The ranch

 

Chapter

4.

 

 

 

 The ranch was the most beautiful thing Destiny had ever seen. It was nestled in a vast valley between two glorious mountains. The house was a huge two-story log cabin with a covered porch that ran the length of the front. There was two porch swings at both ends of the structure with benches under each bay window. A beautiful hand crafted door sat between them.

 Destiny looked to the left of the house, she saw ten small cabins sporadically placed among the trees. As she stepped out of the van that had brought them from the airport she noticed a magnificent barn with four small houses off its side, it was nestled between two huge paddocks framed with white fences. About twenty horses ran free on both sides. It was absolutely breath taking.

 Jake told the group to leave there luggage, assuring them it would be taken care of and guided them up the stairs were two people, a tall blond man and a plump gray haired woman was waiting for them.

 “So you finely graduated.” The tall man approached Jake and engulfed him in a great bear hug.

 “Now, don’t hog the boy.” The woman stepped between them and embraced Jake with the same type of hug.

 “Hi nana,” he pulled away from her to look at her better.

 “Hi Kent.” He smiled at the man. “I got some people I’d like you to meet.”

 Everyone came together as Jake motioned his friends up the stairs. They stood looking at one another waiting for introductions. Destiny couldn’t help but notice that the man Jake called Kent kept glancing in her direction. Jake seemed not to miss it either because he came up and put an arm around her.

 “This is Brian and his girlfriend Lisa.” He pointed to the couple standing side by side. “That’s Vickie and this beautiful young thing is Destiny.”

 Kent smiled at them.

 “This is Kent my older brother, he runs the ranch. And this beautiful creature…” He walked over to the little old woman and put an arm around her shoulders. “ Is nana, my grandmother?”

 “Oh Jake such the flatterer.” Nana patted his chest.

 Everyone took their turn shaking the others hands and saying how nice it was to be here and how beautiful the place was. How Kent hoped they would have a good time even though they were brought here to work. Destiny didn’t miss the look of displeasure on Vickie’s face as he mentioned that four-letter word, WORK.

 They were ushered inside. And were met by a beautiful grand stair case leading to an upper balcony that over looked the living room downstairs. It had five sets of long windows with a pictures scenery of mountains and meadows as a backdrop.

 Nana led the group up the stairway to the balcony. There where two hallways on either side each had four doors leading to grand bedrooms. The girls where showed to the right of the stair way were they each chose a room and the boys to the left were they did the same. Nana pleasantly informed them that her room was the first door to their right and there would be no boys permitted beyond that point.

 After they were settled they went down stairs to the living room where Jake and Kent showed them the dinning area off to the right of the living area. The dining room table was a long rectangle made of logs that were cut in half, the flat side facing upward. It sat ten, four on each side and two on the end.

 Just beyond the table was a big door that led into the Kitchen; it was just as elaborate as the rest of the house with two giant refrigerators and a walk in freezer. There was a giant counter in the middle of the room with two stoves on both sides. There was a giant dishwasher that looked like it belonged in a restraunt nestled between two counters against the wall. After seeing the kitchen they where taken back through the door and on the other side of the living area.

 This opened into a great room with a pool table and a bar off in the back corner. There were even video games and a tiny stage with a microphone and a disc jockeys turntable.

When Destiny looked to the right she was greeted with a magnificent view of the open country through a row of windows that went from the bottom to the top of the ceiling. A glass door was nestled in between them.

 A grand porch stood off the back of the house. It had four tables with chairs and an umbrella covering each one. A log railing wrapped around the structure. Stairs led down to luscious green grass. You could walk from the porch to the barn in a short time.

 Nana soon joined the group motioning for them to have a seat in the living room, she had some ground rules to go over and than they could do as they pleased. Brian and Lisa sat next to one another on the black plush love seat, while Kent, Destiny, Jake and Vickie squeezed on the matching couch. Nana sat in the over stuffed chair which allowed her to view them all.

 “I run a clean house,” Nana began. “I expect you to clean up after your selves. The meal schedule is as follows. Breakfast is at 6:00 am followed by lunch at 10:30 and dinner at 3:00pm. Supper is the last meal of the day; it begins at 7:00 no later. Boys are not allowed in the girl’s rooms and vise versa. All rules are concrete and not to be changed with out prier authorization by me. Oh yeah, and have fun.” She smiled at all of them than got up and went into the kitchen.

 Destiny turned and looked at the group, She didn’t miss the look on Lisa and Vickie’s faces; they were defiantly upset about the whole no boys in the room’s thing. Destiny wanted to go out side and see the barn and the horses. She was hoping she would be able to work with them while she was here. The last time she’d been on a horse was when she was seven and she was dieing to get on one again. She turned towards Kent, and asked.

 “Can we go see the horses?”

 “Sure, I was going to show you the barn any way.”

 Kent stood up followed by everybody else. They left the house and walked over to the barn. Destiny stopped by the pasture and watched the horses running across the green grass. They were beautiful. There must have been one of every color.

 “Do you like horses?” Kent asked. He had never seen such a beautiful woman in his life. Her eyes were like a storm; gray and blue mixing together like the clouds of a rainstorm that grew in the sky right before a down poor. Her skin was gold and flawless with beautiful shoulder length, golden blond hair with high lights of white. She looked like a delicate doll that needed to be cared for and protected.

 “I love horses. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden though.”

 “Well, we will just have to rimy that won’t we?" Jake put an arm around her shoulders than turned her towards the barn and away from his brother. If he couldn’t have her, his brother wasn’t going to either. There was no way he’d be able to see her with Kent. Was it jealousy? Or something else? Protectiveness maybe. Jake justified his feelings. Kent was to experienced for Destiny. She needed someone who would look after her and treat her like the rare treasure she was.

 The group entered the barn through a big door that led to the stables. There were two rows of stalls, the out side row had ten the inside row had eight, in-between the inside row was a gate that led into a rodeo size arena. Kent told them that there was an identical set of stalls on the other side of the barn.

 Kent asked if they would like to go riding and when all but Vickie said yes he gathered the hired cowhands and they brought in six horses and helped the group saddle them up. After a brief lesson in horsemanship everyone led their horses to the arena. The cowhands helped the girls on there mounts as the boys jumped on there’s and they all started at a walk around the great sandy floored oval. Jake rode along side Vickie, not by choice. Brian and Lisa rode side by side and Kent rode with Destiny.

 “You seem to be doing okay.” Kent said.

 “Well I have ridden before it’s just been a long time.” She smiled at her companion.      

 “You want to go a little faster like maybe a trot?” Kent asked.

 “Can you canter?”

 “Of course”

 “Good.” Destiny clicked to her mount and applied genital pressure to her sides and cantered away from him.

 Kent just stared in shock as he watched her ride off around the arena. He noticed Jake in a full run after her. ‘What the hell is he doing?’ Kent asked him self than took off after his brother. When he caught up to him he looked at Jake bewildered.

 “What are you doing?”

 “How could you just let that horse run off with Destiny?” Jake said angrily.

 Kent reached over and pulled on Jake rains “Whoa!” He said bringing both of them to a stop.

 “What the…”

 “Look at that girl, Jake.” His brother interrupted him. “Does it look like she’s having trouble controlling that animal?”

 Jake watched as Destiny guided her horse around the arena than over to the other three of the group who had stopped to watch her. She came up behind Jake and Kent waving as she went past. Jake watched in amazement as she went back around only this time at a full run. When she had gotten up next to them again she slowed her horse and came to a stop.

 “Well I thought we were riding? What happened?” She turned behind her and saw Brian, Lisa, and Vickie who was have a little trouble, walking up to them.

