23 comments/ 72277 views/ 36 favorites You've Got to Be Kidding Me By: MoogPlayer The states and towns named in this story are used only as backdrops; but the people, places, events, or things mentioned are all fictional. MoogPlayer ~~~~~~ Isn't it funny how, when the last thing you're looking for is a relationship, love jumps up and bites you in the ass? Chapter One Hi! My name is Amber Hayes, and I was thirty-two years old when, what I'm about to tell you, happened. I stand five feet, seven inches tall; weigh one-hundred and twenty-eight pounds. I have a slim waist and flat stomach, and because it seems that guys always want to know these things; my measurements are 36C-24-34. My hair is dark brown and hangs just past my butt, and I have blue eyes. I was very lucky as a teenager, having never had one single problem with my complexion, and I've been told by more than a few men that I'm hot. Yeah, right! I'd just recently broken up with my ex-boyfriend of two years, Lance, three months earlier, and my heart was still very raw. I should've known better than to go out with him to begin with, but as the saying goes; hindsight is always 20/20. In the end, the son-of-a-bitch left me with a fourteen hundred dollar phone bill, a maxed out credit card, and a yeast infection. I hope somebody cuts his puny little dick off one of these days, well, not really, but it's a nice thought, huh? Yeah, I'm a little bitter right now, but I'll get over it.....eventually. I work as an Executive Vice-President/Consultant for the field offices of a construction company. I work with different supervisors in the field, handling their paper work, material orders, pay dispersion, and then if they get held up for any reason, I take care of the unexpected predicaments that most construction supervisors and foremen have no experience dealing with. Basically, I'm a glorified problem solver. My father had owned his own construction company ever since I was old enough to talk, and he built all kinds of buildings, from residential, to commercial, as well as industrial. By the time I was sixteen, Dad put me to work for him, taking care of all of his business matters while he worked in the field. And then during the summer when school was out, my Aunt Linda, Mom's sister, worked in the office, while I worked right along side of Dad in the field. The work was hard and the hours were sometimes long, but once I got used to it, I began to excel beyond Dad's wildest expectations. As for having siblings, there was only me and my sister, Natalie. Dad had no sons so; he made sure that at least one of his children, namely me, knew every aspect of the business there was. He also made sure that I acted like a lady at all times, much to the satisfaction of my Mom, but when it came to business, he taught me how to be in charge, but still earn the respect of those who had been in the trade much longer than me. My parents were good people who both worked hard. While Dad was shrewd when it came to business, he was the kindest, most gentle man I've ever known. He always had time for Natalie and I, and he was never once remiss in his duties as a father; and from the noises I used to hear coming from their bedroom at night, mostly Mom, she's loud and I guess that's where I get it from, I knew he was never remiss in his duties as a husband either. Mom was the sweetest woman I've ever known, and when Natalie and I acted badly as children, she scolded us with kindness. While Natalie is more like Mom, I'm a mixture of both, as I try to be nice and kind, yet firm when the situation warrants. It lets me know that I wasn't thinking with my heart when I met Lance. Jeez, how could I have been so stupid? Oh well, enough of that, back to the story Although I worked for Dad, I was still allowed the opportunity to experience everything that normal, hormone driven teen age girls do. I was allowed to date, and when the time came, go to my senior prom, where I lost my virginity, etc. And after I graduated high school, I went on to attend college where I graduated with honors and a degree in Structural Engineering. So you see, I had a normal life and grew into an intellectually well rounded woman. When Natalie went off to college, Dad sold the business for a very handsome sum, and then he and Mom retired and moved to Costa Rica. However, when Dad sold his company, part of the deal was that I was to be given a permanent position within the company, and that my pay was to be commensurate with my abilities and experience. See? I told you that Dad was shrewd. ~~~~~~ One Sunday morning, the new owner of the company, as well as my boss, Mike Winters, called me at home and asked if I would be interested in supervising a job for him. He said that it that would require me to travel out of town for at least ten to twelve weeks, maybe more. To sweeten the deal, or, in my opinion, to lure me in, he said that I would be getting paid double what I normally made. With all that had happened and the bills Lance had incurred that I was still trying to pay off, the money came at the right time so, I took him up on his offer. I found out later that Mike offered me that job to help me get back on my feet. Mike is, and has always been such a nice guy, and I just can't help but to love both he and his wife, Terrie, dearly. That night I called Natalie, who was a senior in college at the time, and asked her if she wouldn't mind house sitting for me until I got back into town. Needless to say, she was extremely enthused about not having to live with room-mates for the next two, possibly three months, and readily accepted my offer. Nat was dating a guy named Ben Harrison, whose older sister, Sherry, was a good friend of mine so, I didn't care that the two of them lived there together while I was gone. ~~~~~~ I flew out of LAX at nine o'clock the following morning, headed to Dallas, Texas. This was nothing unusual for me, as I'd gone to jobs out of state before. However, this would be not only the first time I would pass through two time zones, but it would also be the furthest east I'd ever been. Still though, this was just another job, albeit I was getting paid more, but it was still just another job none the less. ~~~~~~ Once I got through the airport and picked up the rental car that Mike had called ahead and arranged, it was now ten thirty in the morning, Central Standard Time, and I was soon driving my way south down I-45. The name of the town that the job was located in was Corsicana, Texas, and once I'd arrived and found my hotel; I got settled in and called Mike. "Did you have any trouble with anything, Amber?" "No, Mike," I laughed, "Everything is fine. Do I need to be out at the job-site today, or do you want me to start lining up material sales and equipment rentals?" "No, I took care of all that," Mike replied, "I've already met with O.S.H.A. when I went out there last week, but I want you to meet with the contractors this afternoon." "No problem, Mike," I said, "You just tell me when and where." "Well, the when and where is at two o'clock this afternoon in Conference Room Two of your hotel," laughed Mike, "But a good friend of mine told me that, while these guys are the best at what they do; they're a bunch of temperamental babies." "I don't need any problems, Mike," I firmly replied, "You know me, I don't put up with any shit. "Why do you think I sent you," he laughed, "Listen Amber, this is what I want you to do. Walk in there this afternoon wearing a business suit and make them all think that you're just some woman the company sent down there to placate their asses. Then when you get to the jobsite in the morning, show up in jeans and work boots, ready to kick their asses, okay?" I just shook my head smiling and said, "You're a sick man." "I know," he chuckled, "Call me tomorrow afternoon and let me know how it went." "Yeah, yeah,' I said, smiling, "Talk to you tomorrow, bye," and hung the phone. ~~~~~~ That afternoon, I found myself in a room with several contractors, some of which were either eyeing me hungrily, or contemptibly looking down their noses at me, as if I were beneath them. "I'll have them eating out of my hands in no time," I thought to myself, inwardly laughing. These guys were a bunch of arrogant pricks, no doubt, but after talking to them for only a few moments, I realized that I knew as much about the job at hand, if not more, than all of them put together. I know that sounds very cocky, but between what my father taught me and what I learned in college, not to mention the work experience I had, there wasn't a job anywhere that I couldn't handle. Still though, these assholes treated me, if only very subtly, like I was nothing more than just some dumb-assed woman. ~~~~~~ I was up and at it the next morning before the sun rose, and by six o'clock; I was eating breakfast at the restaurant next to my hotel. While I ate breakfast, I thought about the way I had been treated the day before. Mind you, I'm not a man-hater, but after years of working in a predominately male driven environment; I don't put up with any shit, not even so much as a drop. Little did I realize the things that would come to pass in the next few weeks? ~~~~~~ I was in my office trailer looking at the blueprints and laying out the work for the tradesmen, plumbers, electricians, fire control and security systems people, who had to come in and stub up their underground pipes before the concrete foundations were poured. Most other cities allow for basement routing for theses trades, but in Texas, they do things a little differently than most. So, when in Rome, one is forced to do as the Romans, or in this case, Texans. ~~~~~~ In a small town like the one I was in, whenever a big job opens up, people come out of the woodwork looking for employment. I believe