By: CC

"Oh please Jimmy, not this again" Lou shook her head. Not really wanting to continue the argument she knew was imminent. "Lou, you can’t keep pushing me away you know." "Jimmy, I just ain’t ready yet- can’t you understand?" Jimmy sighed, realizing the end result of this would be the same as always. He stepped out of the bunkhouse and headed toward the barn. Lou sat at the table, her head in her hands. This is too complicated, I will not let him talk me into somethin’ I’m not ready for - I’m not sure I love him like that, I don’t want to give myself to someone unless it’s perfect. I wish he’d understand and give me time.

Jimmy sat on a bale of hay wondering what her problem was, he just didn’t understand. We’ve been together for a while now, why would she not be ready to move on with their relationship? It wasn’t that big a deal. Kid came in from his ride and was tending to Katy. "Hey Jimmy, how ya doin’?" Jimmy just grunted, Kid could tell by his demeanor that it was about Lou and he just didn’t have the strength after his run to listen to Jimmy’s problem and try and act like he cared that they were fighting. He personally enjoyed it when they fought, hoping it would be their last. He decided to get out of the barn before being drawn into the middle of it.

He entered the bunkhouse and found Lou sitting on her bunk reading, otherwise the bunkhouse was empty. "Hey" he glanced at her, she looked up at him (Damn she’s beautiful). "Hey yourself, did you have good ride?" "Yeah it was fine, but I’m dead tired, think I’ll try to get some sleep before Cody comes in with his big mouth." Lou giggled (he loved her giggle) Feeling a little self-conscious he untucked his shirt and kicked his boots off - "Excuse me" he said as he stood on the bunk she was sitting in to heave himself up into his own bunk, which oddly enough (he thought)was above her bunk. "You can turn down the light if you like Kid, I can go over to Rachel’s and read." "No Lou it’s fine I’ll be asleep in no time.... his voice trailing off as he spoke. He liked the feeling of her being in the room.

Lou continued to read but she wasn’t paying too much attention to the book. She was gonna have to find a way to stop seeing Jimmy like they had been. No matter how she tried, she really didn’t love him romantically, she loved him, just like she loved all of them. How could she get him to understand, she wished she had never let it start, she was afraid to risk losing his friendship. If she could figure a way out of this, she’d forget about romance for a while. She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew it was morning and Jimmy was shaking her "Lou, wake up Lou. I want to talk to you." She groaned and rolled over, "Oh Jimmy, please not this morning - she didn’t want to argue. "Come on Lou" he tugged on her arm until she got up. She stumbled out of the bunkhouse behind Jimmy. The others were still sleeping.

When they reached the barn, Lou could tell Jimmy was nervous. She didn’t say anything, giving him time. "Lou" he began hesitantly "you know we’ve not been too good at this boyfriend girlfriend thing", he finally found his words. "It’s all so complicated, but I don’t want to hurt you or hurt our chances of staying friends." He wouldn’t make eye contact with her. Lou understood that he was doing exactly what she had been wrestling with, she felt the weight of her burden being lifted. She and Jimmy came to and understanding, both feeling the relief from the tension that had grown between them over the past few weeks. Lou hugged him and told him they’d always be friends. They left the barn, Kid and Noah were sitting on the porch of the bunkhouse talking about the day’s chores, Kid glanced up to see the pair emerging from the barn. They both looked so happy he thought. They greeted him and Kid decided he’d start trying to spend as little time around the station as possible, he’d take extra rides, do extra chores, anything was better than watching them. He didn’t like feeling this way.

Chapter 2

A few weeks had passed and Kid had remained true to his word to himself. He’d taken all the extra rides, done extra duties and was able to keep himself from getting involved in the lives of the other riders, especially Jimmy and Lou. He came in from stable duty and began to wash up a bit. "Rachel, I’m gonna go in to town in a bit, can I pick up anything for you?" Grateful for his thoughtfulness, "No thanks Kid, don’t think I need anything right now." Lou looked up from where she was sitting. "Mind if I tag along, I could pick up a few things?" she questioned. Inwardly he moaned, he didn’t want her to go but couldn’t come up with an excuse quick enough. "Sure Lou, I’ll saddle the horses".

