Christmas in Brush Creek

This thread is open to anyone wishing to participate - all I ask is that you stay in character and that you do not control another persons character or jump into your own plot taking away from the flow of the story. When posting at first please give a little back ground on your character.

Please post your backgrounds and out of character chat in our out of character thread: OOC Christmas in Brush Creek
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Maddy Heart, 24 years old , amazonian build with Aurban hair that flames in the sun light. hard working and has a stubborn streak a mile long. Loves her horses and her dog but finds it hard to trust in anything else.

Maddy runs a small horse ranch just outside of Brush Creek called Heart Stud she was born and raised in these parts and knows just about everyone in town....but she tends to keep to herself since her pa died a few years back leaving her the farm.

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Throwing her old broken saddle in the back of her pick up, Maddy then climbed behind the wheel of the old girl and brought her purring to life. The old Chevy wasn't what she used to be but she suited Maddy just fine.

With dust flying and bone jarring bumps it was less then 30 minutes and Maddy was in the main street of Brush Creek, headed to Masons Store.

Pulling up to the curve Maddy stepped down from the truck and rounded to the tail gate. Not many people where about but the old town had a few faces lining the side walks. Ms Henry the new school teacher was fussing with some bags across the street and Joe the Bar owner was washing down the side walk out the front of the Old Bar, no doubt to hide the smell of stale beer from the good Ole boys last night.

Maddy heaved the old saddle onto her shoulder and headed into Masons Store, she hoped he was able to repair her pummel and replace a few of the old tacks that just werent holding the old saddle together any more.

Placing the saddle beside the counter and dusting off her light blue cotten shirt and her tight fitting jeans Maddy waited to be served.

CHARACTER: Tom Williams, thirty-year-old drifter... Tall ,dark, and you know.... horse trainer, general carpentry work. Very handy around the farm…wandering feet, wandering hands, wandering eye.


Tom Williams worked his way from town to town; easily finding jobs as he drifted. If you were good with horses, this was the country to roam. He loved horses with the sense of a person raised with them. He did not idealize them like many city folk nor had he hardened to them like many farm hands. Rather he had watched his father the legendary, Harvey Williams, break, train and trade horses since he was a toddler. He knew a firm hand and a sense of direction was necessary with a good horse. He knew never to break their spirit or else you were left with a riding stable plug. Unfortunately for Tom, he felt much the same about women. His love for horseflesh had landed him many a job. His love for the ladies had landed him on his arse: turfed from many ranches.

Last night, his first in the new town, he struck up a patron’s relationship with Joe, the owner of the local bar. As he drank, Tom asked about possible work in the area. Joe mentioned a few ranch owners but when he mentioned that Maddy Heart might be hiring, it raised a hoot from the two other fellas standing at the bar.

“What’s the problem?” Tom smiled as he asked.

“She’ll knock your eye out. A stunner.” Quipped one of the men “She makes me horny as a three peckered tom cat.”

“Trouble is,” said his mate. “She WILL knock your eye out! Quite literally. You’d have to hog tie her to pat that ass.”

Tom laughed with the men but promised himself that if he landed a job with her, he would try and keep it for a while. He swore to keep his hands in his gloves and his pecker in his pants.

The next morning, he found himself out on the sidewalk, checking out the town by daylight. Joe was swilling off the sidewalk and said to Tom. There’s Maddy Heart now.

A tall, breath-taking woman slung a well worn saddle over her shoulder as deftly as any cowhand, then disappeared into the general store. As she disappeared, Tom was transfixed by the splendid ass, framed in her faded jeans.

He reminded himself of the pledge he had made. "Hands in your gloves, pecker in your pants," he mumbled. Yet, his promise lacked conviction even as he repeated it to himself. He followed her into Mason's store and introduced himself as she plopped the saddle onto the counter.

“Miss Heart? Morning ma'am. I’m looking for work with horses and Joe the bartender said that I should talk to you. I'm a fair hand with a saw and hammer too, ma'am. I’d be thankful for try-out on your horse ranch.” Tom held his hat in one hand and extended the other in greeting.

Sarah Henry mentally fussed at the brown paper bags that kept sliding from her arms. Filled with items like pens, pencils and paper, the awkward shaped packages kept shifting in the bags making it difficult to carry them. She sat the bags down on a bench outside the local drugstore and began to rearrange the items to make the bags easier to carry. She should have driven her car down to the store from the school house but she had thought she could manage a few bags. "Ha", she thought disgustedly, "so much for handling."

