“Chris,” Sheridan called his name softly when she noticed his eyes moving behind closed lids.
Larabee felt the warmth spread through him at the sound of the soft voice whispering his name. The intrusion down his throat was still there and he felt a momentary panic until the nurse spoke to him reassuringly. He opened his eyes and turned to the woman sitting in a wheelchair beside his bed. Her face was drawn and pale and an IV led into her right hand, but it was her eyes that worried him. There was pain there, but not physical pain. What he saw was worry and fear and he knew she was trying to retain a strong facade. His eyes wandered to a second figure and he smiled inwardly at the sight of his best friend standing protectively behind Sheridan. He turned his gaze back to the woman he loved and hoped she’d be able to understand his silent message.
‘I’m okay, Anne,’ he thought and hoped he’d be able to tell her that soon.
“Chris, you’re still on the ventilator, so don’t fight it. Dr. Midland is coming this way and she’s going to remove it. Okay?” Margie asked, and smiled as the blond head bobbed once.
“Hello, Chris.”
He turned towards the new voice, recognizing Stacey Midland immediately.
“We’re going to get rid of this tube for you, and then I want you to rest as much as you can. Vin, could you move Anne away from the bed for me?”
“Sure, Doc,” the Texan said, grabbing the handles and pulling her away from the bed. They moved far enough so the nurse and doctor could take care of their friend, but didn’t leave the room completely.
“Okay, Chris, you remember the drill?” Midland asked, smiling softly at her patient as he nodded slightly.
“Good,” she said as Margie removed the tape holding the tube in place. When everything was ready she looked at Larabee and gripped the tube. “Okay, I need you to cough now.”
Chris did as she ordered, crying out as the tube was quickly pulled from his mouth and the nurse moved to suction his throat. Finally free of the offending tube, his body reminded him of the other injuries.
“S...shit!” he hissed as Margie reached for a clean cloth and washed it over his face.
“I know, just relax, Chris,” Midland said, injecting a secondary dose of painkiller into his IV. “That should help. Margie, is going to give you some ice chips right now to ease your throat. Then your friends can visit for a few minutes, but I don’t want you overdoing things.”
“...I w...won’t...thanks, Doc,” Larabee said as he accepted the offering from the nurse.
“You’re welcome. Vin, you two can come back over, but keep the visit short. Anne, I want you back in your room in ten minutes.”
“Thank you, Stacey,” Sheridan said as Tanner pushed her up next to the bed.
“H...hey,” Larabee whispered softly, smiling as she reached over the bed and took his left hand in her right.
“Hey, yourself. You had us worried there,” Sheridan said, relief sparkling in her soft brown eyes.
“S...sorry...are you okay?” the blond asked, worried about the effect Fischer’s return had on her. His voice was raspy from being on the ventilator, and his throat was sore from the tube.
“I’m fine, Chris. Just a few bruises.” She saw the concern in his eyes and remembered Fischer telling him he’d raped her. She stood on shaky legs and leaned in over the bed until her mouth was next to his ear. “He lied, Chris, he didn’t rape me.”
“He didn’t?” Larabee asked when she sat back.
“No, Sweetheart, you stopped him before he could do anything,” she assured him.
“Didn’t stop him from hurting you,” the blond said, reaching his left hand up to touch the deep bruise on her cheek.
“You were a little battered yourself, Chris,” the auburn haired woman told him, taking his hand and kissing it gently, carefully avoiding the bruised knuckles from his fight with her ex.
“Anne, it’s time for you to go back to your room,” Margie reminded her.
“Just a little longer,” Sheridan said, tears forming in her eyes.
“It’s okay, Anne. You go get some rest. I’ll be here when you come back,” Larabee told her.
“Chris...”
“I love you, Anne,” Larabee said, smiling weakly as the tears fell from her eyes.
“I love you too, Chris. I’ll be back.”
“I’m counting on it. Vin, make sure she’s okay.”
“I will, Chris.” The tracker took the handles of the wheelchair and turned it towards the door. Wilmington and Dunne stood just outside the door.
“How is he?” the scoundrel asked.
“Tired and sore, but at least he’s rid of the damned ventilator. I’m taking Anne back to her room and then I’ll be back.
“Okay, Vin,” Dunne said, seeing the other three men coming their way.
“Come on, Kid, let’s go say hello to Chris,” the rogue suggested, entering the room and walking up to the bed.