 “We were a little shocked. We thought you couldn’t ride.” Jake looked at her confused.

 “No, I think what I said was I hadn’t ridden in a long time.” She corrected.

 “So I see you haven’t forgotten to ride.” Lisa said as they rode up next to them.

 “Ride with me? I’ve got to cool her down.” Destiny walked her horse away from the others with Lisa following close to her.

 The boys and Vickie rode off behind them in silence. They rode around the arena a few more times before exiting the arena. Destiny and Lisa put up there own horses. Brian tried to put his away with some minor help from one of the cowhands. Vickie had gotten off her horse handing it to one of the other cowhands before marching out of the barn and back to the house. Jake and Kent undid their saddles and put their horses into one of the stalls.

 They walked back to the house Destiny and Lisa walking a head of the guys talking with each other. The men walked in silence, following the girls back up to the house. They all went in their separate rooms and changed for dinner than met up with each other in the dining room. Jake and Kent sat at the end of the table while Vickie and Destiny sat on one side and Brian and Lisa on the other.

 Nana came in placing platter after platter of food in front of them than sat her self on the other side of Jake. After everyone had dished up there food and began to eat Nana addressed Jake.

 “So you’re going to get married?” She smiled at him.

 Silence fell over the table.

 “How’d you know?” Jake looked at her.

 “Your dad called me.”

 “Oh!”

 “So which one of these young ladies are to be my grandsons wife.”

 “I am.” Vickie spoke up before Jake had a chance.

 “Not good on manors is she?” Nana spoke to Jake but stared at Vickie.

 “Young lady in this house we speak when spoken to and we don’t answer for other people.” Nana added before Jake could answer her.

 “Sorry ma’am.”

 To everyone’s amazement Vickie had apologized even Jake was noticeably surprised.

 “Quit all right just remember more people will want to be around you when you show proper respect.” She glanced back at Jake than down to Kent. “So what’s happening tomorrow?”

 “I thought Jake and Brian could come out and help me herd in the cattle; it’s time for their vaccinations. The girls could stay here and help you with the house.”

 “I want to come.” Destiny spoke up than looked at nana. “Sorry.”

 “It’s okay dear.”

 “No you can’t come.” Jake spoke up. “A cattle drive is dangerous and you can get hurt.”

 “I know what a cattle drive is. I’m not stupid.” Destiny looked at him than down at her supper picking at it with her fork.

 “I don’t see why she can’t come.” Kent reached over and touched her arm. “I think she’s proven her self to be a capable rider.”

 “Than it’s settled, Destiny and Brain will go with you and Jake tomorrow and the other two girls can stay here and help me around the house.” Nana said with finality to her voice than turned towards Destiny and winked at her.

 Destiny beamed from ear to ear, she was going to go on her first cattle drive and she was going to show Jake that she could handle her self on horse back. She was going to help with everything even the vaccinations. Destiny could hardly wait until tomorrow she was going to eat than go to bed so she could be nice and fresh in the morning. She ate with vigor as she looked over at Jake and noticed the look on his face; he was pissed. But she didn’t care damn it he had no right to tell her what to do he wasn’t even dating her. She ignored him and finished her dinner.

 After they had eaten everyone retired to there rooms Brian and Lisa giving each other a kiss before turning to there own separate rooms even Jake and Vickie gave each other a good night kiss, but this time Destiny didn’t feel sad at seeing the affection between the two, she was going to be riding a horse tomorrow and that was all that mattered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Destiny rolled over as a persistent beep rang in her ear; she opened one of her eyes and looked at the numbers on her alarm clock. 5:00 am stared back at her. Destiny reached out and turned off her alarm clock than flung her covers off of her body. She grabbed her bathrobe and slipped it on, than grabbed her towel and shampoo and headed out the door and down the stairs to the bathroom.

 Suddenly Destiny came up short, dropping everything she was carrying, she had run smack into….she looked up to see a set of crystal blue eyes framed by blond hair looking back at her. She crouched down and grabbed her towel than went for the shampoo bottle when a nicely tanned hand reached out and grabbed it, they both stood up to their full lengths.

 “Sorry, Kent. I didn’t see you standing there.” She held out her hand for her shampoo bottle.

 “Well that’s because I was walking.” He smiled at her than handed her back the shampoo bottle. “So why are you up this early?”

 “Because of the cattle drive. I have to get ready.”

 “Oh, well we don’t actually head out until seven.”

 “I know. I just didn’t want to be late.” She cocked her head to the side slightly. “Why are you up this early?”

 “I’m always up this early.” Kent chuckled softly.

 “Well I better go get in the shower.” Destiny smiled. “ Sorry again for running into you.”

 “Quit all right, It’s not everyday you get ran over by a beautiful women heading for the shower.” He smiled back at her.

 Destiny waved and turned away from him practically sprinting to the bathroom that was kiddy corner from the staircase. She opened the door and slipped inside closing the door behind her. Kent had almost given her a heart attack standing there like that, what the hell was he thinking? ‘Well he was thinking he’d use the stairs to go back to his room.’ Destiny told her self. ‘Damn girl next time pay attention to were your going.’

 

 

 

 

Kent watched Destiny slip into the bathroom. She was still beautiful after she woke up in the morning, which was rare for women. He knew from experience, only one woman he had ever been with actually woke up looking like the girl he had gone to bed with the night before and it was Rebecca his girlfriend when he was 17.

 Destiny was beautiful even though her hair was a little messy. Her lips dark pink, her eyes big and beautiful, her voice silky smooth, not raspy and course, He would bet money that she didn’t even snore. No wonder Jake was having such a problem only worrying about his woman, this young thing made you want to wrap your arms around her and never let her go, protect her forever.

 He turned back towards the stairs and began his accent up them. He was on his way to wake up Jake and Brian when he had his little set back with Destiny. He chuckled again at the thought of her looking at him like a doe caught in a pair of head lights, the bewilderment of what she had run into flashing in her eyes. Kent was going to have to tell his brother about this one.

 

 

 Jake was putting his shirt on when he heard someone knocking at his door. Well it can’t be one of the women there not allowed over on this side. ‘Than again,’ he thought ‘Vickie wouldn’t care whose rules they where she’d come over here anyway.’ Jake buttoned his shirt as the knocking sound came again.

 “Just a minute.” Jake walked over to the door and opened it.

 “You would never believe what happened to me this morning.” Kent walked in the door and over to Jake’s bed sitting on the corner.

 “What happened?” Jake sat in the chair that was next to his window and put on his shoes.

 “I ran into that pretty angel of yours..” he paused briefly. “or rather she ran into me.”

 “What are you talking about? You ran into Vickie? She’s never up this early.” Jake sat up and looked at him.

 “No the nice one, Destiny, she ran into me on the way to the bathroom.”

 Jake felt a pang of jealousy rise in him as the picture of Kent seeing her in her pajama’s rose in his mind. He sat back in the chair and stared at his brother. He saw the shocked look across his brother’s face as he realized how angry he was.

 “What’s wrong with you?” Kent stood up.

 “Nothing, was she alright or what.” Jake forced his voice to be neutral hoping his brother would not see the jealousy in him.

 “She’s fine. She was just a little shocked from seeing me I think, after gathering her stuff and apologizing for running into me she took off into the bathroom. God Jake she looked so cute in her bathrobe and bare feet you should have seen her.”

 “Well I’ll walk down with you to the dining room if you would like?” Jake smiled at his brother trying to change the subject to something else. He had not even had the pleasure of seeing her in her bathrobe and bare feet. ‘Ya but you got to touch her and kiss her.’ The voice in his head reminded him.

 “I have to go wake up Brian first.” Kent pointed over his shoulder with his thumb.

