Twice the Trouble

Chapter 14

As Adam came around the corner of the house he saw Alissa slowly circling the water trough with a very mischievous grin on her lovely face.

"I see you are waiting for me to throw you in the water trough, little trouble maker."

"Oh don't be so sure of yourself, Mr. Bossy Britches. It just may be you that ends up in the water trough. So there!"

Ali continued to keep some distance between them as she walked back and forth a few feet behind the water trough. Raising her hand she pointed her finger at Adam as if she was giving him a lecture.

"Yep, I think it is time that someone takes you down a peg or two, Mister! You are definitely much too sure of yourself and way too bossy."

Adam lifted his brow in amusement as he watched this beautiful woman of his swagger back and forth so smugly as if she was going to win this little battle.

As he stood back and crossed his arms across his chest he replied, "Well let's see. I am twice your size, plus I am definitely stronger than you. So hmm… I wonder who will win this little contest?"

"Well, David slew Goliath and he was a lot bigger, so I put the odds on me!" Ali stated, as she pointed her thumb at her chest.

"Sounds to me like someone is getting too big for her britches. You know, those britches that I hate you wearing," Adam chuckled, as he started edging closer to Alissa.

"Oh, you mean these britches? Yes I do recall that you have a definite distaste for them," she taunted, as she did a little circle showing off her pants.

Then she leaned in closer towards Adam as she added, "Oh, ye of little faith. Just don't be so sure that I don't have something up my sleeve for overconfident, arrogant and definitely way too smug men who come my way, Mr. Cartwright!"

Cocking his head to the side with a slight frown on his face Adam said, "Really? And just how many men have you had to deal with in this manner, Alissa?"

When Ali saw Adam's demeanor change, she couldn't help but giggle as she answered him.

"Oh my goodness, Adam, do I see a little bit of jealousy raising its ugly head? Well I can't remember exactly just how many men I have run around a water trough with in the past."

Then she tapped the side of her head as if she was trying to remember as she replied, "Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah…NONE! Didn't have too many water troughs where I lived before. So you can put your jealousy away for now, darlin'."

Ali couldn't contain her laughter as she thought about a water trough being placed in the middle of her busy city. Definitely something that would get the people talking. She continued to grin at that thought but still kept a close eye on Adam. Knowing him, he would make his move soon.

"You know, I seem to remember another time when we were by the water trough. And if I recall correctly, you were the one that ended up in the water after you poured some cream over my head," Adam pointed out, before he stopped advancing on Ali and put his hands on his hips.

"What is it about you always pouring something over my head?"

"It does seem to be that way, doesn't it? I guess it is because you look so darn sexy with something dripping off of that dark hair of yours. That and the fact that you usually have made me mad and I want to pay you back." Ali wiggled her eyebrows up and down as she grinned wickedly.

"Well why don't we see how good you look with water dripping off of your beautiful hair, little lady?"

"Nope, not today. Today is your day for a bath!" Ali laughed, as she took off running towards the barn.

Quickly opening the barn door she went inside and looked around trying to decide her next move. She knew Adam would be coming through the door at any moment ready to catch her and toss her into the water trough. However, any chance of her actually throwing Adam into the trough was not something she could really do by herself, at least not without any help. But it sure was fun teasing him about it.

"Oh Hoss, where are you when I need you?" Ali laughed, as she looked around the barn and realized there wasn't a back door and her only option was up. So she quickly headed for the ladder that went up to the loft. But as she started up the ladder voices drifted in from outside the door.

"Mr. Cartwright, is there something I can help you with?"

Ali wondered if that was the new ranch hand they hired last week. She had only seen him from a distance so she wasn't really sure what he looked like.

"Uh, no thanks, Bill. I just need to tend to something in the barn. You can go on down to the corral and see if they need you there."

"Sure thing, Mr. Cartwright."

This short conversation gave Ali just enough time to finish climbing up to the loft, and she took full advantage of it as she quickly hurried up the ladder and stepped to the back of the loft.

"Well, well, well, I seem to have lost a certain little brat in here. I wonder where she could have gone," Adam joked, after he walked into the barn and started looking around before settling his eyes on the loft.

The sound of giggling could be heard right before a large amount of straw came tumbling down on Adam's head.

