Part 1

The trip to the airport was long and traffic was bad, none of it helped with Terri's mood. She had better things to do at the ranch than pick up some friend of her boss's. Her dog, picking up her tense mood, whined in a low-pitched voice. Not only was Terri running late to pick up her boss's visitor, she still had to drop the feed trailer off at the mill on the way in to get their monthly supplies.

Terri muttered to herself as she found a place to park, Tamara is going to pay dearly for this one. She realized she had less than four minutes to cover half the airport and find this woman. Annoyed because her long hair kept falling in her face, she pulled the black Stetson lower as old man winter blew a cold breath of wind into her face. She entered the terminal, her long legs covering the walkways quickly, and tried to find the gate she needed.

The plane was late so she decided to head for the main gate to wait. She hated to stand in one place too long. The cement pillar she was leaning against wasn't all that comfortable and the longer she waited the more the tension built up. She watched as passengers disembarked from the plane; her icy blue eyes taking in everyone that passed by her vision.

Suddenly Terri's breath caught in her throat. The woman was drop dead gorgeous. Her long, red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but it was the eyes that caused Terri to stop. Greener than any green she had ever seen in her life. They were eyes that made one think of brilliant emeralds. Terri shook her head. Get a grip Terri. She watched as the flaming red haired beauty moved closer.

"Terri?" the woman asked in a sultry Southern accent.

Terri nodded her head, her mouth dry, "Yes ma'am, right this way. We'll get your bags an' get us back on the road." Terri tried to keep her voice steady while shaking inside. She shrugged off the feeling, burying it deep. Shit ya ain't even talked but a few words an' your undies are in a bundle. Get your head outta your arse an' forget those thoughts. Terri cursed to herself silently.

Taylor thought this was some kind of joke when she thought of why Tamara had sent this one to meet her at the airport. Tamara had given her Terri's name but had also called her the "Reckless Rogue", not willing to provide any other explanation. The woman in front of her had long, raven black hair, a very sexy built body supported on long muscular legs, and a temper to fit the moody blue eyes. Taylor could feel the tension radiating off Terri. This should prove to be a fun ride back to the ranch. Taylor struggled to keep up with the long legs of the woman in front of her.

Taylor would have Terri eating out of her hand before too long from the side-glances she was getting from the tall drink of water next to her. Oh darlin', this could be fun. Taylor smiled to herself as she walked next to Terri.

Not a word was spoken while Terri fetched Taylor's bags, grumbling to herself the whole time. Back on I-5 heading for the feed store, the dog sat on the back seat staring over the front seat at Taylor.

Terri, is that damn ole dog going to stare at me this whole trip?"

"Might, can't tell with her. Likes ya or hates ya, she'll decide. I gotta stop an' pick up the feed trailer, you hungry?" Terri's voice gave way to shaking, almost to the point of stuttering. "There's a diner across the stre?et you could stop an' g...et a 'to go' box?"

"That sounds like a plan. Flight food isn't the best. Can I get you something?" Again that voice had Terri in a fuddle. Taylor placed her hand on Terri's arm to stop her.

"Um, I....NO, that's ok. Meet me back here in about twenty-five minutes," Terri snapped a little too harshly. She pulled away from the heat of Taylor's touch, feeling the tension slip from the second Taylor's hand was on her arm.

There was pain buried deep in those icy blue eyes that Taylor could see through the anger. Taylor felt the pull of wanting to take the ex-rodeo rider in her arms, to hold her, and to tell her everything's going to be ok. But the ice was back in the blue eyes as Terri pulled herself up taller and strode away. Taylor wondered how she got the nickname "Reckless Rogue". Ice Queen would have fit better.

*****

They had an hour to go before arriving at the ranch and Terri's mind wandered all over the road. The red head slept peacefully on the seat beside her, a cascade of hair falling close to Terri's hand on the seat. She reached over and smoothed it out of Taylor's face. Reaching behind the seat she pulled out an indigo patterned blanket and flipped it out to cover Taylor. Sighing to herself she heard her cell phone ring. She checked the number and turned it off, not wanting to wake her passenger. She realized she had missed her date with Tiny...again.

Taylor had given up on getting to know Terri any better. She slid lower in the seat stretching out as far as the floorboards would let her. She felt Terri's hand gently push the stray lock of hair off her forehead sending butterflies to her stomach. That was the last thing she remembered before sleep claimed her.



Part 2

The barn lights were on as they pulled into the ranch.

The dog sat up sniffing the cool night air. A low growl came from her throat. They were home.

"Umm?Ma'am you should be sittin' up 'bout now. We're at the ranch." Terri gently shook Taylor's shoulder. When she got no response she gently shook Taylor's shoulder again. "Hey sleepy head, come on, we're here," she growled into a tiny ear.

"NO?lemme sleep," Taylor whined as shivers ran throughout her body from the warm breath in her ear.

Terri shoved her a little harder. "You are SO not sleeping in my truck tonight. Besides Tamara is on her way down here, so GET UP!" Terri jumped out of the truck and headed to her tiny cabin with the dog trotting beside her.

Tamara came out to greet them as they passed the main house. She grinned at her guest and said, "It's so good to see you again T!!"

The tall redhead pulled her best friend close. She had such a pleasant face that most people wouldn't guess she ran one of the most lucrative ranches in the state with the fortitude of a shrewd woman.

Taylor hugged her friend tight, " Feels good to be home, Tamm. I have just got to say thank you for sending the brat." She grinned at Tamara.

"Thought you might get a kick out of her. Did she say more than four words? And not all swearing I hope?" Tamara's hazel eyes lit up with laughter.

"No swearing but only four words were spoken the whole trip. Not an easy one, is she?"

"No, come on, let's get you settled in an' we'll talk over coffee in the morning."

*****

Terri changed her clothes and headed back to the barn. She knew she wouldn't sleep; those emerald eyes would haunt her dreams. She started to unload the trailer carrying in feed sack after feed sack. It felt good to stretch her sore muscles.

It was well after 2am and Terri knew she was almost finished. She felt someone watching her so she looked at the main house but it was black. Still she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The winter winds had died down for the night; her breath came in even steady puffs of cool steam. Taking a break she lit up a smoke. Inhaling deeply, she could make out Taylor's form standing in the door of the dark cottage. Terri quickly turned and stomped out the cigarette and headed back into the barn.

