered, "just a bit more." The horse threw her head back and snorted, but complied, then deftly jumped the fence and came to a dramatic stop in the center of the enclosure.

Smiling widely, CC asked, "What're doing out there?" She swung off the mount and patted her neck, while Vin dismounted and led his horse into the pen. The corners of his eyes crinkled and his head tilted as he smiled at CC. "Ya done this b'fore."

When he smiled at her like that, all rational though fled her brain. She mentally shook herself and answered, "This was the only physical thing I could do well when I was a child." Her brow furrowed. "Still is. I won quite a few shows, but gave that up when I was 15."

Vin followed CC as she led them and the horses into the small barn where they could be fed and watered. The couple settled onto some hay bales and she sighed, snuggling against him as he wrapped an arm around her. He kissed the top of her head, then said, "Why?"

"I was at Cal-Tech devoting all my time to getting my doctorate." She sighed. "I had no problems with the course work, but being 10 years younger than the average student made it... challenging. I still rode, but strictly for pleasure." She shifted to lean on his chest and gaze into his eyes. "Guess your riding was for necessity."

"Yep. An' ya had ta be able to count on ya horse."

"We'll have horses when we get settled." She lightly bit her lip, prompting Vin to ask, "Wha's wron'?"

CC blinked away the tears. "I kept a horse in Santa Fe. But if I send for her, they'll track her. I know she'll be well taken care of, but..."

Nodding, Vin ran his hand up and down her back then threaded it into her hair. "No horse'll ev'r take Peso's place," he murmured, gently pushing her head down to meet his lips.

The duo arrived back at the hotel late, having stayed in the countryside to watch the sunset and stargaze.

"Do you need to use the restroom before I take a shower?"

Vin shook his head.

Fifteen minutes later CC emerged, damp hair pulled into a ponytail and the hotel robe belted around her waist.

Vin clicked off the tv, stood and stretched, well aware of her eyes moving over him. "My turn."

When he emerged, CC was in the jacuzzi letting the hot bubbling water soothe muscles that hadn't been used for too long. She lifted her head and opened her eyes as Vin splashed in. "Didn't have to convince you this time."

He grinned, sliding around to sit next to her. His eyes moved over the white top, darkening as they settled on her cleavage. "Thi' is dif'r'nt."

Licking her lips, she huskily asked, "Want to see it... all?"

Vin groaned, his eyes briefly closing, then popping open as she stood. He gulped. Her curves were barely concealed in the two smallest pieces of fabric he'd ever seen, and he was certain if he looked hard enough he could see the pink of her nipples. His relief as she resubmerged was short-lived when she briefly brushed a hand across his already straining erection. He moaned, his fists clenching.

CC whispered against his ear, "Checking to see if you like it." She lightly bit his earlobe then moved away. "It's a bikini," she informed him.

Vin took several deep breathes, regaining control over his raging desires. He finally chanced a look at CC and glared as she was smirking.

"Ya're gonna pay fer tha' one day," he growled.

She inhaled deeply. "Promises, promises." She took his hand, lacing her fingers with his. "Let's enjoy this tonight."

"Check all the drawers Vin," CC asked as she finished packing. "I don't want to leave anything."

"A'int nothin' in any of 'em."

She nodded, walking out to the balcony and looking around one last time. Vin joined her and they quietly absorbed the beauty of the morning sun glinting off Lake Superior. CC sighed. "Guess we should see if Tracy and Jamie are ready to go."

His eyebrow quirked and she flushed. "I meant packed." Vin chuckled, following her down the hall. She paused in front of their room, hesitating, then knocked.

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