Glancing up as an old truck barrelled down the street, Sarah saw a young woman get out of the truck and grab a saddle and head into the general store. It took Sarah a moment to put a name to the pretty girl. "Oh, yes, Maddy Heart." Sarah hadn't been in town long and she was still working at putting names to faces. The job was made more difficult as many of the people that made up the town census lived outside of the town area and came into town on rare occasions. But Maddy Heart was the kind of person that stood out and once you had seen her, you didn't forget her.

Before Sarah could turn back to her bags, she saw a tall man cross the street to the store, from the look of determination on his chiseled face, Sarah had to smile. Even newcomers like her knew about Maddy "Heartless" as those young men, that had been fired for believing a job with Maddy was a guarantee to her bed, called her. From the look on this one's face, he was planning on hitting up Maddy for a job. Not that Maddy didn't need more people, she just wanted real horsemen. As Sarah watched the man walk, she acknowledged that he sure moved like a man who spent a lot of time with horses.

Sarah herself was no stranger to horses, having grown up on a ranch in southern Colorado. But Sarah had always wanted to be a teacher and after graduating from Adams, she had taught in her hometown for four years. After the breakup with her fiance, she decided it would be nice to see other parts of the country. Two days before the wedding, on her way to try out her dress, Sarah decided to surprise him by bringing him some of his favorite pastries for breakfast in bed. Only it turned out he surprised her. Apparently, he favored redheads for breakfast more than lemon filled doughnuts.

Sarah brushed her brunette hair from her face as she turned away from the store and back to her bags. It had been six months since she left Almarosa, and for the most part she was pretty much over the pain, now and then resentment stirred but she knew in time even that emotion would fade. She had a new job in a new town that was similar enough to her hometown that she wouldn't feel homesick, yet was new enough to be exciting. And most exciting of all, school started on Monday and she couldn't wait to meet her new students. She had spent the past week at the school getting to know the other teacher and setting up her room. The school was smaller than her last school, much smaller. There were two of them at the school. Tammy Sonsaw was the primary teacher and head teacher for the school. Tammy taught the students aged 6-9 and Sarah would be teaching the intermediate group of 10-12 year olds. Tammy was about five years older than Sarah's 27 years and was married to a local rancher.

Sarah had finished rearranging the bags, but decided to sit down on the bench and wait to see what the results would be when Maddy Heart left the store. Would she be accompanied by the man or would he come out a few minutes later, a small bag in his hand, his head averted, making as if he had gone into the store to buy something, not to approach Maddy? Sarah felt her lips turning up, a smile making her green eyes twinkle. Either way, it would be interesting to watch.

the introduction

ooc:Welcome Ms Henry and Tom - glad you guys joined in


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Maddy glanced only passingly as a stranger entered the store the bell above the door chiming his arrival, Maddy smiled to herself as she knew the bell didn't mean you would get service any time soon...........Mason's was a good store but like most things in Brush Creek it took it's sweet time to produce anything including service.

“Miss Heart? Morning ma'am. I’m looking for work with horses and Joe the bartender said that I should talk to you. I'm a fair hand with a saw and hammer too, ma'am. I’d be thankful for try-out on your horse ranch.” Tom held his hat in one hand and extended the other in greeting.

Click to expand...

Maddy Heart turned to face this tall dark stranger, her curiosity sparked as he knew her name and what she looked like but with the mention of Joe's name her stance softened enough to at least be hospitable and she took his hand and shook it firmly "Morning ........work with horses you say?"

Maddy released his hand although for some odd reason the warmth and even the roughness indicating he was capable of work seemed to linger...casually Maddy Placed her hand in her pocket as if to rid the sensation from her mind.

"I am not sure I am looking for a farm hand right now, we'll leave it to say the last couple just didn't work in well with my plans, and had to many of there own." Maddy looked mildly apologetic as she had no quarrel with the stranger "Sorry Joe wasted your time........but my next hand will either be a woman or a very old man with no interest in chasing tail".

Maddy turned back to the counter as one of the Mason twins emerged "Morning Maddy what can I do you for..." Maddy ignored the mischief that twinkled in his eyes and the real meaning behind that comment.

"This old saddle be well worn and in need of a fine tune, but I kind of need at asap as I have at least five colts to break this month......do you think you can fit it in?" Maddy was hopeful he could as the only other saddle she had use of back on the Heart Stud was her dear old daddies and she just couldn't bring herself to sit in it.........not after his death it just brought a chill to her spine each time she looked at it.

Maddy could still feel the strangers presence behind her and casually she smiled over her shoulder at him before turning back to the counter. She was hopeful the repairs could be done or it meant she would be up for a new saddle.......

