A/N: My thanks to mingsmommy, especially for putting me straight on several boo boo's on this chapter :) I'm only 2 weeks away from my big move now but I have 1 more chapter complete to post and I'm working on the next so hopefully you will all have what you have been waiting for before I go. Hopefully…..

Chapter 31

Sara thought she'd feel uncomfortable stripping in a strange place like this, but oddly not. She felt at ease, undressing without a second thought after walking to the window and drawing the drapes closed. Grissom was just outside so she knew she was safe and bore no doubts that he would even consider interrupting her, although, at the back of her mind, she desired him to do so. Temptation to leave the drapes open slipped into her thoughts for a second but she decided against it. That was just a little too much desperation on her part.

Moving back to the bath she poured in a few drops of the lavender oil she had brought with her and inhaled the scent. She loved that smell and smiled as she got into the lovely warm water that awaited her. A pleasurable sigh fell from her lips as she slipped deep into the tub and as the water cascaded over her body she smiled. It felt so good. Immediately, her eyes closed and she completely relaxed.

She wasn't quite sure how long her eyes had been closed for when the sound of an axe hitting wood caught her ears and her eyes slowly fluttered open. Her thoughts immediately turned to Grissom and she tingled deep inside. No man had ever made her feel the way he made her feel and she hoped the closeness they had shared thus far would continue throughout their stay here. She longed for another kiss and more, she just longed for him…

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Just outside of the house, on a large used tree trunk Grissom drove his axe into the next lump of wood. Even though the air was cool he quickly worked up a sweat and after wiping his brow, decided it best to remove his shirt. He hung it onto a nearby tree branch and continued with his task. His eyes every so often flicked to the house and he could see the orange glow of the lanterns behind the drapes.

No matter how hard he tried, even putting whatever frustrations he had building in his body into the force of his chopping, he couldn't quite get the thought of Sara, bathing, in his house, out of his mind and it was driving him crazy. But it was when he saw her form appear behind the drapes he found himself becoming completely undone.

She was drying herself off by the looks of it and he found himself totally rooted to the spot and unable to take his eyes from the window for a long moment. Suddenly, his sanity kicked in and he snapped his eyes away from the house, berating himself while swallowing past the heavy lump which had now formed in his throat. Shaking his head, he sucked in a deep breath before driving the axe once more into the wood but with a more forceful stroke than he had so far. He was such a fool, why did he have to look? He completely changed his stance now and kept his back to the house; he wouldn't be looking again, for his own self control.

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The rancher consumed himself with his task, forbidding the thought of Sara into his mind, even for a second. By the time he actually came up for a breath the pile of chopped wood was far beyond adequate for their current needs. Stopping for a moment he looked to the stars and stretched, the thin band of sweat covering his upper body glimmering in the glowing light.

"Wow, that's a lot of wood."

Upon hearing Sara's voice, he quickly spun around and looked in her direction. Her head was peeking through the door and she was looking a little needy.

Slamming the axe into the trunk he took a small step towards her. "Is everything alright?" he inquired rubbing a little life back into his hands.

It took her a few moments to answer as she seemed to be staring at his upper body again and he felt himself blush all over.

"Oh, well…I have a small…" She cleared her throat, "…problem."

"You do?" he asked, concerned now, taking another step towards her. "What is it?"

"Well…" she began, lowering her head seemingly embarrassed. "…I can't…" She reached behind her, "…fasten myself up. There is usually someone at the house to…you know..."

"Oh…" Was all he could muster and he immediately understood what she was getting at.

"Do you…" Now he hesitated, "…need, me to help?"

"Actually yes. Do you mind?"

Well no, he didn't mind, but he'd spent the last half an hour or so trying to get the thoughts of Sara's body out of his mind and now he was going to have to help her dress? God help him.

Rather tentatively he moved forward and up the porch steps as she disappeared back into the house. When he got inside, she had her back to him and the lovely, short sleeved, emerald green dress she wore hung open from the back but the garment hung from her body perfectly, fastened or not.

"You…" She pointed behind her, "…just need to fasten the clips, you'll see them."

With his mouth falling slightly ajar, he nodded, although he wasn't quite sure why, since she couldn't see him. At a snail's pace, he stepped behind her and reached to the dress with shaky hands, stopping for a moment when his eyes caught the tempting flesh at the back of her neck, reaching down to her perfectly smooth back. A sudden flash of his lips upon that alluring body flicked through his mind and he completely froze.

"Do you see the clips?" she asked when he made no move to fasten her up.

Her words snapped him from his trance and he cleared his throat. "Yes, sorry." With haste, his fingers started at the bottom and in no time Sara was secure inside her dress. "There, all done," he informed her and quickly stepped back. He turned away and sucking in a breath, he headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked as he rushed away.

Closing his eyes he stopped. Taking a moment to compose himself he faked a smile and faced her again. "Just to get the wood. I don't want you to get cold so I should start a fire."

With a slight giggle she moved towards him and once more he felt a lump forming in his throat. "You're the one who is probably cold," she said, looking his chest over again. "Let me help you."

