by Bobbi Smith
"I'm sorry, Beth. So sorry," he whispered.
He sank down in a chair nearby and continued to drink as he gazed up at her image.
The sky was blue and cloudless. The sun was warm. Horses grazed in the pasture before them. In the distance a small cabin was nestled among a grove of trees, and a tree-bordered creek wound its way across the land.
"I'm glad you brought me here. I think this is as close to heaven as you can get," Crystal said to Brent with a sigh.
"It is peaceful here," he agreed. This was his favorite place on the ranch. He came whenever things got tough and he needed time alone to think.
..Who lives in the cabin?"
"Nobody right now. We use it whenever we're up this way, working a herd," Brent explained. "Do you want to ride down to the creek? Or are you ready to head back?"
They'd been gone from the house for almost an hour, and he wanted to make sure she wasn't getting too tired. Crystal had proven to be a better rider than she'd thought. She was having no trouble handling the mare.
"Let's go down to the creek," she answered, not ready to give up her time alone with Brent just yet. Then, suddenly feeling almost wild and carefree, she dared him, "And you know what? I don't care what anyone says about mustangs and thoroughbreds; I know Honey can take Storm any day! Let's race!"
Without waiting for a response from Brent, she urged the mare to a gallop and raced off.
Brent was caught off guard by her unexpected challenge, but he was up to the dare. He was laughing as he gave chase.
Crystal reached the creek first and reined Honey in triumphantly. "I won!"
"You cheated!" Brent declared when he reached her side.
"You and Storm are no match for us," she bragged, stroking the mare's neck. She dismounted and led the mare down to the water's edge for a drink.
Brent had deliberately held Storm back to let her win, but he wasn't about to tell her that. He let her enjoy her glory as he, too, dismounted. He walked Storm down to join her.
"There's a prize for the winner, you know," he told her.
Crystal was very aware of his lean, powerful presence beside her. She turned and lifted her gaze to his. "What kind of prize? Do you have a trophy for me? Or a big purse?"
"No, your prize is even better than that."
"It is?" she asked, delighting in his teasing.
"That's right. Your prize is a kiss."
"Oh. That is more valuable," she agreed breathlessly.
Brent took Crystal in his arms and bestowed her prize upon her, claiming her lips in a hungry caress.
She needed no urging to surrender to his embrace. She met him in the exchange, eager to be close to him, thrilling in his nearness. When she was with Brent she felt safe-and she was happy.
When he ended the kiss and stepped back, Crystal smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with delight.
"Do you want to race again? I like the prize for winning."
"So do I." Brent laughed and drew her back into his arms. He couldn't remember the last time he'd laughed so much or felt so lighthearted. When he was with Crystal he was relaxed and at ease. Brent kissed her again, cherishing the moment.
Only the horses' stirring forced them regretfully apart. They were discovering heaven in each other's arms. Brent went to tie the horses' reins to a nearby low-hanging branch.
"Let's go look around the cabin," Crystal said, intrigued.
She led the way, and Brent followed her. The cabin was run-down. It hadn't been used in a while and was definitely in need of some repairs. She stepped carefully onto the porch, completely avoiding the broken steps, then opened the door.
"What do you think?" Brent asked as she went in.
Crystal took a quick look around the two small, sparsely furnished rooms and came back outside to where he was standing on the porch.
"I love it. The view is wonderful," she told him as she stood at his side and gazed out across the countryside.
"I love it here, too. One of these days, if I can figure out how to do it and still run things, I'd like to live up here."
"How far are we from the main house?"
"It's about a twenty-minute ride."
"That's not too bad. I can understand why you like it here." She looked down at the stream flowing by. An idea came to her as she watched the sparkling waters. "Come on. Let's go down to the creek."
Crystal led the way, and when she reached the creek she walked along the bank. Brent was slow to follow her down, for he was just enjoying watching her. He was surprised when she sat down on the bank and began to take off her boots and socks.
"What are you doing?"
"I thought it would be fun to go wading."
"Wading? Fun?"
"When was the last time you went wading?" she challenged him.
"I don't know-it's been years. I don't have time for playing in creeks."
"Today you do. Come on." Crystal stood up and walked daintily to the water's edge.
Brent stayed right where he was, watching her make her way. He found his gaze drawn admiringly to her shapely legs as she hiked up the riding skirt a little and stepped into the water.
"Oooh, that's cold!" She shivered as the flowing stream circled around her.
"Be careful; it might be slippery in there," he advised as she began to tiptoe around, exploring.
Crystal looked up at Brent, standing tall and proud on the bank before her. He looked like the man who ran this ranch-the boss. His arms were folded over his chest in a pose of authority, and his expression was serious, commanding and critical. She realized he was an intimidating man-but he didn't intimidate her.
Crystal smiled wickedly to herself and decided right then and there that she wanted to see Brent smile again. He was far too stern for his own good, and she was going to change that.
"How would you know it's slippery if you haven't been in here in years? Why don't you come in with me?"
"That's all right."
She'd known before she'd asked that he would refuse her invitation, and his refusal played right into her scheme.
