DISCLAIMER: This is an alternate universe story based on Beauty and the Beast. The characters have all graciously agreed to let me use their names in my work of fan-fiction, with the understanding that I return them to the CW network after my story is completed. This is completely for entertainment purposes, so no funds were transferred physically or by wire.

Trigger Warning: Sexual Content

The sun beamed overhead as Vincent, JT, and several ranch hands herded cattle into the north pasture. Vincent withdrew a hanky from his shirt pocket, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Although, he had been working nonstop since breakfast, his mind hadn't been on work. No, Catherine had earned that distinct honor. After last night, he didn't know where they stood, but he wasn't giving up. The barn party was approaching, and he would use it to his advantage; nothing like a good old country dance to woo a woman.

"You've been mighty quiet this morning," JT said.

"Trust me, you don't want to know," Vincent said, smiling.

"Ok, but I do. I'm in a small town, and work consumes my life. I need all the entertainment I can get, even if it's at your expense," he said, chuckling.

Vincent cut his eyes at him. "Funny. I'm glad to know my life is so comical to you."

"Would you enlighten me already? This ain't no movie, save the suspense."

"I went for a late night swim in the nude, and Catherine happened upon me at the same time."

JT chuckled. "I stand corrected. This is a movie. More erotic, but a movie, nonetheless."

Vincent rolled his eyes. "I don't know why I subject myself to your ridicule. One would think I would know better after all these years."

"How else would you endure the sweltering, tedious days of summer? Have you sent out the invites for the party, while you're late-night frolicking at the lake?"

Vincent shook his head. "Darn it. I also forgot to ask Catherine about cooking the food. I have to let her know today."

JT reined in his horse and brought him to a stop. He dismounted and tethered the mare to a nearby post. He turned and looked up at Vincent. "I think it's time for me to settle down. I'm going to build a nice cabin on the forty acres you gave me, and find me a pretty, little filly to fill the house with plenty of young'uns."

Vincent shot him a surprised look. "What has brought on this change of heart?"

"I guess seeing you and Catherine, fueled my desire to have someone look at me the way she looks at you," he said with a solemn look.

"What look is that?"

JT smirked and raised a quizzical brow. "Must we travel the beaten path again? You know as well as I do, when the two of you are in a room, there's an undercurrent of simmering emotions along with plenty of covert looks."

Vincent edged his horse in a slow walk. "Enough about Catherine and I. I need to go tell her about the party before I forget, again.," he said before galloping off across the pasture."

...

Catherine leaned against the counter, as she watched the mixer incorporate air into her pound cake batter. Her mind drifted to the lake with Vincent, and chills ran down her spine. The man had a gorgeous body, and she couldn't get the picture of him in the nude out of her mind. Who would have thought a country boy would look like a model, and be built like Adonis? And she couldn't believe he wanted her. She gave herself a mental shake. She had let Gabe take away her self-confidence for far too long. It was time to let go of the past, and move forward. Vincent was a great guy, and he was single. She knew if she waited too long, another woman might come along, and it would be too late.

The sound of boots on the hardwood floor brought her back to the present. A moment later, Vincent entered the kitchen, and her world came alive at his presence. He flashed a pearly white smile at her, and she knew he owned her heart, and would possess it forever. Her heart agreed by speeding up its beat.

She switched the mixer off and turned around.

"Are you okay?' he asked, stepping closer.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

He removed his hat and placed it on the counter. "I didn't know if you would feel guilty about our encounter last night, or not. Of course, there is no reason to feel anything, but happiness. That's what I feel."

She smiled, but inside her heart jumped for joy. He was one sexy cowboy with all the right words. "I kissed you and I enjoyed it. No guilt. I've decided to stop letting my past control my future. I know it hasn't been that long since I escaped my situation, but I'm tired of feeling like I have to wait. There's no rule that says I can't enjoy my life, especially since I have the freedom to have one now."

He stepped even closer, and ran his fingers through her hair. "Am I hearing you right. You want to move forward with me?" he asked.

"You heard right." She took his hand. "You're the most important person in my life right now."

He gave her a dimpled smile. "I know you still need to take it slow. We'll go on a few dates and get to know each other. I only want what's best for you, so don't feel that you have to rush. As long as you're spending time with me, and I can see your beautiful smile, I'm okay."

Her heart thumped in her chest, demanding she relinquish control to its new owner. He embraced her and she basked in his scent; woodsy and masculine.

He stepped out of her arms. "Oh, I came to tell you that I'm having a barn party Saturday after next. It will be about a hundred guests. I was wondering if you would cook. I can hire some people to help you, or I can hire some caterers. I'll let you decide."

"As long as you hire additional help, then I don't mind cooking."

"Remind me to thank William when I talk to him. I am the lucky one here, and I don't mean because of your cooking. Although, I do love your cooking," he said, smiling.

Their eyes locked and he moved in closer. He grasped the back of her neck, and his lips descended upon hers. She leaned in, surrendering her mouth to his spell-binding tongue. His ubiquitous hands found purchase on her body, sending a surge of heat to her core. Easing out of the kiss, he began to trail hot kisses down her neck, eradicating all rational thoughts. His hand slid under her shirt, freeing her breast from the bra. Flicking one of her nipples with his thumb, intensified the heat building within, and sent her to the point of no return.