Tom's first instinct was to walk away and wait for the next rancher to drive into town. There was something, however, in her comments that suggested she was of two minds. She probably needed help but she had also experienced trouble with drifters and shiftless cowhands. She was a damned attractive woman, so there was no surprise in that. He had to earn her trust, if he wanted to work for this one....... He figured he had one shot at it.

"Ma'am, my daddy was Harvey Williams, if you've traded horses in this area for long. I know you've heard of him. He taught me every side of the horse business. He had me mending tack and working with leather when I was a pup. I'll fix that saddle, good as new if you've got the awls and leather at the farm. I'll muck stalls and work on the rest of the tack for a few days. Ride the fences. If I so much as wink at you ma'am you can turn me out with no pay. A free trial period. Strictly business ma'am I promise."

He looked straight at Maddy and spoke plainly as he would to a sun baked old rancher.. She had a damn fine figure but he kept his gaze even and into her eyes. He felt her waver " I need the job, Miss Heart."

He stood perfectly still, indicating nothing with his expression. He waited.

Before Maddy got her answer the stranger spoke up, his warm drawl and eyes holding her attention and beyond all common sense the thought of a hand with the colts and someone to fix her tack was too good for her to refuse.....

"Very well........Mr? errr I don't believe I caught your name" Maddy extended her hand

"Its Tom Williams Ma' am" he said and took her hand.

"Well Tom Williams I will agree to your conditions but I promise you one wrong foot and I wont hesitate to turf you un paid. Son of Harvey Williams or not" Maddy released his hand "A job well done will see you $200 a week and a roof over your head with three square meals, I wont take no fooling around at the stud neither any lady friends be kept to town and your own affair."

Maddy didn't know why she felt need to add the last rule but it was said now he could take it or leave it. "Never mind the repairs, seems I have me a farm hand" with that Maddy flung the saddle up onto her shoulder and headed for the door only stopping once "yah coming or not?" she asked Mr Tom Williams tall dark and handsome before turning on her heel and heading for her truck.

Tom genuinely liked Maddy from that moment onward. When she swung the saddle back up to her shoulder and barreled out the door cool as you please. He was won over. He had been reaching to fetch the saddle himself after she delivered her speech, accepting him as the new hand.

"Well Tom Williams I will agree to your conditions but I promise you one wrong foot and I wont hesitate to turf you un paid. Son of Harvey Williams or not.A job well done will see you $200 a week and a roof over your head with three square meals, I wont take no fooling around at the stud neither any lady friends be kept to town and your own affair."

She was forthright, proud and self assured. He had never met a girl like Maddy and found himself scooting along to catch up to her as she flung the saddle into the back of her pick up. He was just promising himself to leave his lust in the dust, when he caught the sight of her stretching to heft the saddle over the panel . Her beautiful lithe body seemed to wink at him and he let out a gasp of desire. "Don't fuck up." he muttered. He hot footed it toward the vehicle. She was likely to drive off without him.

In his haste, he crashed into a woman carrying assorted bags of shopping. Pencils, papers,packages, all and sundry flew in the air then bounced and rolled eveywhere. Tom dropped to his knees and began to help the woman retrieve her belongings.

"I'm so sorry ma'am. I wasn't looking where I was going....." Tom wasn't sure what else he said. He was blustering and turning tomato red. He felt his cheeks flaming up. Tom hadn't blushed since he was a kid in school.

Maddy rushed over to help the pair who were down like a pair of children playing jacks. After Tom gathered a handful of items. He looked up for the first time into a pair of liquid green eyes, the kind Tom had seen only in paintings. He nearly dropped the handful of pencils he had collected.

The saddle in the truck and the knowledge that the farm hand wasn't far behind brought a smile to Maddy's face. As she turned back toward the store however her smile faded fast and she winced and saw Tom Williams crash right into Ms Henry sending her parcels flying.

However the amusement and the bewildered look on both there faces was far to much for Maddy to ignore and a chuckle passed her lips before she could stifle it.

"Horse man ye may be and your daddy may have taught you all you needed to know about them.........but walking down the street seems to be a might of a trouble for you Mr Williams" Maddy tossed playfully at Tom as he was hurrying to help Ms Williams.

"I hope your not hurt Ms Williams" Maddy offered with a friendly smile as she leaned against the front fender of her truck. She was going to help but Tom had moved faster then a jack rabbit to gather the ladies goods so there was no point except to ask if Ms Williams was ok.