They rode in silence to town. As the reached, the outskirts of town Lou glanced over at Kid. "You okay Kid, been kinda quiet lately" she smiled at him. "I’m fine thanks, just got some things on my mind." You know Kid if you ever need to talk, I’m a good listener." Yeah Lou I don’t think you’d be much help with this problem. "Thanks" was all he replied. They dismounted in front of the general store and headed in. Lou became aware of some giggling and whispering and noticed a group of girls eyeing Kid. He was oblivious to the attention he was drawing. Two of the girls approached him and he smiled and greeted them politely with his southern manners. Lou couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but wished she could. "He’s your friend, isn’t he?" one of the girls had approached Lou while she had been trying to eavesdrop on the other conversation. "Yeah" she replied lowering her voice and crossing her arms instinctively. "I wonder if he’ll say yes to any of them this time." Lou turned to look at the girl, "What’d ya mean?" "There’s a Sadie Hawkins dance at the church Saturday night, you know where the girls ask the boys - everybody’s planning on asking the Kid. Course Sarah Jenkins thinks he belongs to her, even though he’s never accepted any invitations from her, or anybody else for that matter", the girl gave a derisive laugh. "I don’t understand" Lou stated. "Any girl in this town would give her right arm to be his girl - he just doesn’t seem to care. He’s been asked by just about all of us to dinner, a dance or even just to take a walk, but he always declines - politely of course, but he always says no. Heck he could have any available girl in this town, probably some that aren’t even available", she chuckled mostly to herself. Lou watched the Kid, as he looked embarrassed, he walked closer to her, he needed to get away from the girls.

"Well I appreciate you asking", he was responding to one of the girls invitation "but I have a ride this Saturday, I’m sure I won’t be back in time." He eyed Lou, hoping she’d back him up and not expose his little fib. When she was getting ready to agree with his story she heard more fluttering of activity. Sarah Jenkins walked into the store, Kid looked at Lou and rolled his eyes, she couldn’t help but giggle. "Well hello there handsome" Sarah held her hand out for Kid to take. Because of his upbringing he took her extended hand, "Sarah, hope your doing well". "I’ll be doing much better as soon as you tell me you’ll escort me to the dance this Saturday. "Oh Sarah I’m sorry but I’ve got a run Saturday, I won’t be attendin’ the dance. She clicked her tongue and glared at Lou. "Couldn’t you take his run, I don’t recall seeing you attend these dances, she looked down on the tiny rider. As Lou was about to respond Kid interjected "No, he can’t I owe him runs as it is." Like I said Sarah, I’m not goin to the dance. Thanks for the invitation, though" he added. "Well, how about dinner then, Friday night, mama and daddy would be delighted." Kid fumbled for an excuse, Lou came to his rescue. "Kid you know Rachel’s having company Friday night and asked us all to be there, she’d be disappointed. "Oh yeah, thanks (he shot her a look of relief and thanks) I’d almost forgotten". "Sorry Sarah, maybe another time".

"Yeah Kid, some other time" she replied obviously annoyed.

The left the store but not before Lou took notice of the gathering of even another group of girls. "Forget it" she heard one girl say to the new crowd, "He’s going to be out on a run Saturday, he’s not going to the dance." Lou was amused by the display. She looked at the Kid, he didn’t seem to even be flattered by all the female attention he’d attracted. Why would he say he had a ride, she knew there wasn’t any scheduled for this weekend.

As they got a little out of town Lightening trotted along side of Katy. "Thanks for covering back there Lou. That Sarah really gets on my nerves", he glanced at her. "Sure Kid, why’d you say you had a ride, you know we don’t have anything scheduled for Saturday" she questioned. "Just don’t want to go to the dance, that’s all, sides Teaspoon did ask earlier if I take a special run for him, I think it’s personal.

They got back to the station just in time for dinner. Lou mentioned the dance Saturday night and that girls were asking boys because it was a Sadie Hawkins... she didn’t even finish her statement and the table erupted with each of the boys jumping up at the same time to head into town, eager for an invitation. Lou had to giggle, they were all so predictable. All but Kid, she couldn’t figure him out she thought.

After they all left it was just Kid, Lou, Teaspoon and Rachel. They enjoyed a quiet evening, talking and laughing - mostly at the expense of the other riders. "Teaspoon" Rachel cleared her throat, "I’d be honored if you’d escort me to the dance", her eyes sparkling as she asked. Teaspoon accepted the invitation eagerly. Kid and Lou smiled at each other.

Chapter 3

Kid left for his ride early in the morning. The boys drove Lou crazy as it got closer to time to leave for the dance. She was ready for them to leave, looking forward to some solitude. She helped them all with their hair and ties and sent them all eagerly on their way. After they were out of site she sighed and leaned against the post of the bunkhouse porch. Alone, it’s been a long time since I’ve been alone, she sighed. Rachel told her to help herself to the house, take a bath, just enjoy her time alone, so she decided to take her up on it.

