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Cowboy Girls

By: Alex the Cat



The red Honda Civic rental car came to a halt in the dirt driveway. A small figure exited the vehicle, and sighed as she looked at where she would now be living. This was her first time seeing the ranch style house in person. It looked just like the photo the real estate agent showed her, and she was grateful for that. Weeks ago she had made the arrangements for everything to be in working order in the house and for her furniture to be delivered. Now that she looked at the peaceful surroundings, she hoped it had all been done. 

A flock of birds flew overhead above the line of trees and she watched them take off. She liked that there were a few trees to either side of the place and a couple in front to allow her some privacy. Walking around back, she smiled upon seeing the expanse of thick forest that stretched out as part of the backyard. A plot of ground a few feet away looked like it was once a garden. Her nose crinkled with a bright smile because she knew she'd be able to make a profit from growing her own vegetables. 

Taking the keys out of her mini backpack purse, she returned to the front and went inside. All of the delivered furniture was still in their original packaging. Knowing there was a lot of work to be done; she grabbed her luggage from the trunk, and went in to first change clothes. She made a mental list of much needed items, so a trip down to the supermarket and maybe one to Home Depot was a priority. 

*************** 

The breeze gently blew, slightly rustling the leaves on the trees. The afternoon sun was high in the western sky, and it made for a beautiful summer day. A tall dark figure on a midnight black horse made their way out from between the trees. What started out as a gallop soon became a fast run. The long lanky rider rode the horse hard through the expanse of field, from one end to the other. The feel of power between her legs made her smile. Slowing the filly down, she patted the sweaty flanks and rubbed a large hand up and down horse's furry neck. "Good girl. Let's go over to the brook so you can get a drink." Leisurely they trotted down the familiar path. Letting the black horse roam free a bit, the figure decided to take a nap in her favorite shady spot. 

**************** 

The small woman looked out the window at the former garden. She knew she should finish working on unpacking everything, but her hands were itching to immerse themselves in the dirt. Grabbing one of the boxes of material she picked up at Home Depot, she went outside to start her garden. She unlocked the small shed, and smiled upon finding a tiller. She checked the tank, and it was half full. Figuring that should be enough, she wheeled it out and tried to get it going. 

Sean woke up to a buzzing noise in the distance. Looking around, she didn't see the filly in sight. So she dusted herself off, and went in search of her. She made whistle calls, but still there was no horse. A pull towards her former neighbor's place had her looking through the brush at the abandoned old house. There in the garden was a woman tilling the ground. Hmm, I guess the place finally sold. She thought to herself. Suddenly the horse nudged her upper arm. "Hey you. Where have you been hiding?" She scratched her snout, and took the reigns. "Time to go home." Flying up into the saddle in one swift motion, she looked back over at the small woman working the ground then took off. 

The young blonde sunk to her knees in the fresh ground. She just finished sectioning off the various areas she wanted for each vegetable. As she began planting the young tomato plants, a flashback of her life prior to this day came to mind. She thought of her final goodbye to a good friend. 

"Thank you Mother Terese for your understanding. This has been a very difficult time for me." 

"Yes, child. It has been rather trying. But things will change now. It's fine that you need to leave. Sometimes one discovers that the life one wanted to lead in service is not the life for her. It is hard work and requires one hundred percent dedication. But don't think that you have failed my child." 

She nodded her head as she twirled her thumbs in her lap. 

"You are a wonderful pupil, Indy. You are a quick learner and you have such zeal. I'm sure you'll do fine in your new life." 

"Thank you Mother Terese. You have done so much for me and I am grateful." She stood up and hugged the older woman who she knew had practically raised her. 

"Go on now. And enjoy yourself." She said with a wrinkled smile and a twinkle in her bluish gray eyes. 

Indy wiped the sweat from her brow as the setting sun hid behind the trees. Deciding to resume the gardening tomorrow, she went inside to make some dinner. 

"Damn, the gas is not on." She said to no one in particular. "Now I'll have to go into town to eat." She took a quick shower and headed out to find something. 

The little red car pulled into the parking lot of the Bright Star bar and restaurant. Indy was so hungry, and since this was the first place she came upon, she decided to try it out. Inside the dimly lit place, she sat down at a two-person table against the wall. 

"What can I getcha?" The gum chewing older waitress said. Her bright reddish orange lipstick was faded, and she looked very tired behind all that green eye shadow and rouge. Brown damaged hair from too much coloring and perming was pulled back into a ponytail. 

"I'll have the turkey club sandwich with French fries and a house salad." 

"What about to drink?" 

"Oh, um..." She scanned the menu and debated on whether to have alcohol or not, and then finally made her decision. "I'll have some milk." 

"Milk?" The waitress questioned sarcastically as she looked at the young woman like she was from another planet. 

"Do you have milk?" Indy asked hesitantly. 

The gum popped in her mouth. "Honey, I can dig some milk up for you, but just remember this is a bar that happens to serve food. If you wanted a family restaurant, there is a Denny's down on Rockwell Road." She walked away. 

Indy looked around at the shabby place to notice some of the stares she was getting from the men. Almost all of them had cowboy hats and plaid shirts on. She averted their gaze, and took out a notebook and pen from her bag to work on some writing.  

*************** 

Sean stepped up to the bar with her long time friend, and another co-worker. "Let me have a Sam Adams, and these boys will have Guinness." 

"Thanks Sean." Tommy said as he brushed back the blond hair from his eyes. His huge bulky figure reached over for the drinks, and passing one to Joe, he took a swig of his. 

They sat and chatted for a while until they heard a loud stir of voices behind them. In unison, they turned around to see a drunken man speaking noisily and sloppily to someone at one of the tables. 

Indy wasn't sure what to do. It was obvious the man was inebriated, and she didn't want to anger him, but she also wanted him to go away. Deciding that it would be better for her to leave, she got up. 

"Aw come on, shug-a-r. Have wone liddle," he hiccupped, "drink wit me." He swayed from side to side trying to keep his balance. 

"No, thank you." 

"Now Henry, are you bothering this young woman?" A tall cowboy asked from behind her. 

She turned to see the stranger with a big bushy black mustache and matching sideburns. His brown Stetson hat sat firmly on his large head. Hazel eyes looked into hers and he smiled. 

"Naw, Bret. I'll...just go away." The drunkard stumbled back to the bar. No one wanted to get into a fight with Bret Stevens because his daddy practically ran the town, and with the right strings pulled, Bret could get anyone sent to jail or worse. 

At the bar, Tommy leaned into his friend. "She sure is pretty. Not from around here though." 

"Yeah." Was all Sean could say. This was the first time she saw the small blonde up close, and instantly knew it was the same woman who was working in the garden earlier that day at the old house. So this is my new neighbor. She thought to herself. 

"You're not going to start trouble, are you Sean?" He stared at her while she stared at the small woman. 

"No, no trouble." She stood up as she heard the woman firmly tell Bret she wasn't interested. "I'll see ya later, okay?" She commented to her friends and then walked off out the door. 

Tommy figured this would happen. Knowing his best friend was immediately interested; he chuckled and shook his head. With a wink towards Joe at their friend's behavior, they continued their conversation. 

A few minutes later Indy went to the parking lot. "Damn, I don't believe this." She declared. Indy kicked the flat tire and stomped back inside. Finding her target she stormed right up to him. "You bastard. How did you know what car I was driving? Just because you helped me earlier in getting that drunken guy to back down and I expressed that I don't want to go out with you doesn't mean you need to act like a grade school bully." 

The tall man looked at her and chuckled then returned to his beer. With his back to her, he said, "I guess you'll need to find a ride home. I'm sure I can give you one." 

"No thank you." She stated vehemently. She stomped back outside, and leaning against the Honda, she started to cry. "I'm already hating this place and I haven't even been here a whole day." She said into the night air. 

"It's too dark to change that tire, but I'd be happy to do it for you in the morning." The contralto voice gently said. 

Indy looked up at another tall figure. 

In the lamplight of the parking lot, Sean took off her black cowboy hat out of courtesy, revealing jet-black hair in a boyish style like Toby Maguire's. "My name is Sean." She extended a large hand. 

The small woman took it, and saw in the night's lights that the stranger's eyes were a deep blue. "My name is Indy. Thanks for the offer." She wiped her face of stray tears. "But how am I to get home now? I don't suppose the town has a cab service?" 

Sean smiled. "I can give you a ride, if you'd like?" 

Indy thought about it for a moment and figured it'd be okay since the offer was from a woman. "Okay, thanks." She was lead over to a shiny black Nissan Frontier pickup truck. "I don't remember the name of the road I live on, but I know how to get there." 

"That's okay, I know where to go." Instantly Sean realized that maybe she shouldn't have said that. 

"How do you know where I live?" 

"Um...I'm...your neighbor. Our properties are joined behind your place. I was out riding today and I heard the tiller, so being curious I saw you working on the garden. I was surprised because the place has been abandoned for three years already. I got used to no one being there, you know what I mean?" 

"That explains why I saw horse tracks in various places." 

"Must be from Midnight when I let her loose to wander. That was her original home. Mrs. Wicker was her owner until she offered to give the horse to me. She said she couldn't take care of Midnight anymore on account of her arthritis." 

"Did she die in that house?" 

"Actually no. Mrs. Wicker died in her sleep while visiting her children in California one holiday. So, did you get a good deal for the place?" 

"Oh, I didn't buy it. I'm just renting it for now. I'm not sure if I want to stay in this town --- or state even." 

Sean picked up on Indy's sudden sadness as she pulled into the driveway. 

"Thanks again. I do appreciate it." 

"No problem. What time would you like to get your car?" 

"Oh that's right. How about 8am? That way I can buy you breakfast to show my appreciation." 

"Sure thing." Sean responded with a smile. 

***************

Indy tossed and turned in the pre-dawn hours. The dream plaguing her mind would not let her be in peace. 

"Please don't. I won't do it again. I'm sorry mom. I didn't know." Another slap came across her face. 

"You filthy --- filthy girl. You're Satan's whore. How could you do this to me? You have shamed our family. I'm sending you to the convent and you better pray that there will be mercy on your soul from God because I won't be showing you any." Her mother yelled. 

Again a slap came across her face. "Please mom, ---- don't send me away. I'll be good." 

"No. I've had enough of you. Don't you know how hard it's been for me ever since your father died? I have been trying to raise you and put food on the table. I can't do everything Indiana. I'm calling the priest first thing in the morning. The whole house will need to be cleansed of your dirty deed." 

