(AN: Due to some work and personal issues I may not have an update before next weekend. Sorry for that!
This chapter is a bit longer. I promise I will get you another chapter ASAP! I've not had too many readers, so please pass the word along if you are enjoying this story! Thanks, Maddie)

CHAPTER 13

Their arrival did not go unnoticed. Austin watched from his perch outside the bunkhouse and thought to himself, "I see something more has developed with those two. I'm not finished with them yet. She's just given me an easy target to use to get back at her. That first rescue was a fluke. The next time there won't be anything left to rescue." And he broke into an evil laugh that made the other ranch hands look over at him.

"What the heck was that Austin?" Finn asked.

"Eh, nothing, just remembering something."

"Well, doesn't sound like anything I think I'd like to remember with that sound you made"

Austin grunted and thought to himself, "You'll all remember this for a long, long time."

The pair wound their way up to Rachel's cabin after leaving the horses in the barn. They stepped on the porch and Rachel turned to look at her companion. "I had such a wonderful time tonight Quinn".

The taller woman smiled and reached over taking Rachel's hand. "I hope it's one of many wonderful times we'll share together."

"You don't know how much it means for me to hear you say that. I feel like I am in a dream whenever I'm around you." Rachel sighed.

"Is this a dream?" Quinn leaned over and kissed the smaller woman, pulling to her in a deep embrace.

"Good thing you are strong, cause I am ready to fall to the floor with that one" Rachel's voice squeaked out.

They both laughed and Rachel looked at the door and motioned her head. "Would you like to come in for a while?"

Sighing deeply, Quinn replied, "I want to come in more than you could know, but it's getting late and I think if I came in, I'd go somewhere that we're not ready for, and I don't want to do that. How about we meet for breakfast and we can decide what you'd like to do tomorrow?"

"As I said up in your cabin, you're much too noble, but you are right. Sweet dreams darling, and I will look for you in the morning. How does 8:30am sound?"

"I'll be there!" Quinn replied and gave Rachel a sweet kiss, made sure she got inside the cabin safely, and headed down the path to her bunk area.

Morning dawned brightly and Rachel laid there for a time just basking in the sunlight streaming onto her bed. Her clock read 7:08am and she snapped on the radio, stretched and then proceeded to get up and take her shower. She padded into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. "What changes I've gone through in such a short time." She thought. "Now I wonder what will happen with the next chapter."

In the background she heard the strains of a popular country song.

"...there's gotta be something more, gotta be more than this, I need a little less heartache I need a little more bliss..."

"Boy that sounds like me for sure." And as she looked at herself in the mirror something caught her eye. A reflection of something out her window. A quick move of a face peering in at her. The sun was streaming in that direction so she was not sure what she saw. She went over there and looked out but nothing was visible.

"I guess I was just seeing things," and she went back to take her shower.

Outside, ducking around the cabin, Austin slipped down the ravine that was off to the side.

When Rachel was finished her morning ministrations she set off for the Mess Hall and was met by Quinn with her beautiful smile.

"How did you sleep last night?" Quinn asked.

"I had a wonderful night and you?"

"Well, does my smile tell you anything?" she replied.

They got their food and headed for a quiet table.

"So have you decided what you'd like to do today?" Quinn inquired?

"Well, I was kind of interested in the trip to the silver mine. What do you think?"

"I was kind of hoping to take you up there and give you a private tour, but I have a lot to do today. I can go tomorrow, would you like to go with me?"

"I'd love to do that. I haven't just relaxed and enjoyed sitting around the pool since the first day, so maybe I'll do that for a while. Can you join me later this afternoon? How about dinner?

"That'd be great!"

"Hmmmm, I'm getting a few ideas of my own. How about dinner at my cabin and then maybe you could bring your bathing suit and we can soak in the hot tub? It's so nice and cool at night for that."

"It's sounding better and better." Quinn grinned. "How does 5:00pm sound for dinner?"

"You're on!" Rachel chimed in.

They finished chatting about their plans as they ate their breakfast. They never saw the busboy leave the Mess Hall and make his way out around the barn.

"They said they were going to go up to the silver mine tomorrow, not on the regular group trip."

"Good, very good" remarked Austin after his spy had reported on the conversation. "I'll be ready for them."

