A/N: Thank you to mingsmommy for the beta. Sorry for the delay guys but I have found myself in a slump of late and I am really struggling to write. I don't think I have ever felt the lack of motivation so badly, ever. Fingers crossed things will change soon and I can get my flow back. Please let me know your thoughts on the chapter, maybe they can give me some whoomph – I need it!

Chapter 27

The wagon clanked steadily down the road. The passengers on board were relatively quiet and had barely said a word to each other since their departure from the house over three hours ago.

Finally, Sara broke the tension. She looked behind her to see Dante and Pandora happily rubbing their noses together as they trotted behind. Smiling she looked to her escort. "Are you going to remain mute for this entire journey?" she asked.

Flicking a confused glance in her direction, he shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not entirely sure what to say, Sara."

"Why?" she enquired casually, shuffling in her seat to face him.

"Because," he sighed, keeping his eyes on the road, "I don't even understand how you would wish to even travel with me, after the way I acted yesterday."

"Do you…" Sara hesitated. "…regret, kissing me?"

"Yes," he responded immediately.

Sara's shoulders slumped heavily and with her hands trembling somewhat she turned back to face the road. "Oh…"

"And no," he then added causing her to flick her eyes back to him.

He felt her stare upon him and reluctantly met her gaze. "I kissed you because…I…I…" he struggled and shook his head, "…it's irrelevant. Nothing gave me the right to... I just…shouldn't have…"

About to offer a response Sara was cut short when the wagon hit a pothole in the road and with an unladylike squeal she was thrust from her seat, only to topple in Grissom's direction. The rancher was quick to act and without hesitation his hands released the reins and his body twisted. Shooting out both arms he managed to catch Sara as she fell towards him and she landed on his lap with her arms somehow managing to encircle his shoulders.

There they sat as the wagon rolled on; almost nose to nose, staring at each other, both a tiny bit breathless.

"Well," Grissom cleared his throat, "that was rather unexpected."

Pouting her lips Sara offered a slender nod. "Rather," she agreed with a soft, somewhat shy tone.

Managing to fumble for the reins, Grissom pulled on them and the wagon came to a steady stop.

Licking her lips seductively Sara unhooked her arms and slid back to her half of the seat. As she did so Grissom inhaled a heavy, secret breath, attempting, with every ounce of strength he could muster, to quash the current burning in the lower half of his body. Dear lord, she was sitting on his lap.

"Are you alright?" he barely managed to inquire.

"I'm fine. How about you?" she asked with a cheeky grin.

Offering her a raised eye brow, he fought his own smile. "I'm fine."

She chuckled.

"Maybe we should take a breather," he suggested. "Are you thirsty?"

Sara nodded.

"Alright, let's have a short rest," he began, dropping the reins. "I should probably check the wheel anyway, that was a rather hefty bump."

"Sounds like good idea to me," she agreed.

Jumping from his seat, Grissom moved around the front of the wagon and offered Sara his hand. She took it graciously and slipped from the vehicle.

"I have refreshments in my bag on Dante," the rancher began. "Why don't you get them while I look at the wheel?"

"I think I can manage that," the young lady agreed with a light hearted chuckle.

As Sara headed to the horses at the back of the wagon Grissom knelt on the hard dirt road to check the back wheel. Out of the corner of his eye he watched her as she patted Dante before searching through the bag on his saddle. He shuddered as her tongue flicked out to slide over her bottom lip as she concentrated and he quickly turned his attention back to the wheel.

"Did you find the water?" he asked as his nimble fingers ensured the wheel was still tightly secure.

"I did," she responded pulling out the water pouch. She walked back to Grissom, water in hand. "Help yourself," he said pushing himself to his feet.

Offering a grateful nod she unscrewed the top and took several satisfying glugs from the pouch. "Is the wheel alright?" she asked after her third tipple.

"It is," the rancher informed her, looking up to the sky with a satisfying sigh. "We should be fine to continue without issue."

"Good," Sara smiled, offering him the water.

