WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 5, HANNAH AND LUKE FANTASIZE

          Hannah didn’t understand what had happened, but after their interaction at the waterfall pool, Luke began to be around less and less, at least around her. They still worked together when it came to taking care of the animals, but there was little in the way of talk, kidding around or anything that kept them in each other’s presence.

          Luke spent more time with gramps and that only made sense since gramps was in the process of hiring hands to help with the ranch work. He made Luke his assistant so it wasn’t necessary for him to go out onto the ranchland itself. Hannah was grateful for this because her grandpa’s strength and physical ability had suffered and gone down over the winter and spring. Luke was knowledgeable enough to undertake and execute the directions gramps provided. There were days where gramps felt well enough to climb up in the saddle and on those days, he’d ride out with Luke, but gramps never wanted to include Hannah or just ride alone with her. She was feeling very left out.

          Still, Hannah missed Luke and couldn’t understand what had changed. She went over and over their meeting at the waterfall and the only thing she could identify as something that might have changed their relationship was her boob falling out of her tank top and her being unaware. Still, it seemed as though Luke had taken a kind of dislike toward her. She didn’t like that one bit because she became even more attracted to him with each passing day. His ignoring her only made her feel more desperate for his attention.

          Hannah really hated it, but she took to following Luke around as much as possible. She attempted conversations and even attempted flirting although she didn’t actually know what that entailed. One day, just kidding around, Hannah snuck up and put her hands over Luke’s eyes. She was amazed and very hurt by his response, “Goddamn it, can’t you keep your fucking hands to yourself. And, why the fuck do you have to keep following me around all the time. I’ve got work to get done. Don’t you have any work that needs doing?”

          Hannah tried hard not to react, but could feel her eyes filling with tears as she stared at Luke’s angry face. She turned and ran as fast as she could toward the house. She didn’t stop even when she heard Luke call, “Wait, Hannah, wait, stop.”

          For the next several weeks, Hannah went back to the way she’d been when Luke first arrived. She did her chores, cooked, cleaned and worked in the small garden she’d planted, originally with Luke’s help. When he’d asked if she wanted him to assist, she politely and firmly told him no thank you. She did not look directly at him at dinner or any other time and addressed most of her talk, when she talked, to her grandfather, her voice so soft Luke was surprised the old man could hear what she said.

          At one point, Thomas said, “Seems as though you and Hannah aren’t getting along so well. What seems to be the problem?”

          Luke couldn’t, of course, tell Thomas that the problem was he wanted nothing more than to strip Hannah naked and have his way with her, so he just responded, “I’m not really sure. It’s just I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time for card games and fooling around the way we did during the winter months.”

          “Well, maybe I oughta give the two of you a day off to catch up on your games and stuff.” Thomas responded.

          “No, no need to do that. You’re paying me well to get the work done so you don’t have to work yourself into an early grave and I know Hannah is very grateful for that. It’s all fine, really.” Luke responded and then made an excuse to head for the barn, his horse and out into the ranch’s outer reaches.

          Thomas also tried to take up the subject with Hannah, but she didn’t respond any better than Luke had and eventually told him to just mind his own business, that there wasn’t anything going on between her and Luke.

          The days became not just warmer, but hot. One morning Hannah got up before dawn and completed her chores before breakfast. Once the breakfast dishes were done and her grandfather and Luke had headed out to check on the horses in the far pasture, she gathered a small lunch, towel, and other essentials, pulled Onyx out of the barn and rode out to the waterfall. Since the day was going to be the hottest one of the years, she planned to stay there until dusk. True, it would still be hot when she went home, but the main part of the day would find her wet and cool.

          At the waterfall, Hannah stripped off her hot clothes and took the band from the end of her braid. She pulled it apart and let the silken tresses flow down over her body. She knew her hair was heavy, but she’d never known it any other way because aside from small trims at the ends, she’d never actually had any of the length cut off.

          She jumped into the pool and shuddered initially because it was still quite cold. It only took a couple of minutes for the cold to become more than bearable. Using a natural shampoo because she was in water that would flow downstream to other ranches and families, she washed her hair, dunking herself a number of times and letting her hair flow downstream. It felt so good.

          Hair clean, Hannah ran her hands over her body, touching and smoothing her skin. It felt delightful when her hands slipped softly over her breasts and nipples. She wondered what it would feel like if it were Luke’s hands and immediately became aware of the sensation between her thighs. She let her hands glide down her tummy and one of them cup her sex. She pushed against herself with her hand and it felt wonderful. She decided she deserved to feel great, so she allowed herself to imagine it was Luke’s hand on her.