in giving local people work, as it provides a sense of accomplishment to those who have had a part in helping in their own hometown to grow and thrive. I wish you could've seen the looks on all the male faces at the job site when I showed up in blue jeans, tee shirt and work boots. It was especially funny when the Electrical Foreman, one of the guys who'd patronized me yesterday, said, "You going to a costume party?" I reached back into my car and grabbed my hardhat. Then I turned back to him and said, "Yeah, I'm going to the same party you are, you know, the one where I'm your boss and I hate smart-ass pricks." "Take it easy, Sweetheart," he laughed, his men laughing with him, "You're liable to break a nail." "Sweetheart, huh, well let me show you just how big a sweetheart I am then," I smiled calmly, with no acrimony in my voice, "I want you, your men and all of your equipment off of this job site in thirty minutes. You're fired." "You can't fire me," he roared, "My boss has a contract with your company." "Why don't we go into the office trailer and call him," I sternly replied, "By the time I get off the phone with him, the police will be here to arrest your ass. Now get the fuck off of my job site." "This ain't over with, God dammit," he growled, "Somebody's gonna catch hell for this, and it ain't gonna be me." "It will be if you don't leave now," I snarled, "So, you'd better get out of here." He stomped away, much to the laughter and boyish cackles of the other contractors who were standing around and had heard the whole thing. I turned back to face them and added, "Does anyone else here have a problem that needs ironing out before we go to work?" "No Ma'am," said the men, in staggered, but very respectful replies. "Good," I smiled, "Now, get to work." "I went back into the trailer and called Mike to let him know about the incident that had just taken place. He just laughed and told me not to worry about it, and that he would take care of everything. With that done, I left the office and went to work. ~~~~~~ We were going to build an enormous industrial warehouse for the state of Texas, and there was plenty of work for everyone. Mike had hired in advance, a local girl to take applications and screen the ones she thought I should look at. When she brought them to my attention, I simply smiled and told her that, if she thought they were good enough, then that was alright with me. When I told her to get on the phone and tell these people to come to work, she grinned and said, "Mr. Winters told me that you were a nice lady, and he was right. Thanks, Miss Hayes." "No, thank you," I smiled, "And please, feel free to call me Amber, okay?" "Okay," she grinned, "Thanks, Amber." Her name was Nicki Marks, she was twenty-four years old, and she was very good so, I hired her as my personal assistant while I was there. Nicki is adorable, and we became such good friends that she....Uh oh, I'm getting ahead of myself, back to the story. I'd been out in the field the whole morning supervising the concrete workers, making sure that the forms had been correctly built, when I looked at my watch and realized it was lunch time. After making sure everyone knew it was lunch time, we all took a break to eat. ~~~~~~ "Hey, Amber," Nicki said worriedly, "Jake Carlson, the owner of Carlson Electric, called and said he wanted to speak with you." "So," I nonchalantly replied, "What did you tell him?" "I told him that you were somewhere out on the job sight," she grinned conspiratorially, "And that you would more than likely be out there for the rest of the day." "Oh yeah," I grinned, "And what did he say?" "He didn't say anything," she replied, "He just laughed and hung the phone up." "Oh well," I laughed, "It sounds to me like he's as big an asshole as the people that work for him." ~~~~~~ Nicki and I went to lunch together, and she took me to the Cracker Barrel out alongside I-45. As we were sitting there eating, eight older ladies came into the dining room and sat down next to us at two tables that had been pushed together. I took no notice other than to look over while they were being seated, and then back at my food before they all sat down. "So, tell me, Amber" Nicki grinned, "Do you have a boyfriend out in California?" "I did," I laughed, shaking my head, "But he turned out to be a real asshole." "But I thought the guys in California were all good looking," she smiled excitedly, "I've seen them in the paper and on the T.V. and every one of them were really hot." "The guy I was dating was really good looking, yes," I said ruefully, "But the trouble was, that he knew it, and he used it to take advantage of me." "I'm sorry, Amber," Nicki said, "I guess it seems like some guys are the same everywhere." "It was my own fault, I guess," I replied, "I let him do it so, I'm partly to blame." "Excuse me for saying so, dear, but if you dressed more like a lady instead of a field hand, you might find a better class of man," suddenly rang out from a woman at the table next to us. I turned to see three of the ladies at the next table looking at us, the one nearest to us wearing a condescending smile on her face. "What did you say to me?" I asked; ready to lay into whomever it was that made that snotty comment. The lady that spoke looked to be somewhere in her mid to late sixties. However, as opposed to having a gentle wisdom about her, as one would think, she more or less glared at Nicki and I, almost like she was jealous or something. And then with malice in her voice, she looked down her nose at me then glibly spat, "You look like you're trying to be something you're not, and men don't want a woman who wants to be a man." For some reason, and to this day I still don't know why, I began to laugh, making Nicki laugh with me. The woman look at me in disgust, and said, "Hmmph, girls like you don't deserve a good man," and then turned back around to the rest of the women she was sitting at the table with, while Nicki and I laughed until we almost had tears coming from our eyes. Once regained our composure, I tapped the woman on the shoulder, making her turn around, and then softly replied, "Those words of wisdom mean as much to me as the dried up, frustrated old crone that said them so, fuck off...dear." Whether she was too stunned, or mortified at what I'd said, to speak, she simply sat there like a zombie as Nicki and I stood up and walked away, not looking back as we left our table. ~~~~~~ Once we'd paid for our lunch and were outside the restaurant, Nicki giggled and said, "Jeez, what a bitch." "I know," I replied, agreeing with her, "What is it with some of the people in this town? You'd think we were wanted by the law or something." "Awe don't pay any attention to those old goats, Amber," Nicki laughed, "They're just jealous, that's all." "What do they have to be jealous of?" I asked, "They don't have to work for a living like the rest of us." "Yeah, but their old and ugly," giggled Nicki, "And we're still young and hot," and by this time we were both giggling like schoolgirls. "Come on, girl," I laughed, "We gotta get back to work." ~~~~~~ As we got back onto the job site, I noticed an old, white, beat up truck, that had Carlson Electric Co. painted on both doors, sitting in my parking space. "Aw, shit, I've got to deal with this fucking guy," I said, as we pulled in. Nothing pisses me off worse than to have someone take my assigned parking space so, needless to say, I was immediately pissed off. And knowing that I was going to have to deal with the idiot who not only parked in my space, but was the boss of the fuck-head I fired this morning, only added more fuel to the fire. Yeah, I know I sound like a bitch so, sue me. Anyway, I parked beside it, and then Nicki and I got out and went to my office trailer. As soon as we got inside, I saw someone sitting at my desk, with their back to me while they were talking on the phone, my phone at that. "Excuse me," I said, "But what do you think you...." "Wait one," said a man's voice, interrupting me. "I will not wait one," I angrily replied, pushing down on the receiver button, hanging it up, "This is my office and you're on my phone. Just who the hell do you think you are?" He spun back around in the chair to face me, and then stood. God, he was gorgeous, six foot, four, and probably weighed in the neighbor hood of two forty, two fifty. He had dark brown, almost black hair, with the kind of dark brown eyes I'd always dreamed of as a young teen aged girl. The perfect rows of pearly white teeth caused his brilliant smile to offset the warm olive complexion of his ruggedly handsome face. However, regardless of gorgeous I thought he was, he still pissed me off, and as I stood in front of him with my arms crossed, he smiled and said, "You must be Miss Amber Hayes." "I most certainly am," I crossly replied, "And just who the hell are you?" "Oh, gosh, I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Jake Carlson," he politely replied, coming from behind my desk, "I'm here to apologize for the way my foreman acted toward you this morning. It was uncalled for and way out of line. If you'll give us another chance, I promise you, ma'am that you'll never have to deal with anything like that from any of my men again." I have to admit that I found his polite sincerity somewhat appealing, but I still had a job to do. However, I believe in giving second chances so, while not relaxing my posture in the least, I looked at him and said, "I'll think about it." "I don't mean to be impolite, ma'am," he nicely said, his words flowing smoothly, "But we don't have a whole lot of time, especially if you're planning on wanting to start pouring concrete in two days." He had a point; and I certainly didn't want to let the job fall behind so, I looked at him and