Taking the bottle, he nodded his thanks and sipped from the vessel. "So," he began, wiping his brow on his sleeve, "where exactly am I dropping you off when we get to Virginia?" He offered her the bottle again and she took it swiftly. Averting his gaze, she stepped away and looked skywards.

"Such a lovely day, again" she said, obviously avoiding her teacher's question. "I can't remember a summer as nice as this, can you?"

Stepping up behind her, Grissom folded his arms. "No, I can not. We usually get a little daily rain."

Nodding in agreement, she kept her back to him and sipped from the water again.

"But," he continued, "you didn't answer my question."

Silence.

"Sara?" he probed.

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Slowly and with her gut churning, she turned to face him. She had a story all planned out. Grissom would escort her to Virginia but she knew Elizabeth wouldn't be home. Her friend had already informed her the previous month she had to travel out of state with her husband. But then, by the time they were in Virginia he would have no choice. With no friend to stay with, he would have to allow her to stay with him.

Alas, as she looked into his eyes she found herself torn. She just couldn't seem to bring herself to be deceitful to him. Fine, she had told him a little white lie earlier about her father's approval, but it was at least half true. Now, unable to tell her teacher her concocted plan and give him her friend's location she twisted her boot in the dirt and sighed. She just hoped to the heavens above he was going to take this well.

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Taking a step back Sara slapped her hands lightly onto her thighs. "You can take me wherever your home is, I have nowhere else to go," she admitted, her last words spoken very quietly.

Stepping closer Grissom shook his head in somewhat confusion. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Feebly smiling Sara took a step another step back as he advanced again. "I…" she sighed, "…I…don't have anywhere else to go. My friend won't be home."

"I don't understand," the rancher roughly rubbed his chin. "Why is it that I am escorting you to a place…but there is no one…I…" He stopped and his eyes widened. "Oh, no," he gasped. "No, Sara. What are you doing?"

Shifting with speed she walked around the wagon so they were on opposite sides. "I just wanted to see a little of the world outside the estate." Her fingers tightly gripped the side of their transportation. "I heard you talking to Father about leaving for a few days so…so…"

"So, you lied?" Grissom sounded, shocked.

"No!" She snapped. "Well," she hesitated, "maybe a little but not to you. I didn't lie to you. Father did say I could travel with you."

He stepped around the wagon and stalked towards her, yet again she retreated. "Travel with me to where, Sara?" he whined, "You…" Suddenly it clicked within him, what she was doing, even after his rejection she wanted to be near him but, he couldn't have it, he simply couldn't. He shook his head and pointed to the wagon. "Get in," he commanded.

"What? Why?" She looked around somewhat panicked.

"Because I said so," he almost growled. "I am taking you back to the estate, right now."

Sara shook her head. "No, no you can't."

Firmly slamming his fists onto his hips he glared at her. "Give me one good reason why not, Sara?"

"Because…because…" She looked around again and struggled for an answer.

Grissom waited.

"You will lose so much time and Father will kill me if he finds out, you know that don't you?" She clasped her trembling hands together.

Thinking hard the rancher sighed. "Sara, I can't…"

Now she moved towards him, "Why not?" she cut in quickly. "What will it hurt for me to see some of the world while I have my father's blessing?"

"I don't think," he swallowed hard as she moved close, "this is exactly what your father had in mind."

She smiled now. "Do you not like my company?"

Oh, she was working him, he knew it and yet, why did he find it so hard to say no to her? No matter how wrong he knew he would be to agree to her request. "You just want to see some of the world outside the estate?"

"Sure," she nodded faintly.

"And that's all this is?" He flicked his finger between the wagon, her and himself.

"Kind of," she responded quietly.

Frowning, his shoulders slumped, "Kind of?"

As she was about to reply she stopped as the thud of horses hooves cut through the air and drew closer by the second. Grissom wasted no time and grabbed Sara's arm, causing a light squeal to fall from her lips.

"What are you doing?" she gasped as pulled her behind him and leaned into the wagon to grab his rifle.

