“I’m fine. I have been sleeping more, but the books say that’s normal. Chase doesn’t have a hair dryer so I can’t dry it.” Callie told her and Chase moved in putting his arms around her.
“Okay as long as your alright. I brought more long johns. I have them in the kitchen, but don’t fill up. Dinner will be ready around one.” Chasity said walking back in the kitchen.
“How long have yall been here?” Chase asked them.
“We met here at eight so she could get the turkey started.” Luke said shrugging.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Callie asked them.
“Nope. You just sit back and relax.” Chasity told her smiling.
Chase made her a mug of hot chocolate and brought her the long johns, before sitting beside her. They all talked and laughed as Luke and Chasity made dinner. Callie leaned back in her chair, but he noticed she was squirming.
“You okay baby?” Chase asked her.
“Yeah, just can’t get comfortable.” Callie replied on a sigh.
“Why don’t we go in the living room, we have a while before we need to do anything else.” Luke said before walking that way.
“I’ll be there in a minute. I’m just going to stop by the bathroom.” Callie told him smiling.
“So things are good today?” Luke asked as he walked into the room followed by Chasity.
“Yeah. She seems to be doing good.” Chase said picking up the remote.
“She seems better than good.” Chasity said raising an eyebrow.
“I think she likes it here.” Chase said laughing.
“Do you want me to take her back when I go?” Chasity asked him.
“No, I’ll take her when she wants to go.” Chase said not looking forward to being alone again.
“So what are we doing after we eat?” Luke asked.
“How about a ride?” Callie said as she walked into the room.
“Whatever you want love.” Chase said as she curled up against him.
“Have you ever been riding?” Chase asked Chasity. When she didn’t answer, he looked up to see her watching Callie with a smile on her face.
“No, she hasn’t.” Callie answered for her not even looking up.
“Do you want me to start teaching you to ride on your own today?” Chase asked her softly.
“That would be great, but what about Chasity?” Callie asked him.
“I can teach her too, and Luke will be there to help. We have plenty of horses.” Chase told her.
Chasity and Luke were talking back and forth, but he was content to just sit back. He was gently rubbing Callie’s back when she stopped moving her hand on his chest. He waited a second and noticed the change in her breathing, realizing she was asleep. He reached his other hand up to hold her hand against his chest.
“Is she asleep again?” Luke asked worried.
“Yeah, but it’s fine. I’m letting her rest as much as she needs to.” Chase said softly looking down at her.
“Do you need me to round up her things so she doesn’t have to?” Chasity asked him frowning.
“No. What she brought is staying here.” Chase said smiling.
“Right on, but how did you get away with that?” Luke asked him smiling.
“When she took her shower I put her things in drawers or on hangers. She didn’t really put up much of a fight when she noticed it. I do have to wash some clothes later.” Chase said shrugging one shoulder so he didn’t bother her.
“I can’t believe she didn’t pitch a fit.” Chasity said in amazement.
“I know, she chewed me out about the family dinner thing yesterday.” Luke said frowning. “Hey why didn’t she fight when I called her sis? I was sure she would be hissing after that one.” Luke said looking down at her.
“I have no idea. I thought she would too. She has opened up a lot this weekend, and I think she was just annoyed yesterday, not really mad.” Chase told him.
“I can’t believe the way she is with either one of you really. Callie only picks on me like she had been Luke, and I can’t believe she just laid on you without being self conscious or you pulling her.” Chasity said shock clear in her voice.
“She did pull back the first time, but she hasn’t done that anymore. She actually is standing up to me. She made me lay on her yesterday.” Chase said smiling down at her.
“She can be stubborn.” Chasity warned him.
“I look forward to it. Do you know where she usually takes her car. I’m going to have it looked at tomorrow.” Chase asked her.
“No, but I doubt anyone can fix it with out replacing most of it.” Chasity said shrugging.
“That’s pretty much what she said.” Chase said.
“Come on demon, it’s time to finish dinner.” Luke told Chasity standing up.
“Do you see what I have to put up with?” Chasity said to him.
“I’ve been putting up with it for years, I think it’s your turn.” Chase told her smiling, sighing she walked into the kitchen where he could hear them arguing.
Chase sat back as he watched Callie sleep. He had told her he loved her last night, but he had said it before. After they made love he had thought she might say it back, but he was wrong. He knew she cared about him though, so he wasn’t worried. He could give her time as long as she wasn’t pushing him away. He would be lonely with her gone, but at least he could see her everyday while he had her car checked out. Content for now, he sighed and let his mind wonder to what it could be like with Callie here, and how they would love the baby when it came.
*****
After eating and cleaning up, they went to the barn to ride. Callie was excited to learn how, but she would’ve been just as happy riding with Chase. When they entered the barn Jimmy was saddling the last horse. Chase took her and Chasity to each horse and told them the names and let them pet them. Once Callie was where Blane could see and hear her, he started whining as Jimmy finished saddling him and led him over. She was talking to Chase and he came up and bumped her back with his nose causing everyone to laugh.
“You were right. It would appear Blane is jealous.” Luke said laughing still.