plainly asked, "How do you plan on getting caught up? You're already a day behind the other trades." "Leave that to me, ma'am," he respectfully replied, "I'll see to it personally." You've Got to Be Kidding Me "What about the man who disrespected her this morning?" Nicki nervously asked, looking at me for reassurance. "That's right," I said, "I don't want that asshole back out on this job site." "You'll never have to worry about him again," he said, smiling disarmingly, "I fired his ass as soon as I found out what happened." "Alright then," I said, warning him, "But if your guys fall short, then your asses are out of here and I'll find another contractor, okay?" You've got a deal and you won't regret this, ma'am," he smiled, "We'll be ready and waiting." "Alright then," I said, "I'll leave you to get to it." "Yes, ma'am," he boyishly grinned, "And thank you for giving Carlson Electric Company another chance." "No problem," I smiled, "Oh, one more thing." "What can I do for you?" he asked, as he was leaving. "If you don't mind, Mister Carlson," I said, "Would you please move your truck out of my parking spot?" "No problem," he grinned, "And the name is Jake. Mister Carlson was my father." As soon as he left the trailer and the door had closed behind him, Nicki began to giggle, making me ask, "What?" "You like him; don't you?" she smirked, "I can sure tell he likes you. Didn't you see how nice he was being to you?'" "Don't even go there with me," I laughed, "Men will kiss ass to get what they want, especially when they stand to lose as much money as he will if he doesn't keep his up his of the deal." "Speaking of his end," Nicki impishly giggled, "Did you get a look at that ass on his way out the door?" "You are so bad," I laughed, not wanting her to know that I'd noticed everything about Jake Carlson the first moment I laid eyes on him. The rest of the afternoon was spent making sure that all the required materials and equipment would be where they needed to be, when they needed to be there. ~~~~~~ Chapter Two I ate dinner in my hotel room that night, having stopped and picked something up on my way after work. After I'd eaten, I got on the phone to Mike to apprise him of today's events. "So, Jake Carlson came to see you, huh?" Mike laughed. "I don't know what to think about some of these people, Mike," I told him, "I got verbally accosted twice today, once by some chauvinistic asshole at the job site, and the second time by some old crone assed woman who didn't approve of my work clothes." "It's gonna be okay, Amber," laughed Mike, "Just keep on being you and everything will be fine, I promise. "If you say so, Mike," I said uneasily, "This place sure is different from anywhere I've ever been before." "You'll do great. The major preparations have already been made. All you have to do is make sure everyone is caught up when they pour the concrete," encouraged Mike, "Just trust your instincts and everything will work out like it's suppose to." After I finished my conversation with Mike and hung up the phone, I decided to take a long hot soak in the tub to ease the tension of the day's events from my mind. I opened my suitcases and took out my toiletries and pajamas, which was on old San Diego Chargers jersey, and went into the bathroom. I then adjusted the water temperature in the tub and then turned to the sink to wash my face before I got into the tub. Once I'd taken off all my clothes and washed my face, I slowly eased myself into the tub, the water slowly encompassing me like a warm hug. I was thankful that Mike had booked me into a suite, because it came with a spa sized tub, allowing me to lay back and stretch my naked body out fully, yet still be submerged in warm water. My hair is long enough and full enough that I can braid it into a tight braid for work, and now that it had been let loose; it floated all around my body, tickling my skin as it slowly danced in the water. I thought about everything that had happened in the past weeks, and my first thoughts drifted back to Lance. I began to berate myself, wondering how I could have been so stupid as to let that asshole get away with what he did. And the more I thought about it, the deep and longing pain of loneliness began to set in. I wondered if I'd ever find love, the kind of love that all women dream of having, or at least I do. I remember the dream I had when I was younger, the one all women secretly dream. I wanted someone who only wanted me, someone whom, after working all day long, can't wait to see me when he gets home, someone who would comfort me if I was afraid, someone who.... "Get a grip on yourself, Amber. It's not going to happen," I said aloud, my mind returning to the present, while I wiped the tears of regret that were stinging my eyes. After I finished bathing and shaving my legs, I got out of the tub, dried off, then went into the bedroom and put lotion on my body. Once my hair had been combed out, dried and braided, I poured one of the bottles of Jack Daniels I'd bought aboard the plane over some ice in a cup; and then climbed under the covers to finish it while I watched TV. I began to get drowsy before long, and the last thing I remember was placing the empty cup on the nightstand while David Lettermen played on the television. ~~~~~~ I woke at 4:30 the next morning and couldn't go back to sleep. So, as opposed to lying in bed and watching infomercials, I decided to get up and get dressed, then go get some breakfast. And then after that was done, I went to the job site early so as to get a little work done while it was still dark outside. As I pulled up to my trailer, I saw that the back half of the site had been lit up like a Christmas tree. Needless to say, I got out of my car and headed that way to find out what was going on. As I neared the area, I saw thirty, or so, men feverishly working, laying PVC electrical conduit. All of a sudden, "Good morning, Boss," rang out from behind me, almost making me jump through my skin. I turned around to see Jake Carlson standing there with his hands on his hips, wearing his tool belt, and grinning from ear to ear. Waving his arms at the men milling about and working, he grinned and said, "See? I promised you that we would be caught up with the other trades." "You guys must have worked all night to get this much accomplished," I replied, amazed as I observed all the work that had been done. "Well, yeah," he poignantly replied, "I gave you my word yesterday, and where I come from; that means something." "Look, Mister Carlson," I said, realizing that I might've been a little too hard on him yesterday, "Maybe I was a little too hard on...." "Don't worry about it, Boss," he interrupted smiling, "But I really do wish you'd call me Jake. Calling me Mister Carlson makes me feel like I'm back in Mrs. Boone's fourth grade class again." "Okay, you've made your point, "I laughed, "But my name is Amber, and not Boss, alright?" "Amber, yeah, that sounds right," he softly replied, more to himself than me, "Okay Amber, if you'll please excuse me, my men and I still have a lot of work left to do." "Well, far be it from me to interrupt a man while he's working then," I smiled, "I'll get back to the office and leave you to it." "Thanks a lot, Amber," he smiled, again disarmingly, "You're good people." "Get out of here and get back to work, ya bum," I laughed, looking up at the pre-dawn sky, "You're burning daylight." "Yes, Ma'am," he laughed, turning and walking away, then looking back every fourth or fifth step and boyishly grinning. "God, he's gorgeous," I thought to myself as I turned to walk back to the trailer. ~~~~~~ Later that morning at 7:00, Nicki came walking into the office smiling brightly. "Good morning," I smiled, as she sat down at her desk. "Good morning," she smiled, looking out the window of the office trailer, "It looks like Jake made good on his promise, huh?" "Yeah, he did," I smiled approvingly, "They worked through the night, last night." "Wow," Nicki replied with a knowing smile. I didn't think anything about it at the time, because at that particular moment, and I couldn't quite figure out why; something inside of me told me that I was going to be alright, and that my heart was going recover from that which haunted me. The morning went great and there were no problems whatsoever. Nicki and I went to lunch at a small family restaurant that was off the beaten path. Nicki drove us there, and I enjoyed the best meal I'd had in ages. "So, tell me," Nicki asked, as we had coffee, "What do you think of Jake Carlson now?" "I think he's a nice guy," I smiled, "And he certainly keeps his word." "Oh, come on, Amber," Nicki giggled, "Stop being such a hard ass, and tell me the truth." Oh, alright," I laughed, relenting as I leaned back in my chair, "God, he's the most gorgeous man I've ever seen." "I know," Nicki swooned, "Isn't he just?" It's getting time to head back to work," I laughed, looking at my watch, "We'll talk about this later." ~~~~~~ We hadn't back at work for more than an hour when one of the laborers we'd hired came into the office, and out of breath, said, "Miss Amber, you'd better get out here quick, there's trouble." I tore out of the office, following the laborer to the far side of the job site where two noticeably older gentlemen stood, one of them holding a clipboard. "Can I help you two gentlemen with something?" I asked. "I'm Navarro County Commissioner, Ed Hammett," said the taller of the two, pointing to the man next to him, "And this is the Commissioner for the city of Corsicana, Marvin Brenner." Handing me a manila envelope, Brenner looked down his nose at me and sneered, "The permits for this building are no longer valid and we're here with an order to cease all construction, starting right now." "These permits