          Mmmm, Hannah thought, this feels so good. She’d masturbated in the past, but only in her room in her bed. Being out here in the water and thinking of Luke made the feelings more intense. She removed her hand, moved to the side of the pond and hauled herself onto one of the rocks that was partially underwater. There, she spread her legs and gave herself over to the sensations between her thighs. Soon, a couple of her fingers were inside and her thumb was rubbing on the soft and yet hard nub just above. It didn’t seem to take long and yet it seemed like forever before she began to climax. The feeling was more heightened than ever before and Hannah softly caressed herself, pulling the last small tremors forth until she lay back, gasping and laughing out loud.

          Hannah moved to the big towel she’d placed in the shade and laid down on her tummy. She rested for a bit and then sat up, pulling her big comb and brush from her knapsack. It took a bit of time to pull the comb and then the brush through the length of her hair, but she enjoyed the doing and the feeling. Finally, it was completely smooth and felt like a curtain made of silk. She laid back and arranged her hair so it flowed over her shoulders and breasts and down her tummy. She closed her eyes and dozed, enjoying the sound of the waterfall, the call of the birds and the beat of her own heart.

          While Hannah was at the waterfall satiated and cool, Luke was having one hell of a day. Because of how the ranch was situated, there weren’t many fences, but wouldn’t you just know that a number of the stupid cattle had found one he hadn’t yet checked and managed to push it over.

It took a bit of time to round up the cattle and force them back behind where the fence had been erected. Then, he had to fix a makeshift fence to keep them there while he rode to the location where spare fence posts and a shovel was located, and drag two back behind his horse while holding the shovel across his saddle. He cussed a blue streak both there and back. To make matters absolutely perfect, the fence was in full sun and it was hotter than hell.

          It seemed to take forever to get the old broken fence posts out, deepen the holes and insert the new posts. Then, he had to restring the wire. By the time he was done, he had sweated through his shirt, and even areas of his jeans. He felt dirty and dusty and miserable. And hungry, he was hungry as hell too. It had been hours since breakfast and he hadn’t brought any food with him because he was just going to be gone long enough to check on the livestock in that one small area. Finally, Luke just felt pissed off. He wanted to scream and shout and do something to alleviate all the frustration that had been building up since he’d arrived at the ranch. He wanted Hannah but couldn’t have her. He needed to know the plans for the ranch, but couldn’t get Thomas to tell him anything. He wanted and needed to leave, but Jamison was being a real son-of-a-bitch about everything, threatening to have him thrown in jail for stealing all the money he’d given Luke to date.

          Luke made it back to the ranch and found Thomas dozing in the shade on the front porch. He explained what he’d been doing for the last several hours and asked Thomas, “Where’s Hannah? Did she get you some lunch?”

          “I think she’s in her room and I wasn’t very hungry, so I just had an apple and some crackers. Don’t know if she left you any lunch out or not. I’ve just been right here since we got back from checking the horse pasture this morning.”

          “Well, I am starved and filthy. Think I’ll get me some lunch and see if I can scrub off some of this dirt and stink. You want anything Thomas?”

          Thomas asked to have his waterglass refilled which Luke was happy to do. He was even happier after he made himself a huge sandwich and gulped it down. Then, instead of a shower, he thought he’d just ride up to the waterfall. Since Hannah was in her room, it should be safe for him to go there.

          Thomas was dozing again, so Luke quietly led his horse away from the house, mounted and set off for the waterfall. He could almost feel that cold water flowing over his head, cooling both his mind and body. He couldn’t wait to get there, be alone, be clean and cool and fantasize about Hannah which he did a lot anyway. He didn’t try to make any of those fantasies become reality, but it was those thoughts that make his cock hard to the point where some times he just had to find a private place to relieve himself. He thought he’d have a fine time pleasing himself with thoughts of her and his own hand at the waterfall.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

My birthday didn’t end on Friday, but continued on into Saturday. Angie and Jackie Studioso showed up unannounced in the early afternoon. It has been their habit to decorate the outside of their homes or family homes with balloons, signs and other stuff to reflect the event that’s currently happening. What they do is amazing and I was so delighted to be included in their efforts.

I probably wouldn’t have even known they were there but I was carrying a load of laundry from the hamper to the laundry room when I came into the front hallway to see Angie walking away. I thought she’d just dropped by to leave a gift, so I opened the door and called her name. She ignored me, so I dropped the laundry and went outside to find both her and Jackie. What a surprise. I was told to go back inside until they were finished.