"Tom Williams, Ma'am," Tom offered the pencils to the beauty with the nut brown hair. He nearly stammered on his introduction. "I hope you can forgive me." She reached for her pencils and he felt an electricity in her glancing touch. He was kneeling and she was sitting on her haunches, managing some how to look graceful in this pose. Tom could hear Maddy chuckling at him and he swiveled his head to see her leaning cooly against her truck, smirking at the pair of them.

Maddys' sensuous figure pulled again at his desires. Tom was not sure if his head swiveled back and forth between the two but certainly his heart did. He had awoken this morning, hoping to find work and instead had been smitten twice in a matter of five minutes. Thunderstruck.

The delicate, gracious woman, who had just stepped out of a painting...the earthy, wise cracking horse woman...Tom was lost. Frozen on his knees he waited for something to break the spell.

Maddy felt sorry for Ms Henry but time was wasting and she had colts to break, tack that needed repairs and stables to muck, and all this before lunch.

"Don't mean to be rude Miss Henry but I need to be going and this here clod is my new farm hand..........if yah be being ok we might be on our way" Maddy looked from Tom to Ms Henry. "If anything is broken or needing replacing Miss just send the bill on out to Heart Stud I will see your compensated". Maddy smiled one more time then walked around to the driver side of the truck.

Just then one of the Mason boys came out of the store and helped straighten up Miss Henry leaving poor Tom still a little stunned but at least able to move.

"Have yourself a good day Miss Henry" Maddy said and hopped behind the wheel of her old Chevy.

Tom, embarrassed and twiterpated, was relieved to be called to the truck by Maddy. He bade his farewells to Ms Henry and thanked the shop clerk for taking over. He hopped into the truck and lost himself in the scent of Maddy and her truck. Tom loved the earthy soapy, smell of the cab. Maddy was real. He respected capable people. He hated to see unsure hand movements or tentative gestures and Maddy was nothing if not capable.

Tom liked the way she handled the steering wheel and the gear shifter. He imagined she was one hell of a horsewoman. He had only seen his sister Fran ride a horse better than a man. She had a mystical connection with the animals and he wondered if Maddy was the same.

Furtively, he took this chance to size up Maddy. Her legs, wrapped in her blue jeans were both muscled and shapely. She would have a rock hard muscled ass from all her riding; Tom felt a stirring in his own jeans as he snuck peeks at her booted legs and crotch. "God, this is going to be harder than I thought," he mused.

Her breasts were perfect, athletically shaped. Tom imagined ripe grapefruit with a delicious cherry on top. He controlled his imagination for fear that his stirring cock, would expand into a raging woody and give him away. He looked out the side window as the poles and fences clicked by.

"I love this country," he said to Maddy, "when it gets into you, it always draws you back. Everything feels so right. Home I guess." He rolled down the window and allowed the breeze to fill him with its welcome.

The drive to the Heart Stud had been in silence as Maddy planed out the day ahead first they would start with mucking the stables, then she would handle the colts while Tom worked on the tack. Yes that was a good start and then they could eat lunch while she planed the rest of the day.

A sudden cool breeze flowed through the cab of the truck as Tom wound down his window, Maddy's hair blew softly on the breeze framing her face Tom spoke for the first time......

"I love this country," he said to Maddy, "when it gets into you, it always draws you back. Everything feels so right. Home I guess." Maddy smiled at him she understood she felt the same way this land was just apart of her and she knew it always would be.

"Well Tom here we are" Maddy nodded towards the big gates in front of them as she slowed down so that Tom could get out and open them. On the front of the old gate was a heart shaped logo indicating this was Heart Stud.

Tom climbed out of the cab and walked toward the gates, Maddy caught herself admiring his fine rear......it was unmissable in those jeans. Shaking her head she chastised herself and shifted the truck in gear as the gates opened.

After Tom climbed back into the cab Maddy drove up the long drive then parked beside the large barn that was on the right side of the house near the round yards she used to work her horses.

The house was a simple farm house with a veranda all the way around and a simple cottage garden out the front and a vegetable patch out the back, Maddy valued the simple life.

" Well if you want to settle your gear before we start, your room is on the right side of the veranda, the bathroom is in the main house as is the kitchen your free to use them but your room and living quarters are off the veranda the house is mine and my privacy is mine" Maddy didn't wait for his response she simple got out of the cab and headed towards the barn.....she had work to do.