“He just needs some attention.” Callie said cooing at him as she rubbed his neck, he must like it cause he leaned his head on her huffing softly.
“Callie, you’re going to spoil him.” Chase warned her.
“This is only the second time I’ve been near him.” Callie said walking over to Chase.
“I think he already forgot he’s a horse.” Luke said as they all started laughing again.
“What are ya’ll…” Callie turned to see Blane following close behind her. “Oh good Lord.” Callie said trying to ignore him. “Alright Chase help me and Chasity get on the horses so we can give it a try.”
“Okay. Do you want to try Lightning?” He asked her and moved closer to that horse.
“Sure works for me.” Callie said and Chase helped her put her foot in the stirrup. Blane started whining and moving around and she looked back at Chase. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Let me try something, come on.” Chase said helping her pull her foot out and walking her toward Blane. He calmed immediately and waited patiently while Chase helped her up.
“Chase, Blane is the one you normally ride.” Callie said frowning as he gave her the rein.
“Not anymore. I think he is yours now.” Chase said patting her leg before walking up to pat Blane and talk to him. “Okay. She can ride on you, but you have to take care of our girl you hear me.” Chase told him and the horse whined as if he understood, that was just crazy.
“So since you lost your horse, weird by the way, who are you going to ride?” Luke asked watching Blane close.
“I guess Lightning. You usually ride Colt and Chasity can ride Maddie. She should be a good beginner horse.” Chase said. “Will you come stand by Blane while I get Chasity situated.” He told Luke.
“Sure.” Luke said moving close, but as he got near Blane stepped back
. “Fine, I guess I will help her so you can keep an eye on lover boy.” Luke said furrowing his brows. “Are you sure it’s safe for her with him alone?”
“I think he is probably the safest for her specifically.” Chase said and made a noise for Blane to move closer. Surprisingly he did, but he moved slow and gentle.
“Well at least you can get close.” Luke murmured getting Chasity settled.
“Is it normal for a horse to be like this?” Callie asked them as she reached down to pet him.
“Never seen it before, but if he is this protective of you, I trust him to be easy with you.” Chase said as he swung up on Lightning. His moves were so graceful she was entranced as he moved the horse closer. “Luke, you got Chasity?” Chase said turning to see Luke swing up on Colt.
“Yeah, you keep her and lover boy and I’ll teach Chasity. Lover boy might bite if I get close.” Luke said shaking his head.
Chase lead them out keeping Callie close. He was a great teacher. They had only made a few laps before he pulled Lightning to the side and let her guide Blane by herself. Blane was moving really slow so she did what Chase told her to speed him up, but he just pulled against the rein and kept a slow pace as he circled back to Chase.
“I tried to speed him up, but he wouldn’t do it.” Callie told Chase frowning as Blane walked up beside him.
“Come on, I’ll show you again.” Chase said leading her back around. As long as he was there, Blane followed her command, but when Chase stepped Lightning out of the way so she could ride he slowed back down.
“Chase, Blane won’t speed up unless you are beside me.” Callie complained like one of her whiny students.
“I guess he’s protecting you.” Chase said laughing at her little pout.
“I want to go faster, so stay with me and he will let me.” Callie commanded him.
Nodding Chase started at a trot then stepped up the pace. Blane kept pace along side him and even moved in front for a second, but if Chase slowed he did too. Callie was enjoying her ride, but she felt like Blane was trying to lead her. Testing her theory, she pulled back on the rein to slow him to a stop. Blane complied immediately, and when she nudge him to go he went back to keep pace with Chase. She tried to lead him in a different direction, but he wouldn’t let her get far from Chase.
“This is ridiculous. I’m about ready to go back.” Callie told Chase.
“You okay baby?” Chase asked coming to her side.
“I’m fine, but I think Blane is part robot. I can’t move away from you, I can’t speed up. The only control I have is stopping him and getting him close to you.” Callie said shaking her head. “It’s like he’s remote controlled” Callie complained.
“I saw Luke and Chasity head back earlier. We can go on back to the house. Mind if I ride with you?” Chase asked her smiling.
“No, I’ll stop him.” Callie said but Chase had already pulled up beside her and was moving over. “Chase you’re going to get hurt.” Callie said gasping.
“I’m fine. Lightning will follow us back.” Chase said wrapping around her. “Do you want a real ride before we go back?” Chase asked as he kissed down her neck and she nodded.
Chase took the rein and spoke to Blane. Blane followed his every command. Chase galloped them across the field and turned back slowing back down and kissing her neck again. Callie relaxed into his touch and let her hands fall to his thighs. Chase ran one hand up the inside of her thigh and skated it up her body to gently squeeze her breast. Callie gasped pushing into his hand, but he pulled away.
“Watching your body as you rode has been driving me crazy. I keep wondering if you would ride me the same way.” Chase whispered into her ear before nipping it gently.
When they got to the barn the other horses had been put away, and Jimmy was coming out of Lightning’s stall.
“I was wondering why he came back alone.” Jimmy said smiling as Chase got down.
“Sorry, Blane wouldn’t give her control to run, so I hopped on, and he let me lead so she could do more that tag along.” Chase said reaching up for her.