She was finishing dressing after her luxurious bath (Rachel had left her a bar of Rosewood soap and it smelled so nice) when she heard the pounding hooves of an approaching horse. She peered out the window and noticed Kid’s approach. That wasn’t a very long run. He slid off of Katy and took her to the barn, she watched as he entered the bunkhouse only to quickly come back out with a towel draped over his should and head to the shower. She allowed herself to watch him step inside, she couldn’t see much-she did see him remove his shirt, then she could tell he had bent to free himself of the remainder of his clothing. First she chided herself, "what am I doing, this is indecent", she stated out loud. But she couldn’t stop herself from watching him. She knew he’d be finished soon, she was ashamed of herself for watching him bathe, invading his privacy, she knew she’d be livid if any of the boys had treated her like that. Although she had a sneaky suspicion that some of them just may have. She wanted to get to the bunkhouse before he got there, she didn’t really know why.

She managed to get to her bunk and act like she was engrossed in her book as Kid entered surprised to see her. "Oh, I didn’t think anyone was here" he stated. She looked up at him, "Everybody’s else is at the dance" she replied feeling a little uneasy. "You didn’t go?" he questioned her. "Nah - don’t exactly like standing around watching all those girls dressed in their best, most of the time it don’t bother me, but dances.... her voice trailed off. "I understand", he tried to let her know she didn’t have to explain.

He straightened his gear from his earlier ride. "Well Lou, I’m sure you were looking forward to being alone, I think I’ll just go for a walk." She looked up from her book, "No Kid, you don’t have to go. I really wasn’t going to do anything special, just read." "Would you like to take a walk?" he asked. "Sure, it’s such a beautiful evening, seems a shame to waste a perfectly good sunset." Kid held the door for her and placed his hand in the small of her back as she exited the bunkhouse. Lou almost jumped as she felt what she thought was an electrical shock. It had taken her by surprise and she turned to look at the Kid but he made no indications that he had felt anything, must be my imagination. Little did she know Kid was trying to figure out what he had just felt.

They walked in silence for a little while, then Lou spoke up. "Kid, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "No Lou whatever you like." "Why did you say no to all those girls in town when they asked you to go to the dance", she questioned. "You know one of those girls told me you could take any available girl in town, heck she said even some of the unavailable ones", she laughed. Kid began to blush, Lou thought he looked so cute, he didn’t even realize he was so attractive. Damn, wonder why I’ve never really noticed just how gorgeous he is.

He looked at her and cleared his throat, "Don’t really know Lou, just don’t see too much sense in wasting time with girls when you know they ain’t the one. Those girls are looking for a man to take care of them. They probably don’t have any opinions of their own, I can’t imagine spending time with someone who’d agree with everything I said or did. I know I’ll know it when I meet the right girl for me. IT’S YOU LOU- HE WANTED TO SCREAM AT HER - DAMN IT’S YOU AND I CAN’T HAVE YOU. I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT WAS YOU! He looked away from her - afraid she’d be able to read his thoughts. "I guess my ideas about a relationship and marriage are a little different. I don’t think it’s a woman’s job to be the sweet submissive wife, doing everything for her man. I think a relationship should be two people, madly in love, both working toward a common goal. That they should share everything. None of those girls in town are like that, they’d like to depend on a man for everything. I like a strong independent women". Like you Lou.

Lou had been amazed at his answer. It sound too good to be true, he must be lying, men didn’t feel that way, they all wanted only one thing, a wife to take care of all their needs and she would never be that kind of women, she had decided she’d probably never marry because of her independence. And here he is telling her everything she feels about marriage, what’s he doing, reading my mind.

"I like a strong independent women" she heard. Damn, that’s me he’s talking about, why have I not seen it before? Look at those beautiful eyes, he can see clear through to my heart and he’s screaming at me. That electrical shock I felt before, that was real, that was him, Oh my God, it’s him, it’s always been him. How could I have been so blind!

"Lou", Kid was trying to get her attention, "Lou" he restated reaching his hand to her shoulder to gently nudge her. She jumped at his touch, another electrical impulse shooting through her body. He quickly withdrew his hand. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you." Finally coming out of her trance, she peered deep into his eyes. Oh kiss me Kid, I’ve never wanted anything more, please Kid read my mind. Kid’s eyes left hers briefly to focus on her lips, which she unconsciously licked. They traveled back up to her eyes, her stomach lurching. If he doesn’t kiss me, I might get sick. She noticed his hesitancy and remembering how different he really was knew he would never kiss her without permission, and she didn’t think he’d have the guts to ask. She gathered her courage, "It’s okay Kid, she fumbled with the words "You can kiss me if you’d like." He paused, she was afraid she had misinterpreted the situation. She had surprised him with her assertiveness but he knew he didn’t want to let this opportunity pass, he had waited for this for so long. I’ll decide what to do about Jimmy later, right now all I care about is kissing her.

He leaned into her and let his lips brush hers ever so gently, there was a feeling as their lips met that he knew had changed his world. When she didn’t pull back but moved in closer and parted her lips he took her up on the invitation and deepened the kiss. His arms wrapped tightly around her, her hands wandering aimlessly through his beautiful sandy curls. At that moment time ceased to exist, both felt like their insides were turning inside out, nothing in the world existed, nothing but them-standing here in each others arms passionately kissing. Lou could feel the Kid’s wildly beating heart against here own wildly beating heart. She thought for a moment her knees would buckle and she would faint, but feeling his tight embrace realized even if they did give way he’d be there to catch her.

He started to break away from the kiss, Lou found herself not wanting to let him go, in fact she thought how much she wanted him to touch her - everywhere! What am I thinking, it’s only a kiss, get yourself together Lou. As he lifted his head his eyes penetrated clear to the deepest part of her soul. She tingled from head to toe. He rested his forehead gently against hers. "It’s always been you, Lou" he almost whispered. Then realizing he had forgotten all about Jimmy, he released her quickly, almost like she had burnt his hands. "Oh my God, what am I doing?" he questioned himself out loud. "What do you mean Kid?" hurt by his sudden turn of emotion. "I promised myself that I would not let my feelings for you be known, Jimmy’s my best friend. I should never, I’m sorry." He turned to walk away from her, to try and find a way to recover from this. She caught his chin in her small hands and forced him to look into her eyes. "There ain’t nothin’ goin’ on with Jimmy and me, Kid - we tried but there never really was anything between us. Yeah we kissed a few times, but Kid, she hesitated, I’ve never felt anything like I just felt when you kissed me, she gazed at him. He returned her gaze, "Really Lou, you and Jimmy, you ain’t, I mean you stopped seeing each other?" "Yeah Kid, a couple weeks ago we talked about it, both of us knew. He wanted more that I wanted to give. He was ready to try and move what little relationship we had to a more intimate level - I wasn’t. We fought over it all the time. We mutually decided to just be friends. You’ve been gone so much I guess you just couldn’t tell. Didn’t you think it strange that he had a date for the dance?" "Not really - I just thought it was part of keeping your masquerade." She giggled at him. "Kid" she looked into his beautiful eyes once again, sending a brand new set of shivers down his already tingling spine, "Kiss me again, will ya?" She smiled a beautiful smile at him and he swore he could see lights in her eyes. Once again he lowered his head and kissed her pulling her back into his tight embrace - and again the world ceased to exist, except for them.

Neither knew how much time had passed, but it had begun to get very dark. Lou realized she had missed the sunset she had planned to see, she smiled to herself, what a way to miss it! They were so wrapped up in each other, between kissing and giggling they did manage to talk a little. Kid told her that he knew he loved her from the very beginning, but when Jimmy showed interest, he felt he should back off. It was hard but he thought it was the right thing to do. When she had started spending more and more time with Jimmy he was sure his chances were gone. So he decided to stay away from the station as much as possible, especially when Lou and Jimmy were together at the station. He’d offer to take extra rides and do extra chores, anything to keep his mind off of them. In fact, just yesterday he had spoken with Teaspoon about changing home stations. Teaspoon had managed to talk him out of it, but up until right now he had decided he was going to go through with it. It really drove him crazy seeing Jimmy and Lou together.

Lou had listened intently, sitting between his thighs resting her head on his chest, his arms wrapped around her. He was sitting, leaning against his thinking tree, he knew this would never be "his" tree again, it would become "their" tree. She sighed deeply- "I don’t understand why I never realized Kid. But just a little while ago, when you were telling me why you told all those girls no, it hit me like a ton of bricks, I thought to myself. Oh my God, it’s him, it’s always been him! How could I have been so blind - you always made me nervous, whenever you walked into the room I immediately became very self-conscious - and I’m not usually self-conscious. When you touched me - like when we left the bunkhouse earlier I’d feel electrical shocks. I never let myself think about it I guess because Jimmy showed interest in me. I guess I figured I was supposed to be with him. I wasn’t exactly in a position to court, ya know? Being with Jimmy was easy - until he wanted to go too far. But Kid, now that I look back, ever since I’ve known you, from the very beginning what you thought about me mattered most of all. I was always worried about you when you were on runs, more that the rest. The other day in town, when all those girls were tripping over themselves to get you to take them to the dance I realized just how different you really were. The rest of the boys would have jumped eagerly into the arms of anyone of the girls, but you, you know how special a relationship should be and you aren’t willing to let pettiness ruin what might happen in the future. You are a very special man, Kid. I’m just sorry that I had blinders on for so long. We’ve wasted some valuable time, I’m afraid. She turned here head so she could look up into his eyes, they were moist with unshed tears, his face tender with emotion. Kid... I think...no Kid..I...know....I..love you." She touched his lips with hers and both felt what was now becoming a familiar feeling, the tingling in their spines clear to their fingertips and toes.

They decided they should make their way back to the bunkhouse. Kid told Lou he was a little uncomfortable about Jimmy finding out about them right now. She had agreed that for now they would keep this change in their relationship a secret from the boys. It not only would help Kid deal with Jimmy’s feelings but Lou didn’t exactly want to hear Cody’s wise cracks, or any of the others for that matter. They agreed it would be tough but they would make time for each other.

"Kid" she grabbed his arm as they approached the station, which was fully lit and they could tell all of the others had returned by now. "Yeah Lou" he turned to her to give her his full attention. "You know you ain’t aloud to go into town anymore unless I go with you" she teased. "I can’t have all the girls fallen all over you without me there to remind you whose you are" she grinned at him. He liked the sound of her calling him hers. He glanced toward the bunkhouse and noted that no one was around-he planted a sweet kiss on her lips and whispered "I don’t think I’m gonna need remindin, its what I’ve always wanted, sides none of those girls holds a candle to you - you’re beautiful." She lowered her head at his compliment and blushed.

"Come on Lou, let’s get inside, looks like we’ve got some explaining to do. What do we say we were doing? "I don’t know, can’t we say we were making out", she tried to look serious. His eyes wide he spun around to see her face, she didn’t do a good job at trying to look serious. He noticed that she was kidding and shook his head and snickered. "Come on Lou, what are we gonna say?" Let’s just say we were walking, they’ll be persistent and want to know more. Just don’t look at me, they’ll know for sure if we look at each other." They entered the bunkhouse apprehensively.

Chapter 4

They had gotten through that first night without any of the boys figuring out the truth behind their little walk that night several weeks ago. Though they found it harder and harder to pretend they were succeeding in keeping their relationship a secret. Every once in a while they managed a few moments alone around the station, but they’d usually end up telling Rachel or Teaspoon that they were running errands or something then they’d meet at "their" tree and get reacquainted. They were still only at the petting stage but for now, it was all they needed. Kid loved holding her, smelling her, just knowing she belonged to him. He didn’t care if nobody else knew it, all that mattered was that she knew it. Lou however still struggled with the attention Kid attracted in Sweetwater. She tried not to be jealous, she knew how deep Kid’s feelings for her were, but it was just something she couldn’t help. "Kid, when you go to other towns when you’re on your runs, do girls fall all over you like they do here?" she asked one afternoon they had managed to sneak away. "Awe, come on Lou, let’s not talk about it, you know I don’t pay them no attention." "Come on Kid, I just need to know what my competition is" she retorted. "Lou," he leaned in close and spoke in a soft husky voice that succeeded in turning her inside out, "You know you ain’t got no competition, you are the most beautiful girl in the world and all I need, I wouldn’t chance losing you for nothin! Besides, I like you on your toes." He smiled his best smile and kissed the tip of her nose. She rewarded him with the soft sexy giggle she reserved just for him. "Seriously, how long do you think we’ll need to pretend we aren’t together Kid?" I know I can’t flaunt you in front of the ladies of this town (God knows I’d love to!) But I’d sure like to be able to feel comfortable being with you and acting ourselves at the station. "I know Lou, I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, I need to talk to Jimmy. I know you don’t think it’ll matter to him, but believe me if nothin else his pride’ll be hurt. He may not be in love with you like I am, but he’s gonna think maybe he did something wrong to lose you. Please give me a little more time and let me break it to ‘em my way, okay?" "Alright", she sighed and fell back into his embrace. They spent a few more precious moments together before mounting and riding back to the station in different directions.

A few days later all the boys and Rachel headed into town for a shopping trip. Immediately upon dismounting Katy Kid was approached by Sarah Jenkins, dressed in a fancy pink dress with too many frills (Kid thought), her blonde hair hanging in ringlets clear down to her waist. "Well, hello Kid", she used what she considered her most enticing voice. Actually, Kid found it to be very annoying, like fingernails on a chalkboard. He glanced around and noticed Lou had taken note of the situation. Sarah was not to be thwarted, "Kid, I’ll not take no for an answer again, my mother and father will be expecting you for dinner Friday evening around 7:00, see you then", she batted her eyelashes at him. Lou approached the pair, feeling very un-lady like standing next to this girl in all her frills. Kid rubbed the back of his neck and began to fumble with the rawhide string hanging from his hat (Lou noted that Kid had not removed his hat for Sarah, and Kid always removed his hat for a lady - she relaxed a little knowing she didn’t have anything to worry about when it came to this girl) "Well, ah Sarah again I’ll have to say thanks but no thanks, I’ve got plans. She was becoming angrier by the second, "I will not take no for an answer. (drawing attention from the other riders and some of the townsfolk) What is the matter with you, don’t you know any boy in this town would jump at an invitation to dine with me and my parents. My father is the mayor you know!, she was almost yelling at him. Kid remained calm and glanced at Lou for support which she gave him with her smile. "Look Sarah, I appreciate your interest, but I can’t really, I’m sorry". Kid pleaded with Lou with his eyes to help him.

Lou cleared her throat, crossed her arms in her best "boy" stance, and lowered her voice. "Kid why don’t you let Sarah here in on your secret." She watched with amusement, as Kid’s eyes grew big as saucers. "What are you talking ‘bout, Lou" he stammered. "You know" she teased and loved every minute of it "that you got a girl." Kid almost fell over at her statement. Sarah’s eyes grew wide, "What’s he talking about" she glared at Kid, "I know everything that goes on in this town, you’re not seeing anybody around here!" (You don’t know everything he thought wryly, eyeing the tiny rider at his side). "Well, she ain’t from this town" Lou replied. Sarah was glaring at her now. (boy, if looks could kill, I’d be 6 feet under) Kid stammered trying to figure out what to say. "Yeah, that’s right, I just didn’t want a lot of people knowing about her. She’s kind of shy, and not very pretty", he teased Lou even though it stayed between them. "If the other riders knew about her I’d never hear the end of it. Now I hope you understand why I haven’t been able to accept any of your invitations." "Well, if your ashamed of her, it doesn’t sound like there’s much reason to keep seeing her, you deserve a well-bred women of high class, not some little nobody you won’t even tell your friends about. Kid really didn’t like the way the conversation had turned, afraid Lou’s feelings were going to get hurt. "I’m not ashamed of her Sarah", he replied harshly, "she means everything to me, come on Lou, let’s go." He turned to go, Sarah grabbed his arm, "you’ll regret this Kid - you’ll see."

They didn’t say anything for a few minutes, "I hate her" Lou finally broke the silence. "She’s a spoiled little rich bitch." Kid was taken back by the venom in her statement. "Why Louise McCloud I do believe you are jealous", he taunted her. Lou didn’t find his words very funny. He could see in her face that she was not amused. "Come on Lou - you know me well enough to know even if I didn’t love you more than anything I’d never consider being with her. She’s everything in a women I don’t want and you, you are everything I do want!" "Then why are we still hiding from Rachel and Teaspoon and the boys? I’m getting tired of all this sneaking around. I want to be able to be with you at least in our home and not be afraid I might slip up or look at you in a way that gives us up" she sighed heavily. "I know Lou" Kid was formulating a plan as they headed toward the general store. The giggles and stares directed toward the Kid as he passed by did not go unnoticed by Louise. Wonder what the other boys thinks about all the attention he gets from those girls

Chapter 5

Kid decided to first come clean with Rachel, he’d need help anyway to pull off his plan. He tentatively approached her that evening while the others were finishing after dinner chores. "Rachel, can I talk to you?" Rachel eyed him, realizing he was very nervous. "What is it Kid, something the matter?" He sat at the table and sighed, "Well, I don’t really know how to say this, so I’m just gonna spit it out." Rachel was visibly worried, she wondered what could be wrong. Their little family had actually been experiencing a few weeks of relative quietness. All the riders seeming to get along, which was unusual, since they fought like real brothers and sister, she thought. "Ah, well" he continued "You see.. Ah hem.. it’s got to do with Lou and me." A smile formed on Rachel’s face. Now I know what’s got him so nervous, oh I’m gonna enjoy this, I’m gonna make him squirm "Lou?" Rachel questioned him trying to sound concerned, "is there something wrong with her, she okay?" "Oh yes, nothin like that. It’s just that, well, you see we’ve been, Lou and me I mean ( just spit it out Kid)we’ve been a little more that friends lately"- he chanced a glance at her. He noticed the huge grin and was very confused. "What’s so funny Rachel?" She realized she had been grinning at him and she wouldn’t be able to make him squirm like she had hoped. "Kid, you two don’t seriously think we haven’t figured that out, do ya?" He was completely innocent, she couldn’t believe it, he really didn’t know how obvious their love for each other had become. She crossed to him and tousled his hair, "Oh Kid - you can’t hide somethin like you and Lou have - Yeah, we’ve all know for a while, since the night of the Sadie Hawkins dance as a matter of fact. Forgive us Kid - we just kind of enjoyed watching the two of you find more and more ways to spend time alone" she chuckled. He didn’t know whether to be mad or laugh. He decided to laugh, "hell, it must have been a heck of a show."

"Now that I know we’ve been made fools of, I’m gonna need your help. He glanced around to make sure they were alone. He began to explain his plan to her and she sat across from him, ready to help. "I’m gonna need you to help me buy a dress and all that women stuff first." What’s your plan Kid?" "Lou and Buck are scheduled for the overnight run to Seneca Saturday, I’m gonna ask Buck to ask me to switch rides with him, but I’m gonna have him wait until Friday night or Saturday - to make it look more real. First I’m gonna try and get out of it, that’ll make her real mad" - he grinned at Rachel- but I’ll finally give in. Rachel’s eyes were glittering with excitement as she watched Kid’s face as his plan to surprise his love unfolded. He really loves her she thought, but she’d known that from the beginning - she knew Lou would finally figure it out. "Anyway, on Wednesday when I’m there on my regular run I’m gonna talk to the hotel owner and ask them to help. I’ll leave the clothes and all there and ask them to have two rooms ready on Saturday afternoon and to set one up with a hot bubble bath and flowers, I’ll have them lay the dress and stuff on the bed. I’ll leave her a note and have her meet me in the lobby. Kid was so excited Rachel couldn’t help but laugh. "I hope she knows what a lucky lady she is - you know you’re something special Kid, Lord if I was only 10 years younger I’d give her a run for her money." Kid blushed at her comment, which only endeared him more to her. "She’s the special one Rachel, she means everything to me" Rachel could tell that Kid meant what he said.

"Sure Kid we’ll go over to the dress shop tomorrow, I’ll make up some story about buying a dress for my niece and wantin a man’s opinion. Rachel wanted to ask him a question but was afraid she’d embarrass him, but she really wanted to do, finally her curiosity get the better of her. "Kid if you don’t mind me askin, why two rooms?" Kid shifted in his seat and looked a little uncomfortable. He wouldn’t look at Rachel but began to reply, "Well, I don’t want to rush her, I know one of her and Jimmy’s problems was that he wanted things to go further than she did - I don’t want her to feel like I’m pushin her. "Kid, she didn’t love Jimmy, that’s why she didn’t want things to go there, take my advice- save the money, you’re not gonna need the extra room", she teased him. Her amusement escalated as she saw the shade of red he had become.

Everything had gone so smoothly. Rachel helped with the dress. It was an emerald green silk dress with a moderately cut neckline, which was lined with cream colored lace. There weren’t any frills, Kid had never liked frills. They chose the gloves, shoes, necklace, earrings and even the soft white chemise to wear under the dress. Both he and Rachel were very satisfied with the purchase. As they were exiting the dress shop, they were approached once again by Sarah Jenkins. Kid sighed and tried to leave the scene before she could start in on him. "Buying a gift for your ‘girl’?, she spoke sarcastically. Eyeing Rachel - "You know he shouldn’t take me so lightly - I usually get what I want!" She tossed her head and walked away. "Boy, isn’t she pleasant" Rachel stated. "Lou’s right", Kid sighed "She is a rich bitch". Rachel was surprised by Kid’s statement. That girl must be a bad one, I’ve never heard Kid say anything bad about anyone

She thought.

Chapter 6

Lou was preparing for her run while Kid sat at the table watching her. "Wonder where Buck is?" she questioned. "Umh?" Kid hadn’t been paying attention, his thoughts on the upcoming evening. "I’m sorry, what’d you say?" "What’s on your mind Kid? You’ve been acting real strange the past few days, you got me worried." He crossed the room to her "it ain’t nothin Sweetheart, just thinkin ‘bout you". He bent to place a kiss on her lips, just as he did the door opened and in walked Buck. They jumped away from each other and tried to act like nothing was going on. Buck stifled a giggle. "Hey Kid would you mind takin’ my ride for me?" he tried to put on his best lying face. "I’ve been invited to the church dance tonight and I’d really like to go, you know I don’t get invited to those very often." Kid faced Buck, turning away from Lou. "I don’t know Buck, thought I’d catch up on a few things around here today." Lou’s eyes almost popped out of her head, Kid couldn’t see her but he could see Buck’s reaction and from it he could tell Lou was not happy. What the hells he doing - Buck’s giving us an invitation to be alone and he’s trying to get out of it - there must be something the matter with him Lou thought. "Come on Kid, I’ll make it up to you" Buck pleaded. "Oh alright Buck, sure I’ll do it for ya." "Thanks Kid" Buck slapped him on the back and left the bunkhouse. Kid began gathering his belongings for the ride. Lou turned her back on him, visibly upset with him. He put his arms around her and nibbled her ear lobe, she didn’t sink into his embrace and she usually did and Kid realized he had succeeded in riling her up. "What’s the matter Lou?" Still not answering him he turned her to look at him (Just hang on honey, you won’t be mad in a little while) "Oh come on Lou, I was gonna say yes right away, I just didn’t want Buck to think I was too anxious, you know what I mean." Her shoulders dropped and she sighed - "I know, still sneaking around" she kissed him on the cheek -"one of these days" she whispered to herself. "What’d you say" Kid questioned her. I said, "you’d better get ready its just about time to go." (Yeah one of these days and today’s the day - you’ll see we’ll be arm in arm in Seneca in just a few hours) Kid thought as he continued to make ready for the upcoming ride. When he left the bunkhouse Lou quickly packed a few things to wear just in case they got to spend some free time together.

They rode fast most of the way, Kid was on a time frame - he had given the owner of the hotel a time to have everything ready, he wanted to be sure the bath would still be hot for her. She slowed him down once or twice - "Kid, what’s the rush, you’re gonna kill the horses." "Come on Lou, there used to it. I just wanna get there, that’s all." They were running right on schedule, Kid glanced at his pocket watch in relief.

They pulled into Seneca several hours later and after delivering the mochilla to the station finally dismounted the horses. "Lou, you gonna stay in the Seneca Hotel tonight?" he asked innocently. She nodded - "Yep, always do when I’m here", she hadn’t been aloud to stay at the way stations since Teaspoon found out she was a girl. "You know I might like one of them soft beds myself, do you mind if I get a room too?" "Course not, let’s go" she smiled at him.

They entered the lobby and Kid was startled to see an unfamiliar face behind the counter. Oh no, what am I gonna do, how do I get the right rooms, his mind began to reel and Lou looked at him quizzically. There really is something wrong with him she thought. Just as she was about to ask him again what was the matter the familiar face of the hotel owner’s wife appeared from around the corner. Thank God, Kid almost sighed in relief. "Hello" he addressed her, she smiled warmly at him letting him know with her eyes that all his plans had been carried out. She eyed the little express rider - she recognized her, always thought there was something different about that little one, looks just like a girl, wonder why I didn’t notice before. "Can I help you?", she responded to Kid’s greeting. "We’d like to get a couple of rooms, please." "Sure, sign here" turning the registration book to him. Kid signed the register and dug in his pocket for the money to pay for the rooms. Kid reached for Lou’s hand as she began searching her pocket for a coin, and shook his head, she understood he was paying for her room, "thank you" she mouthed and smiled looking a little embarrassed.

Kid took the keys the lady handed him and knew the room they had set up for Lou was 107, he handed that key to her. "You go up and freshen up, I’ll take care of the horses. I’ll knock in a little while and we’ll go grab a bite to eat, okay?" "Kid, don’t be too long" she leaned in closer to him and almost whispered. He grinned his most sensuous grin at her, she felt her knees weaken. She turned away from his look before they buckled, I don’t know what tonight holds, but I think it’s gonna be special Kid, she thought.

Kid stepped out of the hotel to take care of the horses as Lou ascended the stairs. The hotel owner’s wife watched the scene with amusement, Oh to be young and in love - she reminisced.

The she furrowed her brow, wonder if both of those rooms are gonna get used tonight.

More to follow....