***************************

Terri woke at 4am before the sun was even up. She hadn't slept more than an hour or so. Her head hurt and she needed coffee, lots of it. Dressing quickly she headed back to the barn. Her knee hurt from yesterday's work on one of the new fillies she was breaking and the long ride to the airport hadn't helped much either. But she knew after a cup of java she'd be back in the saddle before the sun came fully awake.

After making coffee, she fed and watered the horses milling around in their stalls in the barn. A quick refill of coffee so thick the walls could be painted with it and she was set. Terri led the filly out to the corral, tied her to the hitching post, and curried her down. She saddled her and climbed into the saddle. The filly cow hopped a few times then reared up in the air. The dirt flew from under the small delicate hooves as the filly twisted and turned, trying to dump Terri to the ground. She ran into the railing of the corral. Terri bit down on her cheek as she felt her knee slammed against it again.

The hired help stood around watching Terri ride the filly to near exhaustion. It was a masterful piece of work to watch this former pro rodeo rider in action.

*****

Taylor could hear the yelling and clapping as she lay in bed. Pulling the curtains open a few inches to see what the noise was all about, she watched the filly run Terri into the rails, and cringed. She fell back onto the bed knowing she needed to get up. She was meeting Tamara for breakfast but her mind was filled with images of those ice blue eyes.

Tamara poured coffee for herself and a glass of juice for Taylor. "So how long you are planning to stay this time?" She could see Terri working the filly in the corral. "T?? HEY T??"

Taylor jumped at Tamara's voice. "Huh? Sorry, lost in thought. What did you say?" She grinned at Tamara.

"Don't be getting any ideas, Terri is untouchable. A lost cause. Now back to my question...how long are you staying?"

"Oh, I have two months to decide what I'm going to do. I sold my practice to a nice young man and his wife. I may open one here depending on a few things, but I may do some traveling first. Who knows from there, I haven't made any set plans as of yet." Taylor grinned at her best friend of the last 15 years. "How are things here with your ranch?"

"Even better now that I hired Terri. It's taken about six months to get things settled down an' running smoothly. She's pulled this ranch into a better place than it was before the fire." She sighed.

The range fire had about destroyed her livelihood. It had taken them the last two years to rebuild some of the outer barns and storage sheds.

"It's been hard, but Terri knows what she's doing. Hard to handle her at times but she knows her job." Tamara smiled and stopped herself as she watched Taylor staring back out the window at Terri's wild riding in the corral.

"I'm planning on making my rounds in a half hour care to join me?" she asked while poking Taylor.

"I'd love it, Tamm. I'll meet you by the barn?" She picked up her juice and walked over to her cottage to change into some riding clothes.



Part 3

Terri had put the filly through her paces and cooled her off. After turning her loose in a day paddock, she went in search of the barn help. Terri knew where to find Jesse. She was a quiet kid, but good at her job. She left directions for the day, moved back inside and saddled her palomino. She walked to the cook shanty and had them pack her a bag lunch. After saddling her mare, she headed out to bring in a herd of cattle from one of the higher ranges. It felt like snow and she knew it would be better if they were closer to the barn so they could feed hay with a tractor if need be.

Terri had spent the day in the saddle. It had felt good to be free and out doing the next best thing to the rodeo riding. As she headed back to the barn, she knew she'd have to face Tamara sooner or later, but she was hoping it was later.

But no such luck. Tamara was in the office with the red haired beauty. Terri's mind went blank; she wanted to run her hands through that hair. 'What would those lips taste like?' She shook her head to clear the thoughts.

"Ter? Can you come in here a sec please?" Tamara asked.

"Yes ma'am," quipped Terri. She hadn't wanted to talk in front of Taylor but she knew there was no way out know. All she wanted was a hot bath and something to eat.

"Did you get the feed put away? And the cows brought down out of the higher hills?" Tamara's eyes grew dark. "It's going to snow tonight; we need them close so we can feed them."

"Yeahup, they're down in the south pasture. The feed was put up last night 'fore I turned in," snapped Terri. "The older stock is behind the barn now. I found part of a fence down, fixed it, an' will move them on to higher ground if the weather permits. I'll ride out again tomorrow and check for any strays I might have missed. If there's nothin' else, I need a hot meal." Terri's eyes were a deep blue with hunger. Taylor's lips haunted her mind, or was it the sexy look in those eyes? She couldn't even look towards Taylor. She stared at her dusty boots, her face burning bright red.

"That'll be good. If the storm breaks by morning, take Jesse with you. She can help bring in the strays. Now go eat 'fore you fall and bump your head again." Tamara grinned at Terri. The last time she had been up with little or no sleep and no food she had passed out and needed a few stitches.

Terri's eyes got darker at Tamara's comment. She spun on her heel, heading for the cook shanty.

Tamara grinned at Taylor. "Tell me her story, Tam?"

"Not much to tell. She was busted up pretty bad on the rodeo circuit in an accident that also killed her lover. She ended up here. Not much more than that. Something's hurting her bad. She hasn't really gotten to know any of the other hands except for Jesse. I checked her out and she was in the top four ranking going into the rodeo finals. Everyone speaks highly of her but none has much info. The accident was too much and she quit the circuit. She keeps to herself mostly. On the weekends, she goes to town with Jesse to play pool. A word of advice, that kind don't stay in one place too long." Tamara met Taylor's eyes and smiled sadly. "She's not worth your time, hon."

Taylor smiled back "Ahh but it's the challenge of it all. Sounds like no one's given her a chance. She's like a sick puppy that never had a home to call her own." Taylor wondered how she would gain Terri's trust. It wouldn't be easy but she had a plan. "You still got that gelding I like?"

"Yes. I had Terri bring him in the day before yesterday. She'll take some of the rough edges off him. He's in the stall next to the Terri's palomino. You know where to find the tack. I'd ask you not to ride out in the storm we got brewing tonight but knowing you, you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from it." Tamara giggled at Taylor.

"No, I think if this storm breaks tomorrow I'll take a ride. Right now, I think I'll head back to my cottage and relax. I have some phone calls to make and then I think I'll cuddle up with a good book. See you tomorrow afternoon?" Taylor's eyes grew warm and friendly. "It's good to be home. Thank you for putting me up hon."

"T, you know you're welcome here anytime. It's been too long. Let's plan a night out tomorrow. There's a new bar in town I'd like to check out. We'll do dinner and then have a few drinks."

