Hey guys.
Thanks for being so patient. my papers are all done, and now i am into exams. i will hopefull be able to up daet atleast once a week. that is my goal anyways. Enjoy, and please review.
***************************
After a 15-minute shower, Jesse quietly jogged down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen in search of a cup of coffee. He might be able to function on three hours of sleep, but not with out the help of caffeine. As he neared the kitchen, he didn't need feral senses to smell the strong, welcoming scent wafting from the automatic coffeepot on the counter. Heading straight for the cabinet where he had seen Anna get the glasses yesterday, Jesse got down a mug, and poured himself a glass. At the first touch of the powerful liquid searing down his throat, Jesse sighed in pleasure. After he had downed his first glass and felt more human, he poured a second glass, and headed towards the screen door on the porch.
For the second time in 10 hours, Jesse walked onto the porch not realizing, until to late, that there were already people on it, sitting on the swing. This time it was Anna; wrapped up in a heated embrace with a man Jesse assumed must be Jack. The two broke apart when they heard the door open, and turned to see whom the intruder was.
"Oh. Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was out here." Jesse mumbled fight, and losing the battle to keep a faint blush from covering his face. " I'll just…" Jesse trailed off, as he pivoted, and reached for the doorknob.
"It's okay Jesse." Anna reassured, beckoning Jesse over with a wave of her hand. "Please come sit and join us."
Swallowing his embarrassment on finding the older couple in such a…teenage position, Jesse let go of the doorknob and turned back to them. Thankfully he could feel the remains of his blush leave his checks as he headed forward to meet the man Lexa considered her father.
"So you're Jesse," The older man asked as he stood up, extending his hand when Jesse walked towards him.
"Yes sir, I am." Jesse replied, placing his hand in Jacks, waiting politely as the older man sized him up. Once the appraisal was finished, Jack slightly tipped his head in acceptance in what he saw.
"So you are a friend of Lexa's? You to work together? Doing what exactly?" Inquired the older man, his dark eyes gleaming the same way Shalimar's did when she had her prey just where she wanted it.
"Lexa and I met through work, and soon became good friends. Although I was surprised when she invited me up here, you know how Lexa likes her privacy." Jesse's lips twitched at this understatement, and saw Jacks mouth curve with a similar reaction.
"Where did you say you two worked again" not quite ready to let the topic slip away, Jack asked this question, as the younger man leaned back against the railing, lifting his steaming mug of coffee for another sip.
"I didn't" was the reply, before jess sipped his coffee again. Wickedness dancing in his eyes, as Jack let out a little annoyed growl.
"Now Jack, let the boy be. Lexa will tell us what she doses, if and when she is ready. Not a minute before. And Jesse doesn't seem like a stupid man." this was quickly fallowed by a wink Anna, slyly sent Jesse, which he silently accepted with a grateful nod of his head. Patting her husband's still muscular knee, she sent him a look of her own, promising that she would fill him in later.
"So Jesse," realizing that it was in his best interest to keep quite for the moment, Jack laid his hand over his wife's on his knee, and asked, "have you ever worked with horses?"
"Yeah I have. My family used to have a stable. When I was kid it was my favorite place to spend my time. I also spent a summer working on a friends ranch when I was in high school. It was one of the best summers of my life" Jesse remembered with a smile.
I like this boy, Jack mused to himself. Definite potential here. "Well as soon as we finish off our coffees why don't we head on down to the stables, and I'll show you around." And maybe I'll get to see what you are really made of, with that though in his head Jack raised his cup to his lips hiding a mischievous smile.
**************************
When Lexa came down the stairs, a half an hour later, she found Melinda eating pancakes at the table while Anna sat beside her doing the crossword in the morning paper.
"Morning honey how was your sleep?" Anna asked as she filled in the blank for 13 across.
Walking over to the coffee pot, Lexa stopped to place a kiss on top of Mindy's head. "I sleep great." Lexa lied, hoping the false cheer in her voice would throw off her ever-perceptive 'mom'. In truth sleep had been as much an elusive thing for her last night, as it had been for Jesse. As she reached the pot, she realized it was almost empty. Knowing that Anna couldn't have drank it all, Lexa deducted that Jack must be back. But Jack didn't drink that much coffee in the mornings, so that only left…
"Oh No" Lexa groaned, putting her head in her hands.