Grissom didn't feel like arguing. He nodded and Sara followed him back outside.

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She watched her teacher as he bent before the fire place and lit the wood. Once he was satisfied after aiding the flames with a little blowing he stood and smiled. "It shouldn't take long for the room to warm up so you should be nice and cozy tonight when you decide to retire."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Sara responded. "It's not all that cold anyway."

"Well," Grissom started as he moved towards the tub, "I'll get rid of this then I'll go wash up, I'm a little…" He looked to his body, "…dirty."

"We should have saved some of the water for you," she commented stepping towards him and sounding a little guilty. "I'm sorry I didn't even think…"

"Sara its fine," he reassured her. "I am perfectly fine with water from the well." Grabbing the edge of the tub he began dragging it towards the door. "A hot bath to me…" he grunted as he pulled. "…is more of a luxury than a daily occurrence. I don't usually get time."

"Here, let me help," she said quickly and pushed on the tub as its contents swished around.

Once they got the tub out onto the porch Grissom tipped the water over the side and turned the vessel upside down to drain and dry. "Thank you for the assistance," he said gratefully. "I forgot how heavy this can be when it's full." He tapped the side of the bath as he took in a well needed breath.

Sara nodded and they gazed at each other.

"I should go and clean myself up," he finally said and slipped back inside. A few moments later he reappeared with a towel, a fresh shirt and a bar of soap. "I shouldn't be too long," he continued flinging the towel over his shoulder. "If you're hungry there is food, tea and coffee in the kitchen, just help yourself."

"Coffee sound like a good idea," she responded. "Would you like one?"

"Thank you." He nodded. "That would be nice."

"Alright then, I'll get some water on."

Now he nodded and headed down the steps but he stopped. "Oh Sara…" He turned back to face her.

"Yes."

"You…well…I…"

As he stumbled on his words a small frown appeared on her features.

"You look very beautiful," he eventually managed to say. "And I'm glad you're here." A bashful smile formed on his lips but he said no more and quickly rushed away, leaving his house guest standing on the porch, a slight look of confusion on her face. Soon enough though her face lightened and a pert smile formed on her lips as she walked inside to prepare the refreshments.

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After a thorough wash, the man of the estate strolled back to his house feeling refreshed. Buttoning up his shirt as he approached the porch, he saw Sara sitting and waiting. Clonking up the steps he slipped his wet towel over the rail to dry and pulled his watch from his pocket. It was almost 8 o'clock.

"Feel better?" Sara asked as she poured him some coffee.

"A lot better, yes." He smiled as he sat down next to her and she passed him a cup. "Thank you," he said gratefully, running his hand through his damp locks before taking the cup.

"Pleasure." She smiled back. "What time is it?" she asked.

"Almost eight," he responded, sipping from his cup.

There was a moment of silence and all that could be heard in the air was the merry chirping of the crickets resisting their nightly chorus.

"Did you…" Grissom broke the silence, "…have anything to eat?"

"No I'm fine," she answered pouring herself another cup of coffee. "Two meals a day is more than enough for me. What about you, are you hungry? I could make you something if you like?"

"No, no." He held up a hand. "I'm good."

"So…" she began, "…what should we do now? What do you usually do at night?"

Working his jaw, his brow rose as he placed his cup down. "Sleep," was his simple answer.

"Oh," Sara mumbled, sounding disappointed.

"But, I suppose neither of us is quite ready to retire just yet…" He stood and walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

"To get something to keep us occupied for a little while."

"Oh…" Was all she could manage before his disappeared but it didn't take him long to return and soon enough he was back in his seat. He paced a small box onto the table and ran his hand over the top to clear away the small layer of dust which had gathered. "It's been a while since I've looked in here," he informed her removing the lid.

Leaning forward with curiosity Sara stared at the box. "What's that?"

Smiling as she scooted closer, he pushed the container in her direction. "Take a look," he urged.

Ruffling her nose she scoffed with excitement before pulling the box towards

her. Flipping open the lid and peering inside she saw the box housed a couple of photographs as well as a small book. Her eyes flicked to his, "May I?" she asked pointing into the box.

"Of course," he returned.

Pursing her lips, she slipped her hand inside the box, took out the first picture and instantly smiled. "Very cute," she remarked placing the photograph on the table for him to see. "I gather that the young boy is you?"

After flicking his eyes downwards to take a look he nodded. "It is indeed," he replied as he looked at the photograph of himself in the middle of Captain Sidle and Robbins. "That was taken…" He thought for several moments, "…about two months after I arrived at the estate."

"Did it take you long to get settled?" she asked. "I'm sure it must have been difficult for you after losing your father."

"To be honest," he started, pushing the photograph off to the side, "I don't remember all that much. I do, however, recall your father and Robbins being very supportive and caring for my well being. If it wasn't for them I'm sure I probably wouldn't have made it."

A small smile graced her lips as she pulled out the second picture.

"A very pretty girl," he remarked.