"Don't call me a brat!"

"Boy are you going to get it now," Adam declared playfully, as he tried to get the hay out of his hair and off his shoulders. Then he headed for the ladder and started climbing up more determined than ever to find his little troublemaker.

"You do know that you have no where to run now, don't you. And when I find you I just may have to finish what I started earlier today and warm that cute little backside of yours for all the mischief you have given to your poor fiancé this day."

"Ahh, poor baby. Well ya gotta catch me first and we know that you are just way too slow for that!" Ali laughed, as she stood up ready to throw another bunch of straw at Adam.

As soon as Adam got to the top of the ladder Ali threw the straw she had been holding at him, but this time he dodged it and quickly got onto the loft. Then he slowly started heading for her with a rather serious look on his face. Ali wasn't sure if he was mad or still playing, but decided to take the easy way out and quickly moved to the side and headed for the ladder to go down. She took the first step on the ladder then turned to grin at Adam.

As Adam slowly moved towards her he favored her with a one of his dimpled smiles. "Where you going, sweetheart? I thought we just got started playing in the straw and here you are trying to leave so soon."

"Well I have a feeling that I might be a lot safer on the ground, so I think I will just head down now. Besides, I have had my fun," she said smugly, as she turned her head and gave him a wink.

"Oh, but I haven't had my fun yet, little brat," Adam teased, as he lunged for her before she could get down the ladder.

But the sudden movement startled Ali and she lost her footing and started to fall backwards off of the ladder.

"Ohh!"

"ALISSA!"

As his heart went to his feet Adam hurried over to the edge of the loft and looked down. He was expecting to see the love of his life lying on the ground badly hurt. But instead, he saw Bill Johnson holding Alissa in his arms. She looked up at Adam with a look of shock then grabbed on tightly to the set of strong arms that were holding her.

"Wow, I guess it was a good thing you were here to catch me or I would have been really hurt. That was quick thinking on your part…thanks so much. Are you the new ranch hand?" Ali asked, as she smiled faintly. It was quite a shock falling from a loft and finding yourself in a pair of a stranger's strong arms, and her hands shook as she placed them around Bill's neck.

"Hello, ma'am. My name is Bill Johnson. Pleased to meet you," he said, as he blushed slightly.

He was a very good-looking man with blond wavy hair that came down over his collar and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. He kind of reminded her of a young Robert Redford, except he was as tall as Hoss but a lot more trimmed Ali noticed as she quickly looked him over. Yep, I guess if I am going to fall it sure doesn't hurt to fall into the arms of someone as hot as this hunk, she thought.

By now Adam had gotten down the ladder barely touching any of the rungs in his haste to get to Alissa, and ended up standing right next to her and the ranch hand that was holding her.

"Yes, this is the new ranch hand, Alissa. I am so thankful you were here to catch her, Bill. But I think you can give her to me now."

"Yes sir. It was mighty lucky I was coming into the barn when I saw her start to fall. I just ran over and put out my arms hoping I would help stop her fall. But she is such a little thing that she just fit right into my arms and I was able to catch her."

The muscle in Adam's jaw tightened slightly as he reached out and easily pulled Alissa into his arms as she noticed the hard expression that was edging across his face. She wasn't sure if it was because he was mad at her for almost getting herself hurt, or because he might just be a little bit jealous of this hunk of a guy. Either way, it felt good to be back in Adam's strong arms and she laid her head on his shoulder taking in a deep breath when she realized what had almost happened to her.

Bill could see he was not needed here anymore and nervously played with his hat that he had removed once Ali was in Adam's arms.

"If you don't need me then, Mr. Cartwright, I will be going."

"No, I have everything under control now, Bill. And once again, thanks for saving my fiancée," Adam replied, as he looked down at Ali with a slight frown. "We really appreciate it."

"I am so glad I was here to help. Nice to meet you ma'am," Bill nodded, as he touched his hat.

"Nice to meet you too, Bill. And thanks again. You are a real lifesaver. I guess I need to stay out of haylofts," Ali smiled sheepishly, as she saw the worried expression on Adam's face.

Bill turned and walked out the door as Adam continued to hold on tightly to Alissa. Finally she looked up and said, "You can put me down now, sweetheart. I am okay to walk. Bill caught me before I landed and hurt anything."