Maddy Heart
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/saphirecameo/maddy1.jpg

The Heart Stud Ranch House
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/saphirecameo/maddysranch.jpg

The Barn / Stables
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/saphirecameo/barn.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/saphirecameo/horses.jpg

The Round Yards
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/saphirecameo/roundyards.jpg

Tom breathed in the farm when he stepped out of the truck. The earth felt warm and inviting as he walked up to the training paddock. He liked the set-up; lots of room for the horses to manouever. Many farms and trainer used a confining pen to break in the colts and Tom didn't like that. It frightened the horses during a difficult time. There was no center post either which usually means the colts are broken with patience and care. He felt the earth of the corral, not too much clay, not too much sand. Good, good for her.

Tom knew already,what sort of horse farm he was on. He approved. He wanted to stay. He hoped he could keep his paws off the mouthwaterig owner. Before checking out his own quarters, he looked into the stables: clean, wide, tended main aisle with breeze through center doors. This was a farm where horses were cared for. He smiled broadly. He would wait till he cleaned up before he went over the horses. He looked forward to it with pleasure.

He took his duffle bag out of the cab. Removed his shirt and went to the trough to wash the dust off. After dousing himself with the cold water. He picked up his kit. Threw his shirt over his shoulder and headed for his bunk.

He was surprised to see Maddy looking at him. Her eyes shot up immediately and stared at the horizon as he spotted her. He wondered if Miss Maddy was not as much of an icicle as the boys had suggested.

"Get that fucking thought straight out of your head. Let's stay here for a while." Tom admonished himself and continued on and into his little side room.

"Bathroom and kithen to be shared. Don't I wish." He thought.

Maddy was just leading the first of the colts to the round yards when she was stopped dead in her tracks and all she could do was sigh.

Tom stood with the sun beating down on his well toned flesh splashing water over himself to rinse away the dust, Maddy swallowed a lump that formed in her throat as a day dream forced its way into her head.

Maddy ran her fingers over his taught muscles then followed the same path with her mouth gently nipping and licking seductively at his tanned flesh..."mmmmmmmm"

It was just then that Maddy caught herself and it seemed Tom had too, trying not to show how much the sight of him flustered her Maddy looked towards the sky as if looking for an approaching storm..........of cause the storm season was a good few weeks off yet but there was no harm in looking she told herself as she continued to lead the colt to the yards.

Stopping at the gate to the yards she decided to show Tom she was fully in control, putting the colt in the yards she then turned towards the house and marched after him determination in every step. Up the stairs and along the veranda she marched to his door and flung it open........her breath caught in her chest and she turned around so she couldn't see him and he couldn't see the blush creeping to her cheeks and stammered "aahh umm sorry......when your settled you can muck the stables and work on that tack"

There it was said and with that Maddy marched off back to the stables trying to slow her pulse down the whole way......she couldn't work with her colts if he made her this jumpy "control yourself Maddy its just a man" she repeated to herself a few times before reaching the yards again as if it would happen on her command.

She was lunging the young colt around and around the round yards changing direction every few laps when Tom emerged from the house and was heading back across the yard towards the barn and round yards, Maddy tried to remain focused on her task. "just work the colt Maddy not your mind" she whispered to herself.

Tom, appreciated the hired hands, quarters; functional, Spartan even. He liked that. He was going to work in his coveralls, she had said she wanted the stalls mucked out. He stepped out of his jeans and piled them on top of his shirt. He would wash those when he got the chance. He was buck naked hunced over his kit, and fishing out his coveralls when the door burst open . He stood up and there was Maddy. She got a full, frontal, naked view of Tom. He smiled a crooked smile.

Maddy turned a quick one-eighty and tried her best to recover..

"aahh umm sorry......when your settled you can muck the stables and work on that tack"

He would generally have come back with some wise crack,"don't apologize, just reciprocate." or "the pleasure was all mine ma'am." But Tom bit his tongue. There were other things he would much sooner bite he thought as he stared at Maddy's retreating bluejeans. "Good Lord, he would like a piece of that pie."

He struggled into his overalls and a t-shirt and came out ready for work. She was working the colts in the paddock turning them patiently. The colts were prick eared and frisky, no sign of fear. She did that well, he nodded.

Her profile sent shock waves down into the depth of his "Carharts" and he wanted to go and ask her if she got any ideas from the bunkhouse but he knew better. Instead, he entered the stable and began mucking the stalls. "It's in mucking for and grooming the horses, that you learn 'em" he could hear his daddy say.

Two hours had passed and Maddy had give the colts a good half hour each with the sun high in the sky she new it must be nearing lunch so she headed into the barn with the last of the colts and began to brush him down.

She was aware Tom was in the barn but she refused to look at him incase he caught her again. "Lunch will be ready in about 20 minutes, I just have to finish off this colt" Maddy called over her shoulder without turning around, she knew Tom was just across the barn in the tack room, she could hear him rustling about with the tack.