I did and eventually there was a knock on the window and I went outside to find what you see in the photos. They took pictures of me with my big 75 balloons, and Jackie even got one of me jumping into the air. How about that for 75, huh. There was also a small carrot cake, flowers, and a bottle of Rainier gin, with a card from AJ, Angie and Haley…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

The surprise didn’t end there, though because this morning I found they’d put balloons in the side yard in front of the living room window and a happy birthday sign on my bedroom window. I didn’t see those yesterday because I didn’t move to the living room or my bedroom until after dark.

Yesterday, I was also feeling much better and began two weeks-worth of laundry and vacuumed. I also spent hours on the phone talking to family and friends who had called and left messages wishing me a HB. So, while I may have felt like I was 95 on Friday, yesterday I felt more like 55. It was a very good day and I extend my love and appreciation to all those who helped make it so. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!

NOT SUCH A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

Yesterday I may have joked about turning 75, but seriously, it was absolutely no joke. If you have a birthday or special occasion coming up, I highly recommend you NOT go get the second shingles shot the day before. By the end of yesterday, I knew without a single doubt what my life could/would be like when I get really old, say 95, and it sucked!!!

First my arm really hurt, and then I was roasting but had chills, so I checked my temperature and it was slightly elevated. That was probably the reason so many of my muscles and joints hurt as well. And I think I said my head felt too large for my shoulders, so my neck hurt for most of the day too. And, I stumbled around here as though I was just learning to walk or had had way too much to drink. I didn’t fall or hurt myself in any way, but if the walker I used to have had been on hand, I might have pulled it out and used it.

Friends and family remembered it was my birthday though most of them were not aware I was feeling so crummy. My friend Hadassa who lives back east and whom I met on my February cruise was the first one to text me a HB greeting. Haley was next and sent three different birthday greetings, followed by her mother, Angie’s greeting. Kathy came by on her walk and dropped off a bottle of wine, pumpkin bread, a card and a book from her neighbor Mary. Then AJ called and sang me the HB song in his own inimitable way. Thor texted HB greetings. Ernie called to wish me HB and Claudia drove out and brought me an amaryllis and card, but didn’t come inside. Kim came down with a card and Maryanne called to say HB…she was hoping I’d answer so she didn’t have to sing to voice mail. Even my old boss, Dave, called and sang me the HB song.

So, even though I felt as though I was 95, it was still a great day with family and friends reaching out to recognize my special day. I thank you all for bringing smiles to my face when by body was miserable. And finally, I just know when I do reach 95, I’m going to go around as though I’m JUST 75 because I’ll definitely deserve it…don’t ya think.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOI

 

I managed to give myself a horrible birthday present. I received my second shingles shot yesterday and my arm is so sore I can barely sit here and type, plus my head feels way too big to be sitting on my shoulders. It’s only temporary and I didn’t have any big plans for today anyway. I think I’ll just snuggle down with my doggies and doze on the couch. What follows is what I wrote yesterday. I’m not happy with it, but it’s all I’ve got prepared.

This morning, round about 4:00 am, I turned 75 years old. Absolutely amazing as far as I’m concerned. I never ever thought about having this many years, even as they continued to multiply with each passing year. I look back at my Grandma and my mom and know that I’m in far better shape at 75 than they were when they gained that number. I believe both Grandma and mom died at 79. It’s a little sobering to think I may only have a few more years before I’m done and the oven gets turned off.

I do, however, have things going for me that they did not. Grandma used snuff and mom smoked Lucky Strike straights right until the bitter end, and the end was bitter because they took away her cigs and with them, I think, her will to go on living. I smoked once upon a time, but finally was able to stop. But I probably smoked far longer than I really should have.

I exercise and walk. Neither mom nor grandma did. When grandma fell and broke her hip, that was pretty much the end for her. I’ve had both hips replaced, and judging from the fall I took election night, I know they are holding up very well and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

Anyway, enough comparisons and thinking about how short four years really is. I should be writing about what I’ve learned over the last 75 years and/or what I’m most thankful for on this particular birthday. And, actually, the first thing that popped into my head is that there is no such word as “should.” I will or won’t, can or cannot, but according to one of the counselors I had decades ago, there is absolutely NO should. I always try to remember that, but I’m not always successful.

What I am most thankful for on this birthday is the life I’ve led up till now. I was so fortunate in my marriage to John and the life we shared. True, the last few years were horrid a lot of the time, but during those five plus decades, we shared so much. It’s the memories of those shared times and events that brings a smile to my face. Then, there’s my children, and it’s so hard to think of them as children when one is 50 and the other 40. They, too, are responsible for some of the best memories and experiences we’ve shared since their arrival in my life.