" 're yu kay?" Mindy asked her mouth full of pancake
"Don't tell me that jack and Jesse are together." Lexa pleaded to Anna, already knowing the answer.
"Sorry honey, but they are. They left for the stables about half an hour ago." At Lexa's next groan, Anna couldn't help that smile. "Don't worry, they were getting along fine. Your young man took care of himself well enough."
"Sorry if that doesn't fill me with relief." Lexa responded, sitting down at eh table with her coffee. Jesse and jack...alone...talking... Lexa felt a shiver, dance up her spine. This was a bad idea, and the second she was done her coffee, she was heading down to the stables.
*********************************************
It had been a while since Jesse had the opportunity to be around a stable like this. Years, actually but all of that time seemed to just fade away, as he entered the barn area. Even at 6:30 in the morning, the stables were a flurry with activity. Stable hands wielded shovels and pitchforks as they went about the numberless chores they had to do. Grooms were busy talking to and grooming their horses. Many handed out affectionate pats, and treats, as heads poked out of clean stalls, each personalized with their own named bronzed plaques. Jockeys could be seen leaning against the track rail bragging about their wins, and the horses that took them there. While some of the old trainers, sat around in the shade, smoking their cigars, arguing on who would be the big winner. The smell of horses, sweat, hay and dirt. The continuous actives of men, and women pulling wheelbarrows, tack, and horses. The energy that hummed near the tracks, and above all else the horses.
As Jack lead Jesse by sheds full of equipment, food, and supplies he could hardly contain the excitement of finally seeing the horses, as the got closer and closer to the stables. Men and women called out to them as they walked by, but Jack sensed the impatience in the young man, and he found himself wanting to ease it.
Ease it? Ah hell! I may have gone and liked this boy. Jack cursed to himself, as he took his hat off and slapped his thigh with it. Jamming his hat back on, he reached into his shirt pocket for a cigar, and though thermopile may just have happened. He finally approved of one of Lexa's boyfriends.
As they entered the stable, a middle-aged man approached them. He was a tall, around 6'1, with wide shoulders and strong arms. His skin was all tanned and had the leathery look that spoke of years out in the sun. He has smile lines surrounding his eyes and mouth, and Jesse found himself instantly liking the man.
Hey Erin, I have someone I want you to meet. This is Jesse the friend that Lexa brought down with her. Jesse this is Erin Smithers, my fore man"
After the two men had shaken hands and stood around for a couple of minutes of chitchat, they headed threw the stables, to the padlock beyond. There was one of the most gorgeous horses Jesse had ever seen. The stallion was one of the largest Jesse had ever seen, and he was spitting mad, if his actions were any indication. The beautiful chestnut was bucking and kicking like a wild mustang. His raven dark mane, and tail fluttering in the breeze, while he easily dislodged the rider on his back, in an impressive display of rippling and flowing muscles.
As the men drew nearer to those crowed around the fence, Jesse caught snatches of conversations.
"That's the fourth man he's thrown today…"
"Hasn't ever been ridden…"
"Never will, if you ask me…"
When a few of the hands noticed Jack approach, they parted to make room at the railings for the new comers.
"How is Rohan today?" Jack asked a hint of pride in his deep voice.
"Same as always," someone answered, "crazy!"
As the men roared with laughter, Rohan, who Jesse assumed was the horse, threw off the same rider as before. Having taken about as much abuse as he could handle, the cowboy strode up to the railing and climbed over. When Jesse saw, a few of the men break off from the rest of the men and head towards the gate Jesse turned to Jack and asked.
"Do you mind if I give him a try?" Jesse tiled his head towards Rohan, to answer the questioning lift of jack's brow.
Jack looked Jesse straight in the eye, as he re-took the younger mas stock. He wasn't an overly tall man, but the way he carried himself made him seem taller. He carried himself with a graceful walk that spoke, of strength, agility, and control. Jack nodded his head giving permission.
"Okay, but make sure Anna doesn't find out. She may think I'm trying to kill you."
Jesse threw one of charming smiles over his shoulder, as he climbed up and over the rail. The moment his feet hit, the inside of the padlock, the others ceased to exist for Jesse. There was no Jack, and men, no Mutant X, Lexa, and this mysterious cat. There was only Jesse and the stallion. Jesse turned his body, so he was completely facing the dancing beast in front of him. Rohan had his ears laid back, and quickly reared back to show Jesse a lethal flash of hooves.