Maddy finished brushing down the chestnut colt and then opened the stall gate and stepped out closing it behind her and patting the colt on the neck before she turned to the tack room. She looked at the brush in her hand as if deciding what to do with it... placing it on a rail out side the tack room she all but ran for the barn door and the safety of her kitchen.

After washing herself up, it didn't take Maddy long to prepare a few cold meat sandwiches and a couple of tall glasses of iced tea. Putting the plates on the table and the glasses of tea she assessed her efforts then decided a man might eat more then she did, so she went to the fridge to get some fruit to sit beside his plate.

Bending over rummaging around in the fridge Maddy heard the back door close and the sound of boots on the wooden floor of the kitchen. She knew Tom was in the same room and all of a sudden her pulse raced and she prayed he didn't mention the incident in his room. Standing up she turned and smiled politely and placed an apple beside his plate then seated herself on the opposite side of the table.

"Hope you don't mind cold meat sandwiches" she said and then picked up her glass of ice tea, suddenly her throat seemed very dry.

"Cold meat will do me just fine ma'am." He gave Maddy a crooked smile and made the word meat sound suggestive. " I'll just devour whatever you lay down ma'm. Can't wait to get my paws on it." He wasn't about to bring up their encounter in the bunkhouse but the twinkle in his eyes spoke volumes.

Her cheeks were flushed as well as her neck and what he could see of her chest through her open necked shirt. " Surely do admire this farm. The horses are top notch and you treat them right. I saw you workin' those colts and you do just right ma'am. You can be proud of this place." He bit into and sucked the juice out of the apple and proceeded to eat it in a Tom Jones fashion.

He loved that they were eating alone, that he could inhale her delicious scent and watch her move about the kitchen: bend over into the fridge, drink her iced tea. She stirred a deep longing within him by simple acts like these.
Once during the meal they both reached for a serviette and their hands brushed. They both drew back too quickly to be casual.

"I'm gonna start on that saddle after lunch ma'am. If that's okay." he realized that he was staring at her beautiful breasts and quickly clicked his eyes back down to his plate.

When Sarah saw Maddy coming out of the general store with the saddle over her shoulder, she smiled. It looked like another cowpoke had been shot down. Standing up she turned back to her bags and pick them up carefully, getting each one balanced for the walk home.

"What..???" she cried as her body was slammed into and all the bags went flying.

Down on her knees chasing the pencils and pens, she heard a deep voice apologizing.

"I'm so sorry ma'am. I wasn't looking where I was going....."

Sarah looked over to see the owner of the deep voice on his knees chasing after the various items from her bags. She couldn't help but notice as he stammered out his apology that he was even better looking up close than he had been from a distance. She felt genuinely sorry when he turned bright red. That was one of the things she liked best about cowboys, they still blushed easily. It made them seem more approachable.

"No problem, Mr. Williams. Thank you for helping me pick up all this stuff," she smiled at him. "I am Sarah Henry, the new schoolteacher as you can tell, " she laughed as she held out a bag for him to drop the pencils into.

Just then, she heard a chuckle and looked over to see Maddy Heart leaning against her truck laughing at the two of them on their knees. Sarah couldn't help but grin at her. She was sure the sight of the two of them both full grown yet on their knees like marble players had to be funny.

When the items were almost all picked up, Maddy called out again, and the cowpoke took off towards her truck. As Sarah stood up and watched, he leapt into the truck like someone had lit a fire under him. "Hmm, 'twould appear that Ms. Maddy Heart has hired herself yet another hand."

As Sarah, once again, picked up the bags, she couldn't help but sigh softly. She had liked the way the cowpoke had looked into her eyes directly as he apologized. Most of the young men in the area tended to look over her shoulder as they talked to her. She didn't know if that was because at 5'7" she was tall for a woman or because she was a teacher. For some reason, men seemed intimidated by that career choice, probably based on their mischievous behavior when they were schoolboys.

Sarah sighed again, "Oh well, anyone that good looking knew it, and usually expected women to fall at his feet.' Better Maddy Heart than Sarah. Sarah had too much to do before she started on Monday.

Arriving home without further mishap, Sarah began to organize the materials she had purchased into individual pencil boxes. Then she made lunch and went out on the porch of the small house she was renting. Settling onto the porch swing, she ate her sandwich and reread the book she was going to introduce to the children next week, The Best Christmas Ever.

