disclaimer: not mine duh

She wiped the sweat off her brow, irritation flashing across her cinnamon brown eyes. Long black eyelashes kept the dust from her eyes. Samantha Forster or better known as Sam pushed her auburn hair out of her eyes and looked across the corral at the horse that had just created the cloud of dirt.

"Did you really have to do that? Honestly tempest this is ridiculous. Just chill out!" Sam said shifting her slim 5 foot 6 inch frame from foot to foot.

Tempest just hit the age of three and Sam had been working on backing the young horse for a while now and had just recently began to work in the ring with her on the mustangs gaits. The little black mare eyed Sam with a mischievous glint as if she knew exactly what Sam wanted. She had no intention of giving it.

"Way to go brat, almost 17 and still can't stay glued to the saddle," someone taunted from behind Sam. Whirling around Sam saw a tall well-muscled man with his Stetson.

"Oh my god Jake when did you get back?" Sam squealed throwing herself at the twenty year old in front of her. Jake looked startled at the sudden contact but didn't pull back from the hug. Instead wrapping his arms around her and replied, "Just this morning, saw you took good care of Witch."

Witch was Jake's black quarter horse mare whose personality matched her name. He had asked Sam to take care of her while he was at school the past two years but over the past two years Witch had grown fond of Sam… for the most part.

"Of course me and Witch are the best of friends," Sam said with an eye roll, reluctantly pulling herself from Jake's embrace. Sam had developed a bit of a crush on Jake over the years and now seeing him with those wild mustang eyes and his long black hair tied in a rawhide Sam couldn't help but shiver. This is definitely more than a crush. Sam blushed realizing her not so innocent feelings.

"Why ya blushing brat?" Jake asked looking curious.

"It's nothing. So… want to go for a ride? I'll put Tempest away and go grab Ace…" Sam asked hoping to distract him from the redness in her cheeks and save herself from further embarrassment.

"Sure I'll wait by Witch for ya while you grab Ace." Jake waltzed over to the black mare that was tacked up and raring to go. Little did Sam know Jake wanted her back in his arms.

God I've missed her. Jake grinned to himself. The way she smiled could light up a stage and the way her hair fell in waves to her mid-back made him want to tangle his fingers in it…Jake shook his head. I can't think this way about brat Wyatt will kill me, that and she'd never be interested. Suddenly he was startled by a hand waving in front of his face.

"Yoo-hoo anyone in that thick, stubborn skull of yours Jake? Hellooo?"

"What? I'm here." Said Jake feigning annoyance. Sam just laughed.

"Yep whatever Jakey, lets go!" She kicked Ace into a jog towards the bridge laughing at Jake with bright eyes. Jake was entranced by her smile and grace on a horse. Jake quickly mounted Witch and pushed her into a lope to catch up with Sam. Easily pulling along side the short little bay mustang Ace, Jake looked at Sam. She's such a wild person, how am I going to survive this crush with her teasing me?

Sam caught Jake's eye and looked down blushing. He is so HOT… wait!? Where did that thought come from? Sam's thoughts were interrupted by Jake's cry.

"Race ya!" Jake took off with Witch's quarter horse blood showing true with her speed. Sam quickly kicked Ace into a gallop feeling him lengthen his stride below her. They chased each other around on horseback playing tag like they used to when they were kids. They slowed to a trot enjoying the horses quiet breathing and hoof beats when Jake saw a flash from the corner of his eye. Suddenly a loud squeal came from Ace and he wheeled around throwing Sam and bolting back towards Riverbend. Sam managed to tuck herself into a ball just in time to ease the impact of the ground.

"Ow," Sam groaned moving her fingers and toes; I don't think I broke anything. This is just going to be one big, ugly bruise Sam winced.

"Brat! Are you ok?" came Jake's panicked voice. Sam looked up into his worried eyes; he had stopped when he saw her fly off Ace.

"Sam?" he questioned again, fear clearly on his face.

Sam sighed, "I'm fine Jake just bruised, and actually really tired," she yawned loudly. Jake held a hand out to her to pull her up. Great the first ride with her since I've got back and already she's getting hurt. He looked at Sam who was clearly tired as she dusted the Playa's red dirt off her jeans and palms. She's beautiful even covered in dirt. Jake shook his head clearing the thought from his head. You can't think like that Jake she's your best friend.

"Come on brat," as Sam finally looked up at him, "You can ride with Witch and me." She mounted up first and Jake slid on behind her and grabbed hold of the reins. Sam sighed and leaned back against Jake's chest, subconsciously snuggling into him in her tired state. Jake couldn't help but think she fit perfectly against him.

By the time Jake and Sam got back to riverbend Sam was fast asleep against Jake and her soft breathing had Jake's heart beating wildly. He shifted her in his arms looking down at her. She's so peaceful, so full of love; even in her sleep you can see it. When he crossed over the bridge he saw his father's truck in the front yard that meant his family was here. Now I'm gonna get it. They'll never let me live this down. All of Jake's family knew how he felt about her even before he knew it. He shook his head, nothing I can do now.

Luke, Jake's father, saw him riding in and yelled to Wyatt, "Sam's fine Jake's got her." Luke turned back to the scene in front of him, his eyes twinkling merrily at the sign of Sam in his youngest son's arms. He knew his son adored her and the tender look in his eyes as he looked down at her left Luke with no doubt that if they ever got together they would never be apart. I'm getting sappy in my old age he chuckled. Luke admitted to himself that he would love to have little Samantha as a daughter-in-law. Jake and Sam looked perfect together. Whoa now don't get ahead of yourself Luke. They're a little too young for that. But you can hope. Luke smiled.