Chris shifted on the bed and smiled weakly as the two men entered. He searched for the controls to raise his head and smiled gratefully at the nurse when she eased him into a more upright position.
“Well hello, Stud,” the ladies man greeted, a smile of relief on his face at seeing his friend rid of at least one tube.
“Hi, Chris,” Dunne said, smiling excitedly at the blond.
“Buck, JD, you boys look like you haven’t slept much,” Larabee said, noting the dark half circles under both sets of eyes.
“Well, we sort of had other things to do, Chris,” Dunne explained sheepishly.
“Yeah, like watch your sorry ass,” Wilmington laughed.
“Thanks, Boys,” Larabee told them, yawning tiredly.
“Chris, the others are outside so me and JD are gonna go let them come in and say hello. That’s if you’re up to it?”
“I’m fine, Buck,” Larabee coughed, wincing as he felt the tug on the tube in his left side. “Damn!” he muttered as Sanchez and Jackson replaced Wilmington and Dunne by his bedside.
“Damn is right,” Sanchez said. “Guess there’s no point in asking how you feel.”
“Here, Chris,” Margie said, spooning a few more chips of ice into his mouth. “Better?”
“Yeah...thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Gentlemen. He really needs to rest,” she said.
“I know.” Jackson looked at the ashen features and knew Larabee was growing even more tired with each passing moment and there was still one man who hadn’t seen him. “Chris, we just wanted to check on you for ourselves. Ezra is...”
“Send him in...”
“Chris, you really do need to rest,” the nurse said, noting the pain on his face.
“I will...soon’s I see Ez...okay?”
“Do I have your word?” Margie asked.
“...yeah...” the blond yawned once more as he said goodbye to the medic and the ex-preacher.
“Well, Mr. Larabee, I must say you’re looking better...”
“Than what, Ez?” Larabee asked, smiling thinly at the newcomer.
“Better than...ah...I that is...”
“It’s okay, Ez,” Larabee said as an image of Anne Sheridan wrapped in this man’s expensive jacket formed in his mind. “Thanks for taking care of Anne for me.”
“I assure you I did nothing, Mr. Larabee.”
“You did more than you know, Ez. Thanks, Pard, we won’t forget what all of you did. How did you guys...” he stopped as another cough forced its way past his throat. “S...shit!”
“Okay, Chris, that’s it. Mr. Standish, you’ll have to leave while I get him settled.”
‘I...I’m okay...need t...to kn...know...”
“You will, Chris, as soon as you get a bit more rest. We’ll come back later,” Standish said.
“...okay...you b...boys rest too,” Larabee ordered, glaring at the nurse as she placed a mask over his mouth and nose.
“You need this, Chris...Doctor’s orders. Now try to sleep.”
“...hate t...these th...things,” the blond mumbled even as his eyes closed.
Standish watched the monitors on the wall for a few seconds longer, relieved to see the steady rhythm of his friend’s heartbeat and other vital signs.
“He’s doing well,” the nurse assured him before he left.
“Anne, do you want to talk?” Tanner asked, as he watched the woman crawl into bed.
“There’s not much to talk about, Vin,” Sheridan said, turning away as tears formed in her eyes.
“Yeah, there is. Somethin’s botherin’ ya, and it’s more than just Chris bein’ in ICU. What’s wrong?”
She turned to face the sharpshooter, knowing he could read her as easily as Chris Larabee could, yet she did not want anyone to take away the pain of her guilt. Fischer had been part of her past, yet he was also a part of her present in spite of his death. Her friend was dead and the man she loved was in ICU because of a prior engagement to a monster masquerading as a man.
“It might help ta talk about it,” Tanner said.
“That bastard had no right to do what he did! I left him long ago, Vin. He should’ve stayed away from me...from Chris...from Tanya! God, he killed her and it’s my fault!”
“Wait a minute, Anne! Are you talking about Tanya Stevens?”
“Y...yes...Richard told me he ki...killed...her...” She felt his strong arms wrap around her and pull her forward. Her head rested on his shoulder as she sobbed miserably.
“Anne, listen to me. Tanya’s not dead...she’s hurt, but she’s very much alive.” He felt the trembling ease slightly and pulled away.
“Don’t l...lie to me, Vin. He said he killed her,” Sheridan cried, her hands in her lap as she tore the piece of tissue into tiny pieces.
