A/N: Thank you, as always to mingsmommy for the beta and advice. I would also like to express my thanks to TDCSI who has been aiding me in the horse breeding field (no pun intended). Your expertise is gratefully appreciated!
Chapter 16
A pert smile graced Sara's lips as his mouth edged towards hers but suddenly, Grissom sharply pulled back, the sound of the approaching wagon breaking the moment.
His eyes widened; he couldn't believe he had been about to kiss her. What on earth gave him the right to do that? He hoped no one observed his inappropriate actions.
Instantly, he took several steps backwards, just as the wagon drew to a halt several feet away, Nicolas, Gregory and Warrick on board. His eyes flicked to the wagon before moving back to Sara. The look he saw on her face was one of total utter disappointment and maybe even rejection. She quickly averted her sad gaze to stare at the ground.
He wanted to say something, he did, but at this point he knew he couldn't.
Turning to face the wagon, Grissom missed Sara firmly folding her arms and kicking the dirt in frustration.
The three men jumped from the wagon and looked to him.
"Warrick, I need to speak with you," he said immediately. "Boys, you can unload the equipment in the barn, then take Warrick's things to his quarters."
Nicolas and Gregory sighed as Warrick frowned. The two boys leapt back up onto the wagon and were about to pull off when Sara spoke.
"Wait," she said swiftly, "I'll come with you."
Before Grissom could even attempt to stop her she hopped up onto the wagon and wedged herself between her cousins.
She looked to him briefly, before quickly looking away again and he sighed as they pulled away.
He now turned his full attention to Warrick. "We need to talk," he said firmly and suddenly the younger man looked worried.
"Whatever you need," the blacksmith responded, obviously a little unsettled.
"Hmmmm…" Taking a step forward, Grissom folded his arms firmly. "I need for you to explain to me why you failed to mention the fact that you are on Sam Braun's hit list."
"Oh…" The younger man's face suddenly paled and he swallowed hard. "Um, how did you find out?"
"From the man himself. Men came looking for you; I had to get them off the estate so I went with them and tried to reason with Sam."
Warrick looked shocked. "You did that for me?"
"Yes," the rancher began, "but also to get them away from Sara. They were not particularly accommodating. You put the estate and even lives in jeopardy, Warrick; I thought I could trust you."
"You can," he replied quickly, "and I am sorry, truly I am." The blacksmith sighed loudly and rubbed his hand along his chin. "I just…just…"
"Couldn't pay?" Grissom finished for him.
"I thought," Warrick took another heavy swallow, "he would give me a few more days."
"And you can," Grissom shrugged his shoulders, "pay in a few more days?"
It was evident the Sidle Estate's new apprentice was embarrassed and he bowed his head. "No," he admitted.
"Did I make a mistake with you?"
Warrick's head sprang up and a look of panic highlighted his features. "No!" He spoke firmly. "Please, just give me another chance, I can…I…can figure this out, I can get Sam his money."
Stepping forward now, right up to his young employee, Grissom considered his options. "Look me right in the eye, Warrick, and tell me the truth. Can you repay what you owe?"
It only took a moment for Warrick to answer. "No."
"Then it's a good job I worked out a payment schedule for you then, isn't it?"
"You did?" The younger man was astounded.
"Yes, but you have to promise me this never happens again," the rancher demanded. "That is if you wish to remain at the estate."
"It won't, I promise. You have my word."
"Are there any more skeletons in your closet I need to know about?"
"No," the blacksmith shook his head quickly, "nothing, I guarantee you."
"Alright," Grissom now took a step back. "Walk with me and I will tell you how you are going to repay your debt…"
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During a short walk around the stables with Dante strolling behind, Warrick agreed to Sam's terms and Grissom seemed satisfied that his newest staff member had got the message in regards to remaining in his employment. After all, his neck was now on the line also.
They then headed towards the plot where hopefully work would have commenced.
