Rating warning: This chapter is boarding on a high T/low M rating and contains sexual references. Please read responsibly. Thank you to mingsmommy for the beta.

Chapter 40

Sara felt herself tingling as she looked into his eyes. They sparkled like the brightest of starry nights as he took her hands and slowly removed her gloves. Just the simplest of acts, the smallest of gestures, made her quiver under his touch and as his finger tips brushed over her skin she did just that.

Once the gloves were discarded and forgotten, he kissed her again. But this kiss was different, unhurried, searching and sensual unlike the rough and needy ones they had shared thus far. She felt the burning between her thighs reach an almost unbearable point as he took his time to explore her hot, wet mouth. Slowly, teasingly, he caressed her tongue with his own. She couldn't take much more; she needed him so, so much and as he continued with this new, slower approach, she reached for his belt in an eager attempt to rush things along.

As she fumbled with the top button of his pants, he slowly drew his lips away from hers and glanced down to her hands, quickly covering them with his own and she stilled.

"We are rather keen, are we not, Miss Sidle?" he asked in a rough but composed voice.

"Yes," she admitted on a huff, "I am."

The right side of his mouth curled a grin as he moved her hands away from his pants to place them on her lap. "You need…" he began as he placed a finger on her lips, "…to learn to be patient."

Patient? Oh she'd show him patience alright. Without thinking twice, she parted her lips and glided them around his finger. Slipping her mouth totally around the digit she sucked on it, causing him to gasp. In delight or shock? She wasn't quite sure which but she had the suspicion he liked it. The burning in his eyes confirmed that for her. After a few moments of gentle sucking she pulled her mouth away and licked her lips. "Hmmm…" she mewed, "…you taste good."

Kinking his neck, his eyes wandered over her body before returning to clash with hers. "And I am sure you do also," he returned calmly although there was a hint of a quake in his voice now.

Sara felt her thighs trembling at his words and was thankful she was actually sitting. A short soft cry fell from her lips at the thought of his lips upon her, exploring her and her most private of areas, touching her, tasting her. The burning within her was now excruciating and she felt desperation flowing through her veins. She could wait no longer. "Why don't you find out?" she breathed softly.

"Would you like me to?" he taunted.

She giggled at his teasing. "You are such a rat."

He smirked, "Rat?"

"You know it," she chuckled again but only for a moment, as within a split second he was kissing her once more, leaning over her so she lay back across the bench and smothering her with his body.

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The sun was setting and the night drawing in. The happy couple, after their active and sometimes demanding day, ate a very much needed dinner of vegetable stew and rice then prepared to retire.

Sara was inside the house after already washing and Grissom was in the small wooden wash hut next to the outhouse.

The rancher, with a towel wrapped snuggly around his waist, whistled to himself as he washed. His small lantern hung on the wall of the hut and offered him just enough light to be able to cleanse himself effectively. He couldn't get the smile off his face or thoughts of Sara from his mind, their earlier love making in the stable foremost on his mind. She was a very fast leaner and as the taste of her still lingered on his tongue he groaned, the very first instant she took him into her mouth springing back into his mind's eye.

Splashing water onto his face he attempted to calm himself. Becoming aroused at something as simple as a single thought was a reaction he wasn't accustomed to; plus, he didn't want Sara to think he was some kind of sexual animal, although on the other hand, she could take that in a good way.

He grinned.

Pulling the towel from his waist he dried himself off, slipped on his sleeping pants and headed back into the house, still happily whistling away. Upon entering the building Sara emerged from the kitchen, dressed in a long, silken black robe, a bottle of red wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. She smiled upon seeing her lover and held up the bottle.

"I hope you don't mind?" she asked. "I found it in the back of the cupboard. I have to say…" She blew on the bottle, and placed the glasses on the small bed side table, "…it is rather dusty. Did you forget you had it?"

"No, I didn't forget," he said taking the bottle from her. He walked into the kitchen, opened the bottle and returned a moment later. She sat on the bed as he poured. "It was a gift on my eighteenth birthday," he began handing her a glass and her face suddenly dropped as she took it.

"Oh…I'm sorry, I didn't realize." She looked at her glass. "We…don't have to have this, I shouldn't have taken it. You've had it for such a long time and must have been saving it for something extra special."

"I was," he confirmed placing the bottle onto the table. "I have now found my something extra special and that is you."

Clicking her lips together, she smiled the sweetest of smiles and pushed herself from the bed. Rubbing her free hand across his smooth, muscular chest she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You are more than welcome." He smiled in return and held up his glass. "To you," he declared.

