She took a moment to watch her team in the field, all upon horses, laughter and teasing each other, pride running through her veins as she watched each of them interact. She had been overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm to undertake each of the tasks and how all had seemingly enjoyed the weekend, even Provenza.
Hearing the gentle clop of hooves coming out of the stable she saw her Lieutenant sitting upon his horse, awkwardly perched upon his black stallion; she had internally giggled thinking about how fitting his choice of mare was. Rounding his horse towards her, he saddled up next to her, his face regaining colour.
"So the Stallion arrives…" a smirk crossing her lips as her eyes continued to focus on the horizon in front of her.
The clicking of his tongue draws her eyes back to his as a grin spreads across his lips, "They do say, after falling off to always get back on" his hand coming to rest on her thigh, low enough to be concealed by their bodies, high enough to send a shock up her body. There's something about his touch that always sends a jolt of electricity through her body followed by a burning fire that makes her skin tingle.
"Didn't think you'd have much trouble getting back in the saddle" her eyes still fixated on his hand as his thumb continues to trace small circles on her thigh.
Looking up to meet his eyes she instantly regretted her choice of words as her eyes locked onto his lips, as his tongue darted out to moisten them, his voice low to avoid prying ears, "I'd rather saddle something else"
A laugh left her lips in a somewhat uncomfortable manner, as her mind told her to be careful for the millionth time this weekend. The game they had played all weekend was increasing rhythm, faster and faster, stronger and stronger; to the point of impending explosion; the voice of reason and duty a lingering shadow.
"Not everything likes to be saddled Lieutenant" her voice accentuating her vowels as her tongue absentmindedly traced her lips mimicking his.
Breaking away from his hand, she clicked her tongue, giving the horse a light tap with her heels, trotting away from him as she felt his eyes bore holes in her back. So much of this weekend had resulted in sexually fueled banter followed by a quick dash for safety.
A new voice broke the silence and drew her back to reality, "Hey Captain, this thing… I think it's broken" Provenza's usual grumpy tone echoing across the paddock as his horse kept walking circles
"Lieutenant, you're right hand is favoring the reign, straighten up your grip…" her instructions confident. She had always had a love of horses, ever since she was young and often dreamed of owning them again.
"Okay team, let's get these sheep into their boundary!" her voice once again confident as she took control of the situation
"Spread out" her voice commanding them to get in place.
"Hey, are we chasing dinner?" the sarcasm in Provenza's voice was followed by chuckle as he broke the somewhat serious mood.
"Lieutenant!"
Shrugging his shoulders his face turned to look at Lt. Flynn, "Sorry Flynn...Just wondering…"
His words were few as if caught day dreaming on the job, the usual and safe response he used often covered most situations, "You're an idiot Provenza!"
Rusty, Sanchez, Toa and Buzz all seemed to be getting the hang of herding the sheep, creating a moving boundary line which rounded up any strays keeping them together; Andy had been a knight in shining armour, slumped over the horse holding onto it around the neck trying ever so hard not to slide off, as Provenza had spent the whole exercise muttering unkind words about the whole exercise.
"Get in the pen …. I said NOW, no NOW!" his grumbling voice muttering over and over again
"Good to see even animals don't listen to you" Tao's smartass comment met with a glare of disgust as he shook his head as his horse refused to move, sheep running past him.
She continued to watch as she yelled out directions, moving between the others and the animals.
The task had continued to be executed; laughs and stories continuing over dinner as Andy and Provenza whipped up an Italian feast including Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and flourless chocolate cake for dessert.