were issued by the state of Texas," I firmly replied," You have no authority here. "Oh, but we do have authority here, little girl," sneered Hammett, "You're in our city, which is in our county, and we'll do as we damn well please." "That's right," Brenner hissed, "You're not in California anymore. This is Texas, a man's country, and we don't much cotton to women who think they're like us." "Just who in hell do you think you are," I asked, now thoroughly pissed off. Before anyone else could reply, Jake suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, and putting himself between me and the two men, he smiled and said, "Ed, Marvin, what seems to be the trouble here, fellas?" "This doesn't concern you, Jake," said Hammett, "This so called lady here, is in violation of her building permits." "That's right," Brenner chimed in, "She had neither county, nor city approval." "First all, gentlemen, if it concerns this job, then it does concern me, because I'm one of the contractors here," he firmly replied, "Secondly, she has a state approved permit, which supercedes all county and city statutes. Thirdly, you and I both know that this is a shakedown because you two assholes are a couple of slimy crooks to begin with." "That's slander, Jake Carlson," shouted Hammett, "You'll hear from my attorney." "Fuck you and your attorney, Ed Hammett," Jake laughed, "Why don't you and your little ass kissing buddy here get the hell off the job site, before I personally throw the both of you off." "You haven't heard the last of us, Jake Carlson," shouted Brenner, as he and Hammett walked away." "Oh, I don't doubt that one bit," Jake laughed, and then turning to me, he gently smiled and asked, "Are you alright, Amber?" "Yeah, I'm fine," I said, still a little pissed off, "Who the hell were those two anyway, and just exactly what was this all about?" "Money," he disgustedly replied, "And those two assholes have been trying to manipulate the people of this town for years, ever since I was a little boy growing up here." "I don't understand," I said, "What's that got to do with the job we're trying to do here?" "It goes back to a long time ago," Jake pained, "Back to when my father was still alive." Although it was only slight, and I'm quite sure that he hadn't meant for me to see, I perceived a slight sadness in his beautiful dark eyes. And while still standing fairly strong inside me, the wall I'd built around my heart felt a slight tremble just then, giving me just an ever so slight but pleasant taste of something that I'd never known before. But still, I smiled and said, "I'm not trying to be rude Jake, I swear I'm not. But I'm starting to get the feeling that something is going on here, and that it has something to do with the job that I've been sent down here to make sure gets done." With the now familiar smile coming back to his face, Jake looked me in the eyes and gently replied, "I'll tell you all about it, I promise, just not right now, or right here, okay?" "When?" I asked. "Soon," he smiled, "Real soon, I promise." ~~~~~~ I called Mike and told what had been happening and about Jake when he cut me off and laughed, "I've known Jake Carlson for seventeen years. Why else do you think I let you go down there alone? It's not that I didn't have faith in you, Amber, because I do. I just felt better knowing that there was someone down there I trusted, who could help you out if the shit got too deep. And after hearing what you just told me, it looks like I was right. You trust Jake and everything will be fine, I promise." I slept uneasily that night. All kinds of things went through my head, as the earlier events of that day had left me a little unsettled. However, sometime throughout the night, I managed to drop off to a modest state of slumber. And in that slumber, I saw Jake's face above me while I began to experience new and unknown feelings that slowly started to burn deep within me. "Jake," I cried, "Oh, yes, Jake," and when I opened my eyes, I was in my bed, in the hotel, my nipples on fire, and wetter than I had ever been. ~~~~~~ The next morning, the sun had barely been in the sky for an hour when the concrete trucks showed up at the job site. The weeks of preparation before I arrived would be put to the test, and I was nervous, having not been present when those preparations were made. Still though, I trusted Mike implicitly and I knew he knew what he was doing. As soon as the concrete began to pour from the trucks, I took a small satisfaction in knowing that the job was going well. I was also grateful for all of the hours I'd spent working with my father, as my experience was now paying off for me. ~~~~~~ By the time all the concrete had been poured, I looked at my watch to find that it was nearing two o'clock in the afternoon. My stomach was growling, telling me that I was hungry so, I left the concrete people to do their jobs and headed toward the office trailer. "Hey, Amber," smiled Nicki, as soon as I walked in the door, "Are they finished pouring all the concrete?" "Yes, finally," I said, "I'm starving so, why don't we go get something to eat. Besides, I know that you worked through lunch and I'm sure you must be hungry too." "Famished," grinned Nicki, "Where do you wanna go eat?" ~~~~~~ Nicki and I had lunch at a restaurant named, 'The Courtyard Bar & Grill'. The reason for the name was not in reference to the now well known franchise, but it was named because it was located directly across the street from the county courthouse. Corsicana is the county seat for Navarro County in Texas. Still though, it was a city that had a population of roughly fifteen-thousand people at the time, but was definitely on the rise. After we finished eating, I gave Nicki the rest of the afternoon off, to which she replied, "How about we get out of here and go lay out at the pool at my parent's house, Amber? Besides, it's not even three o'clock yet." "That sounds like a lot of fun," I said regretfully, "But I didn't bring a bathing suit." "That's no big deal. You can borrow a pair of bikini bottoms from me." Nicki giggled, "As far as tops go, hell, I haven't worn one for years." "But what about your parents," I asked uncertainly, "Won't they be upset at us for lying out topless in their backyard?" "My Dad passed away a little over five years ago," Nicki informed me, "It's just Mom, my sister Patty and me now." "I'm very sorry, Nicki" I said, my heart hurting for her, "Are you guys doing okay?" "Yeah, we're doing real good," she smiled, "Daddy made sure that we were very well taken care of. Patty and I don't have to work if we don't want to, but Daddy raised us better than that." "Girl," I smiled, "My Daddy is the same way." "So," Nicki grinned devilishly, "You coming to the pool with me or not?" ~~~~~~ "This is so nice," I said, as we lay near naked in the sun, "Thanks Nicki, I really needed this." "Your welcome, girl," she giggled, "It's good to see you relax for a change." Let me take a moment to describe Nicki. Although she was only twenty-four at the time, she was as smart and as wise as she was beautiful, all of which were way beyond her years. Nicki was tall and sleek, with blonde hair the same length as mine, and bright green eyes. Her now exposed breasts were about a B cup, but they were still nice and round, with small dime-sized aureoles and tiny little buds for nipples. I'm not into girls, nor am I judging the women that are, but a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman, and Nicki is most certainly that. "I'm not trying to sound like I'm coming on to you, Amber," giggled Nicki, "But I can see why Jake Carlson likes you." "Girl," I laughed, knowing she was right, but still trying to deny it to myself, "What on earth are you talking about?" "Hell, Amber, you're so pretty. Just look at you, look at your body," Nicki replied smiling, "Damn girl, if I had tits like yours, I'd be rounding up every man this side of the Mississippi River with em." "You're so bad," I laughed, "Besides, Jake Carlson lives here and I live in California, and even if we did start dating, which we won't, it just wouldn't work out." To her credit, Nicki said no more about Jake that day, but she still went....Damn, I'm getting ahead of myself again. Twenty minutes later, we heard a distinctly more mature female voice behind us ask, "You girls don't mind if I join you; do you?" I turned around to see an older woman, in her late fifties to early sixties, standing just outside the back patio door of the house wearing a white terry-cloth bathrobe and sandals. And then looking at me with a gentle smile on her face, she said, "You must be Amber. Hi, sweetie, my name is Joyce Marks, and it's good to finally meet you." "It's nice to meet you, ma'am," I replied, as she shed her robe to reveal that she was naked, and sat down in the empty lounger next to mine. She was in extremely good shape and did not look age. Nicki most definitely got her body from her mother, and she and Joyce could've passed for sisters as opposed to being mother and daughter. Their bodies were almost identical save for Nicki's smaller breasts, as Joyce's were bigger, fuller, and beautifully shaped by motherhood. "Oh, honey," she smiled; "Just call me Joyce like everyone else does." "Damn, Mom," said Nicki, surprised, "When did you start lying out naked?" "You and your sister were too young to remember this," she nostalgically replied, "But your father and I used to do this all the time when you two were very little." "Really," Nicki asked, "So, did you shave your pussy back then, too?" Nicki and I began to giggle as Joyce laughed and said, "Evelyn Nicole, such language, what would your father say?" "He would just laugh at me, like he always did," laughed Nicki. "Uh-Huh," Joyce smiled, "That's what's wrong with you