Shaking her head she held up her own glass. "No," she disagreed, "to us."

Feeling his chest swell he nodded, "To us."

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The couple enjoyed the bottle of wine out on the porch, chatting a little more about Grissom's traveling experiences. Once the last drop was drunk and with the air turning rather cool they decided it was time to get into bed.

Grissom slipped into the kitchen and placed the empty bottle and glasses onto the sideboard before returning to the main room. Just as he stepped inside Sara discarded her robe and the silken garment floated to the floor to reveal a delightful lilac nightgown underneath. He couldn't take his eyes away from her. The way the material hugged all the right places, first her perfect bossom then her slender tummy before coming to rest past her wonderfuly curved hips. If he died right now, he would die a happy man.

"You are so beautiful," he sighed as he approached her, reaching up and passing his fingers delictaley over her exposed neck until he felt her shudder under his touch.

Snorting with a very visible blush pinking her cheeks, she leaned in and kissed him. "Let's get into bed," she urged. "Its getting a little cold."

"Condisering your..." His eyes scanned over her body again, "...lovely attire, I'm not too surprised that you are a little cold."

"Oh..." She pouted, "...do you not like what I'm wearing?"

"On the contatry, my dear," he began taking her hand and softly kissing the back, "I like it very much."

She smiled softly.

"Why don't you get into bed and I will light a fire," he suggested and she nodded her agreement.

As Grissom moved to the fire place, Sara knelt just by the bed and opened one of her trunks.

"What are you doing?" he asked, watching her as she rummaged through the storage container.

"Just…" she continued to search, "…looking for something…"

After lightening the fire, Grissom returned to the bed and got in, still watching her.

"Ah…" She smiled, "…got it." She stood up and sat on the bed holding out the object she was looking for.

The rancher eyed the book, his book and smiled. "I had no idea you had brought this with you," he said taking it from her.

"Well…" she started slipping under the covers beside him, "…I do love it when you read and I thought it may come in handy if things happened to work out between us."

"You really did have everything planned out didn't you?" he asked knowingly, opening up the book.

Delicately shrugging her shoulders she shimmed down the bed and placed her head on his chest. "Some things," she admitted, skimming her nails over his light coat of chest hair, "but there was no guarantee what I wanted to happen was going to. Thankfully…" She looked up to him, "…it did."

He stared at her, still slightly bemused at the fact that this beautiful young woman was lying in his arms and actually, wanted to be. "Shall I?" he asked shaking the book.

Showing her agreement with a single nod she cuddled up to him and sighed contently as he began to read.

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Sara smiled, snuggling closer to him as he continued to read to her. She'd been listening to his perfection narration for over an hour and had yet to grow tired of his voice. The fire crackled beside them as it warmed the room on this chilly evening and the candles about the place flickered as if in a merry dance, offering the houses occupants just enough light to meet their current needs.

"A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breasts there, is, in some of its imaginings, a secret to the heart nearest it." **

Placing the book beside him, Grissom sighed.

"What are you thinking?" Sara asked as she turned in his arms, placing her chin on his chest and looking up at him.

"That, I would like to spend every night like this, just like this, with you in my arms." Slipping a hand to her head he gently brushed his fingers through her hair. "But I know once we get back to the estate it will be a long while before I can hold you like this again, be close to you, share my bed with you or even touch you."

"I know," she sighed now. "But…" She ran a finger over his chest, "…it will be worth the wait, will it not?"

Before he had a chance to answer she shifted, sliding herself over him so her whole body pretty much smothered his. Her legs slipped in between his as she held herself up on her palms, hovering over him. "I will wait for you as long as I have too, you do understand that, don't you?"

"Yes," he whispered enjoying the feeling of her body weight enveloping him. "And, I you," he continued with sincerity, floating his hands to her face to cup her cheeks within them, "For as long as you want me, I will be forever yours."

As a tiny sob escaped her throat, he smiled softly and pulled her down into a long and amorous kiss. He knew this would be their last comfortable night together and they had a long day tomorrow but he had the feeling, as he rolled her onto her back to smother her with his body, that they wouldn't be getting much sleep. And, he didn't care.

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Morning came all too soon and the lovers rose just after sun up, knowing there was a long day of travelling ahead.

Hodges, who had arrived for work much earlier than usual to aid his boss, helped Grissom load the last trunk onto the wagon. Everything else was all packed on board and the couple was now ready for departure.

Jumping from their transportation, Grissom flicked his eyes to Sara who was tying Dante and Pandora to the back. She giggled when Dante licked his lady friend on the nose.