"Anything I can do to help Uncle Austin?"

"No, you've done exactly what I needed. Thanks a lot. Great to have family working here."

And they both laughed.

"You're as good as your dad. Sorry he has to lay low for a while."

"It's ok Uncle Austin, he told me all about it. What that bitch did to you, how she messes things up for the men here. I'm glad to help out."

"Well, don't worry kid, we'll all come out ok on this. I gotta run now and get your dad to help me put my plan in action."

"OK, tell him I said hi."

"Will do buddy. And thanks again!"

Rachel and Quinn went off to their respective destinations after leaving the Mess Hall. Rachel headed up to the Main Office looking for Emma.

"Hi there Rachel, how are you coming along?" Emma inquired when she saw Rachel enter the Office.

"I'm doing great Emma, I wonder if you can help me out?"

"Of course I can darlin', what do you need?"

"Well, I'd like to cook dinner tonight, and I was wondering if I can go somewhere to buy some supplies?"

"Our food not good for you darlin'?" Emma asked, smiling internally as she imagined just who Rachel was cooking for.

"Oh no Emma, your food is fantastic. I know I'm gonna gain weight while I am here. It's just that, um, well….Quinn said she liked Italian food and um, well, I thought I'd cook her some dinner tonight. She's been so good to me and um, well…" Rachel was not quite sure how to proceed.

Laughing Emma helped the poor girl out. "Oh honey, I know just where you are coming from, and I've got a simple solution for you. We have a few Jeeps available for the guests. The trip into town is an easy one. So if you like, I got a set of keys here for you and you'll be on your way!"

Rachel blushed and responded, "Thanks Emma, I guess I am not so transparent about this am I?"

"Well darlin' if you'd blush any more times around Quinn, I was thinkin' I'd have to take you to the doctor. See, you're doing it just talking about her. You got it bad don't you?" Emma whispered the last bit to her.

"Guilty as charged Emma." Rachel responded.

"Well, if it helps you any, she's got it as bad as you do!" Emma added.

"She does, really?" Rachel jumped on the words.

"Oh, I've known her for a long time and I've never seen her quite like this. And I for one think it's about time and wonderful! I'm pullin' for you two."

Rachel smiled and responded. "Oh Emma, thank you so much, that means a lot. I know how much Quinn thinks of you. You've been so special to her."

"She's more than a friend, I look at her as family"

"I know she feels that way too. Well, if you'd please give me directions to the town, I think I will get my surprise started!"

"OK here you go" and Emma gave her a copy of directions and the keys to a Jeep Wrangler.

Rachel took the keys and went to her cabin to make a list and get her purse. She compiled a nice menu of Italian specialties and then headed to town in the Jeep.

Rachel found the town to be quaint but surprisingly modern. They had a state of the art supermarket and she was able to pick up all that she wanted. She loaded her packages in the Jeep and headed back to the ranch.

"I could really enjoy living out here" she thought as she drove through the desert landscape.

"I wonder if Quinn and I…" and she let her inner dialogue retreat into thoughts of the woman she had such strong feelings for.

She reached the ranch and drove up to her cabin so she could unload her groceries. Then she brought the Jeep back to the Office and gave the keys to Emma. It was already close to noon but Rachel decided to forego lunch and do the prep work for her dinner tonight. She worked her magic and by 1:30pm she had everything ready and even managed to make herself a little bite to eat. She decided to go for a little swim so put on her bathing suit and headed down to the pool with her book. She met several of the guests there and found a nice corner with a shaded lounge chair. She arranged her things and then walked to the steps of the pool. The cool water felt delightful against her skin warmed from the desert sun.

"Ahhhhh" she sighed audibly as she stepped into the pool.

"Feels pretty good doesn't it" quipped Tina who was floating on a raft nearby.

"Sure does. I haven't been in here since the first day. I really enjoy the water so much."

"We just got back from the Old Rattler Mine tour, it's too bad you didn't go, it was really great."

"Um, I'm going to go tomorrow." Rachel mentioned.

"Tomorrow? I didn't see a tour listed for tomorrow." Tina responded.

"Well, Quinn was going to take me over there."

"OHHHHHHHH!" Tina smiled as she gave an exaggerated reply. "Yes, I think you will enjoy yourself immensely…oh, and you'll like the silver mine too". She added, laughing.