But Jesse wasn't intimidated. He had worked with many fiery horses like this, and new how to handle them. So Jesse continued to stand there, safely out of reach, while Rohan showed off.
********************************************
It was quarter to seven, when Lexa finally made it down to the stables. Her worry had dimmed a little by now. Chances were that if Jack was going to hurt Jesse he would have done so by now, and Jesse's body would already have already been dragged up to the house. This thought prompted a smile to curve up her lips. Jack had always been very protective of her. When she had been a teenager, and still living with him and Anna, all of her dates had been terrified to come home. He was part of the reason she had never had a serious boyfriend, he had never approved any of them. Said none of them were right for his Lexie, and he was probably right, Lexa conceded to herself. But what if he approved of Jesse? Before Lexa could answer this, she caught a glimpse of a group of men, surrounding the padlock on the other side of the stables. As she walked down the corridor, heads poked out of their stalls in hopes of sugar cubes, and apples.
"Sorry fellow" Lexa held her hands up as she stopped, beside the stall of a particularly nice looking horse. As she ran her hands up and down the velvety skin, between the horse's eyes, Lexa closed her eyes for a moment in appreciation of this animal, before she continued on her journey to find out what was happening in the padlock.
As she approached she noticed a familiar black hat. Looks like I found Jack, Lexa thought to her self as she approached her 'father', now where is Rocky? That question was soon answered, as she saw a flash of familiar golden hair, quickly fallowed by a flash of hooves.
Gasping Lexa flew to the rail beside Jack, and couldn't help a second gasp at the site before her. Jesse was in the padlock, alone with the largest, scariest, meanest looking horse Lexa had ever seen. The stallion kept advancing on Jesse, rearing and kicking, while Jesse the idiot that he is; just keep stepping out of the way.
Turing towards the man beside her, she nearly yelled, " what the hell are you letting him do?"
Jack hadn't heard Lexa's approach, but he was fairly certain he would have permanent hearing damage as he winced and turned to her. "Lexie honey, it's so good to see you. I have missed you something fierce."
No letting him get out of it that easily, Lexa stood feet planted on the bottom rail as she glared at him waiting for ran answer.
Realizing that he should deal with this before she got any madder Erin spoke up from Lexa's other side, "Jesse wanted to take a go at Rohan, so we let him. He has ranching experience so we thought he could take care of himself."
Jack threw a thankful look to Erin, as Lexa seemed to calm down, as she turned back towards Jesse. "And look he is going well. I have heard of training like this, were the rider tires out his horse before he ever gets on him. But I have never seen it done. But it seems to be working."
As Lexa looked closer at he stallion, she saw a thin layer of sweat covering his rich, chestnut hide. The horse was tiring, but by the looks of it, would rather kill himself with exhaustion before giving up like this. Jesse seemed to be realizing this too, because no sooner then she had thought it, Jesse was ducking under the rearing horse, seized the saddle horn, and flinging himself up in onto the saddle.
Lexa's mouth dropped open a little at his impressive display of horsemanship, strength, and agility. Jesse was sitting on top of this bucking, rearing horse, and the way some straddle a bar stool. She could she his muscles rippling threw the plain blue work shirt he wore. His shoulders, and back were held tightly in place as his bronzed forearms quivered from the strength required to control the stallion. His face was a mask of intense concentration, and his hair flowed around him in the wind. Looking at him like this, Lexa felt a quick and sudden pang of arousal, as she watched Jesse slowly bring the horse under control. When the horse finally stopped, panting in his exhaustion, Jesse leaned over the horse's neck, and softly spoke in to the horse's ear. What ever he said seemed to be calming the horse, as Lexa watched as the sweaty animal started to relax. Then Jesse was swinging off the animal back and turning to rub calming circles on the horses heaving chest and neck, all the while softly whispering in the horses ear. Then to the amazement of Lexa, and all the others present, Rohan who only moments before looked like the devils very own, lowered his head and affectionate butted it against Jesse shoulder.
"Looks like you finally found a cowboy for Rohan?" A soft female voice spoke up behind Lexa and Jack. Lexa was reluctant to turn away from the appealing site of Jesse and the horse, but she detected the faint Cajun accent that colored this girls voice. Sure enough when she turned around the site of a young and beautiful Cat Dufresne greeted her. The Dominion report had not done this girl justice, Lexa though with just a hint of jealously. The woman was a very small, surrounded by a head full of thick, vibrant curling blond hair. Her eyes were almost cat like with their intense green color. Her skin was surprisingly fair, with a smattering of freckles across the nose.