Adam started for the door but didn't say a word as he continued carrying Alissa in his arms.

"Adam…Adam, you can put me down now! Adam, where are you going?"

Ali realized that he wasn't about to set her down and was heading for the dreaded water trough.

"Oh, Adam, you wouldn't throw me in there now, would you? I was almost hurt so I don't think we should even play this game anymore."

"ADAM!"

As he continued walking, Alissa started kicking her legs trying to get out of his arms because she knew he was headed for the trough, and the position she was in meant only one thing…she was going to get wet today!

As Adam approached the trough Ali tensed up fully expecting to be dropped into the cold water. But instead, he sat down on the edge of the trough and hugged her tightly as he whispered, "Oh, sweetheart, when I saw you fall backwards off the ladder, my heart stopped beating. I thought I might have lost you forever. Do you know what that feels like?"

Savoring the feel of being in his arms Ali snuggled against his chest as she murmured, "I am sorry you were put through that. I was a little scared too."

Adam rocked Ali in his arms and held her close until the tenseness in his body finally relaxed. Then he tipped up her chin and looked into her face. "You scared the life out of me, little one. I am so glad you are all right."

Then he leaned in and kissed her mouth softly as Ali put her arms around his neck and returned his deepening kiss. As they parted Ali looked up at Adam and asked, "So how long are we going to sit here?"

"Well, I just want to make sure you are all right. Nothing hurts or anything?'

""No, no, I am fine, Adam. I think the only thing in disaray now is my nerves. That was kind of scary for a moment. We were so lucky that Bill came into the barn when he did."

Adam just nodded but didn't say anything.

Ali cocked her head to the side as she grinned impishly. "You know, for a minute there you looked like you might be a little jealous of Bill holding me."

Adam coughed to hide his true feelings as he replied, "No, of course not. I just didn't care for the way he looked at you. I mean you are a beautiful woman and I guess I need to get use to men looking at you that way…especially in those damn pants that you wear!"

"Oh Adam, you know my heart only belongs to you. You don't need to worry. But of course if a good-looking man comes along once in a while, I just might have to give him a bit of a glance. And Mr. Johnson is quite handsome."

Ali watched Adam's face as he tried to hide his scowl so she decided it was time to change the subject and quit teasing him. He had been through enough worry today.

"Sweetheart, don't you think it is time we go into the house now? I still have lots of dishes to do and you need to run a ranch." Ali smiled lovingly, as she stroked his chin feeling the stubble underneath her fingertips.

"Yes, I certainly do need to get busy today, but now that I know you are all right there is just one more thing I need to do before I leave. I believe it is called PAYBACK!"

Before Ali could react to what Adam had just said, he easily turned on the edge of the trough and gently set Ali all the way down into the cool water. Then he jumped up and stood back waiting for the explosion he knew was coming.

"OH! THIS WATER IS COLD! ADAM CARTWRIGHT, YOU DON"T PLAY FAIR!" Ali yelled, as she stood up with water dripping off of her.

When she saw Adam standing there laughing, she bent over in the trough and started to throw water in his direction. But Adam's reflexes kicked in and he jumped back far enough so that the water only caught the edge of his boot.

"Sorry, sweetheart, but I think it was only fair that I give you a little payback too. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do."

At that moment as if on cue, Ben came out of the house. "Adam, are you ready to go? We have spent enough of this day on silliness and it is time to get some work done."

As Ben got closer he saw Alissa standing up in the water trough dripping wet, and looking rather puzzled he asked, "Alissa, why in heaven's name are you in the water trough?"

Glaring at Adam she pointed her finger in his direction and said angrily, "Your son there is the culprit that did this to me."

"So what is going on between you two now, Adam?"

Putting up his hands Adam chuckled, "It's a long story but one that Alissa knows all about. Shall we get going now, Pa? Like you said, the day is wasting away."

Adam strode over to Sport and mounted up before he rode back over to where Alissa was still standing in the water trough. He made sure he wasn't too close just incase she started throwing water his way.

"Well, my love, I think you need to go and put on some dry clothes, don't you? We don't want you to get too chilled. Besides, those dishes are still waiting for you. I love you and I'll see you tonight."