Sniggering in a sure attempt to hide her embarrassment Sara inhaled a hearty breath as she looked at the photograph again. "I can't believe you kept this," she told him sounding a little dumbfounded.

His response was soft. "Why?"

"I…just…can't."

"Well…" He picked up his coffee and took a sip. "…as well as the photographs I also kept a diary." Pointing to the small book in the box he smiled. I recorded memories of those who I cared for, who cared for me, who made me laugh, made me cry and who hold a place in my heart. The photographs were a rarity I was lucky to posses so there was never any doubt about me keeping them."

"So…" She placed the picture of herself back into the box. "Which category of your memories do I fall under?"

With his right brow arching, he cleared his throat, wriggling in his seat as he sought the right answer to her question. "Most of them," came his eventual response and she offered him a warm smile.

"So are there any memories in your diary you would like to share?" she asked looking to the small book still lying within the box.

The right side of his mouth hitched into a grin as he reached for the book. "I'm sure there are a few things in here I can tell you about."

And so he began. Flicking through his diary and telling his guest stories of his past, well at least the happy ones…..

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The time seemed to just fly by and eventually Grissom put his diary down and looked to the beautiful woman who was now sitting a lot closer to him than she had been when he started reading. She listened so intensely to everything he said and it felt nice to actually share his fond memories with her but it was now time to call it a night.

"So now you know more about me, where I've been and the people I have known." He looked at her. "Happy?"

Clicking her lips together she grinned at him. "Yes and I thank you for sharing."

Nodding as he popped the lid back on the box, he stood. "Can I get you anything?" he asked as he again pulled his watch from his pocket.

"No, I'm fine," she yawned back. "Excuse me," she then added, holding her hand to her mouth.

Slipping his watch back into his pocket he sighed contently. "Tired?"

"Maybe a little," she admitted. "What time is it?"

"Almost eleven."

"Wow," she retuned startled. "Have we been talking for that long?"

"It appears so." He picked up the box. "Time for bed?"

After a little hesitation, Sara finally nodded and Grissom offered her a single nod in acknowledgement.

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Grissom could feel her eyes on him as he rummaged through his dresser in search of a blanket and spare pillow.

"Are you sure you will be alright in the barn?" she asked from her position by the door.

Finding what he was looking for, he grabbed it and turned to face her. "I will be fine, Sara. I have slept in much more uncomfortable lodgings. It is more than adequate."

Her nod of understanding seemed disappointed and he watched as her eyes floated away from him. A soft sigh passed through his lips and he approached her. "It would not be right for me to stay here with you. You do understand that? Even if I slept on the floor, it would be…"

"What would it be?" Her question was fast and he was a little startled at her eagerness for an answer.

Faking a smile, he moved right up to her but didn't offer a reply to her question. Instead, he leaned forwards and kissed her gently on the left cheek. "Goodnight, Sara." His words were spoken in almost a whisper and as he walked through the door, closing it behind him he sighed heavily. The barn was the last place he wanted to be right now but regardless, he grabbed a lantern and headed in that direction.

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As Grissom expected, he could not find sleep. After an hour and a half's tossing and turning in the barn, he gave in and headed for the stable. He was consumed by thoughts of the beautiful woman currently sleeping in his bed. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't evict her from his thoughts. He closed his eyes, she was there. He opened them and she was still there. Roughly rubbing his chin as he reached the stable, he looked up to the stars and inhaled a deep, deep breath before placing his palms against the stable door and leaning forward. Gritting his teeth and shaking his head he tried to work out what he was going to do in regards to his new lady friend.

What could he do? Temptation had never been an issue for him before. He was always very capable of controlling his inner urges and knowing what was right but for the first time in his life something was different.

Sara.

She was different and he was lost.

Sighing heavily, he pushed himself up and quietly walked into the stable. When he approached Dante's stall his horse was already standing and waiting for his master.

"Hear me coming did you?" the rancher whispered as he gently stroked his steed's nose.

Letting out a quiet grunt, Dante bobbed his head.

"Come on." Grissom opened the stall door. "Let's go for a run, I have a few frustrations that need to be let out."

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With great power and speed as the moon shone brightly above, Grissom guided his ride around the exercise field. From one end to the other, back and forth, round and round. Quite hectically actually, until both horse and master were completely out of breath. Pulling Dante to a stop in the middle of the field Grissom fought for breath as did his horse, but it felt good. With a breathless smile he released the reins and sat back for a moment, working his neck from side to side in an attempt to relieve some tension. But, as his eyes drifted to the gate his smile slowly faded when he caught a glimpse of the orange glow, a lantern no doubt.

Sara.

She was there.

She was watching him.

All he could see was the glow of the lamp but he knew it was her. She, too, was obviously doomed to a night without slumber. Taking the reins once again Grissom pulled Dante back and gave him a light kick, heading to the far end of the field. The ride would continue for as long as rider and horse were capable...

A/N: Closer…closer….closer…..lol. The buildup has begun, I feel some lovin a brewing :)