"You must be Lexa?" smiling so that the dimples in he checks fluttered to life, cat held out her hand towards Lexa. "I have heard a lot about you, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Oh yeah, and she would have to be nice too, Lexa grumbled in her head, as she pasted a cheery smile on her face and accepted the offered hand. "I'm sorry what did you say your name was?"
"Oh excuse me, my name is Catherine Green, but everyone calls me cat."
"Well it's nice to meet you, cat…"
Before Lexa could say anything else, she saw Cat's eyes widen with interest, as familiar footsteps approached be hind Lexa. Turning, Lexa understood stood cat's reaction. Jesse was walking towards them, hat in hands, and boy did he make a sight. His jeans were worn white at the stress points, and were snug enough to show the strength of his legs. The light blue work shirt made his eyes shine even bluer, while it also clung to his powerful shoulder muscles. He also had a white cowboy sitting low on his brow. It's whiteness, enhancing the white of his teeth, and the dark shadow covering his checks. Lexa felt heat pool in her center, again and was amazed by her body's reaction to him lately.
"Hey Jesse. Nice riding. Never seen anything like it." Jack crowed happily, slapping jess on the back, and drawing him closer to the girls.
"It was really amazing. I've never seen anything like it either." Cat remarked, gazing up into Jesse's handsome face.
Jack looked from Jesse and cat who were taking in each other's appearance. Then he looked over at Lexa, who was watching them, watching the other, and grinding her teeth. Jack's smile widened, as he decided to give them all a little push. "Cat, this is Jesse, Jesse this is Cat. She is one of the grooms here. Hey why doesn't Cat show you around? Introduce you to everyone, show you how thing operate. You can help her out for the next few days with the horses. Okay?"
Smiling Jesse nodded his head. "Sure, that would be great. If it's all right with you miss?"
"Oh yeah. I think I can handle it" Cat practically purred as she smiled up at Jesse. Jesse smiling down at her, held out his arm, which she immediately took.
"It was nice meeting you Lexa. I will see you around." and with that Cat and Jesse, walked off to the stables.
Thanks for being so patient. my papers are all done, and now i am into exams. i will hopefull be able to up daet atleast once a week. that is my goal anyways. Enjoy, and please review.
***************************
After a 15-minute shower, Jesse quietly jogged down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen in search of a cup of coffee. He might be able to function on three hours of sleep, but not with out the help of caffeine. As he neared the kitchen, he didn't need feral senses to smell the strong, welcoming scent wafting from the automatic coffeepot on the counter. Heading straight for the cabinet where he had seen Anna get the glasses yesterday, Jesse got down a mug, and poured himself a glass. At the first touch of the powerful liquid searing down his throat, Jesse sighed in pleasure. After he had downed his first glass and felt more human, he poured a second glass, and headed towards the screen door on the porch.
For the second time in 10 hours, Jesse walked onto the porch not realizing, until to late, that there were already people on it, sitting on the swing. This time it was Anna; wrapped up in a heated embrace with a man Jesse assumed must be Jack. The two broke apart when they heard the door open, and turned to see whom the intruder was.
"Oh. Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was out here." Jesse mumbled fight, and losing the battle to keep a faint blush from covering his face. " I'll just…" Jesse trailed off, as he pivoted, and reached for the doorknob.
"It's okay Jesse." Anna reassured, beckoning Jesse over with a wave of her hand. "Please come sit and join us."
Swallowing his embarrassment on finding the older couple in such a…teenage position, Jesse let go of the doorknob and turned back to them. Thankfully he could feel the remains of his blush leave his checks as he headed forward to meet the man Lexa considered her father.
"So you're Jesse," The older man asked as he stood up, extending his hand when Jesse walked towards him.
"Yes sir, I am." Jesse replied, placing his hand in Jacks, waiting politely as the older man sized him up. Once the appraisal was finished, Jack slightly tipped his head in acceptance in what he saw.
"So you are a friend of Lexa's? You to work together? Doing what exactly?" Inquired the older man, his dark eyes gleaming the same way Shalimar's did when she had her prey just where she wanted it.
"Lexa and I met through work, and soon became good friends. Although I was surprised when she invited me up here, you know how Lexa likes her privacy." Jesse's lips twitched at this understatement, and saw Jacks mouth curve with a similar reaction.