When it came to the women they married, I was very lucky there too. AJ’s wife, Angie, has been front and center for both my hip replacements and my shoulder repair. I literally could not have survived those without her help…okay, I’m sure I would have survived, but having her help made a huge difference. Thor married Amber who came with two children from previous relationships. Her daughter calls Thor Dad because he’s been her dad since she was three or younger. It seems a bit karma-ish that Thor became daddy to a little girl in the same way my daddy became my dad and almost at the same age

 And, of course the icing on the top of the family cake are my grandkids. I was there when Haley came into the world, the same way I was there for Xander. I cannot begin to describe the feeling I had as I watched the birth of my grandchildren. And then, to have them both be such a huge part of my life from the get go brought love and rewards that continue to multiply exponentially as time passes. I’m not sure if Arayli remembers her life before I came along, but she and I have shared special moments and times that bring me happy memories as well.

As for extended family, my younger brother passed away a couple of years ago, but my younger sister is still full of get-up and go and living on her own as am I. And let’s not forget the new extended family I found six years ago. I remain in close touch with younger brother in Tennessee and he keeps up me up-to-date on all the other family members. I had really hoped to visit again, but maybe next year after COVID leaves.

Then, there are my friends, the ones I talk to every week and who have always brought so much with them into my life. Their love and support was so important after John died and I’m so thankful they were there. And the friends I don’t see or talk to so often, but whenever we do connect, it’s as though no time has passed at all. Of course, it has, but we slot right into our places and enjoy each other just as if it hadn’t.

Last year I expected my birthday to be rather sad since it was the first one in almost 55 years that John hadn’t been present. It was my friends who stepped up and made sure I had a great day with lunch out, gifts, the birthday song and cards. It made the day extra special and I’m still so thankful for their efforts on my behalf. This year will be different and that’s perfectly fine. I think I’ll order out from this Mexican restaurant, maybe go to Trader Joe’s for some of those carrot cake muffins and listen to family and friends wish me a happy birthday or sing me the birthday song over the telephone.

When I sat down to write this, I wasn’t sure where I’d end up with it. I do feel as though it should be full of wisdomey nuggets, sage advice, ideas for making your/my life better, but I don’t think that’s happening. I think I’m just rambling from one topic to another, but it’s what’s in my head and coming out my fingers. I did think about doing a bullet point list of everything I’m grateful for, but decided no one really wants to read a list of stuff. In fact, I don’t want to get bogged down making a list and leaving off something that might be really important.

Actually, to be perfectly honest, I’m just not feeling it, the writing I mean. My head feels as though it’s stuffed with cotton which isn’t allowing those fabled thoughts of mine to surface or my wonderful humor to bring any delighted laughter forth. I find myself wondering and being slightly concerned about this. Does turning 75 cause some of your brain cells to be replaced with cotton? Am I suddenly going to fall asleep just sitting on the couch? Is my inability to remember shit going to increase? Did I tell you I don’t remember cleaning out the dishwasher last night. I swear the doggies or the cat had to have done it. Ah well, as long as it’s not something really important like where I live, I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

Still, it’s sobering to think about how little time may be ahead of me. My financial advisor projects my life to 94, and it would be great to make that number and go beyond provided I don’t end up in a wheelchair in a hallway somewhere drooling on my shirt. That is a goal to which I have no intention attaining.

I wish I could think of some way to end this that would leave both you and I laughing…I think I’m closer to tears than the laughter. I guess at this point in my life, all I can do is work hard to remain independent, catch and enjoy whatever wonders come my way, live in the day I’m actually experiencing instead of trying to cross bridges I haven’t reached (am I mixing my metaphors?), and be grateful I've had so much for so long while hoping it continues to 94 and beyond.

So, altogether now:          Happy birthday to me

                                         Happy birthday to me

                                         Happy birthday dearest moi

                                         Happy birthday to me.

Thank you all for the great birthday wishes!!!!

NOPE, NADA, ZIP

 

No chapter about Luke and Hannah today. I didn’t get any writing done yesterday. As a matter of fact, I’m writing this now, 12 minutes after my posts usually go public. And, the way she looks on your left is the way I'm actually feeling.

Seriously, I don’t know about any of you, but the current COVID business is scaring me more now than at any other time since it all began. I saw that one person a minute is positive or that might have been that one person a minute dies. I just know whichever one, I was shocked. And the fact that loser in the White House refuses to share the information President Elect Biden needs so he can be ready to assume control come January 20, makes me so angry, I feel as though I could practically storm the White House and slap that asshole silly. I’m also sure I’m not the only one that feels this way.