Rachel blushed and smiled, "Yes, I'm sure I will."

"We got to see some of the old tools and what the ore looks like with the silver veins in it. It was cool in the mine too; it's amazing the temperature difference."

"Oh, maybe I should bring a jacket with me." Rachel verbalized.

"Honey, if you're cold in there, perhaps there are other ways to keep warm." And Tina winked with that retort.

Rachel beamed and answered, "Yes perhaps there is."

"I was surprised to see that some of the guys here still do some work in the mine." Tina added.

"They do? You mean they are mining the ore?"

"Well, I actually don't know. Maybe it's just maintenance for the tours. I saw that cowboy Austin up there with some tools."

"Ugh, I don't really care for him." Rachel responded.

"Well, he isn't as nice as some of the others, that's for sure." Tina agreed.

"Was he on the tour with you?"

"No, but he was up there when we arrived." Tina offered. "Sam gave the tour and he didn't seem surprised to see him up there. They exchanged some words and I saw Austin gesturing."

"Oh well, guess it's another one of his duties." Rachel commented and let the subject go.

Tina was facing the diving board as she was talking to Rachel and her eyes were caught by a striking figure approaching the board. Rachel saw her response and by the time she turned to look, there was a small splash as the figure dove into the pool. All of a sudden there was a shape surfacing next to her and Rachel screamed at the surprise. "WHOA!"

Quinn arose smiling at Rachel. "Hi, room for me in here?"

"Wow, where did you come from. I mean, HI, wow you surprised me!" Rachel sputtered.

"I finished up my chores and saw you in the pool and well, it looked so inviting and wanted to join you. You don't mind do you?" Quinn asked with a sweetly sincere look and fluttering eyelashes.

"Now how could I resist those eyes?" Rachel laughed in response.

"Honey, I don't know how you could resist those eyes or any other part of her! Tina quipped. "Lord look at that body!"

Both Rachel and Quinn blushed at that but for different reasons and all broke into laughter.

Tina paddled off to the other side of the pool to give the two young women some space.

"So how has your relaxing day been?" Quinn asked as she grabbed a boogie board. "Here, lean on this while we talk." She said to Rachel pushing it towards her.

"Well, I've only been here about an hour. I had a busy morning."

"You did? I thought you were gonna rest. What did you do?" Quinn questioned.

"Well, I was busy preparing a surprise!" Rachel smiled as she answered.

"A surprise? What kind of surprise?" Quinn shot back.

"Well, you are just gonna have to wait and see!" Rachel countered smiling slyly. "And you know, Tina was right."

"Right about what?" Quinn feigned ignorance.

"Um, your body." Rachel stammered.

"What about my body" Quinn asked staring intently into Rachel's eyes.

"It's magnificent." Rachel squeaked out.

"Oh, you think so? I didn't think you noticed." Quinn teased.

"I notice everything about you." Rachel stated firmly.

"As I notice everything about you. You have the most intensely beautiful eyes I have ever seen. The deep brown color is so captivating."

Rachel smiled demurely and looked down.

"Oh no, don't hide them from me please." Quinn pleaded and put her fingers under Rachel's chin and raised her head up so she was facing her. "There, that's better. Boy, I'd love to kiss you right now." Quinn whispered.

"Hmm, I've got something to show you under this boogie board, can you meet me under there?" Rachel laughed and then ducked under the water. Quinn submerged and met Rachel under the water where they exchanged a brief but firm kiss and then surfaced.

"Yes, thank you for showing me that. Very interesting!" Quinn laughed. "And also very clever!" She added.

"When the need arises I can be very clever!" Rachel responded.

"Hmm, my need is arising as we speak!" Quinn shot back.

"Well, perhaps we need someplace where I can give that more personal attention. How about let's head up to my cabin?" Rachel purred at her larger companion.

"Sounds like a plan". Quinn pushed the boogie board to the side of the pool and the two companions got out. They toweled off and Rachel put on her lacy cover up and Quinn a long t-shirt with the sleeves cut off to cover their suits. They picked up their belongings and walked up to Rachel's cabin. They arrived on the porch and Rachel opened the door. Quinn followed in and she closed the door and swooped behind Rachel, catching her prey with her arms around her.