“Fischer’s the one that lied. How do you think we found out you and Chris were in trouble?” he asked, reaching for the box of tissues. He smiled at the hope flaring in the soft brown eyes.
“T...Tanya?”
“That’s right. She had the nurse call me and she told me what Fischer said about killing Chris.”
“She’s really okay?”
“She’s hurt, but from what the nurse said she’s going to be okay. I told her we’d call and let her know what was happening. Would you like to call her?”
“Y...yes...please, Vin. I need to know she’s okay.”
Tanner reached for the phone beside the bed and made the call. He waited for the line to be connected and passed the receiver to the pale auburn haired woman. He heard her soft cry as the call was answered and turned to leave. He knew they’d both need to heal, and maybe now that would happen. He closed the door and walked to the elevator, thinking about what could have happened if Stevens hadn’t been able to get through to him. He pressed the button and entered the car before the doors were completely open and pushed the button for Larabee’s floor. Once there he hurried towards the ICU and into the room where his friend slept. He knew the others were already gone, and would return later to relieve him, but for now he was where he wanted to be. Watching his best friend’s back while he healed.
Two days later Midland and Parker agreed to release Larabee from the ICU. The chest tube was still in place, but at least the man would be out from under constant surveillance.
“Alright, Chris, let’s get you moved to your new room,” Jane Collins said as she unhooked the monitoring equipment from the wall and an orderly helped her move the bed out of the room. He tried to ignore how uncomfortable he felt and smiled weakly at the nurse as they made it to the elevator. He closed his eyes and thought about Anne. She’d been released the day before and he’d set his friends to watching out for her. He’d been relieved and pleased to find out Tanya Stevens was indeed alive and recovering in the hospital in Denver. Fischer could not hurt them anymore, and for this and other things he’d given thanks.
“Nin, we have your new patient here,” Collins said as they pushed his bed up to the nurses station.
“Hi, Chris,” Ninheve greeted the injured man.
“Hi, Ninheve,” Larabee smiled at the petite woman as she looked at his chart.
“He’ll be in 314,” she told the orderly as she took over from Collins. “Thanks Jane.”
“Sure...we still going for coffee?” Collins asked.
“I’ll meet you in the cafe in half an hour,” Ninheve told her friend.
“Okay, Chris behave and do as they tell you,” the ICU nurse ordered.
“I w...will,” the Larabee told her, smiling as he spotted Wilmington and Jackson standing outside the door to his new room. “Boys.”
“Hey, Chris, you’re looking better,” Jackson said.
“Thanks, I think.”
“You two give us a few minutes to make Chris comfortable!” Ninheve ordered as she helped maneuver the bed past the men.
Chris lay back against the pillows, closing his eyes as the nausea and dizziness returned. He knew it was partly because of the concussion, but also because of the other injuries. The NG tube was still in place as they waited for him to be able to keep liquids down.
“Thank you, Gerry,” Ninheve said as they settled the bed against the wall beside the window.
“You’re welcome, Nin. See you later,” the handsome young man said before leaving her to her patient.
“Chris.” Larabee peeled his eyes open and forced a smile to his face as the young nurse looked at him, concerned about how pale he looked through the bruising.
“How do you fee?”
“I’m...fi...”
“No, you’re not fine. Now tell me the truth. How do you feel?”
“Dizzy, nauseas.”
“Any pain?”
“Some...not too bad yet,” Larabee lied.
“Chris, the morphine is there to help you. Now I know Dr. Midland and Dr. Parker said it was okay to program it so you could take it when you need it, but if I find out you’re trying to ‘ride it out’ I’ll see that they rethink that decision. Do I make myself clear?”
The blond couldn’t help smiling at the pretty nurse. Her stern expression looked out of place on her face, yet he had little doubt that she could match him glare for glare. She’d proven it more than once since he’d first met her after a botched camping trip with Vin Tanner.
“Well?”
“Shoot...”
“Chris!”
“Sh, Hell, you’re worse than...”
“Anne. Hmm, maybe I should have her come in every time you’re supposed to take your meds.”
“She needs her rest,” Larabee told her seriously.
“Yes, she does, and she’ll get it as long as you behave,” the young woman smiled as she tucked the blankets around her handsome patient.
“You don’t fight fair, Nin,” the blond said, closing his eyes and pressing the button under his hand. He knew he was being stubborn, but over the years he’d grown to hate drugs, no matter how much he needed the relief they provided.