"Please mamma. I'll repent. I'll be good." She cried into her hands as she heard her mother stomp out of the room and slam the bedroom door behind her. 

Indy jumped up from the dream. Her heart was racing. She fought back a few tears as she decided to get up and go work in the garden to clear her mind. 

The early morning dew looked beautiful on the blades of rich green grass. The drops of moisture on the blades of grass tickled her bare feet as she walked to the garden. Only wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt, she returned to planting her vegetables. She thought back on the dream and also her conversations with Mother Terese. 

"I don't feel the same as the others. Does that mean I'll go to hell?" 

"No child. You forget that God is compassionate and loving. Just because your beliefs or concepts of what life holds for you differ from ours, only shows that we are individuals --- each of us with our own ideas." 

"You know why I was sent here, don't you?" 

"Yes child, I do." 

"Oh Mother Terese, I still have desires. Even if I beat myself they won't go away. I cannot live my life like this." 

"I understand." The older woman reached out grabbing smaller hands in her own. "You need to follow your heart Indy. As long as you do that and never harm another, you can be free. Your soul cannot live by the rules that have been set upon you. I am here at the convent because I love it here. I was drawn here from the very first day. This is where my heart belongs. You need to find where your heart belongs." 

Indy was suddenly shaken out of her reverie by a loud knock that came from the front of the house. She got up and sprinted around the house to the front. 

Seeing Sean get back into her truck, she called out to her. "Hey! Sean!" She reached the truck, and continued, "I'm sorry. I was out in the garden and lost track of time." She stood holding open the truck door and stared into ocean blue eyes. Her breath left her for a moment as she noticed all of the features of this beautiful woman that she didn't catch the night before. High cheekbones stood prominently on a tanned face. Muscles played along the strong neck when the tall figure swallowed. 

"Okay, I'll wait in the truck for you." Sean suggested. 

"No, come inside." She grabbed a large hand, and led her into the house. The feel of the warm callused hand made her shiver slightly. Shaking it off, she said, "If you'll just give me twenty minutes, I'll be ready." 

"Sure." 

"I haven't had a chance to finish unpacking and get all the furniture together, but you can have a seat at the kitchen table." 

Sean sat down and looked at the various boxes and pieces of furniture that still had bubble-wrap wrapped around it. Wanting to be of some help she opened a box containing a bookshelf, at least that's what the picture on the box showed. She pulled out all of the pieces and decided to start putting it together. 

When Indy returned freshly showered, she stood there watching the tall woman work. She noticed how graceful Sean moved, and the muscles that flexed along her forearms and neck. 

Feeling a pair of eyes on her, Sean looked over her shoulder and just about fell at the sight before her. Long strawberry blonde hair hung loosely past small shoulders. An olive green buttoned shirt was tucked neatly in a pair of brown pants, and brown shoes adorned small feet. There was little make-up on her face, only enough to accentuate her features. 

"You don't have to work on that." Indy commented with a smile. 

"Oh, I...um...just wanted to be of some help. I hope you don't mind me digging into your boxes." 

"Not at all. Shall we go eat?" 

"Yeah." 

*************** 

When they got to the car still sitting in the parking lot, Indy was upset to find that now all four tires were flattened. 

"I don't believe this. Is this how everyone in town gets treated when they turn someone's advances down?" 

"No. That's just the way Bret is. I'm sorry the tires are ruined. We'll need to get new ones, and I can get them on for you." 

Indy sighed. "No, no need to bother. It's a rental car. I'll just call the place and have them tow it away and charge me for the damages. I need to get my own vehicle anyway. I may as well start now. Do you know where the nearest dealership is, that I can walk to?" 

Sean folded her arms across her chest and gave her a raised eyebrow. "Come on, I know a place where you'll get a great deal. I'll drive you over." 

************************ 

The yellow Jeep Wrangler with the black hard top came to a halt in the driveway. Indy almost couldn't believe she now had her own car. She was so happy with the deal given to her, and was so grateful that Sean knew the owner of the dealership. She asked the tall woman over for dinner the next night because she felt buying breakfast wasn't enough of a 'thank you' for the tremendous kindness Sean had shown her. Plus secretly, she knew she wanted to be near Sean again. There were feelings stirring within her that had lied dormant for some time, only surfacing occasionally when a thought would cross her mind. But now these stirrings were becoming stronger. 

Digging into one of the boxes searching for her favorite cookbook, she started planning the meal. Then she got down to work with trying to make the house look presentable for tomorrow evening. 

************************ 

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

Indy opened the front door and smiled at the sight. There stood Sean in the blackest jeans imaginable with black cowboy boots, a white-buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a black cowboy hat. The silver buckle on the belt was not one of those large obnoxious ones. Instead it was a simple rectangle sporting the image of a horse that was soldered on to it. "Hi, come on in." 

Sean took off her hat, and stepping inside said, "You sure are looking beautiful." 

The young woman wore khaki slacks, and brown shoes with a denim blouse. Indy's face turned a shade of scarlet at the compliment. "Thanks. You look great yourself." 

Sean brought out from behind her back a bottle of Café Zinfandel and one white rose. 

"Goodness, thank you." Indy sniffed the rose's fragrance. "Hmm, it's beautiful. You know, a white rose stands for purity." She commented casually. 

"Yes... I...wanted you to know my intentions are...pure." 

Indy didn't quite know how to respond. Did this mean that Sean shares the liking Indy has for her? "Um...please have a seat. Dinner is ready." 

"Thanks. I see you've gotten yourself settled in." Sean remarked. 

"Yeah, I was getting tired of seeing boxes everywhere." She set two plates down on the table, and then took a seat. "Would you like to open the wine? I don't have an ice bucket, but I can fill this stainless steel bowl with ice. That should work, so that the wine stays slightly chilled." 

"Sure. The food looks great. You made all this?" 

Indy nodded. 

Sean took a bite and moaned. "Wow. This meat loaf is terrific. Hmm, and the mashed potatoes...is there garlic in here? Mmm the gravy is very tasty. Even the broccoli tastes great. It's not often I get to enjoy a home cooked meal." 

Indy giggled like a schoolgirl. She had never had anyone enjoy her cooking so much or even talk about it. "I'm glad you like it." 


Cowboy Girls



"Where did you learn how to cook like this?" 

"At the convent." She didn't realize she said it until it was too late to take it back. 

Sean cocked her head, and Indy could see the question forming on her face by the frown and look in her eyes. 

"Yes, I lived in a convent." The young woman responded before Sean opened her mouth. 

"How long?" 

"Ten years." 

"Were you a nun?" Sean questioned gently. 

"No." 

"Then why...?" 

"Let's talk about something else." Indy quickly said as she moved a blonde lock of hair behind her ear. 

"Okay. Sorry, didn't mean to..." 

"It's okay. So, what do you do?" 

Sean wished they could have stayed on the topic. She wanted to understand this little spitfire. "I...own a horse ranch." 

"Really? I've always wanted to learn how to ride, but I'm scared that if the horse doesn't like me then I'll get thrown off." 

Sean laughed. "You have to be a really bad person for a horse not to like you. Usually horses are rather docile and tame. It's people who turn the horses mean or constantly frightened." 

"Does your ranch offer riding lessons?" Indy asked as she took the last bite of mashed potatoes. 

"No, but if you'd like, I'd be happy to teach you." 

*************

The moon hung high in the starlit sky as the two women stood on the back porch stargazing. Their shoulders lightly touched as Sean pointed out the various constellations. Each time contact was made, a tingling sensation shot through Indy's body. 

At one point, Sean gently and smoothly put her arm around small shoulders as she had Indy follow her finger tracing the outline of the constellation of Hercules. Suddenly the two women found themselves gazing not at the stars but into each other's eyes. 

"It's late." Sean mentioned. "I guess I should be going." There was no response from the small woman, so she continued. "The day after tomorrow, why don't you come by the ranch and we'll start your lessons." 

"Okay." Indy breathed out. 

Neither one stepped out of the closeness. The tall woman felt it would be fine to place a simple chaste kiss on scarlet lips, so she leaned down and pressed her lips to Indy's. "Thank you for dinner. It was terrific." She watched as Indy suddenly placed small fingers on the lips that were just kissed. Sean smiled and walked away. 

Stunned, Indy didn't realize she was standing there alone with her hand up to her mouth until she heard the roar of the truck pull out of the drive. She ran to the front of the house only to see the red taillights recede into the darkness. An errant tear surfaced but she pushed it back down as she heard her mother in the background. 

"You filthy girl. How could you do this?" 

**********

The late morning sun shone brightly in the eastern sky. It was a warm breezy day, a good day for riding. Indy stood at the edge of the corral leaning against the wooden fence and watched a dozen horses run freely through the field. They seemed to be having a wonderful time. Manes blew in the wind and powerful muscles flexed as hooves pounded the ground below. 

"Howdy." A voice from behind came to her ears. 

Turning around, she smiled at the tall cowboy. "Hi." 

"I'm glad you came. Are you ready to learn how to ride a horse?" Sean announced with excitement. She led the young woman to the stable where they came across Midnight. 

"She is so beautiful. Her name suits her." Indy voiced in astonishment. "Am I riding her?" 

Sean smiled and said, "We are riding her." She opened the gate and placing a blanket on the filly's back, she hoisted the saddle up. "For the very first lesson, it would be good to ride with someone. It will help ease any tensions you have, and you'll get a feel for how the horse responds to you. Midnight is the tamest and the smartest. She's a great horse for beginners." 

Outside, Sean brought a wooden crate over for Indy to use as a step to help getting up on the tall creature. "Okay, first put your foot in the stirrup and grab the saddle horn. You're going to push yourself up, bring your other leg over and settle into the seat. Now, don't worry. She's not going to move. Plus I'll be holding the bridle." 

Indy looked up at the tall raven horse, and gulped. Stepping up onto the crate, she touched the side of the saddle. The leather felt cool and warm at the same time. She hesitated as she saw how much further up she had to go to get on. 

"It's okay, Indy. I'm holding her." Sean reassured. 

Gathering her courage, she quickly hoisted herself up and settled down, then let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. She looked around noticing how far away from the ground she was. 

"Great. Okay, now I'm going to climb up behind you." In the blink of an eye, Sean vaulted herself up from behind the animal. 

The young woman immediately felt the closeness of bodies touching. She was unintentionally pushed up against the saddle horn, and it began to get uncomfortable at the juncture of her legs. 

"How are you doing?" Sean asked. 

"Um...." Indy bit her bottom lip trying to think of the best way to say it. "I...uh...think I'm too close to this horn." 