**************************************************

Taylor was headed for her cottage when she spotted the lights on in the arena. "Thought I might find you hiding here." She spoke softly not want to scare Terri off. "Anything I can help you with, Terri?"

"Nope," came the curt reply.

"Can you ride the gelding down for me? Tam said I could use him while I'm here." She wanted to reach out and touch the soft black hair peeking out from under that sexy Stetson.

"I brought him down with us the other day. I'll shake the kinks out of him after I eat. Then he's all yours." Terri turned away; she knew Taylor was going to touch her so she made her escape quickly.

Terri took her dinner back to her cottage for some much-needed time alone. She had just finished washing the dishes to go back to the cook shanty when a knock on her door startled her, causing her to drop the plate in her hand. "DAMMIT! This better be good." she snapped as she yanked open the door.

Blue eyes met green. Taylor brushed past her, walking into the living room. "Tam ditched me. Guess she had a date. I thought maybe I could help you work the gelding tonight. Where's your dust pan and broom?"

Terri ran a hand through her hair, frustrated, "Don't you ever slow down?" she asked.

"No, now where's your dustpan, butter fingers?" Taylor started opening the doors looking for a broom.

Terri silently handed Taylor the broom from behind the door. Taylor's hand closed over hers; blue to green meeting with words unspoken. Taylor leaned into Terri whispering "I don't bite" as she moved closer.

Terri's eyes clouded, going a deeper shade of blue. Their bodies touched, sending shockwaves through them both. Terri pulled back as it felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. Her eyes became the color of blue ice.

"Don't do that again, Taylor," she snapped, pulling the broom out of Taylor's hands. Tossing it aside, she walked out, heading for the barn to work the gelding. It was all Terri could do not to slam the door.

Taylor let herself calm down. The heat of passion was intense. She knew parts of Terri's story. She had seen her on TV many times and she knew that she was famous in the world of the gay rodeo circuit. However, that wasn't the problem. She hadn't come here to get involved with anyone. This was her hideaway, a place to relax. She had sold her practice. She was free now. She didn't need another woman who had baggage. She'd left one of those behind when she sold out, packed her stuff up and left the state. Nevertheless, she couldn't get Terri out of her mind. Taylor felt like a freight train had just run her over and smiled to herself as she thought of her dream last night. 'Damn. Those icy blue eyes....' She grabbed the broom and cleaned up the broken glass.

**************************************************

Taylor could hear Jesse laughing. She made a quick detour towards the barn arena where Terri was having trouble getting the gelding to stand still enough to saddle. She was swearing up a blue streak. Terri tried to saddle the gelding. He didn't like it one bit and with his ears plastered to the back of his head, he lunged at Terri with his teeth.

"Silly boy, you stop this right now. We don't want to be actin' like a two year old with Taylor riding you. So let's just get this idea out of your head. This sumbitch won't stand still. Come hold him, Jesse" Terri was getting pissier by the minute and all Jesse could do was laugh at her. Most would have had their head bitten off by now but the two had developed a good working relationship and a trust that went beyond words.

**************************************************

Terri could feel Taylor watching her. How long she had been there Terri wasn't sure. Her senses must be getting a little dull if she couldn't 'feel' she was being watched and that only added to the frustrations of her day.

Jesse grabbed the gelding's ear and twisted it. He stood still for Terri long enough to get the saddle cinched up tight. She led him to the riding arena. Walking him around a few times on a lunge line, he proceeded to kick his heels as he made his rounds. The gelding hadn't been ridden in a long time and Terri knew this would be a wild ride.

Out of the corner of her eye, Terri could see that Taylor and several of the ranch hands were waiting for her to ride him. She pulled his head closer whispering in his ear, "Ok boy, let's give 'em a show."

She took a leap and placed herself in the saddle. She grabbed for the stirrups as the gelding hit the air. With his head tucked under, he bolted across the dirt floor, bucking and twisting; trying to rid himself of the heavy object on his back. It wasn't as if he wasn't broken to ride but it had been many months since he had felt a rider on his back. A horse can go sour when not worked. If he could get out of it and get this extra weight off his back, he would. Terri bit the inside of her mouth clean through as once again she had forgotten her mouth piece.

The gelding came to a stop puffing hard. Terri trotted him around the ring several times. Jumping off, she looked square at Taylor and nodded. Taylor's face went white. She shook her head NO! Terri's blue eyes turned cold. She mounted the gelding again and rode him straight over to Taylor. She nodded at Jesse.

"Taylor, it's ok. He's been ridden down now. He'll be just fine. You need to ride him so he knows that you're the boss. It's better to do this while Terri's here with you than on your own." Jesse shoved Taylor towards the gate Terri held open from astride the gelding.

The gelding stood quietly as Terri dismounted. She gave Taylor a hand to help her up. A flash of softness went through Terri's eyes as she looked into Taylor's green ones. Taylor settled into the warm saddle. Terri adjusted the stirrups to fit her shorter legs and clipped the lunge line back to the gelding's halter. She wanted Taylor to have control, but still wanted be able to keep the gelding in check as she let out the long lunge line.

"Taylor, walk him nice and slow. Let him get used to the feeling of having you on his back," Jesse said.

"You're doing great Taylor. Now kick him up a notch into a trot. I know you've ridden many times, but he can tell you're nervous, so relax. I'll walk you through it. Just focus on his ears. He's listening to you."

Jesse's voice was calming Taylor down. It had been years since she had been on top of a horse and not doing surgery on it instead. She could feel Terri's eyes on her, never leaving her face. They made eye contact several times. Taylor could have sworn she had seen Terri wink at her. There was almost a smile on that lovely face. Then it was gone just as quick. Terri nodded at Jesse.

"Ok Taylor we're going to let him loose and you take him on your own."

Taylor tugged gently on the reins bring the gelding to a halt. Terri moved in and unclipped the line to the halter while looking up at Taylor. "All you need to do is show 'em who's boss." The half grin appeared not quite reaching the eyes.

"I'll keep that in mind." Taylor flashed a sexy smile. "Butter fingers." Taylor nudged the gelding to get him moving.

Shaking her head, Terri moved away from the arena. She moved toward one of the other pens where a young filly was waiting for her turn at training. Terri walked the filly into the center of the arena and nodded at Jesse again. She and Jesse had done this for weeks on end. They could talk with no words actions were enough.