In any case, we are approaching the end of the year. Thanksgiving next week and then Christmas and New Years right after that. Thankfully, more than one pharmaceutical company is trumpeting news that a vaccine will soon be available. As soon as it is, I’ll be on the line to let them jab my shoulder.

I haven’t walked in almost two weeks now. Kathy took last week off because her knee was acting up. Me, I’ve just been lazy this week. I’m going to try to walk today and wear my new Land’s End red coat. It arrived yesterday and I think it’s probably not really cold enough to wear today, but I just might do it anyway and get all sweaty.

Luke and Hanna may not return until Saturday. I’ve high hopes the next chapter will move them closer to where I need them to go. Meanwhile, stay healthy, stay safe and have a good day.

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 4, WATERFALL AND POND

 

WATERFALL AND  POND

           Montana was a strange place. One day it could be almost below freezing and then a day or so later, it would be so hot it felt like the sun would blister bare skin. Thomas told Luke the hot spell they were currently having wouldn’t last long, but until it abated, it was a good idea to get up early and get whatever was absolutely necessary done.

Luke was trying to think of something to do that wouldn’t require his presence in the sun. He looked around for Hannah and saw her lead Onyx out of his stall, climb up bareback and leave the barnyard to disappear into the forest down behind the house. He wondered where she went but didn’t try to follow. He kept himself busy in the barn and when it became almost too hot to move, he left and took up a chair on the shaded porch with Thomas.

The heat didn’t appear to bother Thomas at all. He still wore his long-sleeved flannel shirt, but had given up his boots for soft slippers. They talked for a bit about the weather and after Luke brought iced tea out for both of them, he asked, “Where does Hannah disappear to on Onyx? It must be someplace cooler than here, plus I’ve noticed when she returns, her hair appears damp and she looks way cooler than when she leaves.”

“I reckon she rides out to the waterfall.” Thomas answered. “In all the years there’s been a Wakefield here, that waterfall has never dried up. Sure, some times it’s been just a poor trickle, but over time, its carved out a largish pool. I haven’t been up there in years, but it was one of Gracie’s and mine favorite places. We always knew no matter how hot it got, we could always go to the waterfall and cool off. You know, Luke, you’ve been here for going on five months now. I’m surprised you haven’t gone out exploring on your own.”

“Well, Thomas, you do keep me kinda busy, and I wasn’t sure if I had permission to ride out just any old place.”

“Sure, you do. As long as the chores are done on days like this, your time is your own, here on the porch, in the barn or out in the hills. I think you’d enjoy going for a nice long ride. Actually, you should ask Hannah for a tour of her and Gracie’s favorite places.”

The following day, Luke saddled one of his horses before Hannah left on Onyx. He went in the same direction she usually took. Once he was in the forest, he followed the path that had been worn over years of use. It was obvious from the marks that Hannah and Onyx went this way. Luke and his horse moved slowly along the path. In several places, another path would branch off, but he stayed on the main one because it seemed to have the most use.

He heard the water before he rode up to it. First it was a smallish river that flowed downhill on his right and as he continued up the path, the top of the waterfall came into view. It was still running quite fast, but Luke could see it might be reduced during a hot summer, especially if all the snow up on the mountain behind were to melt.

Luke found where Onyx had been tied during Hannah’s visits. He got down and tied up his own horse and walked to the edge of the largish pond at the foot of the waterfall. He kneeled and stuck his hand in the water. Oh my God, he thought, that should have ice floating on top. He couldn’t imagine taking his clothes off and getting into the pool which was surrounded by a number of large and flat rocks that more or less glowed in the sunshine. He’d bet a jump into the water would be followed by a stretch on one of those warm rocks.

Luke hopped from rock to rock until he reached the edge of one. The pool bottom appeared to be several feet or more down. The spray from the waterfall felt wonderful as it wafted his way. It felt so good, he yanked his t-shirt over his head and dropped it on the rock. He didn’t plan to go swimming, but perhaps sticking his feet into the water would feel as good as the spray did on his head, back and chest. He rolled up his jeans, pulled off his boots and socks and sat down on the rock’s edge. Initially, the cold water made his skin feel as though it were burning, but his feet were soon numb and that felt great. He lay back on the rock and closed his eyes.

Shortly, he heard noises from below and in a few minutes, he watched through barely open eyes as Hannan and Onyx rode into the little glade that surrounded the pool and waterfall. He saw Hannah’s face frown when she saw his horse and then him laying on the rock. Luke opened his eyes and sat up. “Wow, this is absolutely perfect. Your own little swimming hole even though the water’s so cold it almost hurts.”