"Where did you say you two worked again" not quite ready to let the topic slip away, Jack asked this question, as the younger man leaned back against the railing, lifting his steaming mug of coffee for another sip.
"I didn't" was the reply, before jess sipped his coffee again. Wickedness dancing in his eyes, as Jack let out a little annoyed growl.
"Now Jack, let the boy be. Lexa will tell us what she doses, if and when she is ready. Not a minute before. And Jesse doesn't seem like a stupid man." this was quickly fallowed by a wink Anna, slyly sent Jesse, which he silently accepted with a grateful nod of his head. Patting her husband's still muscular knee, she sent him a look of her own, promising that she would fill him in later.
"So Jesse," realizing that it was in his best interest to keep quite for the moment, Jack laid his hand over his wife's on his knee, and asked, "have you ever worked with horses?"
"Yeah I have. My family used to have a stable. When I was kid it was my favorite place to spend my time. I also spent a summer working on a friends ranch when I was in high school. It was one of the best summers of my life" Jesse remembered with a smile.
I like this boy, Jack mused to himself. Definite potential here. "Well as soon as we finish off our coffees why don't we head on down to the stables, and I'll show you around." And maybe I'll get to see what you are really made of, with that though in his head Jack raised his cup to his lips hiding a mischievous smile.
**************************
When Lexa came down the stairs, a half an hour later, she found Melinda eating pancakes at the table while Anna sat beside her doing the crossword in the morning paper.
"Morning honey how was your sleep?" Anna asked as she filled in the blank for 13 across.
Walking over to the coffee pot, Lexa stopped to place a kiss on top of Mindy's head. "I sleep great." Lexa lied, hoping the false cheer in her voice would throw off her ever-perceptive 'mom'. In truth sleep had been as much an elusive thing for her last night, as it had been for Jesse. As she reached the pot, she realized it was almost empty. Knowing that Anna couldn't have drank it all, Lexa deducted that Jack must be back. But Jack didn't drink that much coffee in the mornings, so that only left…
"Oh No" Lexa groaned, putting her head in her hands.
" 're yu kay?" Mindy asked her mouth full of pancake
"Don't tell me that jack and Jesse are together." Lexa pleaded to Anna, already knowing the answer.
"Sorry honey, but they are. They left for the stables about half an hour ago." At Lexa's next groan, Anna couldn't help that smile. "Don't worry, they were getting along fine. Your young man took care of himself well enough."
"Sorry if that doesn't fill me with relief." Lexa responded, sitting down at eh table with her coffee. Jesse and jack...alone...talking... Lexa felt a shiver, dance up her spine. This was a bad idea, and the second she was done her coffee, she was heading down to the stables.
*********************************************
It had been a while since Jesse had the opportunity to be around a stable like this. Years, actually but all of that time seemed to just fade away, as he entered the barn area. Even at 6:30 in the morning, the stables were a flurry with activity. Stable hands wielded shovels and pitchforks as they went about the numberless chores they had to do. Grooms were busy talking to and grooming their horses. Many handed out affectionate pats, and treats, as heads poked out of clean stalls, each personalized with their own named bronzed plaques. Jockeys could be seen leaning against the track rail bragging about their wins, and the horses that took them there. While some of the old trainers, sat around in the shade, smoking their cigars, arguing on who would be the big winner. The smell of horses, sweat, hay and dirt. The continuous actives of men, and women pulling wheelbarrows, tack, and horses. The energy that hummed near the tracks, and above all else the horses.
As Jack lead Jesse by sheds full of equipment, food, and supplies he could hardly contain the excitement of finally seeing the horses, as the got closer and closer to the stables. Men and women called out to them as they walked by, but Jack sensed the impatience in the young man, and he found himself wanting to ease it.
Ease it? Ah hell! I may have gone and liked this boy. Jack cursed to himself, as he took his hat off and slapped his thigh with it. Jamming his hat back on, he reached into his shirt pocket for a cigar, and though thermopile may just have happened. He finally approved of one of Lexa's boyfriends.
As they entered the stable, a middle-aged man approached them. He was a tall, around 6'1, with wide shoulders and strong arms. His skin was all tanned and had the leathery look that spoke of years out in the sun. He has smile lines surrounding his eyes and mouth, and Jesse found himself instantly liking the man.