"What are you afraid of, Brent Hunter?" she taunted. "Are you afraid to get wet?"
Unable to resist the temptation to break through his controlled demeanor, Crystal quickly bent down and, before he could react, splashed water at him with all the force she could muster. Her aim was excellent.
"Why, you...!" Brent was shocked-and soaked-by her unprovoked attack.
The change in his expression was so quick and so complete that Crystal started laughing out loud. Her glee was only momentary, though, for his shocked look quickly turned to one of fierce determination.
"So that's the way you like to play," Brent said ominously. He wasn't worried about getting any wetter. She'd already soaked him thoroughly. Revenge was all that was on his mind. He smiled a devilish smile and went after her.
Crystal had wanted to see him smile again, but she hadn't intended for it to be the one that was on his face now. She started giggling and let out a squeal of sudden fear as she tried to flee upstream from his coming assault.
She managed to elude Brent for a moment, but she discovered that he'd been right all along-the creekbed was slippery. A startled shriek escaped her as she lost her balance and started to tumble backward.
In an instant Brent was there to save her. He lifted her up in strong arms and kept her from being drenched. He held her childlike against his chest as he carried her out of the creek.
"You've rescued me again," Crystal said breathlessly.
"That seems to be my fate lately," he acknowledged with a half grin.
"You are always there when I need you most."
Once they were on solid ground, Brent stopped and gazed down at her. Gone were all thoughts of revenge for the soaking she'd given him. The only thing that mattered to him now was holding her close and kissing her again.
"Do you need me now?" he asked quietly.
"Oh, yes." Her answer was a passionate whisper.
&nb
sp; His mouth found hers in a rapturous exchange that left them both breathless. Lowering her to the bank, he stretched out beside her on the lush grass. They lay in the sun-dappled shade, aware only of each other and the glory of each kiss they shared.
Crystal reached out to Brent, wanting him even closer. She touched his wet shirt and couldn't help giving a throaty giggle.
Brent drew back to look down at her, a smile curving his lips. "So you think playing in the water is fun, do you? I can take you back in the creek right now if you want to go."
"I think I like playing with you here on the bank better," she purred.
Crystal pulled him down to her and kissed him. She wanted him close to her. She needed him close to her. She had never been so intimate with a man before. Since her parents had died, she had been under Dan's control. She had never had any serious suitors-he wouldn't allow it.
But now there was Brent. She had never felt so close to anyone, and his kiss was proving to be heaven.
The invitation in Crystal's embrace stirred the fire of Brent's desire for her. He sought the sweet curve of her breast in a gentle caress. Crystal shivered at the intimacy of his touch and instinctively arched against him in an unspoken offering. His lips left hers to trace a path of excitement down the side of her neck. Pleasure radiated through her. When he parted her blouse and pressed heated kisses to the tops of her breasts, she gasped in delight.
Brent wanted Crystal more than he'd ever wanted any woman. She was beautiful and loving, and they were there alone.
He was tempted to take her right then and there, to lose himself in the glory of her lovemaking. He sensed no resistance in her, but he forced himself to stop.
He had to move away from the temptation that she was to him. He left her to sit a short distance away. He didn't trust himself any closer to her.
"Brent?" Crystal was surprised and disappointed that he'd stopped kissing her. "Is something wrong?"
"No, sweetheart, nothing's wrong."
Brent couldn't look her way. He took pride in being a man in control, but Crystal had tested him to his limit. He wasn't sure he'd be able to deny himself again if he did dare look at her. Brent decided to watch the stream flow by instead, and he realized he just might need to go wade in the water after all. It was cold, and he certainly needed to cool off a bit.
Crystal felt humiliated. She realized she'd all but thrown herself at Brent, and he'd rejected her. She quickly refastened her blouse as she sat up. He had his back to her, and she was glad that he couldn't see her shame.
She'd never acted so brazenly before. She'd never wanted any man the way she wanted Brent-his touch had been ecstasy.
She'd never cared so deeply for a man beforeeven now she wanted to go to him and wrap her arms around him and hold him to her heart.
Crystal froze as the knowledge came to her: She loved Brent.
The truth frightened her even as it thrilled her.
Crystal told herself she barely knew Brent. In her heart, though, it seemed she had known him forever. She had been drawn to him from the first moment she'd seen him at the Six Gun Saloon, but it seemed sadly obvious to her, as he sat there ignoring her, that he didn't share that tender emotion.
"Are you ready to go back?" she asked a bit stiffly as she got to her feet.
Brent was surprised by the coldness of her tone. He turned to see how uncomfortable she suddenly seemed, and he rose to go to her. He thought she was upset with him for being so forward with her, and he intended to apologize.
"Crystal, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken such liberties with you. I should have had Abby ride with us.
Suddenly Crystal realized what Brent was really saying-he had stopped kissing her not because he didn't want her, but because he did. She smiled.
"But if your sister had come along as our chaperon, I wouldn't have gotten to kiss you."
She reached out and rested a hand against his chest as he stood before her. That simple contact sent a jolt of sensual awareness through Brent.