Maddy had never felt more unsettled, his mere presence had her acting like a cat on a hot tin roof and she didn't like it one bit..........well OK she may have found it amusing in a small way and even entertained a fantasy or two but thats it....nothing was going to happen between her and her ranch hand this she would swear to.

Trying to consume her meal pleasantly but quickly she barely spoke except to be polite, instead her mind had been on todays events and a smile crept across her face once more as she remembered Tom barreling into Miss Henry, but then for a reason she didn't care to analyze it faded when she remembered how Tom had looked up at Miss Henry and how the two had seem flustered.

Well who Care's she thought to herself bitterly, he can set his eyes upon who ever he pleases and good luck to him. Then she hoisted her self out of her chair and dumped the dishes in the sink, she would tend to them latter and with that she grabbed her hat of the hook by the door and stormed out of the kitchen.

Not bothering with a saddle Maddy put a bridal on "Fleck" her trusted appaloosa and swung her leg over in one smooth motion and with one little click of her tongue and a rise in her seat Fleck was off like a shot leaving a cloud of dust behind them. Maddy needed the wind in her hair and to get this bad mood out of her system.

Turning at the top paddock and heading west, Maddy decided to head down to the creek, one of her favorite spots to sit was below an old tree that provided ample shade while she dangled her feet in the cool water. Fleck was trained well enough that if she left his reins on the ground he would just walk near by and graze.

Dismounting and letting Fleck graze Maddy set about removing her boots and socks, after dangling her feet awhile she was still hot and still bothered to the core so she decided to head into the cool water, a swim would surely cool her head. Removing her clothes like she had done at least hundred times before Maddy folded them neatly and sat them on the bank before she wadded out allowing the cool water to tingle every inch of her skin.....starting to relax she swam out deeper into the cool pool of water savouring the delightful sensation.

Tom watched as Maddy tore off bareback on her mount. She was one with the horse, her knees hugging the animal, moving in synch with the rolling galloping motion of the horse. He knew she was a rider like his sister Fran. A great woman rider was lighter with a softer touch on a horses mouth and there was that mystical thing that flowed from rider to horse and back again.

Tom was transfixed. He loved to see a horse well ridden. His every urge pushed him to follow her. But he reminded himself of his promise. "Don't piss in your own tent Tom. Keep this job. No slap and tickle with the owner." JUst after lunch, he had told Maddy that he needed some padding from Mason's,in order to do a proper job on the saddle. She told him the truck keys were on the wall beside the door. Reluctantly, he watched her disappear then got the keys and drove into town.

Just on the edge of town, sitting on her porch was the green-eyed vision Tom had crashed into just this morning. She was reading pretty as you please and munching on a sandwich. Tom eased the truck to a standstill. In he sun dress, yellow with tiny printed flowers, she looked fresh as morning.

Tom thought he saw her look up from her book, but maybe not. Perhaps she was just flippin' the page. He stepped out of the truck, straightened out his jeans and headed on over to her. He removed his hat and spoke out. "Excuse me Miss. I heard them call you Ms Henry. Well Ms Henry I do apologize for running you over like a raging bull this morning. I would like to make sure you are fine and make your aquaintance. I live out on Maddy Hart's farm and well ma'am. I wont get a chance to ease up to this so. I'd like to take you walking ma'am. Tomorrow night..... Forward, well I know it's forward, but like I say, I don't get into town so by way of necessity..... Well, I gotta just ask you straight out. Will you walk with me ma'am.

Tom curled the brim of his hat in his hands and looked evenly into those green eyes. He noticed a whisp of hair had sprung loose and dangled attractively over her right eye. He had the damndest urge to reach for it and put it back in place.

Tom stood and waited for Ms Henry to speak. The Best Christmas Ever, he read the title of her book.

Maddy dove down deep into the pool till her hands brushed the pebbles on the bottom then with a swift move she turned and pushed her feet against the ground and shot herself to the surface.

"Oh this is so lovely..mmmm" she spoke softly to herself delighting in the cool water as she brushed her long wet aurban hair from her face.

Her anger now gone, and for the moment forgotten Maddy began to swim to the other side of the pool, thinking a few laps would do her some good as she was sure the Christmas feasts and parties to come would make her feel guilty, however she loved Christmas .........normally.

This was the first year without any family, she wasn't even sure she could call on the McFadden Ranch as she normally did, well that was until two years ago.

Jock and the children were alone now and without Sue, Maddy was sure this time of year would be hard and most likely they didn't want any guests or reminder of traditions without there mother.

She made a mental note that perhaps she should drop the children's presents over before Christmas this year, and let Jock decide when was right to give them to them. Maddy had brought Joe a brand new set of chaps to wear when ever he decided to come riding again, It was a sore point Maddy never pushed.