Hannah pasted a small smile on her face. “I didn’t expect to find you here. This is one of my special places, actually the most special place on the ranch. I think if there was room, I’d build a tiny house and actually live right here. It’s so peaceful and quiet with only the music of the waterfall and birds to break the silence.”

“I agree. Now I wish I’d done more riding about in the time I’ve been here. It makes me wonder what other treats I’d find.” Luke responded.

Hannah was trying very hard not to stare at Luke’s naked upper body. She decided she wouldn’t look in his direction. Instead of jumping off Onyx, she told Luke, “Well, you were here first, so I’ll just mosey along. If you decide to actually swim, the first few seconds will take your breath away, but after that it feels wonderful, especially when you climb out on the warm rocks.”

“Hey, Hannah,” Luke’s voice was pitched a bit louder and stopped Hannah in the process of turning Onyx. “You don’t have to go. This is your place and if we can’t share it, I’ll be on my way.”

“No, no, that’s okay. First finders is keepers…so just stay and enjoy.”

By this time, Luke had hopped over the rocks in his bare feet and come to stand beside Onyx. Hannah kept her eyes downcast, hoping Luke wouldn’t notice how hard she was trying to not look at him. As he stood there, he put out his hand and clasped her bare calf with his extremely frigid hand. “Come on Hannah, I won’t bite you. Let’s stay here together and enjoy this wonderful place. If you leave, then I’m leaving too and then neither one of us can enjoy the cool before we have to head back to the barn.”

Luke’s cold hand on her calf sent shivers through Hannah’s entire body. She hoped he wouldn’t notice, but of course he did. “Oh, I’m sorry Hannah, I didn’t mean to put my freezing hand on you. I didn’t think beyond getting you to join me.”

Now that Luke had let go, Hannah swung her leg over Onyx’s back to the ground. Luke took the reins and put the big gelding alongside his own smaller horse.

“Thank you, Luke.” Hannah said over her shoulder as she walked over to the rocks. She sat down and removed her boots and socks. Then, she stood up, ran to the edge of the pool and jumped.

Hannah came to the surface, gasping, “Oh, I absolutely love this, but I hate it too. It’s so cold.” Her teeth were chattering, but she began to swim from one side of the pool to the other. After about the tenth or so crossing, she swam to the edge and lifted herself out of the water.

Luke immediately became aware of the fact Hannah was a woman. The tank top clung to her like a second skin, exposing large and hard nipples on her chest. The shorts she’d worn were denim, but it was as if the cold water had shrunk them down a couple of sizes. He had never been so aware of a woman physically and had to look away. He rolled to his stomach and put his head on his arms. He’d barely made himself comfortable when Hannah stood over him and squeezed cold water from her braid onto his back.

Luke leaped and turned over, laughing. “Oh, so that’s how you want to play it eh?” Before she could move, he’d stood, scooped her up and made for the pool. He was going to throw her right in the middle of it. At the edge, he looked down into her face. She was laughing and squirming, but when his eyes met hers, the laughter stopped and they stared at one another for what seemed like hours but probably wasn’t even a minute.

Luke put her down and let go when he was sure she was stable. “Sorry about that. I didn’t stop to think once I felt that water on my hot back. My apologies.”

Hannah could feel every single cell where Luke’s body had touched hers. She could also feel other parts of her anatomy and had to keep a tight rein on her desire to throw herself in his arms, grab his head and kiss him until, until, until…well, crap, she said to herself. Kiss him until what? He kisses back? He throws me in the water? She wished she had some idea of how to proceed here. The longer they spent time together, working, riding, eating, the more Hannah knew she was strongly attracted to Luke. She just couldn’t tell if he was attracted back. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself, so she turned away and laid down on the rock, her arm over her eyes.

As for Luke, he was aware of every place on his own body where he had pulled Hannah’s cold one against his. As he stood, ready to toss her and had looked into her eyes, he could feel his cock stir and terribly uncomfortable, he had quickly put Hannah down before it reached the size where she’d be able to feel it. Now that she’d turned away and laid down, he still felt such a strong attraction, he wanted to lay down on top of her and have his way with her. Luke didn’t think he’d ever wanted a woman as much as he wanted Hannah. He needed to leave and not just the pool, but the ranch because he was becoming too fond of both Hannah and her gramps, and now, he so seriously wanted to make love to her it hurt.

“Um, uh, I’m going to head on back, maybe check one of those other paths that branched off the main one.” Luke said as he sat down to put on his socks and boots.

