Southern Romance (6 page)

    
Emmy Jean and George said their goodbyes at the end of the night and went in.  Justin drunk beyond reason, passed out by the bon fire.  Jacob wasn’t far behind him and Jade just sat their staring into the fire.  When he couldn’t control the yawning anymore he went to bed.

    
The next day, Emmy and George prepared for their departure.  Their flight left at six pm and it would take them roughly two hours to reach the airport.  The boys finished the chores and had already headed back to their busy and exciting lives.

    
When Jade came in, Emmy Jean again questioned Jade if he could handle it.  Jade reassured her over and over. 

    
“Where is she by the way?”

    
“Back out by the pool again.  It seems that when you told her she needed the sun, she took it literally.  She spends a lot of her time out there you know.  She gets up and helps around the house and then as soon as she is done, she goes to the pool.  Her and Juggar seem to be quite comfortable out there.  She looks at peace when she is there you know.  She fell asleep a short time ago.  Don’t let her stay out there to long please.”

    
“I won’t.  You guys gotta get going.  You don’t wanna miss your flight.”

    
They gathered their things up and left out.  "Will you tell her where we have gone?  She looks so peaceful out there I don't want to disturb her.  And besides, I think your best friend is a little protective of her.  Your Dad went out there a little while ago to ask her if she wanted some fresh lemonade and that darn dog wouldn't let him anywhere close." 

    
"Yes Mom, I got this, and apparently if I don't the dog does, go have fun.  Call when your flight

lands."

     "Go ahead honey I need to talk to JT for a minute."  Emmy Jean went on to the truck.

    
"Son, I don't think there is going to be a problem.  You know Rick trusted us with her.  You make sure nothing happens to her.  You do whatever it takes to keep her safe.  You understand what I am telling you Son?  Anything it takes?"  The seriousness in George’s voice was enough to let Jade know exactly what he was talking about.

    
"Dad I won't let her get hurt.  I promise.  It will be fine.  Go and enjoy your anniversary."   George was a little apprehensive about going.  He had a bad feeling and usually when he did, something always happened and it wasn't good either.  But he didn’t wanna worry Jade about it.

    
Jade stood there waving as he watched them leave down the drive.  He went back inside and poured him a glass of tea.  He drank down the glass and couldn't help but to find his way to the window.  She was still lying there.  Only this time she had flipped to her stomach.  "She doesn't know what she has gotten herself into out there." 

    
Jade grabbed a jar of salve from the cabinet and went out the patio doors.  Jade stood there watching her as he looked down her body.  Her bottoms had become well, a little shifted exposing some of her finely shaped buttock.  Jade was becoming lost in his thoughts of touching her when she jolted up screaming and flinging her arms.  She ran straight into Jade knocking both of them into the pool. 

Jade hadn't expected that.  When he came up he co
uldn't see Sara.  He started looking around and she was nowhere. 

    
Juggar was standing on the side of the pool barking down at the water.  Jade dove down under the water and found her flapping her arms and legs.  He grabbed around her waist and swam back up.  Sara gasped for air.  She held on to the side of the pool and slowed her breathing. 

    
“Didn’t you ever learn how to swim?” Jade asked with more of an ordering tone.  She didn't look at Jade.  She couldn't look at him.  She pulled herself out of the pool and grabbed her towel and went into the house. 

    
Jade stayed in the pool wondering what had caused her to act that way.  Was she having a nightmare?  Jade decided he would give her some time to herself.  He swam for a while.  He and Juggar played fetch with the tennis ball. 

    
When Jade was shriveled up like a prune and Juggar had gotten his fill of fetch, he got out and lay in the same place Sara was laying earlier.  He was wearing shorts and a t shirt when she had knocked him in.  But when he decided to swim around he had taken off the shirt. 

    
Jade didn't need the sun.  His skin was tanned from working outside.  But he knew Sara needed to be alone and he didn't want to pressure her or make her feel uncomfortable.  He laid there thinking of how she looked when she had been laying there.  He could feel himself stirring and realized he had to do something to keep his mind off that image.

    
"Come on boy, let’s get supper going."  When it was finished, he called up to her to let her know it was time to eat.  When she didn't come down he thought she was going to try to curl back up and return to the same state she was in when she arrived.  He made her a plate and went upstairs.  "Sara, I brought you a plate."

    
"Leave it at the door, don't come in."

    
"Sara, are you ok?"

    
"Yes, just go away."

    
There was something about her tone that told him otherwise.  He opened the door slowly and peaked in.  When he seen the view he allowed the door to open the rest of the way.