"I think these two may be sharing their own stall when we get back," she snorted as she ensured they were securely fastened to the wagon. "After yesterday, they are simply inseparable."

Grissom grinned as she stroked each horse in turn. "You packed the extra blankets, yes?" he asked as she walked towards him.

"I did," she replied pointing to the middle trunk. "They are in there."

"Good, we will probably have to camp again this evening so I would like to ensure we are comfortable in case it is chilly again."

Stopping right in front of him she smiled and slipped her mouth to his ear. "I'll make sure I keep you warm," she whispered.

He fought his grin, floating his eyes to his young apprentice. Thankfully it didn't seem as though Hodges had heard Sara's words and was still securing the trunks in the back of wagon. As Sara pulled back, the rancher slipped a finger to his lips. "Shush…" he urged conscious of Sara's loose lip. If Hodges found out they were together then the whole world would know about it.

"Sorry," she whispered back with a grin before running her tongue over her bottom lip.

Grissom took a deep breath. Why did she have to do that? She was such a tease. Clearing his throat he looked to Hodges as he leapt from the wagon.

"All ready for you, Grissom," he informed his boss. "Everything is tied down and secure."

"Thank you," he began stepping towards his helper, "Now, you have everything you need to run the estate as before?"

"Yes, sir." The younger man nodded quickly. "Just like the first time you left, I still have all your instructions."

Slipping his hand into his pocket. the rancher took out a small package and held it out. Hodges eyed the parcel with an uncertain look on his face.

"Take it," the rancher urged. "It is a little extra cash as I am not sure when I will be returning."

"Oh." The younger man took the money from his boss and smiled. "Thank you."

"Use it wisely, David, emergencies only. You should have enough for everything else."

"Of course," he agreed with a nod.

"Good, now if you have any severe problems you know where to reach me, send a messenger," Grissom continued. "And, Taylor is always in town and ready to offer any advice."

"Yes, sir.

"Alright." The rancher turned to his lover. "Are we ready to hit the road?"

Sara offered a nod stepping over to the two men. "It was nice to meet you, David," she said holding out her hand. "Maybe we will meet again someday."

The young rancher tentatively took Sara's hand and kissed the back. "A pleasure," he responded, "and it was a shame we didn't get to spend any time together. It's not often I get a chance to be in the presence of such beauty." He looked her right in the eye.

Grissom's brow suddenly creased as he noted Hodges still held onto Sara's hand and he was looking at her totally inappropriately. He roughly folded his arms and cleared his throat, snapping his worker from his current daze. "Don't you have work to do?" Grissom asked as Sara slipped a hand to her mouth, no doubt to hide her amusement.

"Oh, yes…" Hodges stuttered, "…sorry." He bowed his head. "It was nice to meet you, Miss Sara, have a safe trip."

Chuckling as he scuttled away, Sara returned her attention to her man. "You get jealous too easily, Gil," she remarked.

"Jealous?" His eyes shot to hers. "I'm not jealous."

"Of course not," she mewed.

"I am not…jealous." he repeated through gritted teeth.

Laughing again, she slipped her arm through his and tugged. "Come on, we should get going."

Sighing softly and rolling his eyes, the rancher allowed himself to be pulled and they stopped next to the wagon. "I'm not jealous," he mumbled as he helped Sara board the vehicle."

She sat in the center of the seat and smiled, "Fine…" she muttered, "…over protective then?"

Now he smiled and jumped aboard, dropping in next to her. "I can live with that."

"Good."

His smile broadened as he took the reins. "Are we ready, Miss Sidle?" he asked.

"I guess we are," she sighed.

He knew she really didn't want to go. Not just yet anyway, and he did admit to himself he would have given anything for a little more time alone with her. Alas, he knew they had to get back to the estate as much work needed to be done and he had obligations to fulfill. He checked around first to make sure Hodges was not in the immediate vicinity then reached over to place a gentle palm on her cheek.

"We will be together, I promise." He rubbed his thumb slowly over her skin. "It will just take some time."

Placing her hand over his, she clung tightly. "I know," she whispered.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he slipped his hand away, afraid if he kept it there too long they might be seen.

After a moment's thought she nodded. "Time has just passed by all too quickly. Let's make the most of what we have left, shall we?"

"Let's do that." He agreed on a smile, flicked the reins and off they went.

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As Grissom expected, they travelled much too slowly to make it back to The Grove in one day. So, after being on the road for most of the day, apart from stopping several times for a stretch and for a picnic lunch, he decided they should rest a little after seven.