"Taylor, move him down toward the other end of the ring. We'll give Terri some room," Jesse called out.

**************************************************

Taylor pulled her mount to a stop and watched as Terri shook out the lunge line. Terri's focus was on the filly now. 'Let's see if I can keep my mind on the filly not on the red head'. She clicked her tongue getting a quick response from the filly, which then moved away from Terri into a smooth walk. They went through the paces while Terri decided to try to ride her tonight. She felt confident that the filly was ready.

"Jesse, get Taylor out of the ring now," Terri called.

Taylor moved the gelding over to the gate, dismounted, and led him outside the ring. Jesse climbed up to perch on a top rail.

"Just drop the reins. He'll stand there until you're ready. Climb on up. This should be a rough ride." Jesse grinned at her. Taylor just held her breath.

"So this is why they called her the Reckless Rogue huh?" Taylor asked Jesse.

"A hint to you, Taylor, don't let Terri over hear you call her that. She'll freak. Yeah, that's why. She's damn good at breaking them in." Jesse's eyes filled with envy.



Part 4

Terri let her weight hang over the side of the filly as she danced under her. Slowly she pulled herself up straight in the saddle. Fitting her boots into the stirrups, she felt the filly bunch under her. 'Shit not again, no mouth piece. Dammit.' Terri's mind filled with the thought of how she would eat soup for the next week as the filly dug in. She reared and plunged to the other side of the ring. She bucked hard to the left, digging in her heels. Terri pulled herself right in the saddle throwing the filly off balance. Terri tasted blood in her mouth as her face came down and smashed into the top of the filly's head. 'This one's going to hurt tonight.' She had gotten a little to far forward in the saddle and met the hard bone of the filly's forehead with her nose.

The ride seemed longer than it really was and soon Terri felt the filly tiring. With one last attempt to ditch the added weight on her back, she stopped and sniffed Terri's boot. Terri smiled and spoke softly to her. "See girl, I'm not gonna hurt ya. Just let me get down and we're done for the night." Terri stood next to the hard breathing filly as Jesse entered the ring.

"Need some water there?" Jesse smiled at Terri.

Terri took the bottle from her. "Smartass," Terri growled as she washed the blood out of her mouth. She turned to spit it out and caught the look in Taylor's eyes. It was one of fear. Terri raised an eyebrow at her; eyes full of questions. However, that couldn't be solved right now. Jesse was going to cool the filly off then put her up for the night.

Terri needed to get the gelding back in his stall and fed before she could look at her mouth. She walked toward the gelding as Taylor jumped off the top rail. Terri wiped her hand across her nose. It came away bloody. 'Shit just what I need.' Her eyes grew dark and angry.

"Terri, let me see. Your nose is bleeding. Let's get you an ice pack." Taylor pulled her towards the office and the first aide kit.

"I'm fine, Taylor. I just need to get the gelding put up for the night an' a shower." Terri's eyes were blank. She pulled her arm away from Taylor's hold.

Taking the gelding and walking him down the isle to his stall, she unsaddled him. Taylor stood next to her. Terri could feel the warmth of Taylor's body next to hers and she couldn't seem to concentrate on brushing the horse down. Taylor took the brush from her and finished up. Terri filled his feed bin with some extra grain.

"Terri?"

"Huh?"

"Is he going to act like he did every time I want to ride him? 'Cause if he does, I think I'll pick a different horse." Taylor's voice filled with emotion.

"Nope?.He'll b?e f...ine." Terri's voice wavered.

"You ok?"

"Yeahup. Just tired." Terri tried not to stammer.

"Well then. Let's get him in his stall and you can get some sleep," Taylor replied reaching out to touch her, needing to feel close. She leaned into Terri harder, and was about to kiss her soft lips when Terri flinched at the touch. Pulling away, Terri shut the stall door.

"What is it with you?" Taylor snapped, as Terri headed out of the barn. Taylor went in search of Jesse to see if she could get anything out of her. She had yet to talk at length with Tamara about Terri as Tamara was called away this morning. They had a date for drinks later the next evening.

"Hey Jesse? You got a minute?"

"Sure, Taylor. What's up?" Jesse eyed her nervously. She knew what was coming; she had seen what took place in the gelding's stall. Terri would shoot her on sight if she said a word.

"Well I'm not sure where to start, but I would like some insight as to why Terri is so cold at times? I was hoping you could help me out?" Taylor asked in a pleading voice.

"Well I'm not sure we should be discussing her. It's not wise. She'll be really pissed off if she knows I've said anything." Jesse looked at Taylor.

"Ok, how about if I ask yes and no questions? That way you won't get in trouble with her." Taylor grinned at Jesse. The smile had Jesse melting and Taylor knew it.

"How long have you known her?"

"Oh I'd say about the last six months."

"Has she been this way ever since coming to the ranch?"

"To me no, to others yes. There's a lot you don't understand about her," Jesse replied in a small voice, not wanting to say too much, yet wanting to tell Taylor everything.

"Will you tell me what it is?" pleaded Taylor. This was her only hope 'til she could talk to Tamara, and even then she didn't think Tamara would know much more than she had already told her.

"Nope." Jesse grinned at her. "You'll just have to ask her yourself that's if she stays that long." With that, Jesse walked away. Leaving Taylor wondering what she had meant.

Taylor headed for her cottage, feeling a little lost. She knew they would be going up in the hills again tomorrow to see if they had missed any stray cattle. Her mind clicked into high gear. She switched directions and headed for the cook shanty. She pulled open the door, stepped into the dimly light room and spotted Mark, the cook.

"Hi, Mark. I've got a favor to ask of you!"

"For you, Big Red anything is yours for the asking," he greeted her with a huge bear hug.

"How are you Mark? It's been a long time!" She took the coffee he offered her, thanked him and settled down on one of the bench seats. He sat across from her.

"So how's Tim?" she asked taking a drink of the warm liquid.

"He's doing great. Do you realize it's been over four years since you've been back?" Mark and Tim had been together for over ten years and had worked on the ranch since Tamara had taken over the ownership.

"Yes, I know. It feels like it's been over twenty." She smiled at him. She knew his story; Tamara was the closest thing he had to any family, except for his lover Tim.

"So, my princess what's the favor you need to ask of me?" He smiled at her.

"Well I was wondering?." She stopped in mid sentence as she noticed Terri walking in.