Upon approaching the now equipment filled patch of land, Grissom looked around for Sara but she was nowhere in sight.
Nicolas, Gregory, Robert, Michael and a couple other lads were there beginning the ground work, the ranch workers explaining the process to their other helpers. But there was no Sara. The group looked around to see the two men approaching.
"Did you take Warrick's things to his quarters, boys?"
Nicolas and Gregory nodded simultaneously.
"Where is Sara?" Grissom then asked, checking around once again to ensure his eye sight was not deceiving him.
"She went with Conrad," Gregory replied casually.
"What?" Grissom's head snapped to the youngster.
"She went with Conrad," the young man repeated.
"Where?" The rancher asked quickly, feeling a pang of urgency suddenly seep through his body.
"He went to exercise and move the broodmares," Michael cut in. "Sara wanted to help."
Grissom's brow knitted a frown. "Oh," he mumbled. "Are you all alright here? I'm going to go and see how they're doing."
"Sure thing, boss." Michael looked to the group. "I helped rebuild the main stable after the fire, so I'm pretty sure I can keep everyone busy for a while. I suspect the ground work is going to take at least a day anyway."
"Alright," Grissom nodded his understanding, "I'll leave you too it. I'll be back in a little while, you need me, come and find me."
"Yes, sir."
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It didn't take long for Grissom to locate Sara and Ecklie. Not too far from the barn in the large side field, the two of them rode amongst the horses.
Pulling up to the fence the rancher pulled to a halt and watched. He had eyes for only her, though and he grinned. Sara was right; she indeed could handle a horse in a more than satisfactory manner and her motions upon Pandora were eloquent and smooth yet, masterful.
Eventually, he was able to pull his eyes from her for a moment to take a look at the horses. The mares were magnificent, all of them. Maybe it was time to check if any of them were in heat. The thought of beginning the breeding program excited him and he was eager to start. As the band of horses and its accompanying riders passed by him his attention once again fell upon the female in the group but she didn't see him, she was concentrating on her task too much to take her eyes from the horses surrounding her.
As they galloped away towards the far end of the field, Grissom suddenly found his heart catch in his throat when Sara picked up speed and headed straight for the fence. Why wasn't she slowing down and why the hell wasn't Ecklie watching her?
Quickly he leaned forward and opened the front gate but by the time the long wooden structure had allowed him entry to the field Sara pulled Pandora back and the horse took to flight.
Grissom could only watch with a mixture of horror and awe as she easily cleared the fence to rest comfortably in the adjoining field. He shook his head before giving Dante a swift kick. In a second, he was galloping towards the group as Sara opened the far gate and Ecklie guided the band of horses into the next field.
By the time Grissom reached the fence to the next field the group was already doubling back in their exercise routine. He was very tempted to pull Dante back and leap over the fence himself but he fought the urge and entered through the gate instead, locking it securely behind him.
He trotted lightly towards the herd and finally Sara saw him, as did Ecklie. The two broke away from the horses and allowed them to continue on whatever route they now saw fit, exercise was over.
"Why didn't you ask me if Sara could come with you, Conrad?" The older man asked sharply, coming to a stop as they did.
Ecklie looked a little stunned. "Well, I…"
"It was my idea, Grissom. I'm only helping." Sara snapped in response. "You are not my baby sitter; Conrad is quite capable of ensuring I don't fall from my horse."
Her sarcastic tone now caused Grissom to frown; he didn't stop her jumping the fence, although he probably couldn't have even if he tried. She was obviously upset and in a way, he couldn't blame her. It was his thoughtless action earlier that had obviously displeased her.
Clearing his throat he sighed lightly. "Sara, may I speak with you?"
She held her hands out. "Go ahead."
"In private," he now requested softly.
Ecklie got the message immediately. "I'll head back, alright?"
Grissom nodded. "Thank you."
Nodding in return, Ecklie spurred his horse and returned the way they came.