“Nope, I’m glad you finally realize that. Now your call button is right here by your left hand. Just press it if you need anything. I’m going to take your vitals and then I’ll send your friends in to see you. Okay?”
“Okay, thanks, Nin,” Larabee said as she wrapped a BP cuff around his left bicep, carefully avoiding the laceration that ran along the underside of his arm. By the time she finished she could tell he was sleeping and she made sure the tube in his side was working properly, before turning off the lights and closing the drapes. She walked to the door and eased it open, placing a finger against her lips as the two men moved to enter the room.
“Nin, how is he?” Wilmington asked.
“He’s okay, Buck. He’s sleeping right now so just keep it quiet if you’re going to stay with him.”
“We will,” the rogue assured her as he slipped past her and into the room.
“How were his vitals, Nin?” Jackson asked.
“Everything looked good, Nathan. He’s still got a slight temperature, but that’s normal. The infections in the knife wounds are clearing up.”
“Good, thanks, Nin.”
“You’re welcome, Nathan. Just let him sleep, it’s the best thing for him right now. Is Vin bringing Anne in?”
“Yes, he’ll be bringing her in this afternoon. She’s under doctor’s orders to rest herself.”
“Okay. I’m going on break right now, but Daisy will be covering for me. Just buzz the desk if he needs anything at all.”
“We will,” Jackson said, slipping into the room and easing the door closed. He walked to the bed and looked at the fading bruises on Larabee face and chest. The knife wounds were covered in sterile dressings, but he could see the residue from the powder burns left by the close proximity to the discharged gun. It would be some time before Chris Larabee was himself again, but they’d all make sure he did what needed to be done to heal properly.
“He still looks so damn pale!” Wilmington said softly.
“He’s been through one hell of an ordeal.”
“Him and Anne both...and let’s not forget Tanya Stevens. There’s no telling how many victims that bastard has in his past!”
“Well, we can be thankful there won’t be anymore. He’s dead, Buck, let him stay that way!” Jackson knew Wilmington was not only angry about what was done to his friend, but also angered at the man’s callous treatment of women. Chris had told them about Fischer’s threat to rape Anne in front of him, but she’d been saved that humiliation and pain. What really bothered Wilmington now was the young prostitute who’d turned up at the hospital a few days after the first attack on Larabee. They found out her John had been rougher than anyone she’d ever been with and she ended up with internal damage that needed surgery. The description she’d reluctantly given matched Richard Fischer and she’d easily picked his picture from the ones she was shown. Miller had told them two nights before that the young woman was going back home, and hopefully she’d start a new life for herself.
“The sonofabitch was an animal, Nate. How can any man beat a woman like that!”
“Well, Buck, some people just don’t give a damn about human life. I’m just glad they are few and far between,” Jackson said, watching as the blond head turned to the right and remained that way.
“Maybe not so few, Nathan. Lately it seems like there are more of them than there are of us.”
“It may seem that way, but as long as there are people to fight Fischer’s evil then the world’s a better place.”
“You sound like Josiah, Nathan,” Wilmington said, smiling at the other man as he realized how true his words were.
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Brother,” Jackson said in a near perfect imitation of the big man. He watched as Wilmington settled into the chair next to Larabee, before moving to the window and looking outside.
Chris smiled as he opened his eyes to the soft touch on his cheek. He carefully reached up to touch her face, cursing inwardly at the IV still leading into his left arm. The tube had been removed from his side the day before and he was hoping to be discharged in a day or two. He knew this woman would be staying with him at the ranch and was looking forward to having his own private nurse to see to his needs. Before he had a chance to tease her about it their eyes met and he saw the sadness in them and knew it had to do with the guilt she felt over his own injuries. He pulled her down to him and felt her sit on the side of the bed.
“Anne, what’s wrong?”
“I’m just tired, Chris.”
“Sure...me too. What’s wrong?”
“I just feel like this is all my fault. If we hadn’t met then Richard wouldn’t have come after you and you wouldn’t be in so much pain.”
“Anne, you couldn’t have known that bastard would come back,” he hissed, pressing the button to raise the head of his bed.