Sean looked over the small shoulder. "I see," she slid back a couple of inches, and then said, "okay scoot back." She then wrapped an arm around a slim waist holding Indy close. "Better?" 

"Uh huh." Indy wasn't sure she would survive this lesson. There were so many things she was feeling, and she didn't have the time to process it all. She heard Sean give her instructions of what to do next, and before she knew it, they were off at a comfortable trot up the hill. 

The women had a wonderful time on their ride. They soon got used to each other's closeness when they realized how well there bodies molded to one another. Indy felt protected with such strong arms around her. And those large hands that covered her own most of the time, as Sean showed her how to guide and tug on the reigns so Midnight understood what she wanted, made the butterflies in her stomach flutter. 

They wound up a long ways from the ranch, and it gave Indy the opportunity to see the beauty of the countryside. As the evening sun began to set over the ravine, they watched the fiery orange ball make its disappearance. 

Sean leaned close to her ear, and softly requested, "Please tell me about your time at the convent?" 

Indy shivered. Once again it was in reaction to the warm breath that caressed her ear. She had grown to really enjoy the tall cowboy's company, and she knew that there was an evident attraction to this woman --- even though she tried to deny it. "Well...I guess I should start with why I was sent there." This was the first time she would voice the past ten years of her life. Grateful that Sean wouldn't see her face, she conceded to tell the tale. 

"I was fifteen years old. My father had died a year before from an unrecognized brain tumor. My mother practically had a nervous breakdown from his death. She had to find a job, and she was left with the burden of paying bills he had left behind. And then there was me. I was obviously still going through puberty, and I had found myself strangely not at all giddy over boys like the rest of the girls my age were. I used to get tired of hearing them talk about boys and dating that I didn't hang out with them any longer. When the new school year started, a new girl had arrived and she was in my homeroom. I befriended her but also noticed that no one else wanted to but I couldn't understand why. I remember she was very quiet, her hair was cut very short and she wore boys' clothes. We became good friends, and I thought it was great because we didn't talk about boys. We just didn't care. I asked her one day why she always dressed like a boy, and she said, 'Because I'm different.' 

"I didn't quite understand and asked her to explain. She said that her feelings and way of thinking were more in tune with a boy's. Frilly lace and pink colors were not for her. She said she liked the same things that boys liked. So I asked her if that also meant that she liked girls, and she nodded. We didn't talk about it again, but I thought about it for a long time. You see, I was noticing how different I felt than all of the other girls, and I began to think that maybe Toni and I had something in common. But I didn't have a desire to cut my hair or dress like a boy. I mean I loved wearing jeans and sweatpants but I also liked being in a dress and looking pretty." 

"Well, one day after school, Toni came by so we could study together for our upcoming math exam. We were lying on my bed on our stomachs with our heads buried in our textbooks when I asked her out of the blue, 'Do you like me?' She nodded. 'No, I mean more than...maybe...a friend?' She nodded again as she gazed into my eyes. 'Well how come you haven't said anything?' I asked. And she said, 'I didn't want to scare you away and lose your friendship.' 

"We laid there staring at each other for a long time in silence before I finally said something. 'Do you think... you would like to kiss me?' She nodded and moved closer. Slowly and gently she pressed her lips to mine and it felt...wonderful. She pulled back to look at me again, and said, 'You're very pretty.' 

"I touched the side of her face before she pressed her lips to mine again, and then our mouths opened and tongues touched. I felt like I was melting because it felt so good. 

"Then without notice, my mother walked into the room. Seeing us like that, she screamed and began to spout curses on Toni. She chased her out of the room. I was so shocked I didn't know what to do. I didn't understand why she was upset. When she returned, she slapped me, and proceeded to do it a few times. Then she started to beat me, and scream that I was the devil's child. 

"I begged her to stop. Told her I was sorry, but she didn't care. She called me such horrible things and said I was filthy and that I would go to hell. Finally she said she was sending me to the convent in the hopes that God would have mercy on my soul and forgive me because she never would. 

"So I was sent off the very next day. I never did see Toni again, nor did I ever see my mom. The priest was cruel to me. He consistently told me I was Satan's evil seed and would hit me with a switch. The nuns didn't do anything because they feared him and the church. But after almost a year he died of a heart attack. It was at that time that Mother Terese befriended me. She had taken notice of his cruelty and the marks I had on my back and arms. I grew to trust her and I finally broke down one day and told her that my feelings didn't stop. I didn't know what to do. I was depressed and in complete turmoil. I couldn't go into detail with Mother Terese but I think she understood where I didn't fill in the pieces. 

"When I turned twenty-one, Mother Terese informed me that I could go if I wanted --- that I was not bound to stay at the convent. I needed time to think because I had not seen the outside world for six years. She said I could take as long as I needed. Well it took me another four years. I was frightened. Frightened of what was out there. And I didn't want to face my mother. I hated her for doing this to me. So, I stayed and worked out some kind of plan of where I would go, how I would live, and what I would do. I mean...I had no skills. Cooking, cleaning, and gardening are all I knew from the convent, and those are not my ideas of a career. 

"During the course of those four years, my mother died. I didn't even bother attending the funeral, and that was very difficult for me. Ya see, before my father died, my mother was happy and loving, but after his death, it seemed a part of her died too. She was not the same person I knew as a child. So, I struggled with wanting and not wanting to be at the funeral. But of course, as I said, I didn't go. She had her sister take care of everything, and my nephew received the inheritance --- everything. On my twenty-fifth birthday, the convent received a letter announcing that my uncle on my father's side had died, and that I was to receive his entire estate. I was shocked at best. I was flown out to Florida for four days where I met with the lawyer who told me so much about an uncle who I barely knew. In his will, he advised me to sell his mansion, pool all of the money together and live out a new life --- the life that my mother did not allow. 

"I came to find out that my uncle was gay. Unfortunately I only remember bits and pieces of his visits and how much fun he was when he was there. I wished I had him near when I was sent away. Maybe things would have turned out differently. Anyway, from what he left me, he provided me with the needed money to leave the convent and start anew. I knew then what I wanted to do with my life." 

She paused as she wiped at her tear stricken face. 

"And what are you going to do, Indy?" Sean asked gently. 

"I'm going to write an autobiography. I want every teenage boy and girl out there who feels differently from everyone else to know that there is hope for them. I don't want them to go through what I did. They should be allowed to experience life, and they need to seek family and/or friends who will accept them and perhaps who are like-minded." She broke down as the tears took over. 

Sean wrapped her arms around the small blonde and pressed her face to the side of Indy's head. "I think that's a great idea." She gently took the reigns and ushered Midnight to head back to the ranch. As the mare trotted at a slow smooth and even pace, Sean just held the young woman against her body. 

Indy didn't realize that they had returned until she smelled the hay and other horses in the stable. What she did recall is how it felt to be held in Sean's arms, and be kissed several times at various intervals on the side of the head while Sean hummed a beautiful soothing tune in her ear. 

"Are you ready to get down?" The dark woman softly asked. 

Indy nodded, and then felt the absence of the body behind hers. She saw Sean reach out her arms to assist Indy off the horse. Once she was on solid ground again, her knees gave out but Sean was quick to hold her up. 

"Whoa there. Legs rubbery? Don't worry, it happens to new riders." She slowly led the young woman to a bail of hay so she could sit. "Relax a while here while I tend to Midnight, and get her settled and fed." 

Indy looked up into the early night sky feeling like a heavy burden had been lifted off of her shoulders. She didn't quite understand why she felt so comfortable with this quiet cowboy, but it felt good --- almost like they've known each other for years. 

"Are you hungry?" Sean asked when she returned. "The boys have themselves a barbecue out back. I'd like to introduce you to an awesome bunch of guys." 

"Sure." She took Sean's offered hand and followed her to the other side of the stables. A roaring fire lit up the area, and a few feet away was a huge covered barbecue. Smoke rose from it, and Indy could smell the tantalizing meat that was cooking. As they neared the group, she recognized some of the men from earlier when they were in the corral roping the horses and training them. 

"Howdy fellas!" Sean announced. 

In unison they greeted her. 

"This is Indy. She's living at old Mrs. Wicker's place." 

"Howdy Indy." They all said. 

She smiled at how cute it came across, and then commented with a quick wave, "Hello everyone." 

Sean continued to hold her hand, and led her face to face with a tall broad and muscular blond. "Indy, this is Tommy. He's my best buddy. Tommy, this is Indy." 

"Howdy Miss." He said with a huge grin as he tipped his brown cowboy hat. 

"Hi, nice to meet you Tommy." She answered in return. 

During the course of the night, Indy got to learn a lot about riding and raising horses. The men were very kind and respectable both to her and Sean. It was nice to see the camaraderie between them and how they joked openly with each other. She also was able to learn a lot from Tommy about Sean, much to the dark woman's embarrassment, while she ate more than her share of ribs and steak sandwiches and potato salad. 

At the night's end, Sean walked Indy to her door as the festivities came to a close. Facing each other, Sean took both small hands within her own. "Thank you for telling me your story. I'm sorry you had to experience such things." 

Indy nodded her acknowledgment. "Thank you for the riding lesson, and for listening and comforting me, and for a lovely barbecue." 

The tall woman smiled, and then slowly leaned down to kiss her lips. Lingering there a moment, mouths suddenly opened allowing tongues to briefly touch before Indy pulled away. 

"Um...goodnight." She said abruptly. 

Blue eyes searched her face wondering what was wrong. Finally Sean conceded in bidding the small blonde a good night. 

*************

Two days passed without a visit or riding lesson. Sean was busy with the ranch, and also felt that it would be good to let the young woman process all of the feelings she revealed to Sean the other day. She went into the barn to check on the horses and sensed that Midnight was acting fidgety. Patting the horse down, she says, "Hey girl, feeling restless?" 

The horse turned a shiny black eye toward her and huffed, almost nodding her head to say, yes. 

"Maybe I should take you for a run, huh? Maybe that'll do us both some good." Taking the horse out of the stall, she grabbed the blanket to put on the horse and then the saddle. They went for a run through their favorite field. Sean pushed the mare onward as the trees whipped past them in a flash. Afterwards, she decided to let Midnight wander for a while as she took her usual nap under her favorite shady tree. 

Almost an hour had passed when the black horse strayed off through the forest and back onto the familiar ground that she had known for years. When she neared the house, she whinnied. 

Indy looked up from watering the garden. "Hello Midnight." She called out gently. "What are you doing here?" 

The horse nodded emphatically and continued to stare at her. 