"I'm just being cautious." Checking the gun was loaded he slipped it under his arm and waited. "Just stay behind me and don't move."

Soon enough three horses bounded their way and Grissom felt himself tense as they came into view. Luckily for the duo, the riders seemed friendly enough and didn't stop, they even tipped their hats as they sped past, maneuvering around the wagon which was taking up most of the road. Sighing with relief the rancher placed the rifle back into the wagon and offered his student a feeble smile.

"Better safe than sorry," he said.

Sara's feelings were obviously mutual and she bobbed her head in agreement. "I guess we should get moving then?" Her words sounded more than hopeful.

"Hmmmm." He eyed her curiously and thought very carefully about what he should do.

"Please, don't take me home," she implored to him. "If you do, I am sure I will be an old lady before I am ever allowed to leave the estate again."

Failing to answer her plea, Grissom held out his hand and gestured to the wagon, "After you."

Exhaling a disheartened breath, Sara held out a shaky hand and stepped up onto their transportation. Roughly folding her arms she refused to look at him as he walked around the front of the wagon to jump in beside her. He looked at her but her gaze didn't shift and she stared dead on.

Taking the reins, he gave them a flick. "Yah!" he half shouted and the pulling horses started on their way once again.

As they seemed to continue on their designated and planned route Sara's head slowly turned and her eyes now fell upon him, a look of surprise upon her face.

His head turned and their eyes met, neither said a word and he once again flicked the reins before returning his attention to the road. He had given in to her request but he wasn't about to admit it and yes, although he didn't want to disclose he enjoyed her company either, he did. Despite going against his better judgment, they continued towards Washington and Grissom's home.

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The wagon rolled on as the sun began to fall. They had stopped several hours earlier for a stretch and a snack from the food Rana had packed for Grissom. They hadn't said much to each other since their bump earlier in the day so the journey had been relatively peaceful.

"How do you feel about the open, Sara?" Grissom asked looking up to the sky.

Looking at him with a slightly knitted brow she shrugged her shoulders. "What do you mean?"

His eyes floated to her. "We still have some way to go and will not make it before nightfall." His face became a little more serious as he continued. "We can not travel in the dark, it is unsafe. So…"

"We have to camp?" she finished for him.

He nodded.

"Oh…"

"Are you," he swallowed lightly, "alright with that? Not that," he smirked, "we have much of a choice. This does happen when travelling on the road but I would like to know you are comfortable about sleeping under the stars."

"I'm sure I can manage." She licked her bottom lip before continuing. "After all, I have you to protect me, don't I?"

All he offered her in return to her question was a single nod, although inside his gut was rolling. What had he allowed himself to get in to?

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As Sara stoked Grissom's perfectly constructed fire, he rummaged around the numerous accessories that he had tied to Dante.

They had stopped and set up camp just as darkness began to descend upon them. Grissom found a nice spot in a clearing by some woodland, just off the road and he collected some wood for a fire while Sara looked through one of her trunks for a blanket to sit on. Thankfully it was yet another warm and dry evening so at least their lack of shelter shouldn't be an issue.

"You are quite a master with a fire," she commended as the flames soared skywards, sending black smoke high up into the darkness and surrounding area.

"Thank you," he replied, pulling his bag and a small pot from his horse. "Rice and beans for dinner?" he asked holding up the pot and a wooden spoon. "We also have a little bread and cheese left."

"Anything is fine with me," she declared, obviously not caring. "I am not a fussy eater. As long as it is meat free, it will be more than satisfactory.

Nodding his head, Grissom removed the rest of his travel equipment from his horse and placed them into the back of the wagon before untying Dante and Pandora and allowing them to wander for a while.

"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Sara asked as he approached her.

"What?"

"Letting the horses wander in the dark," she replied, watching as they disappeared into the trees and blackness.

Grinning broadly, he knelt next to her and maneuvered the pan into the flames. "I'm sure Dante will look after her," he chuckled. "And if we wish them to return you remember what to do, right?"