“I knew what he was like, Chris, and I let my guard down when he left Denver! I should’ve known he was up to something then and that it wasn’t a coincidence that he was there! I know what he’s capable of! I’ve had first hand knowledge of his anger and fists before. I should’ve seen this coming. I should’ve killed the bastard the first time he put me in the hospital, but no! I had to do the noble thing and have him charged. He spends a few years in prison and comes after the only good thing I’ve had in my life since as far back as I can remember. I should’ve been able to protect you from my past.” She began to cry as he pulled her down on the bed.
“It’s not your fault, Anne. You were tied up and beaten and nearly raped for God’s sake,” he whispered as he ran his fingers through her soft hair.
“God, Chris, I’m so sorry.”
“You’ve got no reason to be sorry, Anne. I love you and I’d do anything to make this alright again. I’m sorry for the pain he caused you.”
“You’re sorry? Chris, God, you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I should’ve been able to protect you from him!” Larabee hissed.
“Jesus, Chris, you were tied up and shot and beaten and...and...” She saw the smile on his face and realized she was repeating the same thing he’d said a few minutes ago.
“We’re a sorry pair,” Larabee said, smiling as she leaned back and looked into his eyes.
“Yes, we are, but I wouldn’t trade you for anything. I love you, Chris Larabee,” she said, shaking her head at the cocky grin on his bruised face.
“I love you too, Anne Sheridan, and I’d love to show you just how much. Why don’t you lock the door and join me?” he whispered.
“Chris, I’d like nothing more, but right now I don’t think you’re in any shape to make love...”
“Don’t bet on it!” Larabee wagged his eyebrows at her as he pulled her into a soft kiss. The heat continued to build in their bodies as the kiss deepened and lengthened. Her tongue flicked across his and slipped inside the moist hot mouth.
It wasn’t long before his tongue made it through her parted lips, tasting the strawberry gloss he associated with her.
“Chris...” she whispered as he continued his exploration of her mouth.
“Hmm,” he moaned, refusing to release his hold.
“Ah, hell, don’t you two ever stop?” Wilmington asked, entering the room without knocking.
“Don’t you ever knock, Buck?” Anne asked, her face red as she realized they’d been caught once more.
“Ya want us ta leave?” Tanner asked from behind Wilmington.
“Hell, yes,” Larabee answered breathlessly.
“No, I’m afraid the mood is broken,” Sheridan said, wiping the lip gloss from his kiss swollen lips.
“Damn, Buck, I owe you one...actually I owe you all one., but not for this. I don’t know if I thanked you boys for coming out to the ranch Saturday. You saved our lives,” the blond said seriously.
“Well, I don’t know about that, Son, seems to me you two had things pretty well under control when we got there. All that was left was the clean up,” Sanchez smiled as he sat in the chair next to the bed.
“Yeah, Chris, you and Anne were a force to be reckoned with. We’re just glad you two are alright,” Dunne said.
“Amen to that.”
“Vin, did you bring it?” Sheridan asked, smiling as she saw the familiar package in his hands.
Nathan and Ezra entered the room carrying a tray of coffee each.
“Ez, tell me that’s the good stuff,” Larabee said, smiling at the conman.
“Would I bring you any other kind, Mr. Larabee,” Standish asked as Sheridan took the parcel from Tanner.
“What’s this?” the injured man asked as the parcel was placed on the table.
“It’s something I brought you from Denver,” Sheridan explained as she helped her lover sit further up in the bed. She fluffed the pillows behind him and made sure he was comfortable before she pushed the table closer to him.
“Something for you to wear?” the blond asked cockily.
“I said it was something for you,” Sheridan grinned back at him.
“Hell, that would be something for me. Although I wouldn’t let you model it in front of these yahoos,” Larabee told her.
“Well, hell, I’m hurt,” Wilmington said, holding his hand over his heart, but quickly released it as Jackson handed him a coffee.
“Well, Chris, are you going to open it?” Dunne asked.
“Nah, I think I’ll wait until you boys leave,” Larabee said seriously.
“Oh, no you don’t, Stud. Vin drove all the way out to the ranch to pick that up this morning, the least you can do is show it to him,” the rogue said with a grin.
“Anne, is it safe?”
“Of course it is, Chris, she wouldn’t give you nothing that would hurt you. Go on and open it. Let’s see what she bought you!” Wilmington insisted.
“Ah, hell, I hope I don’t live to regret this,” the blond said, shifting to find a more comfortable spot. He found it awkward trying to open the gift with his left arm, and even more so with the IV still attached.