    
"I said don't come in." she scolded.

    
Sara was standing there in her swim suit still, fan was going, and she was attempting to cool her skin.  Jade laughed out loud. 

    
"It's not funny!  Leave me alone!"  Jade couldn't stop laughing.  He sat the tray down and went down stairs leaving the door wide open.  Sara didn't care at this point.  She couldn't move.  Her skin looked like a lobster and it was only getting redder by the minute.  Jade returned with the same bottle of salve he had started out the door to begin with. 

    
He opened the lid and took some of the salve onto his hands. "Turn around." 

    
Sara just stood there.  "You’re not touching me with that."

    
"So I can touch you then, just not with the salve.  I’ll keep that in mind.  Now, turn around."  A grin graced his lips.

    
"That's not what I meant and you know it." 

    
"Turn around, if you don't,,,, you will have blisters come morning.  Not to mention I might have to take it upon myself to spank that already red ass of yours.  Don’t make me tell you again."

    
"I can do it myself!  Just leave and leave me alone!” Sara ordered.

    
"Look, I don't know what you city folks are accustomed to, but here we have manners.  Turn around, your backside looks just like your front.  You can't reach it.”  Jade stared at the stubborn woman in front of him.  She bowed up her shoulders and planted her feet.

    
“Do you want a spanking?  I sure would be happy to oblige you there."  Sara knew he was right.  The look in his face told her he would spank her given the opportunity.  His eyes were dark and full of something that Sara didn’t want to see.  Lust.  She took a deep breath and turned.  She didn’t want to question why the thought of giving her a spanking was turning him on or so it appeared to be.

    
When Jade touched her the salve was cool and felt so good.  He slowly applied a thick layer to her shoulders and then made his way to her back and then lower.  He remembered how her swim suit had been positioned earlier and that her backside was just as burnt.  Blood rushed to his cheeks, turning them a similar shade as he remembered the view.  His touch was becoming more seductive.  His breathing was becoming heavier.  Electricity shot up his spine back down to his engorged cock. 

    
"What are you doing back there?"  Sara could feel the touch change and questioned him.

    
"Nothing here is the salve.  I am sure you can manage from here."  And Jade was gone.

Sara picked up the salve and thought about what had just happened.  Did she an
ger him this time not meaning to?  What made him jolt out of the room like that?  She had never seen a man make an exit so quick.  He was running but from what?  Sara continued to rub the salve on enjoying the way it cooled her skin.  She grabbed the tray of food and gulped it down.

    
Sara gathered up the tray and took them downstairs.  She didn't see Jade anywhere.  She cleaned up the mess that he had left.  After she was finished, she looked through the house.  She couldn't find him.  She went to his room and knocked, when he didn't answer, she opened the door and looked.  Still no sight of Jade.  "Maybe he went outside."

Chapter Four

     Sara through on some flip flops and went out looking for him.  "Jade, where are you?"

She didn't get a reply.  Sh
e went out to the horse stalls.  When she turned the corner she could see a faint light going.  She walked on out and could see a man kneeling.  It wasn't Jade. 
Oh my god.  He found me. 
She started backing up slowly.  She couldn't take her eyes off the door.  She felt her heart speeding faster and faster.  She came to a jolt hitting the immovable object.  Turning to see, it was Jade.

    
"Sara what are you doing?"  Sara placed one finger over her lips as to silence him. 

    
"There's someone out there."  Sara whispered, pulling on Jades arm to back him up.

    
"I know that's Dr. Smother.  He is the vet I called out to look at Danger."  Sara stopped with Jades words and let out a sigh.  "You don't have to worry here Sara.  You’re safe."

    
"What's wrong with Danger?"  She ignored his statement. 

    
"He isn't eating, I don't know what it is.  I have tried everything.  I noticed earlier today he didn’t wanna eat.  When I came out to feed him againtonight, he still wouldn’t eat so I called him out."

 
   Jade started walking out to the stalls and Sara followed.  Jade found himself rather pleased that she wanted to tag along.  "What's the verdict doc?"

    
"This one has a rough night ahead of him.  He is going to need someone to stay with him and keep an eye out.  I want to stay Jade, I really do but I got an emergency call, a cow is having trouble laboring.  I gotta go.   Just keep doing what you’re doing Jade.  I don't know anyone better with horses than you." 

    
"Thanks, Doc."