Watching as he disappeared, Sara did her best to keep her glance away from the man in front of her.
"Sara?"
Her eyes eventually fell to him. "Yes?"
"Look, I, um…" He shuffled uncomfortably in his saddle. "Earlier, I…um…I… have…I…don't…"
"It's fine." She spoke quickly as he struggled for words.
Studying her carefully, he wasn't quite sure if he believed her or not. What exactly was she fine about? Was she upset at the fact he had almost kissed her in the first place or that he hadn't managed to and had basically just walked away?
"Are you sure?"
She nodded lightly as he edged closer. "Yes," she sighed now, giving Pandora a stroke on the neck "it's been a stressful morning; that is all."
Out of the blue and breaking the rigid mood, Sara suddenly chuckled. Grissom followed her glance to see Dante flick out his tongue to nip at the end of Pandora's nose.
Pandora tapped her back foot before returning the favor and Dante shook his mane in appreciation.
"Well," Sara began, "It looks like we may have a courtship on our hands." She looked up to her teacher, ruffling her nose before a delightful smile appeared on her lips.
There it was again. That tingling feeling he got but now it seemed to happen with looks as well as touches. Grissom attempted to smile back but for some reason his lips were not complying and Sara laughed at him.
"Don't look so serious," she jibed. "They are of consenting age, are they not?"
Now, Grissom found himself completely lost for words and although his mouth opened and he wanted to respond, he simply didn't.
"Come on." She laughed again, pulling Pandora back a little. "We should head back."
"Erm, yes," Grissom snapped back into reality, "we should."
Still chuckling to herself, Sara lightly trotted past him as he pulled Dante to turn but then she stopped, turning her head to look at him as he approached from behind.
"Race you?" Her lips now pursed the cheekiest grin he had ever seen.
"Nooo," the rancher shook his head immediately.
"Come on, Grissom, afraid I will beat you?"
"No," he said quickly, "I am thinking more along the lines of your safety and well being, Miss Sidle."
Sniggering, Sara tightened her grip on the reigns. "Sure," she licked her bottom lip. "You have seen me ride and you know I can win."
Now his brow rose. She was very persistent, in fact, a little too persistent for her own good. "It's not that at all, Sara." He trotted lightly to stand by her side.
"Then race me. In fact, why do we not set a little wager on it?"
Despite the reluctance he had to participate in her little game, Sara had now caught his attention. "A wager?"
"Yes."
With his eyes narrowing he tilted his head to look her dead in the eye. "And what kind of wager did you have in mind?"
Squeaking with delight, she thought long and hard.
"Well, if I lose I will muck out the stalls for a week. You know how much I hate that."
"And if you win?" He asked, curiosity clinging to every word.
She smiled now. "Then I get to ride Dante."
Now Grissom frowned.
"Come on, Grissom. If I win, I will prove to you my riding abilities. Please?"
"You know," he grinned, "I don't mind mucking out the stalls so much, so you definitely have the advantage with the wager requests."
"Alright, what do you want?"
"Hmmm…" Now Grissom thought long and hard but he couldn't quite bring himself to make a request of her. There were several things that he wanted but either they were inappropriate or things she shouldn't be doing.
"The mucking will be fine."
"It will?"
Nodding his head, Grissom repeated the bet. "I win, you muck the stables for a week, you win and I will allow you to ride Dante. Deal?"
Sara nodded quickly. "Deal." And with that, she gave Pandora a sharp kick and shot away.
"Hey!" Grissom shouted. "No fair, that's cheating!" He watched as she sped away, another grin forming on his lips. He gave her a few moments head start before he gave Dante a sharp jolt and set in pursuit of his student.
It didn't take long for him to catch up; Grissom knew Dante was much faster than Pandora, so he really had no concerns about making the wager. He was within touching distance when he looked up to see the fence approaching.
He just knew Sara was smiling and instead of slowing, she maintained her speed and cleared the fence in one impressive jump, just as she had done before.