now. Besides, you young gals aren't the only ones that like to shave your pussies ya know." "Well, Mom, if you're going to be naked," said Nicki, shedding her bikini bottoms, "Then, so am I." "Why not," I grinned, shedding mine as well, "When in Rome, huh?" You've Got to Be Kidding Me "So," said Joyce smiling, "I hear that really you got Jake Carlson's attention, Amber." "I don't know what you mean," I said, trying my best to feign ignorance. Both Nicki and Joyce smiled knowingly at me while Joyce said, "Darlin, there's something you need to know about that man." "What's that?" I nervously asked. "Tell her, Mom," Nicki excitedly said. Joyce looked at me like my Mom does from time to time, and drawing a deep breath, began, "Marcus Carlson, Jake's father, was a very good man. About ten years ago, a geologist discovered oil on the Carlson place. Ed Hammett, whom I've heard you've already met, well, his oil company made a bid for the drilling rights and was turned down. Well, that really pissed him off so bad that he vowed to Marcus that he would find a way to get even." "What did he do?" I asked. Joyce's eyes narrowed when she replied, "That little son-of-a-bitch, Marvin Brenner's land back's up to the Carlson property, and when Ed found out, he brought Brenner, who always was an asshole, in on his plan. It never was proven in court, but there was an accidental explosion on the drilling rig, that killed Marcus. Ever since then, Ed has had geologists searching all over Marvin Brenner's land for an oil pocket that connects to the one on the Carlson place, and he still hasn't found it yet. Anyway Jake joined the Navy right out of high school. I was told that he was some kind of hero, or something like that, and when his father was killed, Jake came back home to look after his mother, Ann, who died two years after Marcus, poor thing, and was a good friend of mine, as well as his little sister, Hannah." "That's awful," I regrettably replied, "And even though I treated him terribly, he was still just as nice to me as he could be." "From the looks of your pretty body, I can sure see why, Honey," said Joyce, causing Nicki to giggle and me to blush. ~~~~~~ I was in my office early the next morning catching up on paperwork when Nicki came walking in wearing a knowing smile. "What're you smiling about?" I laughed. Oh, nothing," she guiltily replied, wearing a grin to rival that of the Cheshire cat, "I've just got a feeling about today, that's all." "Oh, you do, do you?" I smiled, "And just what is so special about today?" "Nothing, really," she wistfully sighed, smiling brightly, "I just think that something good is going to happen for you today." Thinking nothing about what she said, I passed it off as wishful thinking on Nicki's part, God love her, and replied, "I had a good time yesterday. Thanks again, Nicki." "Yeah, that was fun" she laughed, "Mom thinks you're just the prettiest girl she's ever seen, besides me, that is." "Your mother is a sweetie," I giggled, "What happened to you?" "Gee, thanks," laughed Nicki, "I love you, too, bitch." ~~~~~~ Later that morning, I was out inspecting the job site when I saw a familiar figure walking toward me. Even from that distance I could still tell it was Jake. His tall, lean stature rose head and shoulders above the rest of the men on the job site, and as he drew closer; his brilliant smile made the wall I'd built around my heart, lose a couple of bricks. "Good morning, Amber," he smiled, making my knees go weak, "How're you this morning?" "I'm doing well, Jake," I grinned, trying to put up a good front, but failing miserably, "How are you?" "Fine, thanks," he grinned, his boyish charm making my heart flutter, "Listen, I was wondering if you would like to come to little party I'm having." "I don't know Jake, I...." "It's just a casual get-together at my house," he smiled, "You can even bring Nicki with you if you'd like. She's a nice girl that comes from a good family. Besides, she knows how to get to my house so, you two can even ride together." When I didn't answer him right away, he grinned devilishly and asked, "What's the matter? Are ya scared?" "I'll have you know, Jake Carlson, that I'm not afraid of anything," I haughtily replied, "Least of all, you." "Good," he chuckled, "I'll see you two at seven o'clock tomorrow night then," and before I could reply, he turned and walked away. "Damn him," I smiled to myself. Chapter Three "I haven't been out here in a long while," Nicki excitedly said, as we drove west on Highway 31 toward Jake's. "Can I ask you something, Nicki?" "Sure," she smiled, while driving, "What do want to know?" "Well," I began, a little uncomfortably, "What did your mom mean when she said that Jake joined the Navy and became some kind of hero or something?" "I'm not real sure," she replied, "But I do know that he came home wounded pretty bad a couple of years before his father died." "How could he have gotten wounded?" I asked, "I thought that the Navy guys were always out at sea on ships." "I don't know," Nicki smiled devilishly, as she turned off the road onto a long dirt driveway, "Why don't you ask him? We'll be there in about three minutes. ~~~~~~ As Nicki pulled her car up to the house, I was lost in the grandeur and splendor of it all. It would best be described as a southwestern style mansion that sat in the middle of a flat, grassy plain. From looking at it, one could tell that it was built from hand hewn oak trees and intricately placed stones, giving it a true rustic western look. Nicki had just turned her engine off when the front door of the house opened and there stood Jake, with his hand on his hips, grinning. "Welcome, ladies," he smiled, looking at me, "I'm glad you two decided to come." "Hi, Jake," Nicki knowingly smiled, as we climbed the front steps, "Thanks for the invitation." "Hello, Amber," he softly said, making me flutter between the legs, "I'm glad you could make it." "Thanks, Jake," I smiled, "I told you I wasn't scared." "I knew you weren't," he laughed, "I just wanted to yank your chain a little bit, that's all." "You're a rascal, Jake Carlson," Nicki giggled, "My mama warned me about men like you." "You ought to listen to her, "laughed Jake, "She knows what she's talking about." Then, while winking at me, he smiled and said, "Please, come on in and make yourselves at home." ~~~~~~ Jake opened the huge oak front door and showed us inside, and as soon as I walked into the front foyer of the house; I saw two doors, one on the right and the other on the left. To the left was a dining room, with a large oak table that was elegantly set, and to the right was a hallway that I assumed led to the bedrooms. As we followed him on down the short hall, Jake led us into what appeared to be a den, with a huge stone fireplace to the right and a large kitchen to the far left. I could tell that everything in the house was as old as it was expensive, and for a moment I felt as if I had drifted back in time to the late 19th century. "It's about time you brought some females here to save from drowning in this sea of testosterone, Jake" said a very pretty girl that appeared from behind us. She stood somewhere in the neighborhood of 5'6", or maybe 5'7' and had long dark brown hair, the same length as mine and Nicki's, and eyes just like Jake's, as well as a beautiful figure with an olive complexion. "Hi, Hannah," smiled Nicki, "How are you, girl?" "Oh, hey, Hi Nicki," replied Hannah smiling, "It's so good to see you again. Who've you brought with you?" "This is Amber Hayes," replied Nicki, smiling knowingly, "She may be my boss, but she's also my friend." "So, you're Amber, huh?" Hannah smiled knowingly, "I've heard your name mentioned a quite bit around here in the past few days." "Oh really," I pointedly replied, Nicki giggling behind me. I looked at Jake just in time to see him blushing brightly, and said, "I wonder where she heard that from?" "I uh...I...I think I'd better go out and check the grill," he replied uncomfortably, while at the same time making a hasty retreat through the back door of the kitchen. I suddenly heard Hannah and Nicki erupt into a fit of female laughter, making me smile, and ask, "What are you two laughing at?" With a huge grin on her face, Hannah took me by the hand and led me into the den/living room; and as we sat down, she smiled and said, "Please don't misconstrue what I'm about to say, Amber. But never in my life have I seen my brother act this way before." "And what way is that?" I asked, still blind to what was gong on around me. This time it was Nicki who, while giggling like a schoolgirl, said, "What Hannah is trying to tell you, is that she and I both can tell that Jake has a major thing for you." "He really does, Amber," Hannah gently smiled, "I know my brother well." "Uh-huh," laughed Nicki, "I think that you just might have a little thing for him, too." "Girl, you are out of your mind," I laughed, "Besides, that's the last thing I need at this point in my life." "My brother is a great guy," Hannah sadly replied, "Our father was killed when I was ten, and then Mom died two years after that. I think she died of a broken heart. I was a surprise to my parents when I was born, because Mom was forty- three, Dad was forty-five, and Jake was twenty-two, but I think, no, I know that they loved even more because of it. But when they died, Jake was right there to care for me. He took over the responsibility of raising me and made sure that I had everything I needed, and he loves me like I'm his own." "Aw," I smiled, the wall around my heart now standing on extremely shaky ground, "That's sweet." "Isn't it just?" cooed Nicki. "That was nothing," Hannah sweetly replied, "Jake spoiled me worse than my parents ever did." "What do you mean?" I curiously asked. "Tell