Thinking for a moment Sara's forehead creased softly in thought. "Ah…" Her lips formed a knowing smile. "…whistle…"

"Exactly," he replied.

Whistling lightly to himself, he rolled his eyes mischievously and tipped the beans into the pan. His musical overture didn't last too long though, as he was forced to smile broadly when Sara laughed at him. He adored it when she laughed, it was so positively genuine.

"I'm so happy we are…" Sara hesitated, "…you know, getting along, after…I…you know."

"Well," he started, stirring the beans, "if, I am to show you some of the world and we are going to be spending time together, as that seems to be the plan." He raised his brow. "Then why do we need to fight about it and spend the rest of this trip feeling uncomfortable?"

"Thank you." Her words were soft and true.

"For what?" he asked taking his attention from dinner to look at her.

"For not taking me home," she responded somewhat timidly. "And," she smiled sweetly, "for allowing me the pleasure of your company."

Smiling inside, he gave her a nod and stirred the food again, now tipping in the rice. "Just make sure you do as you are told and you don't go wandering off anywhere."

"Oh, trust me, I won't be going anywhere."

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"Have you had enough?" Grissom asked his student as she slipped the last forkful of rice into her mouth.

The hoot of an owl allowed her the opportunity to swallow before she responded. "Yes, thank you." She placed the small tin she had been eating out of off to the side and sighed contently. "It's such a beautiful night; I never imagined being out here would be so…so…"

"Look up," Grissom said gently as she searched for the right word.

Giving him an intrigued but yet slightly bashful expression she tilted her head and looked to the sky. "Wow…" was all she could seem to muster as her mouth dropped open a little.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, as he, too, gazed up to the sky.

"It certainly is," she agreed, her eyes floating over the thousands of stars twinkling in the darkness above them. "I don't think I have ever seen the sky so clear and well, so captivating. I could just get lost." Her eyes drifted back to him but he wasn't looking up anymore, he was looking straight at her.

Captivating was right; he couldn't take his eyes from her.

Clearing his throat, as she smiled sweetly at him as he pushed himself to his feet and began clearing away dinner.

"Do you need some help?" she asked as he picked up the now cold pot from the ground.

"No, no," he replied holding up his free hand. "You just relax and enjoy the evening, I can manage."

He could feel her eyes on him as he scraped away the remainder of their dinner into a ditch. It made him shudder.

"You know you should clean that," she began, "as soon as we get to your place or the pot will be ruined."

Rolling his eyes he walked to the wagon and dropped the pot into the back. "Thank you for the direction, Sara, but I am well aware of hygiene and cleaning."

Their eyes met and both, at the same time burst into laughter.

Suddenly he whistled and Sara held her hand to her heart. She obviously wasn't expecting it. Within seconds Dante came bolting from the dark woodland with Pandora in hot pursuit.

"Looks like you two had a good time, huh?" the rancher said, giving his horse a loving pet as he came to a panting stop by his side. Reaching to Dante's saddle he unbuckled and rummaged through the pouch.

"What are you looking for?" Sara asked in curiosity as she watched him.

Pulling out a small canteen Grissom held it up. "A little evening tipple," he said with a boyish grin, dropping the saddle to the ground.

Unhooking Pandora's saddle now and placing it on the ground next to the other one he slapped Dante tenderly on the back and inhaled a hearty breath. "To bed with you my boy," he started, "and don't forget to take care of the lady."

Dante tapped his back foot heavily before pushing his nose into Pandora's and Grissom laughed as the two happy animals trotted behind the wagon.

As the rancher approached his guest she was staring at him in somewhat bedazzlement.

"What?" he asked.

"I…I still don't know how you are so, well, gifted with the horses. It is…" she shook her head, "…quite amazing."

With a bashful smile passing over his lips, he sat opposite her and shrugged his shoulders. "If I knew, I would tell you." He unscrewed the top from the canteen and took a swig.

"What is that?" Sara asked eyeing the silver canister.