"Go get her, boy," Grissom mumbled as Dante approached the fence and with great ease the horse cleared the wooden obstacle.
Sara looked back just as Dante landed with a graceful finesse and Grissom noted the look of urgency suddenly appear on her face.
"Yah!" She hollered, urging Pandora to pick up the pace.
The horse tried it's hardest but she was no match for the fiery beast nipping at her heels and when the stables came into view Grissom pulled up alongside his challenger.
Sara managed a quick peek at her opponent, just to see the smug look on his face as he sped by her.
"Damn it!" She mumbled and soon enough there was too much distance between the two for her to be unable to catch up.
She knew she had been defeated and slowed Pandora, merely trotting up to the main stable now, where Grissom had already dismounted and was nonchalantly leaning against the wood work.
He smiled broadly and folded his arms. "What kept you?"
"Grrrr…" Sara threw her reins down and jumped from her horse with a huff.
"Hey," the rancher held up his hands in defense, "I won fair and square."
"Yes," she gritted her teeth. "You did." Now Sara folded her arms firmly and pouted.
Grissom couldn't help the pang of guilt that washed over him and stepped forward. "Don't be upset, Sara. You really do ride very well. Dante is just faster and I am more experienced. Maybe in a year or two, you may be capable of beating me."
"You do think I am a good rider?"
"Yes," he replied sincerely.
"Then," her eyes lit up, "I can ride Dante?"
"No."
"You really are a….."
Cutting her off from that thought quickly, Grissom held up a finger. "Be nice."
With a heavy groan, Sara slapped her hands on her thighs and trudged away. Grabbing Pandora's reins she pulled her losing horse into the stable.
Dante looked to his master and thumped his back leg to the ground.
"What?" Grissom asked. "Did you want me to let her win or something?"
The horse shook his head, stomped his foot again and followed Sara into the stable.
Nibbling on his bottom lip, Grissom exhaled a slender sigh before following and entering the stable. Dante had taken it upon himself to enter his stall and was lapping down a well earned tub of water. Sara was at the far end, brushing Pandora.
He silently walked behind her and watched her for a moment. No matter what she did, he knew he could just watch her forever.
"You don't have to muck the stalls, you know." He finally spoke. "I was just teasing."
Halting her brushing Sara turned. "I will live up to the bet, Grissom. I lost and I will perform my forfeit. I will start as of tomorrow."
He wanted to object but he didn't. "Alright, as you wish."
Sara nodded.
"I will get you to give in one day, you know?" She went back to brushing.
"About what?"
Dante kicked the side of his stall and Grissom caught on.
"Ah," he grinned.
Sara smiled.
"Maybe you will, maybe you won't. We will just have to wait and see won't we?"
"I guess we will." She patted Pandora and led her into her stall next to Dante.
Immediately the two horses were nose to nose through the wooden beams and Sara giggled. "I seriously think we have to watch these two," she looked to Grissom. "They have only just met and they are already way ahead of themselves."
He smiled, although inside it didn't feel sincere as the double meaning of her words hit him straight on. Intentional? He doubted it but it certainly struck a chord with him.
"Are you ready to get back to work?" He asked, trying to change the subject. "We have lots to do."
"Sure. I'm ready whenever you are….."
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As they walked back towards the plot to check on the workers, Grissom looked to the lady by his side.
"So," he began, "what do you think of the mares?"
Her eyes flicked to him.
"Are they ready?" He questioned.
A slight grin found its way to Sara's lips. "For breeding?"
He nodded.
"Some are, the rest I am sure will not be long."
"Excellent."
"Yes," she agreed. "So we can start breeding, whenever you wish."
His eyes sprang to hers for a momentary look and she smiled. He worked his jaw a little but fought his grin, looking back ahead of him.
"Well," he cleared his throat, "if the rest are satisfied they can continue the ground work without us then we can maybe go pick out a few studs and get our plan ready for the program. That is, if you wish to help me."