“You sure you don’t want to stay? Maybe we could have a contest for who can do the best cannonball? Or, can you swim? If you can, we could race back and forth in the pool.” Hannah had raised up, rolled to her side, to look up at him with her head resting on one hand. Her breasts looked as though they were just about to fall out of the tank top.

My God, Luke thought, Hannah has absolutely no idea how sexy she looks laying there. How inviting. He almost groaned aloud. Instead, he stood up, trying to keep his eyes on her face and not on her chest. “No, thanks Hannah. I didn’t know there’d be water sports and so I’m not wearing a bathing suit. And, I know from experience that riding a horse in wet jeans tends to be extremely uncomfortable.

“Well then, take your jeans off and go in your undies.” Hannah proposed with a laugh as she tugged gently on the bottom of his jeans.

Luke stepped back and away from her hand. “Well, that’s the problem, I’m not wearing any shorts.” He couldn’t bring himself to say undies. Good God but this was fucking embarrassing. He needed to go and right now.

“See you in the barn later.” Luke called as he mounted his horse, turned it toward the trail and walked away.

Well, that was a little strange Hannah thought. We were having fun until he looked at me just before he was going to give me a toss. I thought he was going to kiss me instead, but he just put me down. I wanted to throw my arms around his neck and find out what it would be like to kiss him, to have him kiss me.

At this point, Hannah started to turn over and that’s when she realized her entire left breast was hanging out of her top. Oh crap, she thought. I wonder if that’s why he left in such a hurry? Maybe it embarrassed him. Oh, probably not. He left quickly so I wouldn’t be embarrassed.

She tucked herself away and moved to a rock in the shade. She didn’t want to get a sunburn, but she wasn’t ready to leave yet. She laid there with her head on her arms and made up a few little fantasies about Luke and how she just knew he was the one to show her what it would be like to make love.

As she dozed and fantasized, she thought of various ways in which she might be able to seduce him. That was the word in all those romances she’d read as a teenager. How could she make him want her? She knew he was a few years older and as good looking as he was, she was sure he’d had a lot of experience. Maybe he only liked girls with experience. Maybe the thought of a virgin scares him. How would he know I’m a virgin anyway she wondered?

She was sure he had to have some idea about her life by now. He knew how the kids in town treated her. Gramps had said enough stuff so that Luke had to know all she’d ever done was go to school and work on the ranch since she arrived from New York. He had to have noticed she had no friends visit during the time he’d been here, just her grandfather’s cronies and there weren’t many of those left either.

Oh, face it, she told herself. You’re just a country bumpkin, no makeup, no fancy clothes, no engaging repartee about the state of the world or whatever. Unattractive and boring, that’s me. Her optimistic side countered with the fact Luke hadn’t been into town alone since he arrived, so unless he was a virgin too, and she didn’t think he was, then he had to want or need a woman soon. Maybe she could be that woman. She’d have to give it some thought.

Meanwhile, Luke was already fairly far down the trail and giving himself hell. There’s no way I can take advantage of Hannah and her gramps. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I want her so badly I could almost convince myself to turn around, go back and spend the rest of the afternoon making love to her. But I’m not going to. I’m going to keep my distance. When I leave here after I get whatever information Jamison wants, I don’t want to feel any worse than I already know I’m going to feel. Slumped in the saddle, tormented by his own bad thoughts, Luke chose a path at random. He’d just poke along here and wander around until it was time to go back to the barn. That’s what he was going to have to do until he could leave. Ride around, be gone, do whatever it took to stay away from Hannah.

         

MISCELLANEA...AGAIN

 

No chapter about Luke and Hannah today. I didn’t get any writing done on Monday…errands day. I was shocked when I went to Costco on my monthly trip. There was a huge line that would have ended up out on Aurora Avenue if there wasn’t a huge bank there. Only once before back in the spring did I find any kind of line at all. All the other trips, I’ve gone right in. And, this was at almost 10:00 am. Anyway, I was extremely glad I had an umbrella to keep me dry while I waited although it didn’t take all that long before I was inside. Got my stuff and got out. And, I’m happy to say I only made one impulse buy…a quartet of small brie in different flavors. I figured why not treat myself to something I really like when I’m going to be here by myself.

Following that, I went to Double D meats in the hope they’d have the Mariner hotdogs they used to carry, but whoever made them no longer does and while I’m not a great hotdog fan, I liked those. Lastly to QFC for the rest of the stuff on my list. No point in purchasing huge bags of salad and other huge containers of stuff at Costco when some of it will simply go bad before I can get it eaten.

Had a nice long conversation with Thor and a much shorter one with Xander who is far too busy to talk to his Nana for long, but he did sign off saying he loves me. I think I posted that Thor had taken all his father’s collector cards and was organizing and trying to sell them on E-bay. We had a chuckle about how his dad collected all this stuff and not much of it has been worth anything.