“That’s a crazy horse, but he seems smitten with you miss Callie. I think it’s something going around.” Jimmy said playfully before taking Blane to be put away.
“Sorry he got to you today.” Chase said kissing her lips gently before taking her hand and walking to the house.
“Oh Jimmy didn’t bother me.” Callie said shaking her head.
“I meant Blane.” Chase said chuckling.
“He did get on my nerves. Crazy horse. I think you planned that.” Callie said slapping his arm playfully.
“I couldn’t have planned that if I wanted, but I’m glad to know he is careful with you. He usually loves speed.” Chase told her honestly.
“I see the love birds have returned.” Chasity said as they walked in.
“How did you like your ride?” Callie asked her.
“It was a lot of fun. I think I could get use to it if I wasn’t stuck with him all the time.” Chasity said pointing at Luke.
“I didn’t do anything.” Luke said defending himself.
“You kept running off and leaving me.” Chasity said glaring at him.
“It isn’t my fault you wanted to go so slow.” Luke said sticking his tongue out at her.
“Maybe we should switch horses.” Callie told her.
“Why, don’t you like Blane?” Luke asked her.
“Dang horse thinks we were on a pony ride. If Chase wasn’t right beside me he would barely trot.” Callie grumbled.
“Really? Blane usually races around the field. Maybe you didn’t give the right command.” Luke said stopping when he saw her glare.
“No, she’s right. I had to get on behind her before he would put on any speed.” Chase said grinning.
“Wipe that grin off your face. It’s not funny.” Callie pouted up at him. Laughing Chase leaned down and kissed her.
“This has been great, but I’m going to head home. Some crazy lady keeps demanding a load of long johns and I have to get up early to make them.” Chasity said giving her a mock scowl.
“The baby thanks you for them.” Callie said giving her a wide smile.
After that the house cleared out quick, but she wasn’t ready to go, so her and Chase curled back up on the couch. They watched the end of some movie, then AFV came on. They sat and talked and laughed enjoying the show. When it was over, she got up to stretch and Chase went up stairs coming back with her suitcase.
“I thought you put my things away.” Callie said confused, maybe he didn’t want her things here after all.
“I did. This is something for me to wear tomorrow.” Chase said leading her to the door.
“Are you staying with me tonight cowboy?” Callie asked him as he locked the door.
“That was the plan little lady. Doesn’t make sense to drive back home and go back to take you to work in the morning.” Chase said smiling.
“You do have a point there.” She said as she climbed into his truck. “But what about the ranch?” Callie asked him.
“Luke and Jimmy are here, and I can come back after I get your car to the shop. You can call when you’re about ready and I’ll come back and get you.” Chase told her as they drove to her house.
Walking in Callie couldn’t help but be disappointed after having stayed with Chase all weekend. She was glad he was staying tonight, but it just didn’t feel like his place did. She had always loved her place, but after being at the ranch with Luke coming and going and no traffic going by and then the fun day with Chasity visiting, this just didn’t feel right, Callie thought frowning.
“What is it? Is something not like you left it?” Chase asked noticing her frown.
“It’s not that exactly.” Callie said shaking her head.
“Then what is it?” Chase asked the concern in his voice overwhelming.
“It just doesn’t feel the same after being at the ranch.” Callie said shrugging.
“Do you want to go
back?” Chase asked her softly.
“No, I have to get ready for work tomorrow and it’s closer from here. I’ll be fine in a little while.” She said leaning up to kiss his jaw. “I’m going to take a shower.” She told him over her shoulder and he followed right behind her.
“I don’t think I can fit in there with you baby.” Chase said eyeing the shower stall.
“I won’t be long, then you can have it.” Callie said stripping as she got in, her bathroom was a lot smaller than his. It was fine for one, but she had never consider how small it was if you had two people.
When she finished Chase dried her off and she went to dress as he got in the shower. She grabbed her jammies, then his bag. Putting on her panties she decided just to were a tight tank top, instead of going through his bag to see if he had brought an extra she could wear to bed. When he came out he pulled on his boxers then crawled in beside her, pulling her close. When he rubbed her arm, he pulled back and moved the cover off her sighing.
“For a minute I thought you were naked, but I’m enjoying this tank top too.” Chase told her smiling.
“I thought about seeing if you had an extra shirt in the bag to wear, but I didn’t want to go through your things.” Callie told him honestly.
“Callie you can look through anything you want. I have no secrets from you. There is more than one shirt in there, if you want to wear it instead.” Chase said rubbing his hand down her arm.
“No, I’m too tired, I just want to sleep right now.” Callie told him honestly as she cuddled in closer to him.
He covered her back up and wrapped himself around her. Callie wished they were at the ranch, but at least he was with her. She could hear noises she never paid attention to before, but tried to block them out. It was going to be a long night. Callie spent half the night tossing and turning and waking up at every noise. At the ranch she remembered hearing the horses, but they didn’t seem to bother her like the cars going down the road. This was a small town, why was there so much traffic at this time of night, and had those street lights always shined in her window? Worst sleep ever!
Chapter 17
Chase's Teacher Page 15