Adam grinned and touched the rim of his hat as he turned and followed Ben out of the yard. Ali stood there for a moment before she started to smile.

"You were very clever this time, Mr. Cartwright, I will give you that. And I guess I did have it coming as I have called payback enough on you. But I will just store my revenge away for another day. Lots of time to get you back, my sexy man," she grinned, as she climbed out of the trough and headed to the house.

Up in the front bedroom window Rebecca had been watching as Adam put Alissa in the water trough. She was thrilled to see Alissa getting all wet.

"Well I see that Adam doesn't always let her get away with everything. I am so glad she got wet. I hope she catches a cold," Rebecca grumbled, as she headed for the door to go downstairs to find Hop Sing.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Later that night it was rather quiet around the dinning room table. Percy had worked hard today and finished all his chores so by dinnertime he was tuckered out. And not use to doing manual labor, Rebecca wasn't much better as she had actually watered and weeded the garden the way Hop Sing showed her and she was completely exhausted now. Between chasing chickens half the morning and standing at the sink most of the afternoon doing dishes, Alissa was very tired also and her head would start to droop every now and then as she pushed her food around on her plate.

"Mighty quiet around here tonight," Hoss grinned, as he stuffed another biscuit into his mouth before casually reaching for another off of the stack in front of him.

Ben surveyed the table and after watching Percy and Rebecca practically fall asleep into their plates, he cleared his throat and responded, "Yes, there are some tired youngsters here tonight. I want to tell you that you both did a very good job on your chores today. Hop Sing was very happy with you. But from the looks of it I think you both can be excused and should go up to bed."

For once, Percy and Rebecca were too tired to argue and both stood up and said their goodnights and headed upstairs for bed. Ben and Adam started talking about how the lumber was coming along while Joe and Hoss were joking with each other about the upcoming party and who was going to dance the most dances.

Eventually Adam glanced over at Alissa and saw that her head was down on her chest and she was fast asleep. He put his finger to his lips to let the rest of them know not to wake her and walked over beside her chair. Leaning down he carefully picked her up in his arms and started for the stairs just as Alissa started to stir.

Taking the stairs two at a time Adam was in front of her bedroom door rather quickly. But by now Alissa had woken up and smiled as she looked up at Adam.

"Adam what are you doing?"

"Shh, it's alright, sweetheart. You were falling asleep at the table. I think you had a big day today too and it is time for you to be in bed."

Ali put her arms around Adam's neck and whispered, "Hmm, that sounds good. Care to join me?"

Blushing slightly Adam shook his head at her boldness as he warned her, "Alissa, behave yourself. I will never get use to the way you talk."

Then he leaned down and captured her mouth with a slow sensual kiss so that his lips quickly silenced her from saying anymore. As their lips parted Alissa gently tugged at his bottom lip.

"I know you can't join me. I was just teasing you to see what you would say. I hope I didn't make you too uncomfortable," Ali winked, and then kissed the tip of his nose.

Adam adjusted her in his arms as he reached down for the door handle and opened the door to her room. Carrying her into the room he gently laid her on the bed as he responded, "You always make me uncomfortable with some of the things you say. And soon I will be able to join you, but until then my sweet, little troublemaker, try to watch what you say. If pa would have heard that, I know he would have had a heart attack."

"That is why I saved it for your ears only, sweetheart," Ali teased, as she stood on the bed making her almost the same height as Adam. Then she put her arms around his neck as she gazed into his eyes.

Adam took full advantage of her standing in front of him as he slipped his hand into her hair and pulled her to him for one last kiss. He felt the softness of her hair against his cheek and deepened his kiss. Ali nestled close against his chest wrapping her arms tighter around his neck as they shared one passionate goodnight kiss. Reluctantly Adam finally pulled away and set her away from him.

"That will have to keep you for the night, little one. Goodnight."

Then he turned and walked to the doorway before looking over his shoulder with a sly grin and a wink as he closed the door behind him.

Ali remained standing on the bed as she touched her swollen lips with her fingers. "Mmm, that will definitely keep me for the night. Indeed it will, my sexy man."

TBC

I am soo sorry that it took me so long to post another chapter, but I had major writer's block! I know it is frustrating waiting for another chapter, so I hope this one was worth the wait. And thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I look forward to reading them all! ~ Sierra