her, Hannah" said Nicki, excitedly looking at me, "You're gonna love this." "Well," Hannah began, "Jake threw me a huge party when I was sixteen. I invited all my friends, oh it was so nice. Once Jake was sure that everyone I had invited was there, he blindfolded me and then led me out onto the front porch. Then right before he took off the blindfold, he leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! I love you". And when he took the blindfold off, there in the driveway was a brand new Mustang, convertible, with a big red bow sitting on top of it." "That was very sweet of him to do that," I smiled, my heart beginning to very subtly melt. "It was so precious," said Nicki," I was there to see it, too." "So I take it that the two of you grew up together then," I grinned. "I'm twenty-four, and Hannah will be in another month," giggled Nicki, "We were cheerleaders together in high school." "I always stayed with Nicki when Jake had to go out of town," smiled Hannah, "We've been best friends for a long time Suddenly remembering something Joyce Marks had told me, I smiled and said, "Can I ask you a rather personal question about Jake, Hannah?" Looking at me warmly, Hannah sweetly replied, "I'll tell you whatever you want to know about him." "What's all this I've heard about him being in the Navy and getting wounded really badly?" I asked. Hannah looked me in the eyes and replied, "I'm going to tell you this because I can tell that my brother cares for you and that you care for him. He doesn't know that I know so, you have to promise me that you will never let on that I told you, okay?" "I swear I'll never tell a soul," I anxiously replied. "Alright then," smiled Hannah, as she began, "Jake joined the Navy right out of high school because he'd always wanted to be a Navy Frogman, or SEAL, as they call them now. Now all of this happened before I was born so, I'm going on what my Mom told me. Anyway, when I was almost seven years old, he came back from the Navy and was in Parkland Hospital in Dallas for about a week before he came home. He seemed like he was sad about something, but when I asked him if he was okay; he told me that he was just tired and that he needed some rest. But he still always smiled around me, never once forgetting to let me know how much he loved me. After Dad was killed, Mom told me what had happened to Jake. She told me exactly what kind of work Navy SEALs did, and how dangerous it was. Then she told me that Jake had been wounded when he and his best friend had been pinned down by enemy gunfire when they were trying to rescue some hostages somewhere. She said that Jake's best friend had been mortally wounded and died in his arms, and that Jake had been badly wounded himself, but he still saved the hostages. They gave Jake the Congressional Medal of Honor for that." By this time Hannah was openly crying as she continued, "When Mom died, Jake was right there. He never left my side and he was always there to hold me at night when I used to have bad dreams, sometimes sitting up all night with me if he had to. He took me to school every morning and was there to pick me up every afternoon. He helped me through what would've been a terrible and lonely childhood if not for him. When I approached my teens, and had my first period, I was scared shitless; but Jake sweetly helped me understand that it was part of growing up and that I would become a woman soon. A couple of friends of his, one whom I believe, is your boss, Amber, Mike and Terrie Winters, were there to help as Jake explained the facts of life to me. So, you see, Jake is not only my big brother, but he's been the only parent I've known for many years, and I love him very much. But I'm grown now, and I don't want to see him end up all alone. He's been through enough in his life, and I wish that he would take the time to find someone who will love and care for him. He's the gentlest soul I've ever known, and I've been praying for a long time now, that he'll find the right woman, one who's as sweet and wonderful a person as he is." By the time she finished, I could see tears pouring down not only Hannah's and Nicki's cheeks, but I felt them raining down my own as well. We were suddenly brought out of our reverie when we heard an all too familiar masculine voice laugh and say, "Jeez, who died?" Hannah smiled, and then hopping up from her seat, she wiped her face and casually strolled over to Jake. Putting her arms around his neck, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek and replied, "Nobody, ya big goof. We were just having some girl talk." "Silly girl," laughed Jake, hugging her around the waist. Then he looked at all of us and said, "I was wondering if anyone cared for anything to drink?" Sure," giggled Nicki, "Would you make us a batch of your world famous margaritas, Jake, you know, the ones like you made for our graduation party?" "Do you mean the night that you and Hannah threw up all over each other because you drank too much?" laughed Jake. "We really did, too," Hannah giggled, as Nicki nodded her head in agreement, giggling as well, "Please Jakey." "Oh, alright," Jake laughed, "Just knock it off with the Jakey shit." "Thanks Jakey," giggled Nicki, "Err...I mean Jake." "Watch it, girlie," laughed Jake, while leading us to the bar, "Or I'll tell Amber about you and Mark Richardson kissing in the fourth grade." Then, while deviously winking at me and grinning, Jake said, "She was too fast for her own good even back then." "And you've always liked aggravating the shit out of Hannah and me, both, ever since we were little, Jake Carlson," giggled Nicki, as she playfully slapped Jake's arm. "You're right about that one, kiddo," chuckled Jake, while smiling at me, and making my knees go weak. All of a sudden the telephone rang, making Jake excuse himself to go and answer it, and as I watched him leave the room, I heard Hannah and Nicki begin to cackle with laughter. "Now what are you two laughing about?" I grinned. "Yep, she's got it," Hannah smirked at Nicki, "What do you think, Nick-Nick?" "Yeah, you're right, Han," giggled Nicki, looking at me, "And she's got it real bad, too." Will someone tell me what in the hell you're talking about?" I asked, only making the two of them giggle and laugh that much harder. Hannah was about to speak when Jake burst into the room grinning at his sister and said, "It's time." "You and Amber take the truck, and Nicki and I will meet you there in the jeep," Hannah excitedly replied, "Come on Nick-Nick," and then the two of them peeled through the kitchen and out the back door. "What's going on, Jake?" I asked. Jake took my hand, and then gently pulling me toward him, replied, "One of Hannah's mares is about to foal. This is something you don't want to miss, Amber, I promise you." "Let's go," I smiled, as we made our way to the front door, Jake still holding my hand. ~~~~~~ Jake and I followed Hannah and Nicki up the driveway and then back onto highway, heading about four more miles west until we came to a driveway on the left. This driveway however, had a cattle guard for a gate, and as soon as we drove across it, Hannah and Nicki were halfway to the top of the small rise that was in front of us, preventing us from seeing over its horizon. "Damn," laughed Jake, "I love my sister, but she drives like a maniac." "Yeah," I laughed, as Jake drove like a madman to catch up to her, "And she sure comes by it honestly, too." "I guess," Jake laughed, "But she's a whole lot worse than I ever was." "Can I ask you something, Jake?" I asked as we drove along, now much slower than before. "You can ask me anything you want," he teased, "As long as you don't ask me to get off the job site again." "Are you always such a smart ass," I giggled, "Or do you practice at it?" "It just comes natural," he laughed, then he reached over and touched my arm, making me slightly shiver, and warm and tender smile, said, "Seriously though, what would you like to know?" "Why didn't you tell me that you were a Congressional Medal of Honor winner?" His face went suddenly pale, but before he could answer me, we came to the top of the rise, and with a smile replacing the troubled look on his face; Jake pointed ahead of us and said, "Look!" I saw what appeared to be a facility of some sort with four different buildings, all of them constructed to look like stables. They were a burnt orange color, trimmed in white. "This is very nice," I said, "What is it?" "This is where Hannah keeps her horses," Jake proudly replied, "Three Quarter Horses, a stallion and two mares, you're about to witness the birth of the first Quarter Horse born on Carlson land." "Oh, wow," I smiled, "This will be something new for me." As we got out of his truck, Jake took my hand and then smiled and replied, "Well, come on then. Like I told you before, you really don't want to miss this." ~~~~~~ Jake led me into what was called the 'Birthing Stable', meeting Hannah and Nicki, who were already there and in the process of helping to get everything ready. Another man was there also. He looked to be about Jake's age as he smiled, and introducing himself to me, said, "Hello! My name is Doctor Peter Barber, and you must be Amber, the lady I've heard so much about lately." "Shit, Pete," said Jake, blushing brightly, "You're as bad as Hannah." "What do you mean," Peter teased, "It's not like everybody can't tell by looking at the two of you that you're sweet on each other ya know." "Aw, man," said Jake, shaking his head while making the rest of us laugh. Up until now I hadn't really said anything to Jake one way or the other about how I was beginning to feel about him. However, according to the things I'd heard since I'd been around him that evening, I guess my actions had begun to speak for me, giving Jake, and