"Ahh?.I?.hold that thought, Mark." She grinned at him. He got her drift and waited.

"Terri, you mess up my kitchen I'll axe murder you." Mark smiled even bigger, knowing full well Terri would take the bait.

"BITE ME!" she snapped through swollen lips, pouring herself some hot cider he kept just for her. She walked into the kitchen for a leftover slice of roast, some bread and a slab of cheese then returned to join them at the bench. She sat across the table from Taylor, next to Mark and shoved herself against him hard. "You had better be nice to me asswipe," she growled at him." I won't haul your boyfriend to town an' get his shopping done." Her eyes bore into Taylor's green ones.

He patted Terri's arm and smiled at her. "Breakfast at 4:30am? Who in the hell beat you up?" He knew she didn't waste any time in bed when there was work to done and he was totally convinced she didn't sleep more than a few hours at a time. He had seen her out stalking around the barnyard late at night.

She dumped his hand off her arm, stood quickly, nodded at Taylor and walked out, leaving behind a half eaten plate of food and her hot cider.

"Ok what's up, princess? You have a favor to ask me?"

"Hum...yes I do. I need a lunch packed for a ride tomorrow. I'll stop by before I ride out to pick it up." She had pulled Terri's mug closer to fiddle with the mug of steaming cider. "Oh, and add some hot cider, Mark."

"So what's up with you, my dear princess?" His gray eyes grew concerned.

"I don't get her at all, Mark. It's almost like she's unreachable." Taylor sighed. Her feelings were running deep for this lost soul she had no clue how to reach.

"Well she's not an easy one to read. She's had some hard knocks and you can't tell me you didn't see the accident plastered all over the news?"

"Yes. Yes, I did and it's sad. But you can't rely on the news to give you the truth. It's almost as if she has given up on living. There has to be some way I can reach her. It's hard to explain Mark but I feel this connection to her I have never felt for with anyone I have known." Taylor sat lost in thought.

"Maybe she did give up, Taylor. She lost everything but that damn dog of hers. She gave up the one true thing she loves to do. The memories hurt too much. She's not as bad as she lets on. There's more to her than you see. She's not only overcoming the death of her lover, but also has to overcome her health problems." Mark paused taking a sip of the hot tea in front of him.

"My suggestion to you, Princess, would be to just be her friend. Keep picking away at the hard outer shell. She'll break eventually. It's taken me six months to get her to warm up to me. It wasn't easy either. She's well respected and liked here so you won't get much more information out of this crew about her. I don't think even Tamara knows the whole story behind her. Terri likes it that way. So we leave it alone." His eyes showed sorrow for the younger woman.

"Thank you, Mark. Once again you've helped me." She stood and kissed him good night," I'll pick up the lunch in the morning. And would you pack it for two please?" She grinned at him, picked up the cup and left the shanty. She walked over to Terri's cottage and knocked softly on the door.

Terri stumbled to the door. She had just gotten out of the shower and was dripping wet. She yanked the door open and growled, "This better be important." She stopped, staring into a pair of beautiful green eyes.

"I thought maybe you could use a nightcap." Taylor held the hot cup of cider out to Terri.

"I?huh?shuu...re." Terri's face became angry as she tried to be normal and talk to Taylor. Taylor could see the fire in Terri's eyes, the anger at not being able to form a sentence. It hit all at once. This could be the reason she seemed angry so much of the time.

"Relax, honey. I don't bite." She grinned at Terri." I just thought I'd drop this by on my way to bed. Hope you sleep ok and see you tomorrow." Taylor turned to go.

"Tay?Taylor?" Terri stammered. "Thank y?.ou." She cringed at the sound of her own voice failing her. Taylor just grinned at her.

"Goodnight, honey," Taylor whispered as she disappeared into her own cottage.

**************************************************

Terri grabbed a quick breakfast and headed for the barn. While the ranch hands waited for her, she poured a cup of steaming hot coffee as Jesse had filled them in on who would be riding what trail.

"We ready?" With nods all around Terri saddled her palomino mare. "Then we're burnin' daylight. Let's ride" She pulled her Stetson down tighter and rode out. The work crew took different paths to search for stray cattle as well as any broken links in the fence. She rode tirelessly throughout the day, stopping only to rest her mare.

The storm had dumped a good two feet of new snow. The weather had broken and the sun shined bright, melting the powdery fluff. Taylor knew by the empty stall that Terri had already headed out. She hummed to herself as she saddled the gelding. 'Today would be a step in the right direction.' She thought to herself as she cinched the saddle down tight.

She tied down the heavy saddlebags and walked the gelding outside. It didn't take her long to find Terri's tracks in the fresh snow. After an hour of steady riding, she crested a small hill to see Terri's black Stetson coming over the next hill. She stopped her mount, waiting for Terri to come into view.

Terri pulled her mare to a stop and sat staring into the green eyes. 'What the hell is she doin'? Is she that nut's to ride out in this cold weather? Just what I need is to have to baby sit a damn city slickin' greenhorn.' Terri cussed a few more times and kicked her mount into a canter toward Taylor.

Taylor edged her gelding down the hill to meet Terri. "Hi. Thought maybe you'd like some company. Have you eaten lunch yet?" Taylor saw a look of surprise flash across Terri's face. As quickly as it was there, it was gone.

"You can't tell me you're not hungry after spending almost all day out here?" Taylor pushed her.

"Nope. Guess I can't say I'm not." Terri took a deep breath. 'Don't let me stutter.' She silently prayed to herself.

"Well then, let's find a place out of the wind and have something to eat. I had Mark pack some sandwiches. And I got some hot cider to go along with it." Taylor had her there and Terri knew it.

"Huh?There's a cabin not too far from here." Terri's teeth clenched tight. Taylor's eyes flashed an interest. Terri spun the mare around, heading back the way she had just come.

******************************************

The cabin she spoke of was not much more than a one-room shack. Terri put the horses in the shanty connected to the side of the cabin out of the wind that was picking up. Terri tossed her jacket on the small couch and started a fire in the fireplace since it was the only heat in the small cabin. Taylor took the saddlebags and unloaded the food onto the table. Finding coffee mugs in the cupboard, she filled a mug and handed it to Terri.

The cabin had a homey feeling to it. It was decorated in a Southwestern style. Taylor placed the sandwiches on some paper plates. She could feel the heat of the fireplace, or was it being alone with this woman? She wasn't sure which it was, but a smiled played on her lips. She could tell Terri was uncomfortable and was thinking of bolting out the door.