Turning off the hose, the young woman slowly stepped up to the horse with an outstretched hand. Once she felt the horse was comfortable, she rubbed the long snout. "Hey girl, where's your rider?" 

Midnight whinnied again and then took off through the trees. 

Indy followed, and within minutes she found the long sleeping form under a tree near the brook. Kneeling down next to her, she gently lifted the black cowboy hat from off Sean's face. In the blink of an eye, she was tackled and on her back. 

Azure eyes bore into sea green as large hands pinned her opponent down. 

"I'm sorry. I...didn't mean...to startle you." Indy said with surprise, and then suddenly felt a pleasurable sensation from being under the weight of the dark woman. 

Sean looked down a succulent neck and into an ample amount of cleavage showing. Noticing the rise in heartbeat and the breathing, she looked back into green pools searching for a sign. The tension grew thick between them, and then lips softly brushed against each other. Feeling Indy was being receptive Sean deepened the kiss. 

Images of her kissing Toni on her bed flooded her mind, and Indy panicked. She tried to push the tall woman off of her, but Sean was stronger. The small struggle excited the both of them and they melted back into kissing. Tongues danced together, and Indy moaned. When they finally broke for air, Sean smiled into emerald eyes. Then in a flash, she was slapped across a cheek and pushed off. 

They stared at each other in astonishment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean...." Indy couldn't find the words, because she didn't understand why she had slapped her, so she quickly got up and ran. The incident had left her scared and excited at the same time. 




Cowboy Girls



Sean couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head. Instead of the slap making her angry, it invigorated her to search for Indy. She followed, and found the small blonde kneeling at the garden's edge with her hands in the soil. She knelt behind her placing large hands upon her back. 

Indy stiffened but didn't say a word. She felt the hands slide up to her shoulders then down her arms. Keenly aware of the body pressed up against hers, she grew afraid because she could feel the passion emanating between them. 

Sean whispered, "If you want me to go away, then just tell me." She lightly brushed the tip of her nose on the edge of a small ear causing the woman to shiver. 

In a panicked stated of mind, Indy shouted, "I'm scared...scared that I might go to hell." 

Sean held still, and then gently said, "Indy, your mom is not here, and there is no priest ready to beat you. People who love, seek love, and make love do not go to hell. Remember that God gave us sex." She got up and brought Indy with her. "When you're ready, I'll be here. I really like you, and I'll wait if need be." With that, she walked away. 

Indy didn't know what to do. The sexual feelings excited her beyond measure, but she felt she was still ruled by her mother and the church. In her anger, she screamed and punched the dirt as hard as she could. The dam of her emotions broke, and she cried uncontrollably. 

Through the trees, Sean heard the young woman, and her heart saddened. 

************

The week went by without an exchange of words from either of them. Indy didn't go into town at all because she didn't want to chance running into Sean. Her nightmares plagued her each night, and by day she had her flashbacks of life in the convent. Mother Terese was the only friend she had --- the only one who seemed to be the most humane and kindhearted. 

"Follow your heart, Indy." 

Those were the last words she heard from the older nun when she said her goodbye to the convent. Exhausted from the emotional drama, Indy sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea listening to one of the very few artists she had once heard of and grown to really like. A particular song caught her attention and her mind drifted into the meaning behind it. The one phrase that stuck in her mind from that song was, "it is a lovely thing that we have, the animal instinct".

The song faded, and Indy wiped a tear from her cheek as she remembered a particular late night conversation she had with Mother Terese. 

It had been two hours after lights out but Indy couldn't sleep. Donning a robe, she quietly left her room. There was not a sound in the darkened halls. Small bare feet padded their way on the runner and out through the side door leading to the garden. In the moonlight, she walked amongst the fragrant flowers completely in her own thoughts until a voice made itself known. 

"What are you doing out here at this time, child?" Mother Terese gently asked. 

Startled, Indy stopped. "I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep." 

"No need to apologize. Each of us needs to do something when we cannot sleep. Come here." She said with a soft kind smile. 

Indy took a seat next to her on the bench near the rose bush. "You can't sleep either?" She asked lightheartedly. 

The older woman chuckled. "No, dear, I was out here praying. So, why is it you're having trouble sleeping?" 

"Well...um...just thinking about where I'm going to live." 

"And what else?" Her soft brown eyes had always revealed such tenderness and patience. 

"Um...well...those feelings and...ideas are weighing down on me again." 

There was a long pause before Mother Terese spoke. "Have you ever watched animals, Indy?" 

"What do you mean?" 

"Have you ever seen how the birds or the monkeys or cats, how they seek companionship?" 

Indy shook her head. 

"Animals may come together to procreate, but it's only at certain times, you know, when the time is right. But the rest of the time, these same animals will seek companionship with each other and it doesn't have to be the opposite sex. Indy, God does not discriminate. If he doesn't condemn the animals that happen to keep companionship with the same sex, then why would God condemn humans? Do you understand?" 

Indy only nodded because she felt too emotional to answer out loud. 

"Follow your heart Indy. You have an instinct for companionship. It's okay to follow it." 

In that instant, at the kitchen table, the young blonde finally understood. She knew what she needed --- what she wanted. 

***************

The late afternoon sun began to drop down over the horizon. Indy cradled the gift in her arms as she made her way through the forest. Not bothering to think how she would make it back once it got dark, her mind was set on a one-way journey. She came upon the grassy field, and smiled at how beautiful it all looked. Once she was over the small hill, she saw her destination in the distance. 

There were a few horses galloping nearby in an enclosed area. Two cowboys with lassos were getting ready to bring the horses into the stable for the night, and they kindly greeted her with a tip of their hats. 

The log cabin was in the distance just beyond the stable area. She continued her trek and felt her heartbeat quicken as she neared it. Now suddenly Indy felt like she was walking in a thick fog. All sound ceased. Everything moved in slow motion. She didn't realize she was at the door until it swung open to reveal a tall muscled blond. 

"Howdy Indy. How are ya?" The man said in his deep baritone voice with a twinkle in his hazel eyes. "Come on in." 

Indy was dumbfounded and speech failed her. What am I doing here? She thought to herself. 

"Who is it?" Sean asked as she came to the door while pulling on a navy buttoned shirt over her tank top. 

The three of them just looked at each other until finally Tommy broke the silence. "Well, I'm going to leave." He looked to his best friend, and said, "Give me a call later." And then he walked out. 

Indy stepped into the living room. The silence hit again. She cradled the object in her arms closer, as if it was a child's security blanket. 

Sean gestured for the young woman to have a seat, but it was not taken. 

"I..." Indy wasn't sure how to begin saying something --- anything. "I...um...brought this for you." She mumbled as it was gently taken from her hands. "It's apple. I...hope you like...apple. Sorry I sort of smashed it." 

"Did you make it?" 

The small woman only nodded. 

"No one's ever baked me a pie before. I'll put it in the kitchen." Sean walked away, and pausing at the counter, she let out a huge sigh wondering what to do. They hadn't spoken to each other for some time, and the young woman still had not indicated what she wanted. Sean turned around to return to her guest, and practically bumped into Indy who apparently crept up behind her. 

Emerald green met sapphire blue. Indy quickly leaned forward and captured the tall woman's lips in a searing kiss. When they broke away, Sean softly asked, "Are you going to run off again?" 

"No." She responded sheepishly. "I'm sorry about the other day. I...got scared." Indy realized Sean was about to say something but halted her with two gentle fingers on her lips. "Please...I have had plenty of time to think. I've...struggled for...so many years, and...I can't keep on like this. I...I...think...I...damn." She was flustered and it was evident on her face. 

Sean leaned down to kiss her gently, and Indy melted into that kiss without resistance. Small hands reached up to take purchase in short black silky hair. The tall woman then moved down to Indy's neck, nipping it gently and eliciting moans from her. 

"Yesss Sean...please." Jolts of electricity coursed through her body. The mouth at the juncture of her neck and shoulder felt wonderful and she didn't want any of it to end. 

"What do you want Indy?" She whispered as her nose caressed the outer edge of a small ear. 

The young blonde was sure her eyes rolled back into her head with the sensations. In her rising passion, she said, "I want you to be...my first." 

Ocean blue eyes locked onto sea green. Sean then took her hand and led her down the hall and into the bedroom. As they faced each other, the tall cowboy brushed a blonde lock of hair behind Indy's ear, and that same finger gently stroked her cheek. "If...at anytime...you want me to stop...just say so and...I will." 

Indy slowly nodded as nervousness began to creep in. But then her lips were seized, and as tongues danced she relaxed once again. Slowly and with as much tenderness as possible, her shirt slid off her shoulders. Next she felt the nimble fingers deftly undo her jeans. Pulling her lips away for a moment, she nervously asked, "What should I do?" 

Sean looked at her with a sweet smile. "Follow your heart. There isn't anything that would be wrong. Whatever you feel like doing, just go ahead with it." She gently pushed the jeans down, and gazed at the exposed creamy flesh. "You are divine." 

The phrase that continued to run through Indy's mind was the one line of the song that encompassed everything at this moment. It is a lovely thing, the animal instinct in me. She reached out to slide off Sean's shirt, and then slid her hands up muscular arms. The fine downy hairs she encountered sent tingles up her spine. 

Sean bent and picked her up, catching Indy by surprise. The young blonde held on with arms wrapped around the tall cowboy's neck. She was laid onto the bed, and Sean lay next to her propped up on one arm. 

They kissed again, sweetly this time like they had not a care in the world. Sean worked her way down an alabaster neck kissing and nibbling every inch of flesh. She unclasped the white cotton bra, and Indy helped getting it off freeing the full sized globes. Sapphire eyes gazed at the flawlessness of them and then looked into fiery green eyes. "You're so beautiful." 

Indy smiled shyly, and then tugged on Sean's tank top. Soon the shirt hit the floor along with the sports bra. Indy had never seen another woman's breasts. She was captivated by the smallness of them compared to hers, and the color of the aureoles being a light shade of brown where as hers were pink. In her revelry, she was caught unawares when fingers began to roll and squeeze her erect nipples causing a wave of electric pleasure to hit her core and making her back arch. 

Now that the nipples were harder and aching, Sean flicked it with her tongue eliciting further moans from the young blonde. 

All of her senses, all of her pleasure was focused on her nipples alone, and Indy could not think of anything else. That mouth on her breasts and those fingers stroking her flesh were driving her insane with need. But what was this need? Indy wanted to understand what her body was doing but it was hard to concentrate. 