    
Sara watched as Jade tenderly rubbed down Danger. 
I wonder if he rubs his women that way.  Stop it Sara.
  "Hand me that brush would ya?"  Jade pointed over to the corner and Sara retrieved it.  "You should go ahead and go back in.  I'm gonna stay out here tonight.  Lord knows you probably couldn't handle the sleeping arrangements here, Princess."  Again Jade smiled trying to tease a smile out of her.

    
"Ha, I can handle it.  And besides, what if you need something?" 

    
"Then I will get it; go ahead you don't have to stay."

    
"I want to, really."    

    
"I thought you were scared of horses anyways Sara?"

    
"I'm not scared of horses."

    
"Then is it the riding that scares you?"

    
"No, it’s the falling off part that doesn't settle well with me." 

    
"Then hold on."

    
"It’s a little harder than that."

    
Jade let out a chuckle.  He found it amusing that someone so strong tempered could be afraid of falling off a horse.  He was grinning thinking of just that.  He was picturing her landing on that hot little butt of hers.

    
"What's so funny?"

    
"Nothing.  How did that salve do ya?"

    
"It worked wonderful.  We will see in the morning though.  I fear I may have blisters anyways. 

But it sure took the heat out of it now.  It doesn't even hurt."
  Sara sounded amazed and surprised as she looked over her arms rubbing them.

    
"Good, what about your back, I can put some more on it if you need me to?"

    
"No, its fine."  Sara answered quicker than she wanted to and now regretted it.

    
"What you don't want me to touch you,,,,, with that salve?"  Jade's smile was full of seduction.

Sara couldn't tell if he was mocking her earlier comment or making a suggestion.

     "No; that's not it, its fine."

    
Jade stepped toward her.  "But I can touch you then."  Jade placed a hand on her shoulder curving his lips into a slight smile.  He could feel her tremble at his touch and touch alone.  Her nervousness only made him want to touch her more. 

    
His touch left her shoulder and she didn't like it. He was looking at something behind her.  She went to turn to look, but Jade blocked her movements with his body.  "Don't move."  He warned.             

    
He was standing there and she could feel his hard muscular body against hers.  Was he teasing her?  What was his plan?  What was he up to?  And why would he put his body to hers and then not touch her? 

    
Sara didn't realize it, but her hands were touching him.  His smell was driving her crazy.  She felt him quiver at her touch.  Just being near, him made her body want to do things she never thought was possible.  Yearn to do the unthinkable.  Made her daring with her actions.

    
His quiver only added to her own feelings stirring deep inside her.  She looked up at him as he towered over her still looking behind her.  That was it, he was tempting her.  Well, then she would just see how far she could push him. 

    
She slid her hands down to where his t shirt was tucked into his jeans and pulled up.  She heard him take a gasp of air as she slid her hands up his chest.  Feeling and studying the hard muscles of his abdomen and chest, as she allowed her hands to explore. 

    
She raised his shirt slowly and seductively, she wanted to see what it was that she was feeling.   About the time she was beginning to lose herself in a way she didn't know was possible, her lips touched his chest, she felt him tense and then in one quick movement, he swung his arm from behind him and struck the beam that she had been leaning against.  Sara jolted and ran a few feet away. He had scared her but why?  Then she saw why. 

    
Jade looked at her.  There in his hand was the biggest rattle snake she had ever seen.

    
"I didn't want to startle you.  I was afraid your movement would cause it to strike."

    
Sara stood there, in a shock like state.  He was trying to protect her.  She had read him way wrong.  She felt foolish for thinking that someone like Jade could be so interested in someone like her.  Someone who looked hideous.  And then to top it all off, why after everything she had been through was she so interested in Jade.  She never thought she would want to be near a man again; much less the things that her inner self was wanting Jade to do.

    
Jade carried the snake out the door and threw it out.  When he returned he could see Sara's face was a different kind of red.  He knew what she was thinking.  He could still feel her tender hands and the short but sweet touch of her lips to his chest. 

    
He tried to fight the urge of closing the gap and allowing her to finish what she had started but the fire inside him was too strong.  He slowly closed the gap.   As he approached her the look in his eyes only made Sara blush more.  She knew she had done this to him, but she didn't know if she could go through with it now. 

    
She dropped her head down as he came closer.  He tenderly redirected her to face when with the touch of a single finger.  She was gorgeous.  My God breathe taking.  He leaned his head down, there was only about a half an inch between his mouth and her lips.  He could feel her breathing heavy as he closed in. 