"Look, it won't take us long to eat so you might as well sit down. Then I'll help you look for strays." Taylor pulled out a chair motioning Terri to sit. "Be sides I don't bite." She flashed Terri a killer smile.

Terri hooked her Stetson on the back of the chair and sat down. She was tired and knew she needed to eat something. She wasn't sure what she should say. Terri supposed she should be thanking Taylor for something to eat, but she knew if she opened her mouth she would do nothing but stutter. It did not help that she could feel Taylor staring at her. Terri looked up from the mug of cider into the enticing green eyes.

"I?.huh?Th..anks..fo..r?DAMMIT. Thank you for lunch!" she snapped, the anger flashing in her eyes. Taylor reached across the table, taking Terri's larger hand in hers. Terri tried to pull away.

"Don't," Came the sharp command from Taylor. Terri raised an eyebrow at the stern voice. "It's ok really, Terri. Take your time. And please, just relax."

Green eyes met blue. The fire sparked hotter between them. Terri hated the fact that she had this problem even more right this minute than she ever had in her life. Terri could feel the warmth of the smaller hand in hers.

"Terri, it's ok really. I understand now." Taylor's voice was like a soft caress.

Terri relaxed a little as Taylor leaned in closer. She wished she had a warm snifter of brandy about now. At least she'd have a reason to feel the heat. It had been a long time since she'd felt this way. She wasn't sure if she liked it either. She felt Taylor's warm lips brushing hers. Taylor let go of Terri's hand when she felt her relax. She could see the turmoil just under the surface; it never quite left Terri's eyes.

They finished eating in silence and cleaned up the mess. Terri gulped down the last of the hot cider, welcoming the sting of the hot liquid as it slid down her throat.

Making sure the fire was completely out and everything was back in its place, they headed back out into the cold weather.

Terri re-saddled the horses and walked towards Taylor with her mount. As Taylor settled into her saddle, she felt Terri's hand on her thigh. The shock was so great it left her weak and breathless. If she didn't have this dark haired beauty soon it would be the death of her, she just knew it.

"Th...ank y?uo?for lun?ch." Terri turned and swung up into her saddle, her eyes cold with anger. They spent the day riding close to each other, neither of them wanting to break the comfortable silence between them. They just did what had to be done and enjoyed each other's company.

It was getting dark as Terri pulled closer to ride side by side. They were pushing ten head of cattle back to the lower range, when Terri broke the silence, "We humm...Nee?d to head back now. It'll start snowin' soon. We'll pick up the pace and push these fellers into the lower pasture." Her eyes were distant and she was tired and cold.

Back at the barn, Terri took Taylor's gelding and her own mare, handed them over to Jesse as she turned and headed for some dinner. Taylor watched her walk away before going toward her own cabin to get ready for her night out with Tamara.



Part 5

Taylor had a little time to shower and be ready for dinner with Tamara. They were going into town to a new nightclub; the drive was a quick one. They hadn't even had a chance to catch up on things until they placed their order and while sipping on drinks Taylor told Tamara everything that had happened on her ride with Terri.

"She spoke just five words and grew frustrated. You could see how hard it was for her to talk without getting mad. She talks just fine when she's pissed off," Taylor said.

"That's why she always seems mad! To think she's been here now 'bout six months and I've never really noticed it. She came highly recommended by a friend from the Rodeo Circuit. I hired her without actually talking to her. She showed up. I showed her where she'd be staying and that was that. I just thought she hated the world. Never took the time to get to know her. Jesse is the only one she'll talk to and she doesn't give up much info. So how'd the lunch go?" Tamara grinned.

"We ate, not much was said. One step at a time, but by spring I'll bet you she's talking a blue streak to me." Taylor's eyes flashed dark green.

"What do you wanna bet? I don't think you'll break this one." Tamara shot back.

"I'm not saying I'll break her as you put it but I think there's a connection here. And I know she felt it as well. It's in her eyes, wait and see. I'm telling you it's there. Now I've just got to make her see it."

Taylor's breath caught as she saw Terri walking toward the pool tables. She had on black Levi's that covered the long legs like a second skin, her always-present black Stetson, and nothing more than a black leather vest for a shirt. Her arms were well muscled from long, hard working days. A gold belt buckle shined bright against the black jeans. Taylor held her breath as Terri tipped her head back and drank from a bottle. She watched the muscles ripple as she walked toward a group of women playing pool, only to see her kiss a taller woman. She felt a jealous twinge in her heart as Terri pulled away smiling.

"TAYLOR!!!" Tamara had to almost yell at her, "HEY, stop staring. Damn you're going to drop dead if you don't start breathing soon." She grinned at Taylor.

"Shut up. Maybe she won't know we're here." Taylor was ready to leave. Tamara put a comforting hand on her arm.

"Too late. She's been staring at you from the bar for about twenty minutes now."

"Ok then I'll just...shit I don't know. I feel like a kid in high school with her first crush." She grinned at Tamara as she ordered another drink.

"Then go ask her to dance." Tamara grinned even wider at the look she got from her best friend. "Look just relax and enjoy the sight. No sudden moves or she'll bolt on you. We could move into the bar if you want. You'll still be able to see the pool tables from there."

"Well I'm done eating anyway so that actually sounds like a good idea." Taylor grabbed her drink and headed for the bar with a giggling Tamara behind her.



*****



Terri walked into the bar and stopped to order a drink letting her eyes adjust to the smoky dim light. That's when she spotted Taylor and her boss quietly talking. She felt that hot feeling again; feelings she had buried deep inside, feelings she had hoped to never have again for anyone. Not knowing what to do, she just soaked up the sight of the beautiful red head eating dinner.

Taylor had on a low cut, white sleeveless shirt. Black jeans hugged the sexy legs that were neatly curled under her. Terri could feel herself getting hotter. She decided to move on to the pool tables where Jesse and a few of her friends were playing. Besides she knew Tamara had spotted her.

Terri spotted Tiny, CJ, and Rose playing pool with Jesse. She was greeted by Tiny with a wild kiss. They had dated on and off for quite some time. It was nothing more than a satisfaction for both of them, no strings attached and Terri liked that about Tiny. CJ and Rose had been together for years. Although Jesse didn't have a girlfriend, she had several good prospects in the waiting.