Sean continued on her trek downward. Indy was somewhat disappointed when her breasts were no longer given attention, but her curiosity got the better of her when she felt Sean move down to her thighs, and remove her lavender cotton panties. 

"Spread your legs for me." Sean gently requested. 

"What are you going to do?" She asked nervously. 

Sean smiled and said, "I'm going to lick your pussy." 

"But..." Wide green eyes just looked dumfounded. "Isn't that...?" 

Sean chuckled. "Remember, there's nothing that is wrong." 

Indy slowly nodded in bewilderment. When she did as requested, she carefully watched Sean approach her reddish curls. They did not break eye contact until a long tongue snaked out along Indy's slit. She shuddered upon the contact at her center. A tension was building in her belly, and she wasn't sure how to deal with it. She felt that wet muscle work its way between her lips and directly to her hole. Going on instinct and pleasure alone, she bent her knees up and spread her legs further apart. When Sean's tongue stroked her bundle of nerves, she braced her heels on the mattress and pushed hips upward desiring more contact. 

Sean was floored by the amount of juices seeping out of this woman. It excited her to know she was causing this, and with that she could feel her own wetness on her briefs. 

The pressure in her lower regions was threatening to explode. Indy never imagined anything feeling quite so wonderful. She thought she would die from the ecstasy alone. "Ohhh...ohh Sean...what do...what's happening?" 

The cowboy just now realized that not only was Indy a virgin, physically, but she was also one psychologically. All those years in a convent, she had absolutely no clue what was taking place. Sean mentally chastised herself for not talking to Indy first about the things that could happen. She slowed down her ministrations, as a thumb replaced what her tongue was doing. "Just let go, Indy. I want you to let out the much-needed release your body craves, okay? I want you to come for me." 

Indy quickly nodded, and gripped the sheets in small fists as the tongue returned to its task. She felt her body tensing up, and she knew she was holding her breath. Not knowing how else to let this release take place, she felt compelled to scream. And that's what she did, she let out her first scream as her hips flew off the bed. As she came back down, Sean crawled up and held her. 

After she had enough time to catch her breath, they kissed. Indy noticed immediately the difference in the taste of that kiss. She pulled away looking at the wetness around Sean's mouth and chin. 

"What's wrong?" Sean asked. 

Using her thumb, Indy wiped at some of the wetness she saw, and then tentatively stuck the thumb in her mouth. It was sweet and salty at the same time and very creamy. She frowned wondering if she liked it, and finally decided that she did. 

"It's your cunny juice." Sean supplied with a smile. 

"Does yours taste the same?" 

Sean laughed. "Um...maybe. But overall everyone's taste is just a little different." 

With a sly smirk, Indy licked away the rest of it off Sean's face. 

They kissed again as long fingers worked their way towards Indy's pussy. "Indy, I'm going to slide my fingers inside you. It will hurt at first until..." 

"I know, until the membrane splits. That's the only thing I've ever known." She commented sadly. 

"We don't have to..." 

"No, I want to. I want you to be the one." Emerald green eyes gazed into ocean blue. "I'm scared, but only because I don't know how badly it's going to hurt." 

Sean let out a breath, and tenderly said, "It's different for everyone. For some it could be like a pin prick and for others...not." 

"Am I going to bleed a lot?" 

"Well, that also is different for everyone." 

"I see." She bit her bottom lip then let out a sigh. "Shouldn't we put a towel or something down so I don't ruin your sheets?" 

"We can, if you want." She got up and retrieved the very item from the bathroom. Folding it in half, she tucked it under Indy's hips. "There, better?" She received a nod, and then she decided to remove her jeans. 

"Do you always wear men's underwear?" Indy shyly asked. 

Sean smiled as she stood there in black Hanes boxer briefs. "Yep. They're the most comfortable. Plus it's sexy when I have a strap-on." 

"A strap-on? What's that?" 

"Oh." That's right Sean, remember, she's been shut in for half her life. "Um...never mind, I'll tell you later." She returned to her position next to Indy. They exchanged languid kisses until the kisses became heated. She slid long fingers through the downy curls and lightly stroked an erect nub. 

Indy's hips began to move of their own accord. 

Fingers coated in the young woman's essence slipped into her up to the last knuckle. The small body tensed harshly and Indy let out a scream of pain, but the membrane was still in tact. 

"God...it hurts...ow, stop!" Indy ground out between gritted teeth. 

"Okay, okay." Sean removed her fingers, and hugged the small blonde to her. She bestowed gentle kisses along Indy's face. 

"Why isn't it over? Why didn't it break? Is something wrong with me?" 

"Shh, don't talk like that." Sean gently stated. "There are rare occasions where a woman happens to have her virginal veil intact rather tightly. I don't know why that happens. We can try something different, if you're up to it." She stroked Indy's cheeks tenderly. 

"Umm...alright, but it's going to really hurt, isn't it?" 

"Well...I don't want to lie to you, but I promise, once it's over you'll be just fine." The tall woman got up and went to the bathroom. 

Indy lay there wondering what was going to happen. She thought this was only going to hurt for a second and it would all be over. But she just had to be a part of that very small percentage of women who happen to have it more difficult. She hadn't expected it to hurt so much, and even though Sean pulled out rather quick, that short period of pain was intense. 

Sean returned wearing something between her legs and lay back on the bed. Indy just stared as she bit her bottom lip. The apparatus looked like a man's penis. It was flesh colored, but a leather harness of some sort attached it. 

"This is a strap-on. Or some just say a dildo and harness." 

"It looks big." 

Sean chuckled. "It's regular size. Honest. The big one is in the drawer." 

"They come bigger than that?!?" Indy questioned in disbelief. "It doesn't look like it will fit. Is it going to tear me?" 

"No, it won't tear you." She cupped her cheek tenderly. "It will stretch you, yes, and it may take some time for you to get used to it, but afterwards it's going to feel really good." 

"As good as your tongue?" Indy questioned as a shade of scarlet crept up her cheeks. 

Sean smiled again, and nodded. 

"Well...okay." 

"Alright, let's get a pillow underneath you first. It'll raise your hips and make it more comfortable." She grabbed the pillow, put the towel over it, and guided Indy's hips onto it. Kneeling between her bent legs, Sean poured a generous amount of lube into her palm and rubbed it along the shaft of the cock. "This is lubrication. It works like your juices to make for a smooth and pleasurable entry, but it doesn't taste as good as you." She gave Indy a sly smirk and a wiggle of her eyebrows. "I'm using it because I want this to be the least uncomfortable as possible for you. Okay?" 

Indy nodded as she continued to watch. Sean then rubbed what was left in her hand onto Indy's pussy. 

The small woman closed her eyes and moaned. "That feels nice." 

"I promise, I'll make you feel terrific in the end." Sean commented as she guided the head of the cock to Indy's opening. Inserting just the tip of the head, she paused and bent forward to kiss her tenderly. She moved down a bit to suckle her nipples in order to ignite Indy's passion again. Once she felt the small woman respond and move her hips, Sean drove the cock into her, and then stopped. 

Indy screamed out in pain once again, louder this time as her body reacted to the invasion by tensing up. Her face scrunched and she held her breath trying to brace herself. The force of it all happened so suddenly that she began to cry out loud. 

Sean's heart hurt for her. She didn't want to cause such pain, but also knew there was no way to avoid it. Gently, she wiped Indy's face and kissed away her tears. "I'm sorry baby. I'm sorry it hurts." 

Indy held onto her tightly as she continued to cry out her agony. 

"Do you want me to stop? I'll do it. Just tell me." She said softly. 

"No...just...hold me." Indy requested as she continued to cry. 

"Of course. Anything you want." They stayed in that position until Indy was calm once again. Sean then suckled her neck and gently twisted hard pink nipples. She felt some movement underneath her, so she looked into sea green eyes. "Better?" 




Cowboy Girls



"Hmm, yes." The fullness between her legs was no longer discomforting. In fact, she noticed as her hips began to move involuntarily, that it felt nice. 

Sean slowly pulled almost all the way out, and then slowly pushed back in. She did that a few times, carefully watching Indy's expression as she gradually picked up the pace. Her own passions were once again inflamed as the base of the dildo rubbed up against her clit nicely. 

These new sensations made the young woman's lower regions tighten as before. Indy loved the feel of Sean's weight on top of her, and all the activity between their legs was making her blood boil. 

"Wrap your legs around my waist baby." Sean requested. 

Indy complied and then groaned loudly as the cock began to hit a particularly sensitive spot. "Ohhh Sean...ohhh." The delicious friction and filling of her pussy was exciting beyond measure. Indy was sure she would pass out from the pleasure of it all. She pulled the tall woman down for a searing kiss before she exploded in ecstasy. "O-h-h-h.........g-o-d!" 

Sean followed the young woman in her own release, and they rode out the waves together. 

Spent and satisfied, they lay without moving. Then Sean gently pulled out, unbuckled the harness, and wrapped everything in the towel placing it on the floor. Rolling back over, she took Indy in her arms and kissed her sweetly before they settled in to sleep. 

"What about you?" Indy whispered. 

"Hmm?" 

"I want to give you pleasure too." 

Sean hugged her and said, "But you did." 

"How?" 

"Well for one, just watching you in the throes of passion was a big turn on, and also the base of the dildo caused friction on my clit when we were... in motion. My orgasm came directly behind yours." 

"Oh." She thought about it for a moment, recalling the sounds coming from Sean's mouth when her own release shot out. Then she remembered her first orgasm. "But...I want to taste you too." 

Sean chuckled. "You will. But we'll rest now. There's no need to rush. We have all night." 

"You mean we can do this again?" 

"Of course. As many times as we want. And it won't hurt ever again." She kissed her softly and nuzzled her nose. 

They fell asleep without any further thought, only contentment on their faces. 

**************

They were kissing, and fondling one another. Everything felt so good to Indy's senses. She didn't want it to ever end. Suddenly, the door burst open, and then a scream of anger filled the room. 

"How could you? You filthy girl. You're the devil's child." Her mother yelled. 

Indy stared in shock, and then the slap came across her face. "I'm sorry mamma. I didn't know. I'm sorry. Please..." She saw the hand poised for another slap but it never came. 

"You have no right to treat her like this. How dare you call your own flesh and blood the devil's spawn? If that were the case, then you yourself have fucked the devil." The voice said. 

Indy turned around expecting to see Toni, but instead saw stormy blue eyes set in a face of anger belonging to Sean. 

The tall cowboy pulled Indy into her arms protectively. "She is no longer under your rule. Indy is now her own person." 