    
He slowly and passionately kissed her lips trying not to scare her away or make her feel pressured.  Brushing hers with his.  Teasing her lips with his tongue before she opened her mouth and he began tenderly claiming her mouth as his.  He rubbed the scar at her brow and down her cheek with his free hand almost as if he knew what she had been thinking.

    
He pulled his mouth from hers and could see both desire and retreat in her eyes.  Jade couldn't touch her in a way that showed doubt.  If he was going to make love to her, doubt would have to be the last thing on her mind.  He kissed her once more and then tenderly turned his attention back to Danger. 

     Sara stood there trying to will
her body to take a step, her mouth to say something, but what would she say?  What do you say after something like that?  Her knees were shaking and it took everything in her just to stand.

     Jade looked back at her and could tell she was having some di
fficulty with that kiss.  His instinct, body, and heart was telling him to do it again, while his mind was saying no.  "It's getting late, I'm gonna grab a sleeping bag and crash, you better head back in."

     "I said I wanted to stay."

     "I know it’s hot as hell right now, but in a few hours the temperature will drop and it gets quite

chilly."

     "I can handle it."

     "Suit yourself then.  But don't say I didn't warn you."

     Jade walked over to the corner of the stall and grabbed four sleeping bags.  He laid down three of them on top of each other and unzipped the top one.  He grabbed the other and laid it out across the way.  He stretched out in his, putting his back to her.  She was confused how could he kiss her like that and then lay like that and so far away.  She crawled into her sleeping bags and it wasn't long she was sleeping.  The day was totally exhausting for her, she just refused to admit it.

     She started dreaming soon after, just as she had done so many times before.  She was tos
sing and turning.  "Stop, don't do that, I don't want this."

     Jade was startled awake.  He turned to her and could see she was having a nightmare.  He got out and went to her.  "Sara, wake up, your dreaming."

     "Stop it, please, please, please, I'm begging you."

     "Sara, you
’re dreaming."  Jade grabbed her shoulders and shook her, but she didn't wake.  She began screaming, "Please, I didn't mean to lead you on, I didn't know, it was only a dance, please stop, I can't do this." 

     Jade didn't k
now what to do.  Was she dreaming of him or was she dreaming of her attack?  The doubt she had shown unwilling was now confusing Jade more so than ever.  "Wake up damn it, it’s a dream, wake up!"  He was yelling at her.  Without warning she smacked him square on the cheek.  It sure shocked the shit out of him.  Maybe that's what she needed.  He reared his hand back, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.  And then she slapped him again. 

     "If you do that one more time, you will give me no choice but t
o slap you back."  And just as before, she slapped him again.  "I warned you.  Forgive me."  He slapped her.

     She started crying uncontrollably.
Oh my god, I hurt her.
  "Please don't, stop it, it hurts, you’re hurting me."  She was still sleeping even after he had slapped her and he now realized he wasn't in her dreams.  After all, he would never hurt her.  He grabbed her shoulders and this time shook her hard.  It worked. 

     She opened her eyes, she was trembling from her head to her toes.  "It's
ok Sara, no one is going to hurt you.  You don't have to cry."  But she couldn't stop.  She was crying so hard.  And then he remembered her medicine.  He jumped up and ran to the house. 

     When he returned she was the same as before, only crouched over
in the corner, again knees to her chest.  It looked as if she was in a fetal position only sitting up.  She had curled in the corner of the stall behind Danger, as if she was trying to hide from someone.

     "Sara, take this.  It
’s gonna be ok."  He handed her a pill and she took it.  He sat there next to her not sure of what to do.  If he went to touch her she would move away.  He wanted to just hold her.  To show her it was ok and she was safe with him.  He wanted to tell her that there was no way in hell he would ever let anything happen to her, but she was to upset for him to push her now.   He had a feeling she wouldn't allow it. 

     Was she remembering the kiss before and thought he would do that again and after the dream she had, he was sure she
wasn't in the mood.  It appeared the only person that could get close to her right now was Juggar.  He had a way with her just like he does with everyone else.   Juggar curled up beside her and licked at her hands, as if he was trying to tell her she was safe with him.

     Did she really not know Jade enough to know that he would not force anything from her?  She was acting almost as if he scared her.  He didn't understand it.  Had he not been tender with his kisses before?  Was his touch not gentle and sl
ow before?  He didn't understand this at all.  The only thing he could think of was that whatever had happened to her left a deeper and longer lasting scar than the ones that could be seen.

     The pill began to kick in and she was becoming limp.  He
tried to get her to stand, but he had waited too long.  He picked her up in his arms and she stared into his eyes, like he to hers. 

     "Jade"