“Want some help?” Sheridan asked.
“Wouldn’t mind,” Larabee said and watched as she removed the wrapping paper and lifted the lid from the box.
“I think you can handle it from here,” the nurse said, smiling innocently at Larabee. Their talk had done wonders for her mood and she knew he felt the same way as she watched him lift the soft tissue paper that covered the gift.
“Ah, hell,” Larabee groaned, covering the gift and holding the paper down.
“What is it?” Tanner asked, smiling at the hint of red in Larabee’s cheeks.
“Nothing...”
“She did get something sexy to wear, didn’t she?” Wilmington asked mischievously reaching to pull the covering from the gift.
“Buck!” the blond hissed.
“Come on, Chris, I thought you’d love it,” Sheridan said.
“I do...I will...but not here,” the blond said, growling at the ladies man as he continued to tear at the paper.
“You might as well show us, Brother,” Sanchez said.
“Alright, but...”
“What, Chris?” Dunne asked.
“I want your word that it doesn’t leave this room...”
“You got it!” Tanner said, smiling at his best friend.
“And that there’ll be no jokes about it....”
“Mr. Larabee whatever is hidden within the box will stay within the confines of this room. I will endeavor to keep it out of Mr. Dunne’s repetoir,” Standish blustered.
“Hey, I’ve been practicing,” Dunne said, frowning at the conman.
“Is that what you call it?” Wilmington asked.
“Shut up, Buck, you actually laughed at the ones I told on the way here.”
“Not likely, Kid, but let’s save it for later. Come on, Chris, show us what you got!” the rogue said.
“Anne, I owe you,” Larabee promised softly.
“Oh, Chris, I look forward to paying whatever you ask,” the woman told him as Larabee pulled back the tissue paper and revealed the cuddly floppy eared bunny lying on soft white tissue. He closed his eyes as he realized he’d also revealed a white button and was too slow to stop the others from seeing it.
“Chris Larabee-World Class Snuggle Bunny,” Sanchez’ baritone voice read and sent the men into fits of laughter.
“Hell, Anne! I told you this would happen,” Larabee shook his head knowing he’d bare the brunt of their jokes until something new came along.
“Come on, Chris, he’s so cute and he’s even wearing black,” Wilmington said, as the laughter started to calm down.
“Buck, get out!” Larabee said, unable to keep the laughter from his voice.
“Yeah, Buck, you’d better get out before things get Hare-y,” Dunne said and smiled as one of his jokes finally sent the men into laughter again.
“Hey, Buck, we could always say you were Hare today,” Tanner said, smiling as Larabee began to laugh.
“OUT!” the blond hissed.
“Ah, come on Chris. Just look at Snuggle Bugs...”
“Vin!” Larabee warned.
“Maybe we could get Elmer Fudd huntin that screwy wabbit,” Jackson said, imitating the cartoon character perfectly.
“Boys, in the words of Porky Pig... ‘ebde, ebde, that’s all folks’,” Sanchez said, standing and motioning the others out the door.
“But we only just got here, Josiah,” Dunne argued.
“Yep, any you made things a little Hare-y around here by starting with the jokes,” Sanchez said, turning and smiling at the injured man. “Rest, well, Chris. I’ll keep these boys out of your...”
“Don’t say it, Josiah!” Larabee warned, his voice filled with amusement.
“Way, Chris, I was just going to say way. I wouldn’t think about saying...”
“Bye Josiah,” the blond said, returning the bigger man’s smile as the six men left.
“Chris,” Sheridan’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she took the button from the box.
“You know I’m gonna be getting these kind of jokes until something else comes up?” Larabee scolded, his own eye filled with mischief as she held the button to his chest.
“You really are a snuggle bunny, you know? My snuggle bunny,” Sheridan told him.
“Now that’s something I don’t mind at all,” Larabee assured her. He shifted over and made room for her to lie down beside him. His right arm was immobilized, and it took them a few minutes to get comfortable, but they managed and it wasn’t long before Anne felt his soft breath against her ears.
The sun shone brightly overhead as the two lovers rode side by side. Larabee turned to gaze at the woman next to him and smiled as she turned a soft gaze in his direction. He’d finally been given the okay to ride again and although he still felt a few twinges when he turned the wrong way, his body was pretty well healed. Today he was finally completing the plans he’d made nearly three months ago. Sheridan had been back to work for a month and was finally taking a weekend off. The horse Anne Sheridan rode was a loaner from Nettie Wells and a very gentle ride.