Stunned beyond measure, the mother did not say a word. Indy watched as her mother faded away into nothing. She turned in the arms around her waist and buried her face in Sean's chest. 

**************** 

Sea green eyes shot open, and she remembered where she was. She felt the steady heartbeat below her cheek and the warm breath on her forehead. Propping herself up, she gazed into those same blue eyes. 

"Did you just dream...?" Sean began to ask. 

Indy nodded. "Yes, about mother." 

Sean frowned. "How? I...I've never been in someone's dream before." 

"I don't understand it myself. But...thank you." 

"Sure...I guess." Sean gave her a smile and then caressed her cheek. 

As Indy moved to better position herself, she felt something sticky and gross at her nether regions. Pushing the sheet aside, she gasped at what was found. "Oh no." 

Sean quickly sat up. "What is it?" 

Indy couldn't speak. She just moved the sheet back for Sean to see. 

The tall woman took her within strong arms, and held her. "Indy, it's okay. It's just blood, and probably some lube. It'll wash off." 

"I've ruined your sheets. I'm sorry." 

"Don't worry about it. It's not a problem. I can wash them, or even get new ones." She placed a kiss upon a strawberry blonde crown. "How do you feel, otherwise?" 

"Well..." She smiled shyly as she recalled the pleasure she experienced earlier. "I feel great." 

Sean caressed a small ear with her lips, and then whispered. "How about we take a shower?" 

Indy was quickly realizing how much she enjoyed the attention given to her ears. They were such innocent gestures that made her stomach do flips. "Um...you mean together?" 

"Mmm hmm." Sean lightly licked the outer edge of the ear, moving down to the lobe where she took it between her teeth and flicked her tongue on it. She then nipped the area just below the ear. 

Indy's body shivered at the ministrations. "Mmmmm.... Uh okay." 

**************** 

After thoroughly washing each other, passions were aroused once again. Indy was surprised at how sexy a shower could turn into, and as her lips were assaulted in a deep kiss, she felt Sean guide her hand down to wet black curls. The wetness she encountered was more than just from the showerhead beating down on their bodies. She pulled out a moment, and looked at the creamy essence on her fingers. 

"That's what you do to me, Indy." Sean commented. 

"I caused this?" She innocently asked. 

Sean nodded. "You arouse me beyond reason, and all I can think about is making love to you." 

Indy stuck her other set of fingers between her own pussy lips to encounter the same kind of wetness. "So, this is what happens when we're aroused." Suddenly she became embarrassed at being so naïve, and said, "I'm sorry I don't already know about these things." 

"It's okay. In time you'll know it all, and I'll be happy in being the one who shows you." She took the fingers Indy had used in discovering her own juices, and sucked on them gently. 

The young woman whimpered. "Oh please...I don't think...I can stand...up anymore." 

Sean turned off the water, and offered her robe to the young woman, as she wrapped a towel around her waist. Returning to the bedroom, she quickly pulled up all the sheets, tossed them into the hamper and took out a fresh set from the hall closet.  

Both of them worked on the bed before falling onto it in a lip lock. Sean worked her way down the small body to the apex of her mound. She found that this time, Indy didn't need any instruction as she automatically spread her legs wide. She swallowed the erect slick nub as two firm fingers slid inside Indy's pussy and began pumping in and out. 

"Ohhh...ahhh." Indy's back arched with each moan. She felt a hand slide up to one of her nipples, first caressing it until it hardened and then twisting it. The electrical currents in her body shot back and forth from breast to clit and hole. She caressed the length of the arm on top of her by raking her blunt fingernails along it. Her other hand tightly gripped the pillow beneath her head for support. "Ohh...god...Sean.... O-h-h-h...S-e-a-n." She cried out as she fell into the abyss of pure pleasure. 

Sean lapped at the sweet juices that seeped out bringing Indy to another release. Crawling up her body, Sean gazed into blazing green eyes. She wiped away at the dampened reddish blonde hair that stuck to Indy's face. "I love you." 

Tears formed in emerald eyes. Indy cupped her cheek, and said, "I love you too, Sean. I started falling for you that one night in the parking lot. And I want to show you just how much. I want to please you." She pushed up to roll them over, and kissed Sean with fervor. Moving down, she licked at the hollow of her lover's neck eliciting a moan that sounded wonderful to her ears. She then swallowed a darkened pebbled nipple. The feel of it on her tongue was exquisite and excited her to the point of biting down on it. 

Sean yelped. 

"I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" 

"No, it felt good." Sean commented with surprise. "I just didn't expect it." 

Indy returned to the task at hand with the second nipple as her hands roamed the length of Sean's body. She nibbled her way down a taut stomach to the cropped black coarse hair on her nether lips. Sean spread her legs, and Indy was captivated by the view. She noticed the set of inner lips and the erect pearl that sat at the top. Everything was wet with Sean's essence, and she caught the fragrance of arousal. Her mind spun with what her nose smelled. It excited her so much that she rubbed her nose along the black curls inhaling the sweet scent. "God Sean, it smells so good." 

Azure eyes closed when Indy dug her tongue into Sean's opening. Indy then moved up to the pearl that was calling out to her, and stroked it firmly. She slid two fingers into her, and decided that she had never felt something so wonderful on her mouth and fingers before. 

Sean's head thrashed from side to side when Indy grabbed her clit between teeth and tugged on it firmly like she had done with the nipples earlier. Large hands took purchase at the back of Indy's head prodding her onward. With a flick of her clit, it was pulled as far as it would go, and it threw Sean into an orgasmic convulsion. "God-d-a-m-n... I-n-d-d-y-y-y!" 

She licked away at the cream that dribbled out until she heard Sean yell out again. 

"No more...I can't...please." 

Indy crawled up with a huge grin plastered on her face. She kissed Sean tenderly, and then said, "That was so divine." 

Between breaths, Sean responded. "You...liked that...huh?" 

"Mmm, very much, and I look forward to doing it again and again and again." 

"Oh boy, I think I'm in trouble." They laughed and held each other tight. "Now you know how I feel, when I watch you. It's like I've got to have you all the time." 

"I completely understand now." Indy responded. 

*************

In the early pre-dawn hours a stomach growled. Sean tried to ignore it preferring to stay curled up with Indy in her arms than to get up. She heard it again --- louder, but this time it wasn't hers. A blue eye popped open, and looked down at the young woman. Indy's stomach rumbled again. 

"That sounds like the creature from the black lagoon." Sean commented in a raspy voice.

Indy giggled. "No it doesn't. I'm just hungry --- really hungry." 

"Then let's get you something to eat before the creature in there decides to come out." She poked at her lover's belly. 

Indy playfully smacked her hand away. 

In the kitchen, Sean started the coffee while Indy searched the fridge. "Hmm, I'll make breakfast if you go put something on." 

"What's wrong, you don't like me naked?" Sean asked sarcastically. 

"Oh, I do, but I'm not going to be able to concentrate on anything except your body if you're walking around like that." 

"Alright, I'll put on some clothes." Sean had also taken the time to put the previous day's sheets in the washer along with the towel, and she thoroughly washed the dildo. Returning to the kitchen, she poured herself a cup of coffee, and took a seat at the table to watch her lover. 

"Food is done." Indy announced as she tossed four pancakes on each plate and a half a pound of bacon. 

"What kind of pancakes are these?" Sean asked curiously as she eyed the stack of large thick brown cakes. 

"Whole wheat granola cakes." 

Passing on the syrup after pouring a generous amount onto her plate, she took a bite. "Wow, these are great. Hmmm." Sean scooped another maple syrup drenched forkful in her mouth. 

Indy was really pleased. "I'm glad you like them." 

"Oh definitely. Mmm, you're a great cook. You want to cook for me all the time?" She asked with a wiggle of her eyebrows. 

Indy giggled at her lover's antics. "Maybe." 

Sean looked at her watch and noticed the time. "I have stable duty this morning, and I need to check on a couple of the horses. But I was wondering if you'd like to resume your riding lessons this afternoon." She said around a piece of bacon. 

"That would be wonderful." 

************** 

The small figure carefully tended to the new seedlings that had sprouted in the garden. After watering them thoroughly, she went inside to start on her book. As she sat down in front of the computer, she realized that this was the first time she had felt at peace with herself and the world. A smile turned up the corners of her mouth as she thought about how in love she was with the tall dark cowboy. 

She opened the document, and began typing away where she had left off the last time. Another smile graced her features because she knew how she was going to end her autobiography, and hoped Sean would be okay with being included. 

************** 

Sean and Tommy worked together with the beautiful palomino in the enclosed structure. 

"What do you think?" Sean asked. 

"Oh, I'd say she'd be ready in one week. She's been progressing nicely." He let go of her reigns, and held up his hand in front of her snout. "Just watch what she can do." 

Sean watched her friend leave the horse standing there. A few feet away, he faced the filly and whistled. The honey colored horse's ears perked up at the sound and she came trotting right towards him. 

"Ya see? She knows she's being called." 

"That's great. You sure are a wonder with the horses." 

He stepped up to Sean and placed a large thick and heavy hand on her shoulder. "Naw. But you --- you're the horse whisperer around here and everyone knows it. What is it that you say to them Sean?" 

"Ah ah, that's a secret. I can't go around letting the cat out of the bag. It'll ruin my reputation." She brushed her hand down the horse's neck. 

"And speaking of cats, by the looks of that bruise on your neck, I'd say you were in a fight with one last night." He commented with a huge grin. 

"What?" She touched a tender area on her neck and remembered that Indy had taken to suckling her neck fiercely before she screamed out her orgasm. Red in the face, she held back her laugh. 

"You're in love with her, aren't you?" 

The question threw her for a loop. "What? How? You...?" 

"Now Sean, I've known you since before you grew breasts and I had hair on my balls. Don't try to act sly with me." 

She held her head down and scuffed her boot in the dirt. "Alright...I'm...in love." She looked into his bright hazel eyes and couldn't help but smile. "I'm so in love...and in so much trouble." 

He laughed heartily. 

Looking at her watch, she said, "Damn, almost lost track of time. I have an errand to run. I better get going so I'll be back in time for her riding lesson." 

***********

Indy walked up the small incline of the grassy field. She saw the men bailing hay, and waved to them. They in turn tipped their cowboys hats and smiled. She stepped into the stable, and saw Tommy saddling Midnight. "Good afternoon." 

He turned around with a grin. "Howdy and afternoon to you." 

"Is Sean around?" 

"Oh, she should be back any second now. Had to go into town for something. How ya doing?" He asked as he finished buckling the saddle straps and stood to face her. 