"Cognac," he replied quickly. "A perfect nightcap and aids the sleep."

"Oh." She looked down for a moment before back at him. "Can," she hesitated, "I try some?"

Swirling the contents of the canteen around, he hesitated.

"Come on, Grissom. My father allows me to drink alcohol if I wish to, in fact," she chuckled, "sometimes he insists. It won't be an issue, I promise you."

"Fine." He held out the canister, "But, not too much."

Rolling her eyes she took the cognac from him and placed the canteen to her nose. Taking a light sniff she screwed up her nose.

"I gather you haven't tried cognac before?" he asked with a mischievous grin.

"I don't," she thought hard, "think so."

"Do you not like the aroma?" he enquired.

"Well, it was just a little overpowering." She sniffed again.

"Just, sip it, don't glug," Grissom advised. "And enjoy the sensation as it rolls down your throat."

With an uncertain nod, Sara held the canteen to her lips and took a light swig.

Grissom watched her face as her eyes drifted closed and she swallowed.

After a few moments her eyes fluttered open again and "Oooohh," fell from her lips. "That's rather nice." She looked at him, "A little fiery, but nice." She smiled. "And thank you for the advice; I may have died if I had taken a heavy gulp of that." Talking another small sip she handed the canister back to him and he took his own nip.

"We should probably think about retiring," he suggested, screwing the top back onto the cognac. "It will be an early start tomorrow. As soon as the sun rises we should be away."

"Alright," she agreed, watching as her teacher got to his feet. He walked to the wagon and rummaged through his things but then he sighed. "Do you have any more blankets?" He called to Sara.

"Yes," she responded, "In the brown trunk, at the top. There should be a couple."

Jumping up onto the wagon he flipped open the clasp on the trunk and immediately spotted the two woolen blankets nestled inside. He grabbed them and was about to close the trunk when something caught his eye; his book. A smile passed over his lips but he didn't take the book, he left it exactly where it lay and softly closed the lid.

"Did you find them?" Sara asked.

"I did," he replied jumping from the wagon. Walking back towards her he scrunched one of the blankets tightly and held it out to her. "Use that one as a pillow and," he held out the other one, "that one to keep you warm."

"But…" She took the first blanket. "What about you?"

"I'll be fine; I have lots of experience in sleeping without comfort." He tried to give her the second blanket but she refused to take it.

"You keep it, Grissom, or you may catch a cold."

"I doubt it," he chuckled.

"Well, still," she popped her blanket behind her, "I insist you keep it." Her final word was said on a yawn and she held her hand to her mouth. "Excuse me; I guess I'm more tired than I thought.

Dropping the blanket by his feet the rancher smiled. "If you want to get comfortable, well as much as you can, I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" she asked with urgency.

"Um," he hesitated, "just a call of nature," he admitted, reddening somewhat.

"Oh," Sara blushed. "I'll just get comfortable." She pointed the blanket and leaned back.

Chuckling to himself Grissom headed off to do what he had to while Sara lay on her makeshift pillow and once more gazed up to the stars.

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When Grissom returned, he passed by the wagon and grabbed his rifle. Walking to the blanket he noticed how Sara now lay on her side, facing away from him.

"Sara?" he asked softly but received no response.

Delicately tiptoeing around the blanket he saw her eyes were closed and she seemed to have fallen into a gentle slumber. Kneeling in front of her he watched for a moment and was tempted to reach out and move the stray hair covering her left eye back into place. After careful consideration his steady fingers reached out and softly brushed the fallen curls back behind her ear. He sighed quietly. She was so beautiful yet, so crafty. He smiled.

Standing, he reached for the blanket which Sara had given to him and covered her with it. She would need it more than he would. When he was satisfied she was comfortable enough to withstand the nightly elements he lay beside her and placed the rifle by his side. He should try and sleep, but, with this beautiful young woman sleeping by his side he wasn't quite sure exactly how much sleep he would be able to get. The sound of her breathing was almost hypnotic and he would be happy just to stay awake all night long to listen to it.