 “That’s okay I’ll go with you.” Jake walked to the door and after holding it open for his brother; he walked through it shutting it behind him.

 The two men walked over to Brian’s room and knocked on his door after waiting a few minutes it opened revealing a still sleepy Brian standing on the other side. He motioned them forward walking away from the door, leaving Kent to shut it behind him. Brian went over to his bed and plopped on his back leaving one leg to hang over the side.

 “What time is it?” He groaned.

 “It’s almost 5:30.” Jake answered.

 They saw him cringe.

 “Come on buddy, ya got to get up if you want to eat before we take off.” Kent sat in the chair in Brian’s room.

 “Do you guys always have to get up with the cows or chickens or what ever that phrase is?” Brian sat up and turned on his bed so both feet were touching the ground.

 “You’ll feel better when you get something in your belly.” Jake strolled over to Brian’s closet and picked out a shirt and some pants for him than walked over handing his friend the cloths.

 They watched Brian get dressed as he grumbled about how Lisa snuck in his room last night waking him up and than keeping him awake with her little seductive body. How he finely ushered her out of his room at 2:00 am in fear that nana would bust in and catch them any moment. Brian slipped on his shoes and walked over to his door holding it open for the other two men then all three stepped out into the hall one by one.

 They made there way down the hallway and to the landing of the stairs when they looked down and saw Destiny approaching them in her bathrobe, her hair was wet, and the scent of strawberries rose from her as she stopped in front of them. She looked towards Brian and smiled.

 “You look awake.” She teased.

 “Ya, thanks to Lisa.” He grumbled.

 “You wanted to play as much as she did and you know it.” She giggled. “You play you pay, bro.”

 “ Dess, now that you’ve totally taken her side why don’t you get your butt in your room and get some cloths on before my companions loose there minds completely.” Brian and Destiny glanced over at Jake and Kent who were staring at her like two bucks caught in headlights.

 Destiny chuckled than standing on her tippy toes kissed each one on the cheek. “I’ll be down in a few moments.” Destiny left the three men two of who were watching her walk to her room, she turned and waved goodbye than disappeared from view inside her bedroom.

 Destiny picked out a pair of blue jeans and a purple plaid flannel shirt than she slipped on her black boots. She put her hair in a French braid and grabbed her hat before heading out the door to meet the guys in the dining room.

 Destiny walked into the room and saw Jake and Kent at their customary spots at the end of the table and Brian sitting across from two of the cowhands. Destiny walked over and sat beside Brian. Nana was placing platters of food in the center of the table she looked up at Destiny and smiled slightly.

 “Sorry I’m late.” She smiled at the woman.

 “It’s alright dear, I heard you getting up this morning. Just try to be more organized tomorrow.” She turned and went back into the kitchen.

 The men sat there staring at her. Destiny wasn’t sure if maybe she’d forgotten to button a button or maybe her hair fell out or what. She ran her hand down her shirt counting the buttons as her fingers touched each one than ran a hand over her braid. Everything was fine. ‘Than what the hell were they looking at her for?’

 “Ladies dish first.” One of the cowhands said as he pointed to the food.

 “Sorry.” She smiled than reached for the platter of eggs in front of her. Destiny could feel the color rise in her cheeks. She passed the dish to Brian when she finished putting some eggs on her plate. After all the food was done being passed around the table she heard the cowhands say a prayer, she bowed her head in politeness. When they were done everyone picked up there silverware and began to eat. Conversation broke out amongst the men.

 “So we’re herding cattle today?” One of the cowhands asked before turning and looking at Destiny.

 “Yep.” Kent answered without looking up.

 “And you’re going to let a woman come along?” The other one asked.

 “It’s dangerous work, she could brake a nail.” The other one piped up.

 Destiny felt the anger growing in her belly. Damn to all hell that these men would judge her that way. After all, just because she was a woman didn’t mean she couldn’t handle her self. She sat her silverware down and looked at both men who sat across from her. She could see Jake and Kent ready to say something but she had beaten them to the punch.

 “Know listen up you red necked hillbillies. I’m not some damn city girl scared of my own shadow out here in the country, in fact I’m willing to bet each of you my first weeks pay to yours that I can out ride both of you before today’s end.”

 “A little spit fire, aren’t Ya.” They chimed together.

 “Kevin, Taylor.” Kent spoke roughly. “I’ve seen her ride and if I didn’t think she was capable I would not have let her come along. I think you both owe her an apology.”

 “ We were just josh’en with her.” Taylor spoke up.

 “I don’t care. That was rued to jump to conclusions like that. Especially when you don’t even know her.” Jake added.

 “Okay,” He looked up at Destiny. “Sorry ma’am.”

 “Ya sorry ma’am.” Kevin added.

 “It’s fine just forget about it.” She looked up at the men, a smile slowly rising across her face. Than added. “So you two want to bet or what?”

 They turned and looked at each other briefly than turned back to the lovely young woman that had challenged them. Kevin answered first. “No way ma’am any woman willing to bet as much money as you are, has to know she can whip our butts.”

 “Ya that would be pretty stupid on our part.”

 “You two have a low impression of women.” She smiled at them. “I’m just going to see if I can change that.”

  The two men smiled than turned back to their plates, color filling their cheeks. Kent and Jake watched the whole exchange in amazement. They could not believe how well this girl could handle her self and how she didn’t hold any grudges. The only one who didn’t seem surprised was Brian who was chuckling to him self before turning to Destiny and putt a hand on her shoulder.

 “That’s my girl.” He gave it a little squeeze than turned back towards his plate.

 The group resumed there eating. When they were finished they stood up from the table and walked out of the dining area. They followed Kent out side and to the barn were they took out there horses and geared them up. Shortly afterward they had exited the barn and was headed out to open prairie. Destiny was so excited she could hardly wait.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Destiny stared at the prairie that awaited her. They had come to a stop where nothing could be seen but wide-open space. A beautiful mountain accented with trees as its backdrop, white clouds drifting among the trees like silent observers from the heavens. Destiny felt like she had been transported to another world.

 “So what do you think?” Jake asked her.

 “Oh Jake it’s so beautiful out here.” She turned towards him. “It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Jake was living in a dream he had actually found a woman who liked the country, who understood the beauty of nature and how free you could feel under the saddle of a horse. She was breath taking, looking at this world like a child in a candy shop. Jake knew this dream could only last a little while. After all as soon as she realized how far she was from civilization she would only want to go back, just like all the others. Besides he was still going to marry Vickie for the sake of their child. Nothing would ever change that.

 “Jake are you okay?” Destiny saw the look of melancholy cross his face.

 “Nothing, so you ready to herd some cattle?” Jake moved his horse closer to her and pointed towards the horizon.

 Destiny looked to the edge of the prairie and saw a brown line in the distance. She could see the cowhands had ridden close to the herd and was running them towards her and Jake. Kent and Brian where in the background making sure they kept coming their direction.

 “Jake I don’t know if I can do this?” Her insecurity coming to the surface as she saw the speeding cattle head towards her.

 “You can do anything.” He reached over and took her hand in his and giving it a little squeeze. “Just fall in behind Kent, your main job is to make sure there are no strays.”

 “And if there are?”

 “Just run them back towards the herd they should fall in.” Jake let go of her hand and took up his reins. “You can do this Dess, just believe in your self.” He bent over and kissed her softly on the cheek, than took off towards the other side of the herd.

 Destiny watched as the cowhands whistled and through ropes in circles over there heads. They were almost on top of her now. The herd rushed by, the pounding of hooves vibrated the ground. She turned her horse and started her at a run coming in behind Kent as he moved by her.