Hey Erin, I have someone I want you to meet. This is Jesse the friend that Lexa brought down with her. Jesse this is Erin Smithers, my fore man"
After the two men had shaken hands and stood around for a couple of minutes of chitchat, they headed threw the stables, to the padlock beyond. There was one of the most gorgeous horses Jesse had ever seen. The stallion was one of the largest Jesse had ever seen, and he was spitting mad, if his actions were any indication. The beautiful chestnut was bucking and kicking like a wild mustang. His raven dark mane, and tail fluttering in the breeze, while he easily dislodged the rider on his back, in an impressive display of rippling and flowing muscles.
As the men drew nearer to those crowed around the fence, Jesse caught snatches of conversations.
"That's the fourth man he's thrown today…"
"Hasn't ever been ridden…"
"Never will, if you ask me…"
When a few of the hands noticed Jack approach, they parted to make room at the railings for the new comers.
"How is Rohan today?" Jack asked a hint of pride in his deep voice.
"Same as always," someone answered, "crazy!"
As the men roared with laughter, Rohan, who Jesse assumed was the horse, threw off the same rider as before. Having taken about as much abuse as he could handle, the cowboy strode up to the railing and climbed over. When Jesse saw, a few of the men break off from the rest of the men and head towards the gate Jesse turned to Jack and asked.
"Do you mind if I give him a try?" Jesse tiled his head towards Rohan, to answer the questioning lift of jack's brow.
Jack looked Jesse straight in the eye, as he re-took the younger mas stock. He wasn't an overly tall man, but the way he carried himself made him seem taller. He carried himself with a graceful walk that spoke, of strength, agility, and control. Jack nodded his head giving permission.
"Okay, but make sure Anna doesn't find out. She may think I'm trying to kill you."
Jesse threw one of charming smiles over his shoulder, as he climbed up and over the rail. The moment his feet hit, the inside of the padlock, the others ceased to exist for Jesse. There was no Jack, and men, no Mutant X, Lexa, and this mysterious cat. There was only Jesse and the stallion. Jesse turned his body, so he was completely facing the dancing beast in front of him. Rohan had his ears laid back, and quickly reared back to show Jesse a lethal flash of hooves.
But Jesse wasn't intimidated. He had worked with many fiery horses like this, and new how to handle them. So Jesse continued to stand there, safely out of reach, while Rohan showed off.
********************************************
It was quarter to seven, when Lexa finally made it down to the stables. Her worry had dimmed a little by now. Chances were that if Jack was going to hurt Jesse he would have done so by now, and Jesse's body would already have already been dragged up to the house. This thought prompted a smile to curve up her lips. Jack had always been very protective of her. When she had been a teenager, and still living with him and Anna, all of her dates had been terrified to come home. He was part of the reason she had never had a serious boyfriend, he had never approved any of them. Said none of them were right for his Lexie, and he was probably right, Lexa conceded to herself. But what if he approved of Jesse? Before Lexa could answer this, she caught a glimpse of a group of men, surrounding the padlock on the other side of the stables. As she walked down the corridor, heads poked out of their stalls in hopes of sugar cubes, and apples.
"Sorry fellow" Lexa held her hands up as she stopped, beside the stall of a particularly nice looking horse. As she ran her hands up and down the velvety skin, between the horse's eyes, Lexa closed her eyes for a moment in appreciation of this animal, before she continued on her journey to find out what was happening in the padlock.
As she approached she noticed a familiar black hat. Looks like I found Jack, Lexa thought to her self as she approached her 'father', now where is Rocky? That question was soon answered, as she saw a flash of familiar golden hair, quickly fallowed by a flash of hooves.
Gasping Lexa flew to the rail beside Jack, and couldn't help a second gasp at the site before her. Jesse was in the padlock, alone with the largest, scariest, meanest looking horse Lexa had ever seen. The stallion kept advancing on Jesse, rearing and kicking, while Jesse the idiot that he is; just keep stepping out of the way.
Turing towards the man beside her, she nearly yelled, " what the hell are you letting him do?"
Jack hadn't heard Lexa's approach, but he was fairly certain he would have permanent hearing damage as he winced and turned to her. "Lexie honey, it's so good to see you. I have missed you something fierce."
No letting him get out of it that easily, Lexa stood feet planted on the bottom rail as she glared at him waiting for ran answer.
Realizing that he should deal with this before she got any madder Erin spoke up from Lexa's other side, "Jesse wanted to take a go at Rohan, so we let him. He has ranching experience so we thought he could take care of himself."
Jack threw a thankful look to Erin, as Lexa seemed to calm down, as she turned back towards Jesse. "And look he is going well. I have heard of training like this, were the rider tires out his horse before he ever gets on him. But I have never seen it done. But it seems to be working."
As Lexa looked closer at he stallion, she saw a thin layer of sweat covering his rich, chestnut hide. The horse was tiring, but by the looks of it, would rather kill himself with exhaustion before giving up like this. Jesse seemed to be realizing this too, because no sooner then she had thought it, Jesse was ducking under the rearing horse, seized the saddle horn, and flinging himself up in onto the saddle.
Lexa's mouth dropped open a little at his impressive display of horsemanship, strength, and agility. Jesse was sitting on top of this bucking, rearing horse, and the way some straddle a bar stool. She could she his muscles rippling threw the plain blue work shirt he wore. His shoulders, and back were held tightly in place as his bronzed forearms quivered from the strength required to control the stallion. His face was a mask of intense concentration, and his hair flowed around him in the wind. Looking at him like this, Lexa felt a quick and sudden pang of arousal, as she watched Jesse slowly bring the horse under control. When the horse finally stopped, panting in his exhaustion, Jesse leaned over the horse's neck, and softly spoke in to the horse's ear. What ever he said seemed to be calming the horse, as Lexa watched as the sweaty animal started to relax. Then Jesse was swinging off the animal back and turning to rub calming circles on the horses heaving chest and neck, all the while softly whispering in the horses ear. Then to the amazement of Lexa, and all the others present, Rohan who only moments before looked like the devils very own, lowered his head and affectionate butted it against Jesse shoulder.
"Looks like you finally found a cowboy for Rohan?" A soft female voice spoke up behind Lexa and Jack. Lexa was reluctant to turn away from the appealing site of Jesse and the horse, but she detected the faint Cajun accent that colored this girls voice. Sure enough when she turned around the site of a young and beautiful Cat Dufresne greeted her. The Dominion report had not done this girl justice, Lexa though with just a hint of jealously. The woman was a very small, surrounded by a head full of thick, vibrant curling blond hair. Her eyes were almost cat like with their intense green color. Her skin was surprisingly fair, with a smattering of freckles across the nose.
"You must be Lexa?" smiling so that the dimples in he checks fluttered to life, cat held out her hand towards Lexa. "I have heard a lot about you, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Oh yeah, and she would have to be nice too, Lexa grumbled in her head, as she pasted a cheery smile on her face and accepted the offered hand. "I'm sorry what did you say your name was?"
"Oh excuse me, my name is Catherine Green, but everyone calls me cat."
"Well it's nice to meet you, cat…"
Before Lexa could say anything else, she saw Cat's eyes widen with interest, as familiar footsteps approached be hind Lexa. Turning, Lexa understood stood cat's reaction. Jesse was walking towards them, hat in hands, and boy did he make a sight. His jeans were worn white at the stress points, and were snug enough to show the strength of his legs. The light blue work shirt made his eyes shine even bluer, while it also clung to his powerful shoulder muscles. He also had a white cowboy sitting low on his brow. It's whiteness, enhancing the white of his teeth, and the dark shadow covering his checks. Lexa felt heat pool in her center, again and was amazed by her body's reaction to him lately.
"Hey Jesse. Nice riding. Never seen anything like it." Jack crowed happily, slapping jess on the back, and drawing him closer to the girls.
"It was really amazing. I've never seen anything like it either." Cat remarked, gazing up into Jesse's handsome face.
Jack looked from Jesse and cat who were taking in each other's appearance. Then he looked over at Lexa, who was watching them, watching the other, and grinding her teeth. Jack's smile widened, as he decided to give them all a little push. "Cat, this is Jesse, Jesse this is Cat. She is one of the grooms here. Hey why doesn't Cat show you around? Introduce you to everyone, show you how thing operate. You can help her out for the next few days with the horses. Okay?"
Smiling Jesse nodded his head. "Sure, that would be great. If it's all right with you miss?"
"Oh yeah. I think I can handle it" Cat practically purred as she smiled up at Jesse. Jesse smiling down at her, held out his arm, which she immediately took.
"It was nice meeting you Lexa. I will see you around." and with that Cat and Jesse, walked off to the stables.