That led to me to thanking Thor for my financial situation today. I left my UW job shortly before I gave birth to him and spent the next four years being a wife and mommy, the longest period ever I didn’t have a job. Thor was going to go to kindergarten that next year and I really needed to get him off my thigh, so to speak. He started preschool when he was two because he was potty-trained, but we were still together all the other hours/days.

The first job the City of Seattle offered me was at a clinic for handicapped children in Pioneer Square. I declined because I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the sadness of such a place.  The next offer came from the Department of Parks and Recreation for a permanent part-time job at the Denny Park location on Dexter. I accepted and enrolled Thor in day-care at the local grade school.

For the next four to six weeks, we had a hard time with letting go. When I put Thor to bed at night, he pleaded for me to stay home and when I dropped him off in the mornings, he cried like his heart would break. The teachers there told me I was barely out of sight when the tears dried up and he was happy and playing. That finally made me think that my own angst over leaving Thor was probably compounding the problem. One night I had a little talk with him and told him, “There’s going to be things throughout your life that you are not going to like. Mommy having a job and working is one of those things. Mommy’s not going to quit her job, so you’re going to have to get used to going to day-care.”

I think when I accepted the fact I wasn’t ever going to be a full-time mommy again and let go of my own sad feelings, Thor was able to move on too…probably crying and pleading just to make mommy feel good…he’s always been such a good boy that way. And, it was a good thing too, because apparently my angst carried over to work and my boss told me later that he was just about to let me go when Thor and I got things together.

Still, I had no idea about the City of Seattle benefits. For the first few times there was a holiday on Monday, I didn’t put any hours on my time-sheet. I was part-time. Still, my check would come with extra money on it. I think it was a woman I worked with who explained the part about my job being permanent and that it meant I got sick leave, vacation, retirement and pay for holidays. Well, hell, wasn’t that wonderful news.

Then, several years later, my job was written out of the budget at Dexter and the only permanent part-time job was at Woodland Park Zoo. So, I HAD to go there, but what a blessing that actually turned out to be. When the zoo went into a public-private partnership with the City, all my benefits came with me when I became a Zoo Society employee. Not only that, but the City had to match the funds in my retirement account. Whoa, that was great news.

It was also then I became a salaried employee as opposed to hourly. I continued to fill out my time sheets and put down sick leave hours for doctor and dentist appointments. Our payroll person finally came to me and explained that I didn’t have to do that. I was salaried and if I came to work for just a minute, that meant I got paid for the entire day. Whoa, wasn’t that nice. At the same time, it also meant that the hours I stayed after for board meetings and other events did not appear on my time sheet. My time then was gratis.

So, it’s thanks to Thor that I ended up with a retirement account that made retirement possible and gives me a certain amount of financial security. I thanked him for that today and he pointed out that his brother also ended up working for the Parks Department, so he should be thanked for that too. And yes, I did provide AJ with an application for seasonal work when he graduated from high school. But it was his decision to accept first the permanent part-time job they offered and then the full-time job. He should have a great retirement account as well.

The only sadness in my day had to do with losing touch, more or less, with an old friend. Perhaps at some point we’ll touch base again, but for now I need to pretend my friend is out there somewhere but unable to connect.

It reminds me of a very close relationship I had with a cousin. For various reasons I won’t go into here, she had to stop being my friend and go on with her life. I was crushed because we’d been together every single day for several years. I went to see my old counselor because I felt so bad, sort of like she’d died but was yet living and living without me. He didn’t make me feel any better because he knew all the circumstances surrounding the reasons for her withdrawal because he had been her counselor as well. His advice was to pretend my cousin was on an island that didn’t allow outgoing or incoming mail or contacts.

That didn’t help me feel any less sad or bad over what had happened, but he was right in a way. When the time came and my cousin was able to reach out again, we reconnected. We still aren’t in each other’s lives the way we were then, but whenever we do connect, it’s good, VERY GOOD and I’m grateful.

So, I guess I’ll pretend my absent friend is on an island and perhaps one day I’ll get an email, text, phone call or whatever and we can begin our friendship again…and then maybe not. Still, I’m very grateful for all the talks, laughter, sharing that we’ve done in the past. I wish my friend nothing but the best and hope eventually my friend will realize I’m more of a positive in life than not.

I’ll do my best to provide a new Luke and Hannah chapter tomorrow. I just remembered Luke and Laura from General Hospital…chose the wrong name for Hannah. I’m laughing as I type this.