 She was running, herding cattle and she was doing it all on her own. Destiny felt like she was born for this kind of life. This was where she belonged. Nothing else mattered just her, her horse and the cattle. She watched everything, watched for strays, as they would separate from the herd than she would speed up and push them back in line than would slow down and fall behind Kent again.

 Destiny saw a great corral a head of them; it’s gate standing wide open like a giant mouth, swallowing the cattle as they entered. Kevin and Taylor had jumped off their mounts and stood by the gate ready to close it as the last cattle entered. Jake, Kent, Brian, and Destiny broke off at the last minute as the cattle rushed the fence. Kevin and Taylor ran in behind them and closed the gate, latching it shut. Destiny, Jake, Brian, and Kent brought their horses around to the front of the corral and dismounted, Destiny grinning ear to ear.

 “Damn girl where’d you learn to ride like that?” Taylor walked up to her giving her a friendly pat on the back.

 “Thank god we didn’t take her up on that bet. Haw Taylor.” Kevin walked up to them.

 “Okay you two if your done yapping we got cattle to vaccinate.” Kent walked up to them. “Good job princess.”

 They walked away from her, Kevin mounting up as Taylor opened the pin and Kevin going in with the cattle. Destiny watched as he herded one of the cattle into a weird vise like contraption that held their heads secure as Kent gave them a shot in their necks than Taylor opened it and the cattle jumped out as another was loaded in.

 “See told you you could do it.” Jake walked up to her and gave her a hug than with out thinking about it leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips he pulled back slightly so they were almost touching. He looked into her eyes and saw the same storm brewing in her that began to brew in him. Only Brian’s voice drew them out of their trance.

 Brain watched as Jake came up to Destiny and embraced her in a hug, than he saw him kiss her. Brian looked around to see if anyone else had seen, they were all to busy with the cattle. Brian had a feeling there was something between these two, but he wasn’t going to say anything. He thought they made a great couple. However he did not want this to get back to Vickie or Lisa. Destiny and he would never hear the end of it.

 “Hay you two was that fun or what.” He walked up to them.

 They separated and looked at Brian who was looking away at the three men messing with the cattle. Jake stepped away from her and over to Brian smiling. He threw his arm around Brian’s shoulders and started to walk with him over to where his brother and the cowhands where.

 Destiny stared at the two men as they walked off like nothing had happened. She new Brian had saw them and was curious why he hadn’t said anything and then the way Jake just walked off and didn’t say anything to her. ‘Men are stupid.’ she told herself. Than walked over to the gate where the horses were tied and stood they’re petting and talking to them after all they were more intelligent creatures than her present company.

 “So how’d you like your first cattle drive?”

 Kent walked up to her. She was petting his black stallion cooing to it softly. He had no doubt her voice could tame the most savage of beasts. She turned and looked up at him, a tear glistening in the sunlight, she quickly wiped it away with her fingers and smiled at him.

 “What’s the matter?”

 “Nothing just taken a back by all the excitement.”

 “Destiny, I know the difference between tears of sadness and tears of joy.” He reached over putting a hand on his horse’s neck.

 “I’m fine Kent don’t worry about it.” She turned and looked at the guys, Brain wincing as Jake stuck a needle into a calf.

 “We’re almost done. When we get back you want to go swimming?”

 “Sure it sounds fun.”

 “Okay than, it’s a date.” He bent forward and kissed her cheek, than turned and walked back over to where the other men where.

 Soon after Kent had left all the cattle were given there shots and everyone mounted up heading back to the barn. This time Kevin and Taylor rode side by side with Destiny telling her how surprised they were when they saw her ride and how she must have taken lessons and there was no way she could be from the city, city girls just didn’t ride that way.

 Destiny sat in between them soaking up their comments and smiling as they would finish each other’s sentences. She had forgotten about Jake and his stupid male ego. She just rode with two cowboys that were treating her like one of their own. Taylor had pointed towards the mountains, muttering about Indian burial grounds and how at night you could hear the war cries of the braves as they rode out from the graves protecting their lands. Destiny was entranced by the tells the two men were weaving that it was a shock when she realized she had reached the barn.

 Destiny insisted on taking care of her horse and didn’t allow one of the cowhands that were working in the barn that day to take the horse from her. When she had taken all the tack off her mount she got a brush and started to brush her. She was a beautiful palomino with one white stocking on her back right leg and a white blaze that ran from forehead to nose. Destiny put her away when she was done and headed towards the house.

 She saw Kent and Jake sitting on the steps waiting for her. Destiny walked up to them stopping just in front of the stairs. ‘Now why would they be out here?’ She wondered. They had smiles plastered to there faces so she new it couldn’t be that bad.

 “I guess your wondering why we’re out here?” Kent asked.

 “The thought crossed my mind.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest.

 “Well we thought maybe you would like a picnic by the lake.” Jake stood up.

 “I thought Nana didn’t serve food after ten.”

 “Except when we’re late because of work.” Kent smiled and stood up by his brother.

 “What about everyone else?”

 “Well the girls got done with their chores early and went into town to have lunch they aren’t back yet.” Jake smiled.

 “ Brian was so sore from the ride nana told him to go lay down and she would give him his lunch in bed, Kevin and Taylor are eating in the dining room.” Kent added.

 “Okay than, let’s go.”

 “What about your bathing suit?” Kent and Jake asked simultaneously.

 “Are we going or what? I’m to tiered to climb those stairs.” She said the last part more to her self than the men.

 They walked over to the lake Destiny following behind them. When they reached the lake Destiny noticed a blanket, a picnic basket, and a stack of towels lying on the ground. Jake and Kent turned, each holding out an arm pointing towards the blanket, smiles across their faces. Destiny smiled back and walked over to the blanket and sat down followed by her companions.

 “So when did you guys find time to do this? I know I wasn’t in the barn that long.”

 “We cheated a little.” Jake smiled at her.

 “I had Miranda, one of our house maids and John our cook bring them out while we were waiting for you.” Kent took the basket and started spreading dishes out in front of them.

 “I’ll have to thank them.” Destiny said.

 “Well this will be our last chance to relax. We are supposed to start receiving guests tomorrow.” Kent said.

 They sat and ate there lunch quietly. When they were done the boys packed the empty dishes in the basket than pulled off their shirts and jeans reveling a pair of swim trunks. Destiny took off her hat than unbuttoned her shirt stripping her self of the cloth, showing a black sports bra with a gold dragon embroidered on the left side. Destiny than took off her jeans showing a pair of matching high cut panties. She turned and ran into the lake and began to do the breaststroke.

 “Not shy is she?” Kent smiled at his brother than took off towards the lake, diving off a dock that was placed there for the summer.

 Jake felt a tinge of anger rise in him as he watched his brother and Destiny splashing each other in the water. How dare she just strip down to almost nothing right there in front of his brother. Jake grabbed his shirt and pants and put them back on than walked towards the house. He was so mad not even the cold water would be able to cool him down.

 As Jake reached the house he heard the horn of one of the ranches van beep as it drove up the driveway. Vickie was waving frantically out the passenger side window as Lisa pulled to a stop beside him. Vickie jumped out and ran into Jakes arms. Cloths bags hung from her arms and hands.

   “I can’t wait to show you everything I bought. You’re just going to love them.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. Than turned and ran into the house.

 “So how was your cattle thing?” Lisa walked up to Jake who was staring off after Vickie.

 “Fine! How much money did she spend?”

 “I’ll let her tell you.” Lisa smiled and walked over to the house disappearing inside.