“Chris, how much further?”
“Just over that rise there,” Larabee explained.
“Good,” she said, smiling mischievously at him.
“Hmm, do I detect a hint of impatience?”
“No...there’s no hinting. I am impatient. It’s been a while...”
“Two weeks,” Larabee told her.
“Two long weeks,” Sheridan corrected, leaning towards him and kissing his lips as they rode close together. They continued along in silence until they topped the rise and Anne gasped at the sight before her. Chris had told her they were going to a creek, but nothing prepared her for the natural beauty before them.
A babbling creek divided a large meadow filled with wildflowers and small deciduous trees. The grass was tall and looked like a sea of green dotted with patches of purple, yellow, blue and orange flowers. A soft breeze blew through the meadow as shadows slowly embarked on a journey across the peaceful clearing. Birds chirped overhead and butterflies took flight as the couple rode slowly towards the creek. The serenity was surreal to the two lovers and it was their’s to enjoy at their leisure.
“Chris, it’s beautiful.”
“I thought you’d like this place,” Larabee said, smiling as they drew abreast of the creek and dismounting.
“What’s not to like?” Sheridan knelt down and touched the water, smiling as the cool water ran through her fingers. She stood up and helped Larabee remove the picnic hampers from the horses and placed them on the bank beside the creek.
“I’m going to put Pony and Lady over in that patch of trees. It’ll give ‘em a bit of shade and they’ll be able to get water when they need to.”
“Okay, Chris. I‘ll spread the blanket and put out lunch...”
“Ah, Anne...”
“What?” she asked, seeing the cocky grin on his face.
“I can think of something else I’d rather have for lunch,” he whispered hopefully.
“Hmm, do you think you’ve got the energy for that kind of exercise?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his waste and pinching his butt.
“Hey!”
“Go unsaddle the horses, and maybe I’ll be ready for a little exercise.”
“Ah, hell,” the blond said, watching as she bent down, her tight shorts hiking up over her behind. He tore his eyes away from the scene and walked towards the area where he’d ground tied the horses. He heard Anne humming behind him, the sound as soothing now as it was in the ICU in Washoe County hospital. He pulled the saddles and blankets from both animals and made sure they could both reach the water. He rubbed at Pony’s neck and whispered in his ear.
“Hey, Boy, maybe we can both get lucky,” he laughed as the beautiful horse nodded his head and whinnied loudly. “You just make sure you keep your lady entertained over here.” The blond ordered before moving back to the woman and the blankets she’d spread on the ground.
“Hi, handsome, come here often?” she asked playfully.
“First time...but I’m kinda hopin’ to come here more often, specially with scenery like this,” Larabee smiled as he pulled her into his arms. He pressed his lips to hers and sighed contentedly as his tongue slipped past her moist lips. The kiss deepened sending a shiver of pleasure through both heated bodies. Finally they pulled apart and stared deeply into each others eyes.
“God, woman, you really are beautiful.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, Larabee,” she whispered against his ear, nibbling at the lobe and smiling at the gasp of pleasure as her hand eased down his body to cup his growing manhood.
Her touch was pure ecstasy as her fingers toyed with his shaft, and finally opened the zipper and button, releasing his cock from its entrapment. Chris tensed as she slid down his body and knelt in front of him. Her mouth found the sensitive tip, glistening with precum in the sunlight.
“Oh, Lord!” he gasped as she took his full length into her mouth and used her tongue to tease him to heights beyond his imagination.
Anne heard his moan and released him long enough to pull his jeans and CKs down over his lean buttocks. She replaced her mouth and slowly began to bring him to even bigger heights as she cupped her hand around his balls. She smiled as his fingers ran through her hair, pulling her closer as she continued to suckle and tease him to the brink of madness.
“I...if you d...don’t sto...stop now...I’m gonna come,” his words were hissed in a husky voice filled with need and she picked up her pace. His breathing grew ragged as he neared the edge of the precipice and she knew he was close. Her mouth slid down over his shaft, once more taking him deep in her throat until he cried out and his sweet essence spilled into her waiting mouth. She drank of him, knowing this man was the sweetest thing that ever happened to her. She kept his penis in her mouth until the last drop left the tip and his legs began to buckle.