now everyone else it seemed, some indication of the feelings that I was beginning to have for him. After what Hannah had told me, I began to think of Jake in ways that were very unfamiliar to me, and I began to see a sort of gentle strength within him. It was the same quality I'd been looking for in a man ever since I knew what it was that I desired the most in a man, period. You've Got to Be Kidding Me "Jake, Jake, come quick," Hannah excitedly said, as she made her way from one of the stalls near us. Taking my hand and tenderly smiling at me, Jake nodded his head toward the stall and said, "Come on, I think you're going to want to see this." ~~~~~~ "It's okay, girl," Hannah said, to her mare that was now lying down on her side, ready to give birth to the foal within her. All at once, Nicki squealed, "Here it comes, Han. I can see its little nose and front hooves." Jake took Hannah's place, gently stroking the mare's head and neck while Hannah joined Nicki to assist, if needs be, while the mare gave birth. I stood back so as not to get in anyone's way just in case any complications were to arise. A few moments later, a newborn colt lay next in the hay next to its mother's teats, taking its first drink of the life giving milk stored within. Jake had been right, as this was one of the most beautiful and especially tender experiences I'd ever had, and I was surprised at the tears that were now raining down my cheeks. "I knew that you'd enjoy this," smiled Jake, as he handed me a handkerchief, breaking me from the emotional reverie I was in. "It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen," I replied, sniffling, yet still smiling. Putting his arm around my shoulders, Jake pulled me into him, and as I willingly went, he smiled and said, "I knew you weren't such a hard-ass after all." "Oh shut up," I smiled, "Smart ass." Deciding to remain with the mare and her newborn colt, Hannah and Nicki stayed behind while Jake and I drove back to the house. ~~~~~~ "I wanted to thank you for coming out this evening," smiled Jake, as we sat out on his back deck, enjoying a couple of margaritas while we watched the sun sink slowly into the western horizon. "Thank you for inviting me," I said, "But you never did answer my earlier question, ya know." Jake sat up in his chair, and with an expression of consternation plainly written across his face, he looked at me and asked, "Why do you want to know about all that stuff? Besides it happened a long time ago, and it's no big deal." "Jesus Christ, Jake," I gasped, "The Congressional Medal of Honor most certainly is a big deal. It's the highest honor that our nation bestows on its heroes." "Look Amber," said Jake, with a look on his face that made me feel a little uncomfortable, "You don't know so, please don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way." Then he took a deep breath and began, "First of all, the medals that I was given while I was in the Navy only mean one thing to me; and that is, that someone either got hurt and/or died for me to get awarded them. Last, and certainly not least, I am NOT, nor will I ever be, a hero." When Jake finished speaking, he wore a sad, almost defeated look on his face, making my heart literally ache for him. And as I leaned over and put my hand on his arm, I was surprised at the lone tear that rolled down my cheek when I replied, "I'm sorry Jake. I didn't mean to make you feel bad, but if you ever want to talk, I'll listen." "You're a good woman, Amber," Jake smiled, his hand now holding mine, "But I can tell that you've got a demon of your own that you haven't yet faced. Am I right?" "What do you mean?" I asked, feigning ignorance, "I haven't got the slightest idea what you're talking about." "Its okay to be afraid," Jake tenderly smiled, "And I promise that anything that you tell me will stay between you and me, I swear." And for reasons that where unknown to me at the time, I began to softly weep, making Jake rise to his feet with me following his lead. He pulled me into his strong arms where I buried my face into his chest and opened the floodgates, releasing the anguish that I kept bottled up inside of me for months. "Shh, its okay," he softly said, "You're safe here, and nobody's going to hurt you, I promise." I felt like I was untouchable while in his arms, and I suddenly felt the wall I'd built around my heart come crashing down. It was then that I knew that I was having feelings for Jake, strong feelings. No longer did my heart belong solely to me, and it was then that I realized that I was in love with him. However, I also began to wonder how he felt about me. "Damn," I sniffled, giggling, "I didn't realize that it was that obvious." "It's not that, Amber," Jake said, while gently running the palm of his hand across my left cheek, "Sometimes I'm able to pick up on some things that most folks aren't, that's all." "Oh really," I smiled, still in his arms, "Does that mean you can read my mind?" "Well, no," he laughed, "And it's probably a good thing that I can't, huh?" "And just what is that supposed to mean?" I giggled, stepping away from him and putting my hands on my hips in mock indignation. Placing his hands on my waist, Jake smiled while gently pulling me back firmly into his arms, making me place mine around his shoulders, and said, "It means that....I'm sorry that you've been hurt, but not all guys are alike, and I just wanted you to know. Besides, I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." And with that said, he softly but quickly kissed my cheek, and then released me, smiling while my knees went weak. "Thank you, Jake," I smiled, as I sat back down again, "That was a nice thing to say." "Hell," he laughed, sitting back down beside me, "It's easy to tell the truth, Amber." "So, tell me, Jake," I said, changing the subject so as to relieve the not unpleasant discomfort I was beginning to feel, "How do run this place and still have time to run an electrical company?" "It's not as difficult as you think," he boyishly grinned, "The families of the men that work here and run this place, have all worked for my family since before I was born so, as far as the ranch goes; it pretty much runs itself. I have the electrical company because I was cross-trained as and Electrician's Mate in the Navy, and I wanted to own and operate my own business when I got out." By this time we'd taken our seats once again, and at the risk of going too far, I looked at him and asked, "Can I ask you a rather personal question, Jake?" "Sure," he smiled, "Feel free to ask me anything you want." "Well," I nervously began, but decided to ask anyway, "I know that this is none of my business, but why haven't you ever married? And if not, are you seeing anyone?" "Wow," Jake chuckled, "You really meant it when you said 'personal', huh?" "You said I could ask you anything I wanted to," I defensively replied, "didn't you?" "No, its okay, and I did tell you that," he laughed. Then he sat his glass on the table and turned to look me directly in the eyes, and with a small glimmer of sadness in his eyes, Jake began, "I joined the Navy right after I graduated high school so I could decide what it was I wanted to do with my life. I went through boot camp for sixteen weeks, and then went to "A" School, where I learned to be an Electrician's Mate. Once I graduated I got stationed aboard an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise, which at the time was a new nuclear powered ship." "So, how did you get wounded?" I asked, making his eyes go wide. "I'm going to tell you something, Jake, but you've got to give me your word that you won't say anything to them for telling me," I gently warned, "Do I have your promise?" "Okay," smiled Jake, "You have my word." "I know that you were a Navy SEAL, and that you got wounded rescuing hostages," I replied, "I also know that your best friend was there, and that he died in your arms." ~~~~~~ Chapter Four "Who told you this," Jake demanded, "And just how did you get this information?" "Relax, Jake," I said, placing my hand on his, "Hannah told me. She also told me about how you put your life on hold to take care of her." "I guess Mom told her," smiled Jake, visibly relaxed now, Mom was the only person I ever told that to. Dad didn't even know." Then, with tears beginning to cloud his eyes, Jake said, "The Navy gave me an honorable discharge after Mom died so that I could come home and take care of Hannah. After my best friend in the whole world was killed, Dad got killed a couple of years later, and then Mom died not long after that. Hannah was the only family, the only person I had left. So, I knew that it was my place to look after her. Besides, I wasn't about to let my stupid-assed relatives fuck her head up any worse than life already had. After all of that, I refused to get close to anyone or let them get close to me. Everyone I had ever cared about ended up dying, except for Hannah, that is. She's been the only light in my life for a long time, but soon she'll be gone to raise a family of her own." When Jake was finished, tears were falling down his cheeks like rain, and because of this, he now owned my heart, I could no longer resist him. I leaned over and softly but briefly kissed his lips and then said, "I'm so very sorry, Jake." Before I could say anything further, Jake stood up and lightly pulled me to my feet. After gently placing his arms around my waist, he pulled me back into his arms and tenderly kissed my lips. He placed light kiss on my lips, slowly teasing me. The next kiss produced a corporeal moan that emanated from deep within me. I put my arms around his hard massive form, pressing the entire length of my body against him. As our tongues began to dance with one another, I felt my panties becoming drenched and