The night passed quickly. Terri had popped outside to check the weather to see if it had started to snow again. It had and looked as if it wasn't going to let up. She was glad she had brought the four-wheel drive tonight, as she would need it to get home in the morning if she didn't stay with Tiny. Shaking off the cold damp snow Terri went back in side.



***************



Terri pulled Tiny on to the dance floor. Wrapping Tiny in her arms they danced slowly to the music. Terri noticed Taylor dancing too close to someone she didn't recognize just as the song ended and Tiny begged off another one. She left Terri standing on the floor as the next slow song started to play. Wynonna crooned "The Kind of Fool Love Makes" over the dance floor.

Taylor walked by and Terri spun Taylor around into her arms, pulling her in tight. The strong arms holding her startled Taylor. She could feel Terri's warm breath on her neck and she moaned softly.

"What brought this on?" Taylor asked.

"Shhhh, don't think, just go with it," Terri's voice dropped lower, filled with passion. She pulled Taylor in tighter, kissing her neck. The heat of Taylor's body rubbing up against hers sent Terri's heart beating faster. Taylor moaned when she felt Terri's mouth on her neck, tilting her head she pulled Terri's lips down to meet hers. Terri returned the kiss, deepening it when Taylor invited her into the warmth of her mouth. Terri shuddered at the response she got from Taylor. She opened her eyes and melted into the sight of Taylor's deep green. Taylor opened her mouth to say something but Terri stopped her with a searing kiss.

The song ended, breaking into a fast two-step. Terri brought her arms from Taylor's lower back, to frame her face. Leaving her with one more hard kiss, Terri turned and walked to the bar.

Taylor's hand came to her mouth. It was hot and bruised by the heat of those kisses. She walked back to the table where Tamara sat.

"Not one word if you know what's good for you, Tamara. Just get me a double shot of tequila, I'll be right back." She walked into the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. She knew this woman would be her downfall and she had to have her soon. Taylor looked at herself in the mirror. She touched up her lipstick, washed her hands in cold water, running some down her neck to try and cool herself off. She lost count of how much she had to drink, but if they didn't head for Tamara's car soon she knew she was going to be hurting in the morning.



************



Last call came too soon. Terri had won a hundred bucks on pool. It went back and forth between the small group every time they met at the pool tables.

Terri knew she'd be going back to Tiny's for the night just by the looks she was getting from her. They said good night to the rest of their friends and went to Terri's truck as Tamara's little BMW screamed by. 'Shit she's goin' to put it in the ditch yet.' Terri caught a glimpse of Taylor smiling at her. She groaned inside. That's whom she wanted to be going home with. But she knew Tiny was waiting, shaking her head clearing those thoughts from her mind, she climbed up into the truck.

She pulled out of the parking lot onto the highway and headed for Tiny's house. Not more than a mile down the road she spotted Tamara's BMW in the ditch.

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath. "This won't take long, Tiny. I better stop an' see if they're alright."

She pulled her truck off the road and hit the flashers. Climbing down she stalked toward the little car. It was buried deep in the snow and she knew that her truck couldn't pull it out without damaging the tiny car. They'd need a tow truck. 'Just my luck.' Terri yanked open Tamara's door and was treated to a loud burst of giggling.

"What the hell do ya think you're doin', Tamara Lynne?" Terri growled.

"Why Terri we were just discussing you." Tamara slurred, Taylor went silent for a second waiting for the explosion from Terri.

"Go get in the truck...NOW. I'll call a tow truck and have them tow your car back to the ranch. MOVE IT." she snarled at them.

With a tow truck on the way she left the keys on the dash and stalked back to her truck. She climbed in only to find herself face to face with Taylor and one pissed off looking Tiny sitting on the other side next to the door with Tamara in between her and Taylor.

She drove to Tiny's house and got out.

" Wait here you two!" she snapped at Tamara and Taylor.

"Tiny I'm sorry I've got to take them back to the ranch." she moved towards Tiny, but backed away.....

"Never mind Terri, Just go on home. I'll see you at the bar sometime." Tiny's voice trembled.

"I'll call you later."

"Don't bother Terri, I'll see you again at the bar." With that Tiny stomped into the house and slammed the door in her face.

The ride back to the ranch was not fun for Terri, Taylor had passed out in her lap, and Tamara sang at the top of her lungs all the way home.

"Ok you lush, this is where you say good night and go to bed Tamara, I'll make sure Taylor gets to her bunk. But you can bet you OWE me BIG TIME!!"

After letting Tamara off in front of the main house, Terri pulled her truck between her cabin and Taylor's.

She picked Taylor up into her arms, slid out of the truck and headed for her cottage.

"Taylor, where's your keys?" Still pissed at how her night had ended Terri snapped at her but got no response. Her keys were in her pocket. The night couldn't get any worse. Terri turned and headed for her own cabin. She laid Taylor on her couch and headed to bed. This night was a total loss.

Well almost, the door shoved open and in walked Taylor. She stepped out of her clothes and got into bed with Terri, who by this point, froze as she could see Taylor's shadow in the light seeping in from the living room. Terri didn't move or even breathe as she felt strong arms close around her and pull her close. 'Ok Terri, she's drunk, has no clue she's in bed with you.' Terri talked to herself hoping that Taylor would settle down and drift off to sleep.



Part 6



"Breath, honey. I don't bite." a soft sultry voice whispered in her ear. Taylor's hand softly rubbed the hair out of Terri's face.

"I got cold out there by myself and your couch is not all that comfortable. Now go to sleep." she kissed Terri's forehead and fell back into a deep comfortable slumber. Terri tried to pull away but the strong arms held her tight. She gave in and relaxed letting slept over take her tired body.

Taylor woke with a start, she didn't remember much of last night but the sleeping dark haired beauty in her arms made her think harder. What happened last night and why couldn't she remember? Too much beer mixed with tequila. Her head hurt something awful as she remembered the ride home and the rest of the events that ended up with her in Terri's bed, naked.

She moved slightly trying to pull her arm from under Terri. Terri tightened her hold at the slightest movement. Taylor relaxed and brushed the black hair off Terri's forehead. With no hat to cover her head, Taylor could see the lighter red colored highlights running through it.

A soft moan came from Terri. It left Taylor trembling at the sound as she moved her hand lower to Terri's cheek, moving with small soft strokes. Terri snuggled into the movements even as she reached up pulling Taylor into a passionate kiss. Moaning as she deepened the kiss, Terri's tongue moved inside of Taylor's mouth, exploring it further and deeper. The kiss awakened Terri fully and made her ready for more.