"I'm feeling great. Had a productive morning. How are you?" 

"Good thanks. Greatly enjoyed that pie you made. We all had a piece with lunch, but Sean had the biggest. It was delicious." 

"I'm glad you liked it." 

"I see you've been mauled by that cat too?" He questioned playfully. 

She looked at him with a frown. "I'm sorry, I don't understand." 

With a twinkle in his eyes, he said, "The bruise on your neck --- Sean has a similar one. We figured it was from a wild cat." He crossed his burly arms in front of his broad chest. 

The embarrassment quickly crept up her face. She didn't know what to say because now he knew they had sex. She felt like running off until a pair of arms encircled her waist from behind. 

"Hi beautiful." Sean said and then kissed her cheek. 

Indy turned around burying her face in the tall woman's chest. 

"What's wrong?" She softly asked. 

"I think it may be my fault. We were talking about the cat the two of you encountered." He patted the horse, and started to walk out. "I didn't mean any harm." He said to both of them. 

Sean nodded that it was okay, and then pried the small woman away from her. "Darlin'? Don't be upset. Are you ashamed of what's happened between us?" She lifted Indy's chin to gaze into sea green eyes. 

"No...I'm not ashamed of us. I'm just...I guess...it was so embarrassing to know that he knows." 

"Do you think he isn't going to respect you as a woman?" Sean asked curiously. 

"Maybe." 

"Oh honey, you're not thought of any less, okay? Tommy was just playing with you. Guys do that ---- well, I'd do that too. It was all in fun. Tommy and the boys are actually happy that we're together." 

"Really?" 

"Yep. Tommy and I have known each other forever, and he's already told me how happy he is for us. Now how about that lesson?" Sean suggested as she placed a tender kiss on tempting lips. 

They mounted Midnight and took off through the forest. 

*********

The bubbling brook was melodious to her ears. Indy lay curled up in Sean's arms as they lightly napped under the weeping willow with the mid-afternoon sun in the western sky. She felt content for once in her life. 

A flock of birds flew overhead. 

Sean wondered if the young woman in her arms would want to live the rest of her life like this --- on a ranch, tending horses with a cowboy. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" Indy asked when she heard the tall woman sigh. 

"I was just wondering..." 

Indy propped herself up on an elbow so she could gaze into eyes as blue as the summer sky. 

"Um...do you have any regrets?" Damn, that's not what I wanted to ask. Why are you being so chicken shit Sean? 

Indy was shocked at the question. Her mind tried to grasp the meaning behind it. "You mean about what's happened...so far? Cause I don't at all. You regret what's occurred between you and I?" 

"Oh, no. I didn't mean.... I...um..." She sighed in frustration and ran long fingers through her hair. "Damn...I... I'm not really good with words." 

"Yeah, I've noticed." Indy responded sarcastically, and then chuckled when Sean sighed again. 

A shade of scarlet crept up Sean's face, and she tried to hide it by looking down at the luscious green grass. 

"You know you worried me about your question on 'regrets'." Indy hooked a finger under the cowboy's chin, and gently raised it to look into azure eyes. 

"Well, I...wasn't sure if maybe...you wanted to um...have other..." 

"Sean, all I want is you." She kissed her lightly on the lips. 

Sean's heart swelled with pride and joy. She felt the courage she didn't have earlier to proceed with what she wanted to. "You are so beautiful." 

Indy gave her a shy smile, and watched as Sean fingered the grass for a bit. Then Sean reached over and took her hand as a toothy grin graced the cowboy's face. 

"Indy...I'd like...um...would you be interested in living on the ranch with me? I know it seems kind of fast, but...well...I fell for you that first night when I drove you home. And I know in my heart that you are all I want." 

The young woman smiled shyly as she held at bay the few tears that threatened to surface. "I'd love to Sean." 

The tall woman let out a huge breath, and they kissed passionately. 

"Please take me back to the ranch and make love to me." Indy whispered against her lover's lips. 

**************

The lovers stood naked exchanging lust filled kisses while in each other's embrace. 

"Indy...would you be interested in the strap-on again?" 




Cowboy Girls



"Oh yes, anything." She wiggled her eyebrows, and then lay back on the bed as Sean strapped on the cock. They kissed again as Sean lay between her legs with the cock resting against her sex. A free hand rolled Indy's nipples between long fingers. 

Indy's back arched into the contact, and she spread her legs further apart. She was so ready for the upcoming pleasure. Ever since Sean had ceaselessly teased her with caresses through her clothing on the way back to the ranch. And when a hand firmly cupped her sex, she thought she would lose her mind as the horse's gait continued to press that hand between her and the saddle horn into her. 

Sensing the young blonde's readiness, Sean reached down and guided the cock inside. She heard a groan erupt from deep within her lover. "I love you Indy." 

Sea green eyes connected with ocean blue. A small hand reached out to caress a sculptured cheek. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head when Sean slowly pulled out almost completely and then pushed all the way back in. She raised her legs up, but instead of wrapping them around Sean's waist, she managed to lay her feet flat on her lover's lower back. 

Sean maintained a steady unhurried in and out motion they were both enjoying. She reveled in the feel of the feet on the small of her back. As they began to slide down to her ass cheeks, she moaned loudly. 

Indy's feet played with the crevice of her lover's ass, enjoying the reactions it resulted in. They continued their journey down to the back of Sean's thighs. She paused as one leg took purchase around Sean's, and the other foot stroked behind Sean's knee down to her calf and up again. 

"Ohhh god you're flexible." Sean hissed out. 

"Double...jointed. You...like it?" Indy felt Sean's hips jerk forward in reaction to the stroking, and it hit a sensitive spot inside of her. 

"G-o-d...yesss." Sean shouted as she closed her eyes in ecstasy from Indy's continued attention to the back of her leg. Hips began to grind into Indy at a faster pace. She tried to hold out, not wanting her orgasm to come so soon, but that foot stroking her was driving her mad. 

Indy suddenly clutched at Sean's broad back. "Ohhh Sean...ahhh...I'm gonna come." 

Sean drove the dildo into her and shuddered as the waves of pleasure crashed over her. "A-h-h-h." 

Indy quickly followed when her sensitive spot was struck deeply. She screamed out her release in her lover's name. 

As the shudders subsided, she began to pull out, but was halted by the legs that wrapped themselves tightly around her waist. 

"No...please stay inside." Indy requested. 

"Sure, anything you want." 

Indy chuckled. "Anything?" 

Blue eyes regarded her playfully. "Well...what did you have in mind?" 

"Hmm...that I need you again, but I'd like to be on top this time." 

Sean's black eyebrows wiggled under equally black bangs. In one quick motion, she rolled over without losing contact with her lover. "How's this?" 

Indy nodded with a smile as she bit her bottom lip. Small hands instinctively took purchase of Sean's breasts, kneading and rolling the nipples between her fingers. When the body beneath her arched into the contact, she felt the cock touch that one spot again. "Oh god Sean." She tugged on the nipples causing the cowboy to arch off the bed moaning loudly, and as she felt the cock graze that spot, she shivered. 

Sean took notice of the young woman's reactions, so grabbing Indy's hips firmly she rolled her own up striking the spot a few times. 

"Ohhh...gaw... Se-a-n! I...I have a sensitive...spot." 

"I know." The cowboy responded with an impish grin. 

Indy tried to control the waves of pleasure coursing through her body. "Does every woman have that spot?" She asked with eyes tightly closed. 

"Yep." She rolled her hips forward again. 

Indy couldn't contain herself any longer, she began to grind into the cock and realized that at just the right angle she could get the cock to graze that area over and over again. Leaning down, she kissed her lover passionately as their hips bucked in rhythm to one another's motions. Indy arched back up as she screamed out her orgasm first, and Sean followed closely behind her. 

Spent and sated, they lay spooned against each other. 

************** 

There was a commotion outside. The horses were frightened by something and began neighing loudly. A couple of them were pounding their hooves into the walls and stable doors. Suddenly a hooting and hollering was sounded into the night air. 

The lovers were peacefully asleep when the phone rang. Sean opened tired eyes as she reached for the receiver. "Yeah?" She said in a raspy voice. 

"Boss, there's a fire, I can't get to all the horses." One of her boys shouted. 

Azure eyes sprung wide with the news. "I'll be right there." She flung out of the bed and hurriedly got on her jeans and a flannel shirt. 

Indy awoke. "Sean, what's wrong?" 

"Stable fire." Disregarding her boots, she sprinted out of the house. 

The young blonde donned her clothes and followed after her lover. The scene she saw was heartbreaking. The stable was engulfed in flames, and she could hear the horses inside crying. 

Joe kept pulling out as many as he could. Sean grabbed him by the arm. "Where's Midnight?" 

He looked at her with sad and fearful brown eyes. "I can't get to her." 

She jumped inside the entranceway calling out Midnight's name. The heat from the flames was beyond boiling. She coughed as the smoke entered her lungs. Needing to find her mare, she called out again. Finally she heard the horse's cry. Leaping over a low wall of fire, she dug in her jeans pocket. Flipping open her knife, she cut the rope tied to the horse's bridle that kept Midnight tethered in the stall. "I've got you girl. Come on, let's get out." 

Indy waited frantically searching for her lover through the flames. She was inside for too long and it worried the small blonde. Finally she decided to go inside after her. 

Joe yelled for her to come back but to no avail. 

Tommy drove up in his truck, and jumped out. "Where is she?" 

"They...they both went in. Sean went after Midnight, and when she didn't come out, Indy went after her." Joe responded nervously. 

Tommy leapt through the flames with a wet bandana over his mouth, and the sight that caught his eyes made his heart lurch. Sean laid unconscious face down on the ground. One end of a wooden beam at her shoulder pinned her down to the spot. Indy was frantically pulling at Sean's shirt to move her from under the weight of the wood. Midnight stood nearby at a dead stop. Her black eyes darted back and forth from the women to the flames that were inches away from them. 

Tommy ran up, and pushing Indy aside, he quickly using his jean covered forearms to lift the beam. "Grab her." He yelled to Indy who hurriedly took hold of her lover. Tommy dropped the beam and beat out the flames on his arms. He then hoisted Sean up on his shoulder. "Take Midnight and follow me." He yelled again. 

As soon as they reached the entranceway, the roof of the stable came crashing down behind them. 

Outside, Indy and Tommy coughed trying to get some relief from the burning acrid smoke they inhaled. Indy cradled her love as she rocked back and forth. The fear of almost losing the love of her life finally hit, and she began to sob. 