 Jake followed both woman in the house and walked up the stairs to Vickie’s room. Even though no men were allowed in the girls rooms Jake thought it would be alright if he left the door open, but he had to find out what money Vickie used, he new she had brought a hundred dollars with her but that stuff in the bags looked a lot more expensive than a hundred dollars. He walked into Vickie’s room and watched her lay her new cloths out on the bed.

 “Jake aren’t they beautiful?” She asked as she noticed him standing there.

 “How much was all this?” He walked over towards the bed were the pile of clothes was still increasing in size.

 “Only eight hundred and something.” She turned and smiled at him. “I got something for you too.”

 “Where did you get the money?” Jake asked as Vickie walked up to him holding a flannel shirt to his chest.

 “Well I used your charge accounts.” She turned and walked away from him back to the bed admiring her recent purchases.

 “How were you able to use my charge accounts?”

 “I showed them a letter saying you gave me your permission.”

 “A what?” he said angrily.

 “Now Jake don’t be mad I needed new cloths with the baby and all.” She walked up to him putting her arms around his waist and looking up at him.

 Jake pulled away from her and walked over to the bed and grabbed a pair of pants off the mattress. He held them in front of him. “These do not look like maternity cloths. There not even a bigger size than what you wear know.”

 “See if I buy you anything again.” Vickie dropped his shirt on the floor than walked over to the bed and started folding the cloths and putting them away.

 “These clothes are going back.” Jake threw the pants down on the bed.

 “No there not.” Vickie said calmly.

 “Yes they are.” He squared his shoulders preparing for a battle.

 “If you want me to stay here than I need some kind of out let. I will not be cooped up on this land with nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs. Now will you please leave?” She walked to the door and placed a hand on the knob waiting for him to leave before closing it.

 Jake walked over to the door and looked at her. “If you keep these cloths you will pay me back every sent you charged.”

 “I’ve already paid you back, I’m hear aren’t I.” She slammed the door in his face.

 Jake was so angry he had to just get away. First Destiny stripping down to hardly anything in front of his brother than Vickie charging eight hundred or better to his charge accounts. ‘Women, who in the hell needs them,’ He said to himself. He walked down the hall and stairs than out the door.

 

 

 

 

Destiny looked over to where the blanket was laying on the ground and noticed Jake was gone. She looked around the Lake for signs of him when she didn’t see anything she turned towards Kent.

 “Where’s Jake?”

 “I don’t know.” Kent looked around the lake.

 “Do you think he’s in trouble?” She scanned the surface of the water.

 “No Jakes an excellent swimmer, He probably just went back to see if his girlfriend was there yet.” He walked up to her and put his hands on her waist.

 “What are you doing?” Destiny looked at him, her stomach cramping with nervousness.

 “Maybe he left us alone on purpose.” Kent pulled her against him and took her lips with his.

 Destiny put her hands on his chest and pushed him away from her. She saw the confusion in his eyes as he let go of her waist and stood their staring at her. Destiny didn’t think this guy had ever been turned down before by the look of bewilderment in his eyes, but there was no way she could cheat on Jake. Cheat on Jake, she laughed at her self, cheat on someone who doesn’t even know you’re alive, now that’s stupid. The fact was that she just didn’t feel the same surge of electricity that surged through her when Jake kissed her. And she didn’t want to settle for anything less.

 “I’m sorry,” She reached up to touch his cheek. He pulled away from her. She dropped her hand. “I’m sort of saving my self for someone. Please don’t be mad.”

 “Well maybe I can change your mind before the end of summer?” He smiled at her.

 “Maybe,” she smiled back at him than headed for the shore. “Let’s get back I’m getting kind of cold.”

 “Sure.”

 They got out of the water and went over to the blanket where they dried off with the towels that were brought for them. Destiny asked Kent to turn around while she slipped out of her underwear and bra and back into her shirt and jeans, She wrapped her garments in her towel and grabbed her hat. When she was done Kent reached down and grabbed his cloths than put his shoes on. They walked back up to the house together.

 “Isn’t that Jake over there?” Destiny pointed to a large willow tree off to the side of the house. A figure sat on one of the branches.

 “It kind of looks like him doesn’t it?” Kent started to walk over to the tree when Destiny grabbed his arm.

 “Why don’t you go up to the house and I’ll go see if Jakes okay.”

 “Are you sure?”

 “I’m sure. Go on and let Lisa know I’ll be along shortly. Kent can you take my stuff in for me?” She smiled. And held out the towel with her undergarments wrapped in it.

 “I’ll put this in your room.” He took the towel and put it under his arm that was holding the basket and placed her hat on his head, it didn’t fit so she giggled to her self as he walked away.

 Kent walked back towards the house. Destiny waited until he disappeared inside than walked over to where the tree stood looming over a small doghouse. Destiny approached cautiously, than saw an old bloodhound lying in its doorway. It lifted its head to look at her than obviously deciding she was no threat, it laid its head back down and went to sleep. Destiny walked over to the trunk of the tree and looked up smiling at Jake straddling a thick branch.

 “Some guard dog.” Destiny said jokingly.

 “Go away Destiny.” Jake said in an angry voice.

 “What’s wrong with you?”

 Jake looked down at her briefly than lifted his head and stared out at the mountains.

 “Why don’t you come down here and talk to me?”

 “No, just go away.”

 “Look Jake if your not going to come down here and talk to me,” Destiny walked to the tree and began to climb it. “I’ll just have to come up there and talk to you.”

 Destiny finished the climb and sat down across from him on the same branch. Jake just looked at her. Was there anything this girl couldn’t do? He brought up one of his legs and rested his foot on the branch careful not to loose his balance than laid his arm on his knee. He grabbed some leaves and started to tear them into little bits.

 “What are you doing up here?”

 “Trying to find out what’s wrong with you.” She looked at him angrily.

 “Nothing I just want to be alone.” He looked down at his hands watching his fingers mutilating the leaves.

 “Well that’s obvious.” She looked down at his hands than back to his face. “Now are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

 “Trust me you don’t want to know.”

 “Try me.”

 Jake sighed. “Fine!” He said angrily. “You really want to know?”

 “That’s why I’m here.” She matched his tone.

 “What the hell did you think you were doing stripping in front of my brother like that?"

 “First of all it was hardly stripping. Second why would you care anyway? You’ve made it perfectly clear that you want nothing to do with me other than just a friends.”

 “That’s not true, I have other obligations that you don’t understand.”

 “So why don’t you explain them to me?”

 “Why don’t you tell me why you practically stripped in front of my brother?”

 “First of all it was a sports bra and a pair of cotton underwear, If you ask me a bikini is much more reveling.”

 “I’m sure my brother didn’t think so?” He looked up at her.

 “I’ve already told your brother I’m not interested.” Destiny turned and started to climb down the tree.

 “So he did try something?” Jake scooted down the branch and to the trunk and followed her down.

 “Don’t worry about it Jake.” She stopped momentarily to look up at him. “You have other obligations remember.”

 “Damn it, Destiny.” He saw her resume her decent, reaching the ground. He jumped the few remaining feet and ran after her as she walked away from him. He caught her by the arm and spun her around to face him.

 “Let me go.” She pulled her arm from his grip.

 Jake reached up and clutched her face in his hands fresh tears hit his skin like warm raindrops stinging his hands as they hit his skin steadily.

 “Don’t you understand that I have never wanted a women more than I want you? That every time I see you with another guy I am so consumed by jealously that I could kill. The thought of you being with anyone other than me drives me crazy.”

 “Than why can’t you leave her?” She said angrily.

 “Because I could never live with my self if I did.” He lowered his voice to almost a whisper.

 “What ever she’s got on you, I’ll help you fight it.”

 “Maybe it would be better if you got together with my brother.” Jake changed the subject.