my nipples were on fire. I'd never felt this way with any man after just one kiss. However, I began to tremble and I knew that I simply had to have him. Still though, I didn't want to come off as some wanton slut, but it was still a deliciously naughty thought none the less. "Oh wow," smiled Jake, breathing heavily once the kiss had ended, "That was amazing, Amber." "Mmm," I purred, placing my cheek against his chest, "I liked it, too, Jake." "You know what this means, don't you?" he smiled. "Maybe," I giggled, "But why don't you tell me anyway." "It means that you're never going back to California again," he teased, "You're going to fall madly in love with me and stay here and raise rug-rats." "Oh, you think so, do you?" "Yeah," Jake laughed, "I know so." "Oh yeah," I giggled, "And just how do you know?" Then Jake leaned in and kissed me again, only this time I was putty in his hands. The most amazing thing about this man was that, even though were both clearly experiencing a hormonal overload, at least I was, Jake still stayed within the bounds of what would be considered decent behavior when he kissed me. At first I was a little disappointed that he didn't at least try to touch my breasts, until I realized that, for the first time in my life, I was in the presence of a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. After the kiss was finished, I looked into his dark brown eyes and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was now, and forever would be, deeply in love with Jake. All he had to do was say the word and I would go anywhere with him. I only prayed that he felt the same way about me. "Earth to Amber," he said, breaking me out of my reverie, "Are you still with me, sweetie?" "Yes," I giggled, "I'm still here. I was just thinking." "About what?" he smiled. "I was thinking about you," I softly replied, "I was thinking that I'm beginning to feel something for you that maybe I shouldn't." "You're feeling something that you shouldn't?" he teased, "Maybe I need to take you into town to see old Doc Baker he's pretty good ya know." "Jake, has anyone ever told you what an aggravating shit you can be?" "Yeah," he boyishly laughed, "Hannah and Nicki tell me that all the time." Then, after a few seconds, Jake smiled at me and added, "I feel it too, Amber. I know that you're as attracted to me as I am to you." I went to speak; but Jake gently stopped me and said, "I also know that you're very afraid of being hurt. Well, I am too, and if it's alright with you; I'd like to take the time for us to get to know each other better and see where things go from there." "Oh Jake," I squealed, softly hopping into his lap and throwing my arms around him, "I think that's just perfect." Suddenly, the back patio light came on, temporarily blinding us, while the familiar sound of a female voice that teasingly said, "Well, you don't waste any time, do you big brother," rang out from somewhere behind us, followed by girlish giggling, leaving no doubt who it was. As I removed myself from Jake's lap, Hannah and Nicki came from behind us, each holding a margarita in their hands and each wearing sly grins on their faces. As they sat in the two empty chairs on the other side the table, Hannah knowingly grinned at Jake and said, "Doctor Pete said that new foal is healthy and that he'll make a perfect stallion." "Uh...that great Hannah," Jake nervously replied, making Hannah and Nicki fall into another fit of giggles. "You two leave him alone," I said, a little too zealously. This only caused Hannah and Nicki to laugh even harder, and when she'd regained her composure somewhat, Nicki teasingly giggled, "Look Han, she's taking up for her lover boy." "Alright," chuckled Jake, "That's enough, you two." "What's the matter, Jakey," teased Nicki, "You can dish it out, but you can't take it." "That's right, big brother," giggled Hannah, "You can dish it out but you can't take it." Jake slowly leaned over and kissed me on the cheek, making both Hannah and Nicki make goo-goo eyes and kissing noises. While the two of them were caught up in teasing us, he quietly whispered, "Watch this," in my ear. Then at the speed of light, Jake quickly reached across the table with both hands, and before anyone knew what was happening, he ripped both Hannah's and Nicki's shirts from their bodies. Both girls were braless and Jake laughed, teasing them, and said, "I can see your boobies...I can see your boobies." Needles to say, both girls shrieked and threw their arms across their chests to hide their naked breasts, while Jake and I laughed like fools. As they rose from the table, Hannah and Nicki both gave us dirty looks, while Nicki said, "You are such an asshole sometimes, Jake Carlson." "That wasn't funny Jake, you fucker," spat Hannah, as both girls quickly disappeared back into the house. "Oh, Jake," I giggled, my sides hurting from laughing so hard, "That was an awful thing to do to those two girls." "That was nothing," laughed Jake, "Those two have been aggravating the shit outta me since they were about sixteen. Besides, that's just payback from when they threw a pitcher of ice water on me, over the top of the curtain while I was in the shower a couple of months ago." "Now that's funny," I giggled, "I'll bet it was really cold, huh?" ~~~~~~ "You owe me for a new shirt, Jake," said Nicki as she threw the shirt Jake ripped from her boy into his lap. "Me too," replied Hannah, doing with her shirt the same thing Nicki had done. "Excuse me, ladies," Jake pointed replied, "If my memory servers me correctly, and it does, I remember two girls who though it was funny as hell to throw a pitcher of ice water on me while I was taking a shower. Suddenly they began to giggle again, but Nicki wasn't having any of it, and while still laughing, said, "Yeah, but nobody saw your dick, did they?" This time it was my turn to laugh at Jake, as he turned to me with his face blushing brightly and said, "Don't laugh at those two. It only makes them worse." All at once, Hannah looked at me, and changing the subject, conspicuously said, "So, I saw you kissing my brother. What are your intentions, Amber?" "Now wait a minute, young lady," Jake defensively replied, "That's none of...." "No, no," I gently interrupted, smiling at Jake, "I'll handle this." Then I turned to Hannah, and deciding to go for broke, I opened my heart and said, "I've fallen in love with your brother, Hannah, and I hope that he loves me as much as I love him." Hannah's stern glare melted into a soft gentle smile as tears began to fill her eyes, and beginning to cry, she came around the table and threw her arms around me and cried, "Thank you. I've been asking God for a long time now, to send him someone who will love him, and I couldn't ask for anyone better." "Do I get a say in this," Jake asked, as he gently put his arms around the both of us. "No, you don't," Hannah smiled, as she kissed Jake on the cheek, "She's perfect for you, and you know it." "Oh, you think so, do you?" smiled Jake, while looking into my eyes. "Yes," replied Hannah and Nicki in unison, followed by girlish giggles. ~~~~~~ Nicki decided to stay the night over with Hannah, leaving Jake to drive me back to my hotel. "I sure hope you don't mind doing this, Jake," I said, as were getting into his truck. "What," he laughed, "And have my little sister on my ass for God knows how long? No, thank you." "You're a good guy, Jake." "I think you're pretty special, too, Amber," he replied, brushing the back of his hand against my cheek as he started his truck and put it in gear. ~~~~~~ When we pulled up to my hotel, I turned to Jake and asked, "Would you like to come in for a while?" "Are you sure, Amber," he nervously replied, "I mean, I'd love to, don't get me wrong, but..." I interrupted him by kissing him more passionately than anyone I can ever remember, and breathing heavily, said, "Come with me, Jake." ~~~~~~ The door had barely shut before I was all over him, smothering him with a passion like none I'd ever experienced before in my life, and then said, "I want you to make love to me, baby.....right now." "Oh Amber," he breathed, as we began to hurriedly strip the clothing from each other's bodies. In a flash we were on the bed, with me on my back and Jake between my legs. There was little to no foreplay before I felt the head of his cock gently push through the velvet curtains of my pussy, filling me full, more than any one or anything ever had. His hard chiseled body felt wonderful as, with every thrust of his cock, his body rubbed against mine, sending me into one long and continuous orgasm. What felt like hours were only mere moments before I felt his warm seed erupting from his cock, bathing the walls of my pussy in a loving warmth, that spread all throughout my body. And when the heat had died down, as opposed to rolling off of me, Jake turned on his side, his cock still inside me, and with his eyes filling with tears, tenderly said, "I love you, Amber. I have since the very first time I saw you." "Oh Jake," I cried, "I love you so much, I swear I do." "You've got to be kidding me," he teased. "No, I'm not," I giggled, "So, get used to it "I believe you, baby," he tenderly replied, "I really do." ~~~~~~ That was eight years ago. Jake and I were married the following spring, and nine months to the day of our honeymoon, I gave birth to a little girl that we named, Martha, after Jake's mother. Her Aunt Hannah and her Aunt Nicki spoil her rotten, but I couldn't imagine life being any other way than it is now. New evidence was found that implicated Ed Hammet and Marvin Brenner in the death of Jake's father, and they were both sentenced to life without possibility of parole. So you see, things always have a way of working themselves out where love is concerned. The End.