***************

After a couple of days in the hospital, all of them were allowed to return home. Sean sat at the kitchen table with her shoulder bandaged up, looking over the designs for the new stable. 

With the ordeal of the fire behind them, Indy took time to process all that transpired. After wiping at her tear-stained face, she stormed into the room, and faced her lover angrily. 

Raised black eyebrows looked to her. "Hi?" Sean commented hesitantly and nervously as she noticed the blaze in her lover's green orbs. 

"Sean Peterson, don't you ever...I mean ever...put me through something like that again. Do you hear me? I mean it. How dare you try to play the hero all by yourself and make me worry about you? Don't ever do that again." She yelled, and punched Sean in her good shoulder out of anger. She then plopped into a chair and cried uncontrollably once again into her hands. 

The tall cowboy rubbed the now painful shoulder and scooted over to her lover. Enclosing the small woman in an embrace, she cooed to calm her down. "I'm sorry baby." 

"You scared me so much, and then to find you laying there..... It was awful." 

"I'm here now." She whispered in a small ear. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that and for what happened." 

Indy held onto the cowboy as she wiped at her tears with one hand, and then asked, "Do you know the cause of the fire?" 

Sean tucked a strand of blonde hair behind Indy's ear. "Yeah, apparently it was arson." 

Green eyes widened in disbelief. "But who? Why?" 

"Well all of us on the ranch have a pretty good idea it was Bret's boys. He's been after the ranch since before my grandpa died a couple of years back. He knows I won't sell, so maybe he thinks he can scare me out." 

"What are you going to do?" Indy asked curiously as she thought about the further danger her lover could be in. 

"I'm going to rebuild, and just carry on. Contacting the authorities about this may not prove to be any good. There are bad cops in this town because Bret pays them off. Somehow someway, he'll get what's coming to him, but right now I don't have any other solution. The workers should be done by tomorrow morning at the latest, and we can get the horses settled back in." 

Suddenly Tommy walked in. "Mornin' y'all. Sean, we found something you oughta take a look at." All three headed out to the area just behind the old stable where the workers were busy erecting the new one. They approached Joe who was just standing there by one of the oak trees. 

"Joe found some evidence." Tommy commented as they stepped up to the area. 

The older man with the soft brown eyes and big bushy goatee pointed to the grassy patch. Their eyes followed his finger to a red plastic gas container that was half melted into the ground. Sean bent down on one knee and took a closer look. 

"Well, it definitely has the name of his farm on it. We could use this against him. Say that someone saw some of his boys here." She commented casually. 

"That sounds like an idea." Tommy said. "When do you want to go over there?" 

"Well, no time like the present." 

"You two can't seriously be saying you're just going to waltz up to this man's place and try to threaten him, are you?" Indy questioned vehemently. 

With a huge grin, Tommy said, "Sure. Everyone knows Bret's chicken shit. So, he might 'fess up or something. That way we can get him to pay for the damages." 

"Come on, let's go now." Sean announced. She stood up and hugged Indy, before saying, "We'll be back by lunch." 

"I have a bad feeling about this Sean." The small woman said as she held onto her love. 

Blue and green eyes connected. "Tommy will be with me. We'll be fine. We're just going to talk to him." She planted a tender kiss upon Indy's lips, and they left. 

***************** 

The two friends were escorted to Bret's office by one of his guards. The conniving owner of almost a third of the town always had to have his 'guards' since he was hated by so many. 

"And what do I owe such a lovely visit from you two?" He said from behind his large mahogany desk. A thick cigar was in his right hand and a glass of whiskey in his left one. 

Sean was the first to speak. "We found the evidence your boys left behind after setting my stable on fire, and they were seen by one of my men late that night wandering around on the property." 

Bret let out a deep chuckle as he puffed away at the cigar. He took a swig of his drink and said, "I sure as hell don't know what you're talking about, but it does sound funny." He puffed the cigar again before continuing. "And here, I thought you two were going to confess to my best three fillies being murdered." 

"What??" Tommy questioned loudly. 

Then all of a sudden, everything went black for the two friends. 

************** 

Indy was kneeling in her garden tending to the tomato plants when a dreadful feeling came over her. She tried to shake it off, but was unsuccessful. Going inside the small house, she called over at the ranch. There was no answer except the voice mail, so she decided to head over. 

She hopped in her Jeep and quickly drove off to see if anyone at the ranch had news. 

************** 

Blue eyes slowly fluttered open, and a moan came from her dry throat. Everything was a big blur that kept moving around slowly in circles. Sean tried to lift a hand to her head, but noticed something was preventing her from doing so. Closing her eyes again, and trying to focus, she managed to hitch herself up onto her knees. When she opened her eyes again, things started to come into focus. 

"Well, I see you've decided to wake up." A deep thick voice said in the distance. 

Sean looked up to see a large beer belly of a man in a tan uniform leaning up against the metal bars that were in front of him. She blinked a few times in the hopes of seeing more clearly. Her head ached beyond measure, and she still couldn't move her hands. 

"You have a lot to answer for Peterson. We're going to have ourselves a little question and answer session later on." The uniformed man said as he removed his brown cowboy hat to wipe at his forehead with the back of his hand. 

She felt like throwing up as her stomach lurched from the pain in her head and the other aches she felt. Swallowing the bile that came up, she asked, "Where am I?" 

The man chuckled, and his potbelly shook. "In jail, honey." 

"What for?" She managed to choke out, but she didn't get her answer. Looking around, she found herself alone. She was so upset from the pain and the nausea and not understanding what was going on, that her body revolted, and she spewed on the gray cement floor. 

***************** 

Indy checked with Joe and the other boys at the ranch, and no one had any news about Tommy and Sean. She didn't know what to do except wait. Curled up in the recliner in Sean's living room, she fell asleep. 

They were kissing on her bed again. The lips against her own felt wonderfully soft. She moaned when a large hand cupped her breast, through her shirt, and a thumb grazed the nipple. 

Suddenly the door burst open. "What the hell are you doing?" The older woman screamed as she stomped up to them. 

Indy looked at her mother in fear. "Mamma...I..." 

"How could you do this? You're a filthy girl. You're the devil's child." 

Indy covered her face with her hand, and cried. "I'm sorry...I..." 

"You horrible child. You disgust me." Her mother yelled again, and brought her hand up to strike. 

Then it suddenly hit Indy that her mother no longer ruled her. She was her own person --- an adult. The strength she received was from the love she had for Sean. Looking into her mother's eyes, she shouted, "Be gone. You have no power over me. You ruined my life long enough. You are dead to this world and dead to me. Don't you ever come back." 

Her mother stared dumbfounded, and then faded away into nothing. 

"You did a great job there." A voice from behind commented. 

Indy turned around to see her lover standing there, but something was wrong. She was bruised, bloodied and bound. "Oh my god, Sean." 

Reaching her love, she looked at the tall woman carefully. A tear spilled down her cheek at seeing Sean's swollen eye and bloodied nose. "What's going on? Why do you look like this?" 

"Indy, I'm in jail. That is all I know." 

The small woman took notice of the handcuffs, binding Sean's hands behind her back, and more tears streaked her face. 

Suddenly green eyes opened abruptly. Indy looked around the living room. The dream was so real, and it took her a moment to realize she was no longer dreaming. She quickly made a phone call and then went in search of Joe. 

******************** 

The clanking of something on the cell bars woke Sean up. She lifted her head to see the same uniformed officer with the large gut. Two others were with him, and as they made their way into the cell, she tried to stand up. They grabbed her by the arms and dragged her out and down the short hallway. Inside another room, they forced her into a chair at the table. 

"Alright, Peterson, time for you to admit to the crimes against you." The potbelly officer said. 

She peered up at them, and said, "I have rights --- like a phone call and an attorney." 

"Sassy little bitch, isn't she." One of the other officers commented. He grabbed her chin roughly, and staring into her one good eye, said, "You're going to tell us what we want to know, and if you don't, we'll be happy to break you." He pushed her away forcefully almost knocking her from the chair. 

"I'm thinking I'd like to break her now." The third officer said as he licked his lips and lightly fingered the bulge straining his pants. 

"Sounds good to me," said the first cop. 

Suddenly she found herself thrown face down over the table's top. As one of them worked on her jeans, she immediately kicked up behind her, making contact with his groin. He screamed as he grabbed himself and fell to the floor. 

The other two jumped Sean --- punching her in the ribs and stomach. She coughed up blood and doubled over. One of them said, "Bring her back over here, I'll cuff her ankles to the table legs." 

She felt the heavy hand on her shoulder, and took the opportunity to quickly use her other shoulder --- ramming it into his belly and knocking him over the table's top. 

In a flash, the door burst open, and there stood Indy, Joe, and two others. Sean fell to her knees from all the pain. Her lover ran up and cradled her in her arms. "Get these cuffs off of her!" She yelled to the officer that led them to the room. 

Sean was trying to pay attention to what was happening, but was slowly losing the battle as everything went black for her. 

***************** 

A blue eye slowly opened. She couldn't figure out why the other eye was not responding, so she automatically brought her hand up to her face. Feeling the gauze and then the tenderness of the flesh, she pulled away and looked around. The room was dark, except for a light coming out of an open door nearby. Nothing looked familiar, but she was comforted when she saw the strawberry blonde crown of her lover's head lying next to her arm. 

Indy fell asleep in an awkward position in the chair. Her body was slumped forward with arms folded and her head resting on them on the mattress. She felt a stir next to her, and woke up. Upon seeing her lover awake, she smiled and cried at the same time. Taking the large hand in her own, she showered kisses on the back of it. 

"I want you closer." Sean said in a raspy, long unused voice. 

"But you're hurt..." 

"I don't care, I need to feel you next to me --- to know you really are here." 

Indy wiped at more tears that fell at hearing Sean's loving words. She climbed up on the bed, laid her head on Sean's shoulder, wrapped an arm around her waist, and brought a leg over Sean's thigh. 

The injured cowboy sighed with content. "Am I in the hospital?" 

"Yes, love." 

"And Tommy?" 

"He's in the room next door." Indy responded. 

"Is he okay?" 

"He'll be fine. He has a broken leg and a few broken ribs." 

Sean sighed again, as if to say it was her own fault this happened. "I...I don't...I can only remember bits and pieces. Tell me what happened?" 

An errant tear strolled down Indy's cheek as she recalled the events of the last several hours. "Well...you and Tommy never came back. It was well into the evening, when I decided to make a phone call to a good friend. We found you at the jailhouse, in a room with three officers who were..." She couldn't bring herself to say what it looked like she saw.