 “Jake I told you I want nothing to do with him in that way. I wasn’t trying to flirt with him. I was just tiered and hungry and didn’t want to go up stairs to get my bathing suit on.” She cried.

 “I know, honey.” He pulled her in his arms and hugged her. “ I’m sorry for being angry.”

 Jake held her tight against him.

 “To tell you the truth I was trying to flirt with you.” Destiny stepped away and looked at him.

 Jake lifted her chin than gently wiped away her tears with his thumb, he bent her head slightly and captured her lips with his. She tasted of salt from her tears and apples from her lunch. She pressed her body in to his totally giving her self to him. ‘This girl is going to completely drive me out of my mind.’ He thought.

 Jake pulled away from her, his blood boiling to the point of over flowing. If he didn’t stop now he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to. He brushed stray hairs that had escaped from her braid away from her face and looked into her eyes that were begging him for more.

 “What I’m I going to do with you?” He whispered.

 “Take me and make me yours.” She said as the storm rose in her eyes.

 “Come my sweet angel time to go.” He smiled than kissed her on the forehead and took her hand and walked towards the house.

 Jake new he would never be able to accept her request. If he ever made love to her he would be lost. Torn between her and his other obligations. He would literally self-destruct.

 Jake and Destiny walked in to the house and dropped each other’s hands when they saw

everyone sitting in the living room. Everybody was to busy talking to even notice that they had walked in together. Jake gently pushed Destiny forward than after she had gone a few steps he started to follow. Destiny sat by Brian and Lisa as Jake sat next to Vickie they looked up at Kent who was standing in the middle of the room holding a piece of

paper and reading from it.

 “…Okay, so tomorrow were going to need a couple of people to drive into town with one of the vans and the truck to pick up our guests. Brian, Lisa I was hoping you could do that for me?” He paused and looked at the couple.

 They nodded.

“Good and I would like Vickie and Destiny to get the cabins ready we only need four of them for right now so each girl could take two.” Kent turned and looked from Destiny to Vickie.

 Vickie was going to object but after seeing Destiny nod her head she decided to go a head and give her approval. There was no way this little brat was going to show her up in front of Jake or his brother.

 “So that leaves Jake and me, I’m sure we can find something that needs to be done tomorrow. I’m also going to need daily activity coordinators. I’m going to read off a list of what I need when I’m done we will go around the room and you can tell me what you would like to do and why and we’ll decide from there.” Kent pointed to his brother.

 Everyone nodded in agreement.

 “Here goes, I need someone who can drive boats, someone who can swim to be our lifeguard, and someone who can do trail rides. Jake or I can take you and show you the trails before bed tonight, there really easy. Than I need some one that can take the guests into town when they want to go. This means that your going to have to go were they want to go and open and close doors for them, you will be at there every beck and call.” Kent turned and looked at Vickie briefly before turning his attention back to the clipboard.

 “Okay who wants to do the boat thing?”

 “I will.” Brian raised his hand. “My dad owns a boat so I know how to drive one.”

 “Okay!” Kent pointed at Brain with his pen than directed it towards the paper and wrote down Brains name next to boats. Than looked at Lisa.

 “ Lisa your next.”

 “I used to swim for my high school swim team and I recently took CPR for extra credit in my health science’s class.”

 “That’s good, lifeguard than?”

 Lisa nodded.

 “Dessie?” He looked at her.

 “I want to do the trail ride thing.”

 “Thought you might.” He winked at her. “Vickie?” He turned towards his brother and his girlfriend.

 “Well I like to go to town so I guess I can do that.”

 “Just remember, the guests are in control of where they go not you. It could also mean some nights away from here if they want to go to a movie or out to dinner or something. If they do decide to do those activities I will give you an allowance so you can do what you want during your free time. Do you agree with everything?”

 “Ya! I agree. It’s fine Kent I totally understand.”

 “Good. We have just over an hour before supper. We can go to the lounge and relax while we wait. One more thing before I forget. At the end of supper each day the guests will be invited to the lounge for a drink or something. All of us together are host and hostesses. We need to dress nice for supper. We will be setting up another dining table tonight, tomorrow when the guests have arrived please mingle with them. Lets not all sit at one table. I would like it if you all could be dressed nice and standing on the porch when they arrive, too? Please.”

 Everyone nodded in agreement and than went over to the den or lounge as Kent called it. They played pool, and listened to music waiting for Nana to call them to supper. Kent was telling Vickie and Destiny that they only had to make up the beds in the guest houses that were under the trees and wipe off the cob webs and dust so it didn’t look like they were sitting there vacant all winter.

 Jake was drawing a map to the airport for Brian incase he couldn’t remember the way there. Brian was nodding as Jake was telling him the road names as he drew. Lisa was hanging over Brian’s shoulder staring at the piece of paper when nana came in dressed in a floral print dress.

 “Come eat.” She said.

 “Now nana you can’t announce the meals like that when the guests arrive.” Kent jumped off the couch and looked at her.

 “Don’t be stupid, of course I wont announce meals like that. I’ll say please at the end.”

 “Nana!” Kent walked up to her.

 “Kent darling,” She reached up and touched his cheek. “Don’t you trust this old women?”

 Before he could answer her she turned and walked away. Brian and Jake put an arm around his shoulders and ushered him into the dining room. Vickie walked with Lisa they were talking about how neat it was going to be and how it kind of reminded them of outdoor school when they were counselors. Destiny walked behind the group waiting for each person to sit down. She was relieved when Lisa and Vickie sat together and Brian held a chair out for her. She gladly accepted it. He sat down beside her. Jake and Kent took their customary spots at the end of the table.

 The platters of food were placed in a line in front of them; everyone dished up and ate between conversations of what time the plane was supposed to land and how many guests were coming and how long they were staying. Brian turned to Destiny and smiled. He whispered in her ear.

 “So how long have you and Jake been secretly together?”

 “What are you talking about?” She whispered back. Glancing at the others briefly making sure they weren’t noticed. Everyone else was to engulfed in there own conversations.

 “I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. And that kiss next to the cattle? Not to mention the way you two walked in here holding hands earlier. Come on Dess let big brother in?” He whispered.

 “ Nothings going on, he was just comforting me when I feel on the stairs out side, and as for the kiss, your way over exaggerating it, it was just a friendly peck.” She smiled.

 “What about the way you two look at each other?”

 “How do we look at each other?”

 “Any person who’s not blind can see the two of you wanting to tare each others cloths off every time you look at one another.”

 “That’s not true.” She spoke out load. Suddenly everyone was looking at them.

 “What’s not true?” Jake looked at them.

 “Nothing I was just teasing her.” Brian smiled and than resumed his eating.

 “You know brother and sister stuff.” Destiny smiled than went back to her eating.

 “But there not brother and sister.” Vickie spoke up.

  “Close enough.” Lisa smiled than drew Vickie’s attention back to there original conversation.

 When every one resumed their previous activity and stopped looking at them, Brian leaned over and whispered in Destiny’s ear again.

 “I think you and Jake belong together, don’t worry sis your secret’s safe with me.” He turned back towards his food.

 Brian new and he didn’t care; he thought her and Jake were good together. Some how those words made everything okay? Suddenly Destiny felt that with enough time Jake would come and realize Brian and her were right. Vickie and him fit together like a square peg in a round hole. Jake belonged to her. She was his destiny. She chuckled softly to her self and finished her supper.

 

 

 When they had finished everyone went back to the lounge and sat talking or playing pool. Kent walked over to his brother who was leaning against the bar and watching Destiny and Brian playing a game of pool. She had control of the table and had knocked in most of her balls when she missed the side pocket. Brian walked up and lined up his shot.