Removing his hand, he grabbed her by the waist and placed her on the edge of the counter. Pushing her dress up, he parted her thighs, and pulled her panties to the side. Her breath hitched in her throat, when she realized his intentions.

Bending his head, his tongue jutted out, and conducted a preliminary lick of her nub. She grabbed his hair for support, as his tongue began to ebb and flow, causing pleasure to wash over her entire body. Her eyes closed, and she lost herself in the most beautiful act she had ever experienced. Soon her body headed toward the cliff of ecstasy.

He slowed down, and inserted a digit past her slick folds, locating her G-spot, and she exploded into a million blissful pieces. The acute orgasm left shudders in her body in its aftermath, and she clung to Vincent for support, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

"You didn't get a release," she whispered.

He kissed the side of her head. "I wasn't supposed to get one. It was about you. Your body needed the relief," he said and hugged her tighter.

She had never felt so loved and wanted. Well at least wanted. She didn't know if loved her, but he sure made her feel like he did, and that was okay with her. Against her will, her traitorous eyes spilled tears down her face. Vincent leaned back and looked at her, while wiping away her tears.

"It's okay. Cry all you want. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I promise I'll do everything within my power to make you happy."

"Thank you," she muttered, and kissed him on the lips. Encouraged by her audacity, he took control, and increased the fervor. All too soon, he released her lips and walked out of the house. She listened to his footfalls, as she worked to recover control of her faculties. His sweet assault on her lips left her breathless, and in protest of more. She smiled, because she knew he had rendered her a wanton woman.

...

Catherine worked to put the finishing touches on dinner, when the back door opened. She looked up to see Mary and a tall, pretty lady enter the kitchen.

"Hi, Catherine, this here's my niece, Tess. She is going to be staying with me for a while. She just graduated with a fancy degree, and now she is taking a break, before she looks for a job," Mary said, sliding on a stool.

"Nice to meet you, Tess."

"Nice to meet you as well," Tess said, taking a seat.

"I hear you've been putting your foot in the food round here. Got the menfolk bragging up a storm. I think some of the bellies are even bigger now," Mary said, producing a package of tobacco, and putting a portion in her mouth.

Catherine flashed her a bashful look. "I think they are just hungry men after working in the heat all day."

The doorbell rang before Mary could reply.

"I'll get it," Mary said, sliding off the stool.

Minutes later she came back sporting a pale look. "Call Vincent on his cell, and tell him to come to the main house ASAP."

Catherine grew nervous as she dialed the number. She tried to imagine the reason for the change in Mary's demeanor, to no avail. After three rings, he answered, and she delivered the message, which was no small feat, considering the way her hands were shaking. After replacing the receiver of the phone, she turned around to see an older later enter the kitchen with a little girl. Before she could speculate, Vincent rushed through the back door.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, concern written over his face.

"Vincent, this lady has a matter to discuss with you. I'll make myself scarce, so you can have some privacy," Mary said, gesturing for Tess to follow her out the back door.

Catherine wrung her hands, not sure what she should do. She hated to leave her food in the middle of cooking, but she wanted to allow Vincent some privacy. But he saved her the trouble by escorting the lady into the living room.

...

"Have a seat ma'am," Vincent said gesturing to the couch. The older lady and young girl took a seat.

"Mr. Keller, I know you're wondering who I am, and why I'm here. My name is Alice Walters, and I'm with Child Services. I've been assigned the task of delivering your daughter to your custody."

Vincent frowned, and took a seat in a chair. "I'm sorry you must have the wrong Vincent Keller. I don't have any children."

"Is it okay if I let Paige take a seat in the kitchen, so we can speak in more detail?" She asked.

He jumped up. "Sure."

Alice ushered Paige into the kitchen, and returned to a bewildered Vincent.

"As I was saying, Mr. Keller, Paige is your daughter. Your name is even listed on her birth certificate as the father." She watched him grow pale. "I better start at the beginning. A couple of days ago, her mother, Tori Windsor was killed in a plane crash. She left a will and it names you as the father of the child as well. Her attorney should be contacting you tomorrow with further information about the will. For now, we have to place the child in a home, and we always try to find the other parent in cases such as this."

He stood up, and paced back and forth. "You must excuse me if I appear shocked, but I had no idea. Tori never uttered a word to me," he stammered.

"I understand, but if this child is indeed your daughter, you wouldn't want her to go to foster care. You can have a blood test done, but your name is already listed on all her documents. Can I at least leave her here for now, until all the tests are completed?"

Vincent scrubbed his hand down his face. He had awakened a single man with no children, and as the sun neared the horizon, he now had a child and a potential girlfriend. He glanced at Alice, and it was obvious she was waiting on his answer so she could leave. He blew out a breath, and shook his head. It was typical of Tori to pull a stunt like this. If the little girl was his daughter, he knew Tori had kept her birth a secret to hurt him. Even as his anger at her grew, he knew he couldn't turn his daughter away. Reining in his emotions, he looked at Alice.

"She can stay."

Thank everyone for your wonderful reviews. I enjoyed reading all of them. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter as well, and I look forward to reading your feedback. Enjoy your Saturday.