"Don't tempt me, woman," he said in a growl.
"But I like tempting you," she teased.
"You do a fine job of it." Brent held her close and kissed her once more, this time with restrained tenderness.
She wanted to tell him of her love, but held back.
"We'd really better be getting back to the house," he said reluctantly.
They shared one last, sweet kiss before finally moving apart. He brought her boots and socks to her.
"Are you sure you don't want to go wading in the creek again?" Crystal asked with a mischievous grin before she started to put them back on. "This is our last chance."
"I think I'm wet enough." His clothes were still damp from their earlier adventure. "I hope I dry off on the ride back."
He went to get their horses. Then they mounted up and started to ride away.
Crystal's gaze lingered on the cabin one last time. "It is a shame you can't live here."
"I know. I've had to stay at the main house to run things, and to take care of Abby."
"And you've done a wonderful job. I like your sister, and the more I see of the Half-Moon, the more impressed I am with what you've accomplished."
"Thanks." Her praise meant a lot to Brent. It was a rare day when anyone paid him a compliment.
It was almost time for dinner, and Abby had been watching for Brent and Crystal to return. She went out to greet them when she saw them riding in.
"It's about time you got back," she said. "Did you have a good time?" She eyed them speculatively, wondering why her brother's clothes looked slightly damp.
"Oh, yes," Crystal answered first, "It was great riding such a wonderful horse."
"Honey?" Abby had never thought of the mustang as anything special.
"Yes. She's not only pretty-she's fast, too. Honey and I beat Brent and Storm in a race down by the creek."
"You let her beat you?" Abby looked at Brent in shock.
"She cheated," he said defensively, knowing his little sister would use the news against him.
"No, you lost." Abby fought down a grin at the thought. "Come on inside. Frances has dinner just about ready to go on the table."
"Go on in," Brent told Crystal. "I'll see to the horses."
She dismounted and followed Abby inside.
"Abby, I think I'd better change before dinner, and I do have to apologize for something."
Abby looked her way.
Crystal went on. "When Brent and I were down at the creek, I got wet."
"And so did Brent, from the looks of things," Abby remarked with good humor.
"Well, I did splash him," she confessed with a grin.
And you're still alive to talk about it?" Abby was amazed. She tried to picture the scene in her mind. "I wish I'd been there to see it. How did my big brother react?"
"The look on his face was priceless," Crystal told her, still smiling. "But he wasn't about to let me get away with it!"
"I understand. You don't mess with Brent Hunter."
"So I found out."
"Go on back in my room to change. All your things are still there."
"Thanks."
"And Crystal?" Abby found herself wanting to make her feel welcome.
Crystal looked up.
"Why don't you take these riding clothes with you so you'll be ready for another visit?"
Crystal liked the sound of that. Another visit. She wanted to spend as much time with Brent as she could.
A short time later Abby, Crystal, and Brent were gathered around the dining room table. Brent had taken the time to clean up and change clothes, and they were now ready for dinner.
"It's not over between us yet." Brent's tone held a mock threat as he looked at Crystal across the table. Their gazes met and locked. Tension flared between them.
"I know," Crystal said, her heartbeat quickening in response.
"Do I get to watch the next time?" Abby asked. "Providing, of course, that there is a next time."
&n
bsp; "Oh, there will be a next time, all right," Brent said firmly.
"That's right," Crystal said with confidence. "And Honey and I will be ready for you. You just name the time and place for the race, and we'll be there."
"What race?"
Jack's question interrupted their conversation as he came into the room.
"Papa. We were wondering where you were," Abby said, surprised to see him.
"I had things to take care of." He deliberately didn't tell them what he'd been doing. It was none of their business. He went to sit with them at the table.
Brent knew immediately by the way he was acting what his father had been doing-he'd been drinking. Brent shared a knowing look with Abby, but said nothing. He didn't want to start an argument in front of Crystal. It enraged Brent to realize that his father must have brought back a bottle of liquor from town and kept it hidden among his things.
"Now, what's all this talk about a race?" Jack repeated as he dished himself up a plate of food.
Crystal proudly told him the story of her triumph over Brent.
Jack looked at his son, his expression condemning. "You lost a race to a mustang and you can still show your face at this table?"
Brent ignored his insult. He turned their conversation into a compliment for Crystal. "Crystal had me fooled. She turned out to be a better horsewoman than she said she was. With practice, one of these days she might be able to keep up with Abby."
"You'll have to come visit us real regular, Crystal, so you can get your riding in," Jack invited.
"I'd like that."
Brent was glad when Crystal finally finished eating, so they could leave. The less time he spent with his father in his present condition, the better. He had the buckboard brought up to the house for the trip back to town.
Abby and Jack walked Crystal outside. Crystal thanked them and said good-bye. Brent helped her into the buckboard, then climbed up next to her and took up the reins. ----- - - --- ---
"I'll be back," he told them.
Crystal waved as they drove off. She knew each passing mile brought her closer to the time when she and Brent would have to part.
"Will you be back in town soon?" Crystal asked.