And for Jayne, Maddy had selected a pretty red dress with the most beautiful lace work and delicate bows, the moment Maddy had seen it in the catalog she had to order it.

Maddy had be close to the McFadden family but much to her dismay she had been more distant since Sue had passed, partly guilt she supposed and just the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and bringing the family any more pain. But this year she had wanted to have someone to buy for and they were the first people she thought of. Maddy had even brought something little for Jock and she hoped he would like it.

Swimming back to the other side again Maddy decided she should get out and head back to the farm there was still work to do. Climbing from the pool Maddy twisted her hair to ring as much water out as she could. Maddy then picked up her panties and bra and began to dress.

Tom drove back from town, with the battoning and some binding, ready to get to work on the beat up old saddle. As he was nearing the driveway, he saw a partially overgrown tractor road, cutting deep into the property of Heart Stud farm. Rather than driving straight back to the ranch he opted on the oportunity to check out the property.

There were fine open meadows, splendid grazing. Riding trails cris-crossed the acrage. Gorgeous little clumps of trees dotted the range. A creek snaked through the property. There wer little hillocks and wide open country. Tom was at home here. He got out of the truck to survey the expanse from what seemed the tallest hill on the place. "A perfect viewing spot." he thought.

He climbed the slope to the top. Then fell to the ground on his belly as he crested the hill. There below, not twenty yards away , was Maddy in all her glory, stepping out of the pool created by the meandering creek. "Well, Miss Maddy, turn around is fair play." he whispered.

She was more spectacular than he had imagined. Her breasts dripping cool water were erect and curving taughtly towards the sky. A perfect athletic size for Tom's taste. Tom felt his cock spring into full erection at the sight. Subconsciuosly he worked his hips into the earth in a slow undulating fucking motion. "Good God," was all he could whisper.

Her muscular belly , sloped tantalizingly down to a delicious, amber shock of pubic hair, framed by curvaceous hips. Her long shapely legs pomised endless sexual delights. She shook and wrung out her long hair and the twist to her body took Tom's breath away. Tom was actually panting now and his hips pressed wantonly into the ground.

Then Maddy turned to slip into her panties. An ass from a marble statue presented itself to Tom along with a quick glimpse of her delicate folded cunt.
Tom sighed in awe. She slipped on her bra, dressed casually but quickly and leapt up onto her horse, thundering off back to the ranch house.

Tom rolled over, released a huge sigh and lay spread-eagled on the grass for five minutes. He played and replayed the erotic scene over and over, picturing himself enjoying and fondling that incredible body.

He stood up and with a cock like an iron bar almost staggered to the truck. He looked up to the heavens, "How the fuck am I supposed to ignore that?" He called to the skies.

Jock

Jock was in town getting new clothes for Joe and Jayne for the start of school on Monday. He saw Tom and Sarah colide as he was loading the kids things into his truck, by the time he'd finished they'd picked up Sarah's bundles and she had set off home. Tom had joined Maddy and Jock watched them drive away, he'd hoped to meet the new school teacher as he knew she was going to teach his two kids.

Still there was plenty of time, he could probably meet her when he dropped the kids off on Monday. Going into the general store he collected some items that he needed then returned to his truck.

Jock windered if they would see Maddy this Christmas, she appeared to be avoiding them since Sue died. Maybe it brought back to many memories for her as it had for him last year, it would be nice to sit have have Christmas dinner with a long standing friend. If he got the chance he'd ask her over, he was sure the kids would love to see her and maybe it would get Joe back to riding with her.

Sarah looked up when she heard her name spoken hesitantly. To her surprise it was the same man that had collided with her earlier today. And even more surprising he was asking her out. Maybe he wasn't here to try to get into Maddy Hearts pants, maybe he really was just looking for a job.

Before she could get out her answer, the man turned and walked away. She leapt to her feet and cried out, "Wait, please.. " but she was too slow and he was in his truck and gone.

"Well that was strange," she muttered out loud. "Did he want to go out with me or not? Why did he leave so quickly before I could even catch my breath and answer him?"

Maybe he regretted asking, maybe he decided he preferred Maddy? Either way, unless he returned to town, she would never know. Should she call out to Maddy's or drive out there? Sarah wasn't even sure of his name, he had never mentioned it to her.

Picking up her book and half finished sandwich, Sarah went back into the house, no longer hungry. Tossing the rest of the sandwich away, she put away the mystery of Maddy's newest hand and went back to preparing for her class.