"Oooohhhh, that's very nice" Rachel exclaimed, feeling Quinn surrounding her. "You know I am a sucker for those arms!"

"I got that impression, yes." Quinn responded, and nibbled her right earlobe from behind.

"Ummm, ahhhh..I like that too." Rachel mumbled.

Quinn turned Rachel around and looked into the smaller woman's eyes. "I know a few other things you might like too"and she leaned in and kissed her, holding her face in her hands. She stepped back a moment looking at Rachel.

"I couldn't stop thinking of you all day." Quinn offered. "All I can think about is the way you look, the sound of your voice, how I feel when I am with you. I have to say, it's pretty overwhelming to me. "

"So you mean I'm not the only one then?" Rachel replied.

Quinn smiled and leaned in, bending her head to touch Rachel's forehead. "I'm glad you feel the same, this means a lot to me."

Rachel smiled and whispered back, "me too. Come on, how about we start that surprise of mine?"

"I love surprises." Quinn added.

"Do you want to change out of your suit or keep it on for later when we can use that hot tub?"

"It feels pretty dry already, I think I'll leave mine on if you don't mind."

"Oh no, I don't mind at all. I could look at you in that suit all day." Rachel said blushing, as she gazed down Quinn's body to the long, muscular legs that were showing.

Quinn chuckled and posed for a moment flexing her biceps.

"Wow" Rachel gasped as she saw the muscles bunch up on Quinn's arms, the cords of her tendons rippling under the skin.

"You like the way I look?" Quinn checked.

"Mmm, oh yes, I sure do." Rachel blushed.

"That makes me feel good, I've been with others who were turned off cause I'm kind of built."

"Are they crazy? Well, actually, my luck. I know I'd have feelings for you no matter what, but I really happen to find your body very sexy. It's just the icing on a very delicious cake that is you! In fact, I look forward to sampling how it might feel under my fingers."

"Well, that can be arranged." Quinn came close and took Rachel's hand and placed it on her biceps while she rotated her forearm, causing the muscles to jump.

"Ohhhhh" Rachel barely squeaked out a noise her eyes growing wide, blushing furiously and then she quickly looked down. "I feel so out of shape next to you."

"Hey, hey…stop that! I think you're gorgeous. You have amazing legs. And I love a woman soft and sweet and that's just what you are." Quinn whispered into Rachel's ears as she gathered her close.

"Oh God" Rachel murmured as she closed her eyes while being held. 'How do I deserve this woman?' She thought to herself.

They remained together in an embrace for a few moments and then Rachel said.

"How about we start on the surprise and then well…"

"Yes…well…I'd like very much." Quinn leaned in for a sweet kiss on Rachel's lips. "OK, what can I do to help?"

"Nothing, I have it all together. Why don't you put on some nice music while I start dinner?"

Quinn went to the stereo and chose a station that played a nice variety of music from smooth jazz to country crossover to contemporary. "How's that?"

"Perfect" Rachel answered as she put the water on to boil and took out her sauce and turkey meatballs in the saucepan she had cooked earlier and placed it on the stove to heat up. She brought out the shrimp appetizer platter and heated the spicy garlic dip in the microwave.

"Wow that looks so good, I'm getting my Italian meal already!" Quinn acted genuinely pleased and excited.

"You sure are, starting with a nice shrimp and garlic appetizer and my famous stuffed mushrooms. I've planned for us to eat on the porch, is that ok?"

"That sounds wonderful, can I carry anything out?" Quinn asked.

"No, I got everything under control, but how about you open the wine for us. It's already out there."

"I'd be happy to." Quinn replied and picked up the bottle impressed with the nice red wine selection Rachel had purchased. Rachel retrieved the delicious mushrooms from the oven and prepared two appetizer plates, arranging the delicacies artistically with the shrimp fanned out and the mushrooms on the side, decorated with pimiento strips and parsley.

"OK, how about we get started. I've got the water on to boil for the pasta and the sauce is heating up as we speak."

"I'm ready to dig in, this smells fabulous and looks just amazing! I can't believe you did this all this morning on the spur of the moment." Quinn answered happily eyeing the luscious appetizers. She held Rachel's chair as she sat down and then joined her at the table. She poured each of them a glass of the wine and took the glass in her hand to propose a toast.