“Sweet Jesus, Anne, that was won...wonderful,” he said as he sank down to his knees and slowly began to kiss her. He tasted his own come on her lips, and the heady smell of her intoxicated him. He reached for her blouse and fumbled with the buttons, releasing her ample breasts from the restrictive clothing. He smiled as he realized she wasn’t wearing a bra and tweaked her nipple with his finger tips. A soft moan issued from her lips as she felt his hands on her sensitive skin and she tried to pull his head towards hers.
“Uhuh, sweetheart, now it’s my turn. He eased the blouse from her body and undid the button at the back of her shorts. He stood up and pulled her to her feet, before kneeling before her once again. He repeated her own motions, pulling the soft material down over her hips and sliding them down her legs and dropping them on the ground. It wasn’t long before the two lovers were completely naked and Larabee was lavishing his attentions on the woman.
Chris placed her on her back and spread her hair behind her on the blanket, framing her face in an auburn semicircle. He began with her ears, moving suggestively to her mouth, down to her neck, and finally to her firm breasts. He began suckling first the right then moved to the left, smiling at the soft moans issuing from the woman beside him. His hand slowly ran down over her flat stomach and stopped just at the top of the mound of soft pubic hair. He stroked his hand down between her legs, smiling as she opened for him. His finger dipped inside the moist opening, rubbing against her clit as her body arched upwards to meet his touch.
“Chris...please....”
“Sh, Honey, let me do this for you,” he whispered, using his teeth to tantalize the taut bud on her breast. His finger sought the entrance to her body and slowly began to enter as his thumb flicked against the sensitive nub that drove her wild. A second finger followed the first as he moved to the other breast, paying particular attention to the writhing body he held close. He heard her moan as his third finger entered and began to slide in and out of her body, bringing a soft cry of pleasure from her as his thumb continued to bring her to the edge and beyond. A sharp moan left her and he felt the force of her orgasm as her insides grew hot with moisture and throbbed against his fingers. He continued to massage her insides until she lay back against the blanket, gasping for air.
“Shit...”
“Excuse me,” Larabee said, smiling as she looked up at him.
“Well, it seemed like he right thing to say at the time,” she told him as her breathing returned to normal.
“It does seem to cover a lot of emotions,” the blond agreed.
“Come here,” she whispered and pulled him down beside her.
Chris slipped his arm beneath her head and spooned up against her back, sighing in contentment.
“Are you hungry?” Sheridan asked.
“Well, I think the appetizer is enough to satisfy me for a little while. Let’s just stay like this. Okay?”
“Hmm,” she mumbled contentedly. The birds and butterflies began to land around them once more as the sated couple lay quietly in each others arms. The water gurgling over the rocks soon had them listing towards sleep. Anne had no idea how long they’d lain there when something tickled her legs.
“Chris, stop that,” she giggled.
“Stop what?” he asked rubbing his foot against his own leg.
“Tickling my leg...Ohhh, Chris!”
“What? Hey, that’s not me! Damn!” he said lifting his head and looking down at their legs.
“What is it?” she asked worriedly as he scrambled to his feet and picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck even as she asked. “Chris, what are you doing?”
“Ants!”
“What?”
“We’re covered in the damn things!” Larabee answered as he raced towards the shallow pool made by the rocks at the small bend in the creek.
“Oh, Hell!” she cried as he dipped her naked body into the water and sat down next to her.
“Hell’s right. Shoot, think they were plannin’ on having us for lunch,” he told her, and burst out laughing as he saw the look on her face.
“What’s so funny?”
“You...us...this...The boys would love to hear about this one,” the blond told her a mischievous grin on his face.
“They would, wouldn’t they?”
“Yeah...Larabee and Sheridan and the empire of the ants.”
“Hey, I saw that movie...ah, Chris, what are you doing?”
“Well, this may not be a Jacuzzi, but there’s water, bubbles...you...me...”
“Are you saying you want to make love now?” she asked hopefully.
“Well, I do need something to warm me up.”
“Come here,” she said, pulling the man she loved closer to her, their slick bodies joining once more in rapturous love. The sun shone down on the couple as they renewed the joining of their bodies and became one once more. The fears that had been with them since Richard Fischer re-entered her life were washed away by the water and the heat of their joining. They were safe, together, and in love, nothing else mattered but the two of them and the exploration of the heights they could bring to their lovemaking.
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