 “Jake.” Kent put a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

 “Ya!” Jake watched as Brian missed and Destiny took control of the table again.

 “I need you to take Dess out on the trails I have to stay here and make sure that table gets set up for tomorrow.” Kent leaned against the bar and watched Destiny knock another of her balls in a pocket.

 “Sure, when?”

 “As soon as she done playing this game. Which looks like any minute.” He commented as she sunk the eight ball in the corner pocket.

 Destiny laid the stick on the table and ran up hugging Brian, yelling she had beaten him finely. She looked over and saw Jake watching at her with a big grin on his face. She ran over and embraced him in a big bear hug than turned in his arm and pointed towards Brian who was scrutinizing the table.

 “I beat him. Did you see Jake? I had him running scared.” She turned again to look at him.

 “Ya I saw.” He said affectingly, gently brushing a stray hair from her nose. “Kent wanted to know if I could take you up to the trails so you could get a feel for them.”

 Destiny turned and saw Kent looking at her questionably. “Sure that would be great.”

 Destiny stepped back from Jake and smiled at his brother. She didn’t want him to know Jake was the one she was waiting for. But the look on his face said he already new. She could see the realization come over him like a veil. He wasn’t competing for Destiny’s affections from some unknown guy; he was competing against his brother.

 “Actually Jake you probably want to spend some time with Vickie. I can take her and do the table tomorrow.”

 “Don’t worry about it, Vickie seems to be getting along with out me and I don’t want you rushing you self tomorrow.” Jake stood up from the bar, his hand touching the curve of Destiny’s back.

 “Are you sure? I don’t mind postponing until tomorrow.”

 “Will you stop worrying?” He smiled at his brother than walked Destiny out the back sliding glass door and over to the barn.

 Destiny looked behind her as Jake ushered her out the door and saw a very defeated looking Kent watching her. She walked hand and hand with Jake to the Barn. They geared up their horses Destiny taking the Palomino again and walked them out of the Barn. They mounted up and Jake handed her a flashlight.

 “Normally we wouldn’t be riding in the dark but we’ll all be to busy to show you the trails tomorrow.” He started his mount at a walk with Destiny following. “If they want to ride they’ll come to the barn and let you know. Do not under any circumstances let them gear up there own horses ask the men working in the barn to help you do it.”

 “What if they insist they know how to do it?”

 “Just tell them there supposed to be on vacation which means they relax and you guys work. That usually cools their heels.”

 “Jake do you think your brothers going to be alright?”

 “I’ve got to admit I’ve never seen him this nervous before? He’s kind of got me worried.”

 “That’s not what I meant?”

 Jake looked at her questionably.

 “I mean he seemed a little upset when you turned down his offer.”

 “He’s just worried I’m not going to be able to spend enough time with Vickie this summer because of all the extra responsibilities I’ve taken on.”

 Destiny didn’t think that was what was bothering Kent. It was more likely that Jake was spending too much time with Destiny. She had known Kent had liked her by the way he looked at her the first time they had met. She had been sure it was just admiration, until the incident in the lake and than the way he looked at her when he finely realized it was his brother she was waiting for. Kent had looked like she had just stabbed him in the heart.

 Destiny rode silently threw the wooded trails ignoring Jakes pleas to stop and rest. She new what he wanted and some where deep down she had wanted it to, but now playing the look on Kent’s face over and over in her head she just didn’t feel like it. What her and Jake wanted was wrong. They would just end up hurting people they both cared about. When Jake finely gave up they headed back to the barn and put their horses away.

 Jake walked over to Destiny as she hung up her horse’s halter on the rack next to the stalls; he grabbed her wrists and gently pushed her against the barn wall holding her hands above her head. She struggled against him. He bent his head down towards her and captured her lips aggressively kissing her hard. He released her lips moving down her neck stopping at the curve that turned into her shoulder.

 “Jake, we can’t. It’s wrong.”

 “Oh god Destiny I want you so bad I’m going out of my mind.” He said against her soft flesh. “I don’t care anymore, I just don’t care.”

 “We can’t do this.” She struggled against his grip.

 Jake moved down to her breasts softly biting her erect nipple through her shirt. He heard her gasp and than moan as his mouth curved around the tiny bud. If she still struggled after this he was going to let her go, than jump in the lake. He told himself. He could feel her go limp, as her struggles to stop him gave way to senses of pleasure. Jake could feel his blood rush through his body as he became stiff with desire for her.

 Destiny’s breath became ragged as the pleasure overwhelmed her. She didn’t want this to happen, she even tried to stop it but when Jake had touched her she felt her all reserves melt away. Her sense of right and wrong became hazy as her desire rose. Her mind couldn’t think of anything other than where he was going to touch her next. She felt him put her arms around his neck than let go of her wrists and lifted her on his hips, she could feel the hardness throbbing in his jeans, she gasped as she felt a tinge of desire come from between her legs as she wrapped them around his waist. She had never felt anything like it before. She hugged him tightly pressing her body against him as he carried her over to the hay, grabbing a horse blanket on his way.

 Jake threw the blanket on the hay than dropped to his knees laying Destiny down on her back. He reached down and unbuttoned her shirt, her erect nipples begging him for more of his kisses. Jake bent down and took one in his mouth and kneading the other with his hand, Destiny’s back arched up to him begging him for more as groans of pleasure escaped her throat.

 Jake moved his hand down her belly and under her pants to the little downy hair that stood guard over her woman hood. He gasped as he pushed further and found her soft and wet ready to receive him. He stood up on his knees and unbuttoned her jeans pulling them down over her hips, freeing them of her legs. She sat up and got on her knees in front of him than leaned forward kissing his neck and than his chin until she found his lips and took them with hers. Every touch she gave him sent fire rushing to every part of his body.

 “Are you sure?” He asked between kisses.

 “I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life.” She looked at him briefly than leaned forward capturing his lips once again.

 Destiny found his shirt buttons with her fingers and began to undo them as fast as possible. When she got them all undone she tore his shirt from his body than moved her hands to his jeans unfastening the button. Destiny’s fingers were shaking. Jake reached down and helped her unzip his jeans than rolled over on his back as she slid them off. He guided her on top of him and sat her down on his hips he felt the little barrier give as her full weight settled on him.

 Destiny felt a rush of pain as he slipped inside her. “Owe… owe it stings.” She cried as Jake sat up, lifting her gently and turning her placing her on her back. He didn’t allow him self to leave her. He knew if he could just stay inside her and give her body time to adjust it wouldn’t hurt so badly. He looked at her and kissed the tear that fell from her eye. Her chin quivered as she tried to hold back sobs.

 “Why didn’t you tell me?” He spoke softly.

 “I didn’t think it mattered. I didn’t know it would hurt.” She looked up at him.

 “Aw honey, you should have let me know.” He lifted his hand to her cheek.

 “I told you I never had a boyfriend or anything.”

 The memory of the first time she had rode with him in Oregon came rushing back in his mind. He remembered how shocked he had been to find out Brian had to go through an interview with her parents. Than the memory of their kiss at the campsite rose in front of him, he had brushed off the part about the interview because he had believed she had lied to him. He remembered thing that she had to be experienced because of the way she could get him to react to her. Maybe he was reacting to her that way because there was something deeper there than he thought? He would have to analyze that idea later. He pushed the memory out of his head and bent down to whisper in her ear.

 “It will only hurt a little and than it will go away.”

 She nodded.

 Jake felt her body go ridged and a small cry came from her lips when he moved inside her. He looked down at her, her eyes were shut and she was biting her bottom lip. He moved again slowly, giving her body time to adjust to him. Seeing her in pain was almost unbearable. Jake wanted to stop but it was to late, she had chosen him to be the one to take her for the first time and he wasn’t going to reject her now.