He pulled the wagon from the road and they made camp just outside a small patch of woodland just as they had done on their trip down to his place. He made a fire while Sara put together a makeshift bed for them to share, made simply of blankets and pillows. Once the fire was burning he walked to the wagon and untied the horses, allowing them to wander at will. Dante and Pandora headed to the right while the two pulling horses trotted off to the left.

"Don't go too far," Grissom called as they trotted off.

As he walked towards Sara, she was laying the last blanket onto their bed. Once it was in place she sat back on her heels and sigh contently.

"Not bad," the rancher commended as he reached her.

Smiling at him, she stood. "Thank you, I aim to please."

Reaching out, he pulled her into his arms and ran his hands down her back, holding her close. "Yes, you do," he agreed with a sly grin.

Scoffing softly, she gave him a quick kiss before pulling free from his hold and walking towards the wagon. "I'm thirsty, are you thirsty?"

"A little," he admitted.

"Hungry?" she then added as she rummaged through their small wicker food basket.

Weighing up his thoughts Grissom eventually nodded as he moved back to the fire to stoke it. "Actually, yes, just a little," he called back.

"Cheese and crackers?" she asked.

"Perfect."

"And we have a little fruit, apples and peaches, that alright?" she continued as she looked deeper into the basket.

"Absolutely." He smiled and moved to her to help carry the goods. He took the cheese, crackers and a little crockery he had packed for the trip as Sara took the fruit and then grabbed the water canteen.

"Are you alright with water or would you like something stronger?" she asked as her eyes caught glimpse of a bottle of Grissom's bourbon lying snuggly at the bottom of the hamper.

"Water will be fine," he replied as he approached their bed and placed the items on top of the blankets. "I need to be alert out here, just in case." He paused suddenly and quickly walked back to the wagon just as Sara was heading his way.

"What are you doing?" she asked as a frown crinkled her brow.

Reaching into the front of the wagon Grissom grabbed his rifle. "Just being cautious," he replied slipping the rifle under his arm before joining Sara back on the blanket.

Placing the rifle and their goodies down, the rancher sat opposite his lover. She was currently breaking the cheese into small chucks and placing it onto a plate. "Would you like some fruit?" he asked holding up an apple in one hand and a peach in the other.

Licking her lips, she ogled the fruit. "The peaches look good."

"Don't they?" He smirked at her and she snorted when she noticed he wasn't actually looking at the fruit. She took the peach from him as he held it out and grinned as she arranged the crackers around the cheese. Once she was happy she placed the plate in between them and sat back.

He watched as she held the peach to her lips and took a bite.

"Hmmmm…" she moaned with satisfaction as a little peach juice ran down her chin, "…these are very good," she finished after swallowing the delightful fruit. She took another mouthful and then held out the peach. "Would you like a bite?" she mumbled.

Oh, she was teasing him again and he knew it but he was happy to play along. He didn't even offer a response and just leaned forward. Slipping his mouth around the peach he took a hearty bite and leaned back again. Sara was right; the fruit was good, ever so plump and juicy. It was cool, refreshing and very welcome on his tongue.

"You like?" she asked with a sly grin.

"Oh yes…" He licked his lips now, "…I like very much."

"I thought you might," she giggled.

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Their dinner plates were empty and packed back on the wagon. All the food had been heartily consumed, all except for four apples which Grissom fed to the horses after calling them back because it was getting late. After patting each one in turn they all settled not too far from the wagon and Grissom rejoined Sara.

He threw a few more branches onto the fire before getting into the bed. Sara was already under the blankets and smiled when he slipped in beside her and lay back onto his pillow.

A tiny yawn fell from her lips as she snuggled into him and placed her head on his chest.

"Are you tired?" he asked on a sigh as she slipped a hand into his half open shirt, bringing it to rest over his heart.

"A tiny bit," she admitted, "I'm not sure if I will be able to sleep just yet though."

"Would you…" He placed a hand over hers as she tickled his skin, "…like me to read a little?"

Lifting her head from his chest she looked him in the eye. "How about we just talk?"

Frowning a little, he studied her face. "What would you like to talk about?"

"I know so much about you now, but there are two things that still weigh on my mind when I think about you back at the estate." Turning onto her side she propped herself up on her elbow.

Closing his eyes for a moment the rancher swallowed hard, he had a feeling he knew what was coming. He had revealed a lot about himself to Sara, in fact most things. But, there were still secrets he had yet to confide in her about. Opening his eyes, he met her gaze. "And what might these two things be?" he forced himself to ask.

She took his hand and held it tightly. "Why did you leave the estate and…" she paused for a moment before continuing, "…why do you and Conrad hate each other so?"

** Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens