A/N Thanks to all you dudes and dudettes who reviewed! You put sunshine on a cloudy day...

OK, getting poetic. Ish. Anyways, this chapter is dedicated to you SJ supporters out there, who deserve some lovin' for all your support. Thank you so much.

Chapter 28

I'd been hit by a horse.

"Ouch," I muttered, holding my head. I heard the hurried crunch of feet hitting the ground, and I felt a soft hand in mine. The touch - the warm, gentle touch - was so familiar, I swear I'd met this guy before. But how could I have? It was 1850, for crying out loud.

"Let me help you up, MIss. Are you OK? I'm mighty sorry."

I looked up to meet his gaze, but what I saw shocked me. I saw olive skin; dark, intellegent eyes; and dark hair that curled against the back of his neck...

Jesse.

I dropped his hand in fright, and to the floor again.

"Jesse?" I whispered.

His eyes narrowed.

"Why, yes," he replied. "But I'm afraid I cannot place you."

"Do I know you?" Jesse asked, his eyes searching. "Have we met? Are you... are you one of the Anderson girls?"

I had no idea who the Anderson girls might be, but I felt a stab of envy for them, whoever they were. Because they were girls who had gotten to know Jesse - Live Jesse. I wondered if they knew how lucky they were.

"Um," I muttered awkwardly. "I'm one of... the Anderson girls?"

Recognition dawned on Jesse's face. "Ah!" he cried triumphantly. "That explains it! Are you friends with Mercedes?"

"Yes," I lied firmly, though I had no idea who 'Mercedes' was.

"Ah." Jesse helped me up again and lifted me onto his horse. "Come along then. Old Sarah will give you a ride to the village."

I tried to object, but I found myself outraegously tired. Instead, I clung to the horse's mane and longingly watched the back of Jesse's head for the rest of the ride as he walked alongside me.

xxxx

"What are your interests then, Miss...?" asked Jesse, stroking Sarah as she fed from the trough. She and Jesse had taken me to a barn near a boarding house that looked strangely familiar. I had no idea why, though.

"My name is Lizzie," I lied. I figured lying was easier. He would probably force me onto a doctor if I told him the truth - that I'd travelled back in time to make sure he was brutally murdered. "And I... dance."

Why did I say that? I can't dance any better than Brad or Jake can apply eyeliner...

"Really?" asked Jesse. "Josefina is a fine dancer. You must show me some steps."

"Oh no," I said, shaking my head. "I couldn't-"

"Please?" Jesse held out his brown, callused hand. I looked at it, then at his face, which wore an expression of soft pleading.

I linked my fingers with his, and he pulled my body close. I sucked in my breath. His heart was beating.

"Why do I feel like I know you so well?" he whispered. "I feel as if I could tell you your birthday and favourite color."

"Maybe we've met before," I replied. I lay my head on his shoulder, and swayed.

"Lizzie? What are you doing?"

"I'm dancing with you," I replied.

Jesse looked down at our feet, but couldn't see them, because my long skirt was swaying above them.

"I don't know this dance," he said.

"Its easy," I said. I let go of his neck and took his hands and brought them around my waist. Then I put my arms back around his neck. "Now sway."

Jesse swayed.

"See?" I said. "You're doing it."

Jesse's voice in my ear sounded a bit strangled.

"What's this dance called?" he asked.

"Slow," I said. "Its called a slow dance."

After that, Jesse was silent. I lifted my head.

"Whats the matter?" I asked.

Jesse let go of me. "I'm engaged, Lizzie," he said. "And I can't help thinking this behaviour between us is... well... romantic."

I didn't say anything, but I let my arms fall loosely by my sides again.

"And," continued Jesse. "I like to think I'm a gentleman, so I think its time I took you home."

"Its OK," I said, picking up my jacket. "I'll find my own way home."

"No!" called Jesse, as I made my way to the door. He grabbed my wrist and locked his gaze on mine and whispered gently.

"I am intrigued by you," he said. "And I don't think I'm ready for you to leave my company."

I let him pull me back into his arms, where he looked at me questioningly.

"My," he said. "You can't be more than seventeen. What am I doing? I should be on my way to Maria's, not fooling around with an innocent young woman."

"It isn't fooling around, Jesse," I replied softly. "You know that."

"No," he said, pulling away. "I'm loyal to Maria. I am not a man to cheat."

I dropped his hand. "Typical Jesse," I said with a sorrowful chuckle. "The gentleman."

Jesse turned back to me. "I don not believe we have shared a conversation before this," he said sharply. "So how can you say such casual comments about my person?"

"Maybe," I suggested. "You were just admired from afar?"

"Admired?" Jesse looked disbelieving. "Lizzie, do not be foolish. I am not worthy of admiration. My own fiancee does not wish to marry me."

"I admire you," I said, boldly.

That was it. I'd fallen in love with Jesse all over again. Worse, he knew it. And even worse, he was still in love with another girl.

But before I could un-say anything, Jesse had reeled me back into his arms and laid a soft kiss on my lips.

I looked at him in astonishment, savouring the memory, but then wasted no time in returning the kiss. I kissed him over and over again, until I found my hands running through his hair and his hands were on my back.

And I can't really say I minded.

"Lizzie," he whispered, pulling away gently. "I really do think its time to take you home now."

I kissed him once last time, just to enforce the moment, emblazing it into my mind. But before I could say anything, I heard a voice.

"You wait, De Silva, until Maria hears about this."

And then I was seized from behind.