 “Almost over honey, I’m so sorry.”

 Destiny dug her nails in back. She was trying hard not to show so much pain, but it hurt. Lisa never told her about this part. She knew Jake was having a hard time watching her trying to make it through. She forced her self to relax with every ounce of will power she possessed.

 “Don’t stop Jake, Promise me you won’t stop.” She looked up at him.

 He looked at her, it hit him like a run away train, he had never loved anything more than he loved her right now. It scared him to death. He leaned forward capturing her mouth with his. Destiny began to relax and moans of desire rose from her through his kisses.

 “Oh god, Jake.” Destiny cried out his name as she felt strange sensations run through her body. “What’s happening to me?”

 She felt her body quiver uncontrollably as the room began to spin around her. Her mind empted of everything but that moment. She felt Jake sink deeper inside her as she felt her body tense under him. She cried out his name. Than she relaxed as everything was drained from her. She looked up at Jake licking her dry lips.

 “That my darling, is what will happen from now on you wont fell pain ever again.” He bent down and kissed her. Her arms wrapped around him as she moved her lips to his throat and than whispered in his ear.

 “That was incredible. And it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

 “My turn.” He smiled as he started to slowly move inside her again.

 Jake felt the rush of pleasure sweep over him. Except this time it was different, more intense. He knew it was because he loved her. God help him he loved this woman more than life it’s self. Jake new he was doomed when she called out his name. His body began to quiver as he neared his climax. He felt Destiny’s breath on his neck as she held him against her. Her own body quivered again as she neared her second explosion.

 “Oh god.” He whispered in her ear. As they both gave in to there bodies.

 “I love you, Jake Ryan.” She whispered in his ear as he shuddered above her one last time.

 He laid on her, spent. He wanted to be inside her a little while longer. Holding on to the dream he couldn’t have. She loved him and now he had to push her away. The love he felt for her and his child was tearing him apart. He felt her stroking his hair than move her hand slowly down his back. Jake had to leave her now before she aroused him again.

 “I can’t believe you were still a virgin?” He lay on his back looking up at the ceiling of the barn.

 “I was saving my self for the right guy.” She turned over on her side propping her self on one elbow laying her other arm on his chest playing with the soft hair, her fingertips brushing against them softly.

 Jake turned towards her, looking into her stormy eyes. This was all wrong. He had wanted her and had claimed her; god he still wanted her. But it had been okay when he had thought she had had sex before. Now that he new she had chosen him to be the one to bring her into woman hood, his guilt rose inside him like a savage monster. There was no way he could be with her and now he knew there was no way he would be able to forget her either. She had trusted him so completely that she chose to share the most intimate part of her self with him. ‘Stop beating your self up, Jake.’ The voice in his head told him. ‘She knew what she was getting her self into when she agreed to this, there where no secrets.’

 Jake stood up and started to get dressed he threw his jeans on than his shirt leaving it unbuttoned. He slipped his boots on than reached down grabbing her cloths and tossing them at her. He watched as she reached down and grabbed them holding them close to her body. Tears streamed down her face. He felt his heart ripe in two.

 “What did I do wrong?”

 “Get dressed Destiny.” He said angrily. He was mad at himself for what he had done to her. She had said no and he forced her to say yes by touching her in the way he knew she would not be able to resist. It was just as bad as if he had raped her.

 Destiny stood and threw on her cloths tears streaming down her face. Jake turned and looked at her. She looked so innocent standing there in her bare feet, her shirt buttoned only half way. Her hair had come out of its braid and was framing her face wildly. He couldn’t bear to see her so sad. “Dessie it’s not anything you did, I just think we made a big mistake,” He walked up to her cradling her face in his hands. “I should have never let it go this far, and I wouldn’t have if I had known how pure you where.”

 Destiny stepped back releasing her self from his grasped. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked at him anger growing inside her. How could he say this was a mistake? This was the most beautiful thing she had ever experienced. This wasn’t a mistake. This was their destiny. 

 “You might have made a mistake Jake but I didn’t.” She reached down and slipped one boot on. “And you didn’t let it get out of hand. I had a choice in this too. So just let whatever guilt your feeling go. I know your still going to marry Vickie, only god knows why? And I’ve accepted that fact. I was with you because I wanted this. So take all the guilt off your shoulders. I’m not a child.”

 Destiny switched feet and put her other boot on than ran out of the barn towards the house. She heard Jake call out to her as she reached the stairs and ran inside. She passed Brian and Lisa who were on their way to bed. They tried to stop her but she ran in her room and closed her door, locking it.

 Lisa looked at Brian and they both went to her door, Lisa knocking gently. They waited a few seconds and when they didn’t hear anything Lisa reached out and tried the doorknob. She looked at Brian. “It’s locked.”

 Brian knocked on the door harder than Lisa did. “Dessie open up.”

 “Leave me alone, I just want to be left alone.” A muffled cry came from the other side of the door.

 “Destiny open this damn door.” Lisa commanded.

 “Just go away.”

 Brian put a hand on Lisa’s shoulder and shook his head He walked her to her bedroom and kissed her softly than waited for her to close the door. Brian paused by Destiny’s door. What had gone so wrong he saw her and Jake leave together and they looked fine? If Jake had done something to hurt her he was going to make him pay. He was just going to have to talk with him tomorrow. Brian walked to his room and shut the door.

 

 

 

 Jake had yelled after Destiny but before the words even escaped him he knew his efforts would be futile. She would never think of him the same way again. Perhaps that wasn’t so bad he thought at least one of us wouldn’t be wishing for the impossible. Jake walked out of the barn and towards the back porch, he saw someone sitting on the stairs.

 “So what happened to Destiny?” His brother asked. Anger filled his voice.

 “Nothing, what are you doing out here?”

 “I can’t believe you Jake, I know what happened between you two in the Barn I was there. I can’t believe you would do something like that to her. She trusted you.”

 “Were you spaying on us, Kent?”

 “No, I went down to see if you guys had gotten back yet when I looked in the crack of the door and saw you laying with her I was just about to leave when I herd her crying, I heard everything Jake. I can’t believe you would do that to her?”

 “This is none of your business.”

 “I’ve made that girl my business.” Kent stepped forward and swung at Jake hitting him on the side of his jaw. “I can’t believe you would just use that girl like another piece of ass.”

 Jake squared his shoulders and punched his brother in the gut; Kent fell to his knees grasping his stomach. He looked at his brother who looked down at him. Kent flew up tackling his brother by the waist knocking him on the ground, he punched him a few times when suddenly he was pulled off of him, Jake stood and went for an attack suddenly an arm appeared around his waist Jake came to abrupt halt. Kevin and Taylor had separated them.

 “Holy cow that young ladies got both of you spitting fire.” Kevin said

 “Let me go.” Kent yelled. Trying to pull away from him.

 “Nope not until you calm down, both of ya.” Taylor yelled.

 “I’m calm.” Kent yelled. He stopped his struggles.

 Taylor looked over at Kevin who was holding Jake.

 “I’m done.” Jake raised his hand than looked at Kent. “I didn’t use her as another piece of ass.”

 Both men let go of their captives and waited to grab them again if need be. Jake walked up the stairs crossing the porch to the glass door.

 “Stay away from her.” Kent yelled at him.

 “I don’t think that will be a problem.” He looked over his shoulder at his brother than turned and went inside.

 Jake didn’t think Destiny would ever want to see him again. He just wanted to go to bed and have the only thing he could allow himself to have with Destiny, to be with her in his dreams. He would never forget this night, the night she had given her self to him. The memory of her silky voice telling him she loved him would haunt his dreams forever.