"To possibilities." Quinn offered, looking at Rachel.

"To dreams." Rachel offered back, smiling at Quinn.

"Very fitting Rachel!" She responded.

"Here, want to try a shrimp?" Rachel asked, holding the coated crustacean in her hand.

"Mmmmm" Quinn moaned as she captured the shrimp in her mouth and then continued on with Rachel's fingers.

"Oh, I can see we can get into some real trouble here tonight." Rachel laughed as she retrieved her fingers from Quinn's mouth.

"I hope so." Quinn replied.

They tackled the appetizers enjoying feeding each other until their plates were clean.

"Let me check the stove and see if that water is boiling yet?" Rachel stood up and took the appetizer plates with her.

"Ok Rachel." Quinn responded, looking admiringly at the woman who has taken such pains to make this night special. 'I do really think I have found my destiny here.' She thought to herself. She had such a solemn look on her face that Rachel checked on her when she returned to the table.

"Are you ok? Did the food disagree with you Quinn?" Rachel asked worrying as she kneeled by her side.

"I'm better than I've been in a long time. I was just thinking how wonderful you are in so many ways."

Rachel gazed at her friend and smiled. "I think of you in the same way Quinn."

The two embraced and exchanged a sweet kiss.

"Mmmm, that's no fair, no dessert before the dinner's through." Rachel chastised her friend.

Laughing in response, Quinn added. "OK…but I get the dessert later!"

Rachel raised one eyebrow in response and added. "Let me check on the pasta and sauce. I'll be right back." The pasta was a perfect al dente and she grabbed the pot holder and lifted the pan from the stove to drain the macaroni into the colander she had ready in the sink. Waiting on the counter, she had the nice crockery bowls with colorful Southwest designs on them from the little kitchen's cabinet. She dished out the pasta and added her homemade sauce with a nice meatball on each serving. She topped it with some grated Romano cheese. Then she went to the refrigerator and pulled out the two small salad bowls she had prepared earlier. She added her homemade balsamic basil dressing and was ready to roll.

"Wow, that looks so delicious." Quinn remarked as she accompanied Rachel back to their table each carrying their portions.

"I hope you like it" Rachel smiled.

Quinn sampled the salad and smiled immediately.

"Wow, this dressing is so light and yet rich flavored. I really like it." She then took a forkful of the tender pasta with the savory sauce and placed it in her mouth. She was struck at once by the rich tomato taste coupled with the fine herbs and vegetables that Rachel had added to her mixture.

"Mmmmmmmm, this is fabulous. What did you put in it?"

"It's my favorite sauce recipe. I use finely chopped zucchini, white onion, fresh basil and parsley and plum tomatoes. The pasta I got lucky with. The grocery in town was really stocked and they had some fresh pasta."

"Wow, the fresh pasta really adds to it. It's so smooth and succulent. And that cheese!"

"Yes, the usual cheese that people grab for pasta is parmesan. But I grew up eating this type of Romano cheese. So I always gravitate towards that. It lends a very different flavor to the dish."

"Well lady, I am really impressed." Quinn mentioned as she continued her dinner.

Rachel beamed at her friend, happy she was so pleased by her dinner. They continued conversation as they ate and when they were done, Quinn pushed back her chair and leaned back, her hands on her stomach.

"Wow, I can't tell Cookie about eating here."

"No?" Rachel asked. "Why not?"

"Cause he is gonna be so jealous when I mention that this was the best meal I have eaten in a dogs age!" Quinn smiled and extended her hand to touch Rachel's. "Thank you so much. No one has ever done this for me before."

"You're kidding right?" Rachel asked.

"No, I'm not. I never got to this point with anyone and in any case, I was always the 'provider' in any of the experiences I have had."

Rachel got up and put her arm around Quinn's shoulder. "Well, I can promise you one thing, I will provide you with anything you could possibly want. You won't just be on the giving end of things with me."

"For the first time in my life, I think I can truthfully say, I really like that idea." Quinn hugged Rachel with her one arm in response. "Hey, how about I help clean up the dishes and maybe we can relax for a bit. I think the sunset is gonna be a good one tonight. It might look great from that hot tub of yours." Quinn winked suggestively.

"You're on!" Rachel added.