"It would be my pleasure."
His eyes found hers again but this time they held her gaze and now, he smiled.
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The sun began to set and the day was over.
Grissom walked towards the main house with Sara by his side, Nicolas and Gregory trudged along behind, seemingly exhausted after their first day's labor.
The rancher was satisfied with the program he and Sara had put together for the horses and hopefully, the breeding program would bring a substantial amount of income back to the estate. All being well, they would begin the following day.
As the group approached the house, the sound of a horse caught everyone's attention and all turned to see the captain approaching.
"Good evening, everyone," he spoke as he dismounted.
Grissom stepped forward immediately and took a hold of Samson's reins. "Evening, Captain."
"Father," Sara smiled with a nod as both Nicolas and Gregory expressed their hellos also.
"Did you have a good day, boys?" Captain Sidle asked his nephews with a smirk.
"Oh, yes," Nicolas moaned a little sarcastically, Gregory remained silent.
Snorting, the rancher removed his gloves. "Not working them too hard are we, Gil?"
"Oh no," he smiled, "not too hard, not yet, anyway."
"Huh?" Gregory expressed, eyes widening.
Sara chuckled at her cousin's obvious shock that he didn't feel they had been pushed very hard.
Nicolas tugged on his brother's arm. "Uncle, if you don't mind, we are going to go wash up and get ready for dinner."
"Sure boys, you must be hungry. Off you go." He nodded to the house and the two boys quickly headed up the steps and inside.
"How are they doing?" The rancher then asked his aid as the boys disappeared.
"They are doing well." Grissom responded, giving Samson a stroke. "They follow orders well, although I'm sure that's because if they don't they have you to deal with but so far, I have no issues with them."
Nodding his approval, the captain turned to his daughter. "And you, my dear?"
"I am fine, Father, thank you. I am enjoying my time on the estate. In fact," she turned to Grissom with a grin, "I got a tremendous amount of exercise today, riding especially."
"Oh?" The rancher looked to his aid.
She was such a tease, Grissom knew it. He gave the captain a fake smile. "Exercising the horses," he said calmly, "we are preparing for the breeding program. The mares are pretty much ready and we are keen to start." He kept their little race to himself, he was sure the captain would not appreciate that little piece of exercise.
"Wonderful," the older man clapped his hands together. "It's about time this estate got moving again. I am very appreciative you are giving the program your time, Gil and your expertise. I know there is a lot to do around the place right now."
"I am not the only one dedicated to this, sir." He looked to Sara. "Your daughter is also deserving of thanks, she also wants the program to be a success."
The captain smiled at his daughter. "She always did make me proud."
A sweet smile graced Sara's lips and Grissom was sure she blushed a little. "I am just happy to help. It's a shame I didn't do it sooner."
"Indeed, my dear. Well, Sara," the captain began, "I need to speak with Gil for a moment, so why don't you go inside and relax."
"Yes, Father," she responded immediately, although Grissom had a suspicion, she would rather have stayed. "Will you be joining us for dinner, Grissom?"
"Oh, well, I don't think…"
"Yes, he will," the older rancher cut in, looking to his aid with a grin. "Lady Catherine will be joining us and she insists you do. Also, so do I. You are part of this family, Gil, remember that."
"Oh." Grissom looked to Sara who was now bearing a deep frown. "Then I guess I will be joining you for dinner."
Sara nodded, seemingly a little uncertain now and seemed to have lost a little of the sparkle in her eyes that had been showing so brightly all day long.
"Then I will see you in a little while," she spoke softly. "Father," she nodded farewell to her father before heading inside.
Captain Sidle turned to his second. "Right, my friend, I believe you and I have some things to discuss…."
A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the longer delay in posting, as usual real life has jabbed me in the butt these last few weeks. Things really are going to start moving now, i hope. Let me know you thoughts, hit the button!