Terri slid her hands downward across Taylor's smaller body. She held her tightly as she began to pull Taylor on top of her. Taylor moved her hips into Terri's, kissing her neck while letting her hands wander down to the soft voluptuous breasts. Terri moaned louder. She opened her eyes to look into the deepest green eyes she had ever seen. Panic went through Terri's mind, Taylor could see the fright, and pulled her closer.

"Shhhh, relax honey, its ok". With one deep kiss, Taylor got up from the bed and slowly dressed. Leaning back down she left Terri with one more passionate kiss.

"We will continue this soon." She whispered into Terri's ear and left.



Terri walked around in a daze the rest of the day. She yelled at everyone who got in her way, bitched about everything, and fought with Tamara about a much-needed vacation, which Terri felt she didn't need. The fact that Tamara been drinking and driving came up and they yelled even louder. Everyone in the barn had disappeared as the yelling continued.

"How can you sit there and yell at me for NOT wanting to take some time off? And, how could you think about driving in the condition you were in? Did you NOT think about it??? SHIT-FIRE, you make me mad Tamara, you could have been really hurt or worse. What would you have done if Taylor had been hurt?" Terri's eyes flashed hot with anger.

"SIT down and shut up, damn you!" Tamara snapped back." I know what I did last night was WRONG....VERY WRONG, but you will NOT stand there and yell at me. Now if you'll calm down I'll talk with you about it like adults." She pointed at a chair

"SIT!"

Terri's face filled with anger as flopped down in a chair. Taking a deep breath she turned and looked Tamara in the eyes.

"Look someone I loved very much was killed by a drunk driver" her voice shook with emotion. " I don't need to loose anyone else to a stupid decision. That's all I'll say ever again about this." Terri snapped her mouth shut.

Tamara looked into the blue eyes and saw the pain and hurt residing deep within Terri.

"Terri, you have my word that will NEVER happen again. I swear to you." she spoke softly, "Take a deep breath and relax. Tell me what's been bothering you today? Several times, I've seen you get cross, but not like this. What happened last night? Er... should I say this morning?"

"I...ai....aint sure." She could feel the frustration building from not being able to speak without stuttering. The doctors had told her for years she never would be able to speak correctly. No one could explain why she stuttered as there was no medical reason to explain it.

"It has to do with Taylor. Doesn't it?"

"NO! I....I...m not to suuu...re, DAMMIT, I DONT KNOW." Terri reached in her pocket for a smoke. Not that she often did, but in a time like this, she could use one. Tamara opened her desk drawer, pulled out a pack, and handed it to her.

"Thanks" Terri said as she pulled one out and lit it.

"Hell Tam, you know her better than me. You ask her." Terri replied frustrated.

"Well skip that for now Terr. Can I ask you something? And don't get mad!"

"I ?ahh?suu?re" The guard came up within Terri's eyes.

"How long have you stuttered?" Tamara asked softly.

"Ever since I can member. My sister says it's from some family trauma. Who knows?" The anger built up in her voice.

"Look, I really need to go and eat. I don't need a vacation. Working here on the ranch is what keeps me going so don't take that away from me." with that she jumped out of the chair and slammed out of the office.



She reached her cottage in just a few long strides. She flung open the door to a wave of something cooking. She stopped in her tracks and poked her head into the kitchen. Taylor was on the floor face to face with Wizzer.

"Give me that back dang it dog," Taylor lowered her voice." DROP IT."

Terri made eye contact with the dog and snapped her fingers pointing to the floor, Taylor flew backwards as the dog let go.

"Damn, you scared me, I didn't hear you come in." Taylor smiled at her.

"You..ha..ve to u....use hand si...gns, with her." Terri half smiled back.

"I hope you don't mind. My stove is broken. I was going to invite you over for dinner but a broken stove and no heating, it changed my plans." She looked at Terri and smiled. Terri actually smiled back.

"Now that's a beautiful smile, honey. You should use it more often. Go clean up. It's almost ready." Terri's eyes shadowed and the smile faded quickly as Taylor leaned in closer.

"I don't bite" she said softly as she softly kissed Terri.

Terri's mind was flipping out. No one had been this forward with her. Then, she had not done much dating in the last six months since coming to the Athena's ranch. It had been years since she had actually even had this kind of feeling. However, that love was gone now and it felt like it was time to move on. Terri had disappeared from the Rodeo circuit right after a drunk driver had killed Lucy.

The only thing she had left now was her palomino mare, Top Lucky Tanya and Wizzer her dog. Even that still hurt at times. Her mind whirled with thoughts and she felt out of control while she washed up and dressed in clothes that are more comfortable.

Taylor read the photos on the wall of her. She picked up the buckle lying on the mantel and her eyes showed surprise. So this was the Reckless Rogue. " The Reckless Rogue" is what they had nicked named her in the papers. A drunk driver had killed her lover if her memory served her correctly and she had dropped off the circuit the next day. Taylor had watched the TV faithfully every weekend to see if they showed another ride by the "Reckless Rogue." Tamara had told her most of what she knew as the papers and TV sometimes stretched the truth. Now here she stood in her living room cooking her dinner. What luck is that? She asked herself. She put the buckle back and turned to find Terri watching her. Her eyes were dark blue and Taylor couldn't read them.

"That was..uhh...1990."

"Terri, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry but it's really you isn't it?" the green eyes held many questions.

"I ahh...yes. It's...true...ly me.er was..me?.not anymore." she spoke quietly as the sadness showed in her face. Taylor stepped closer to her and hugged her.

"It's ok. Let's go eat." She took Teri's hand in hers and turned toward the kitchen.



They ate in what seemed like silence for most of the meal, each lost in their own thoughts. Terri was scared to death to open her mouth, for fear Taylor would know she could hardly speak. Taylor wondered what to say next.

"Would you like a glass of wine?"

"I?don't drink...k,ca..n I get on...e for y?ou?" Terri's face grew red. Taylor reached across the table.

"Terri, relax, take your time. I understand. Don't let it bother you because it doesn't me. Just relax and talk slow. It's ok, honestly." she looked into Terri's eyes and could see the frustration. Terri stood up and started to pour her a glass of wine.

"Terri. I'll pass on that but I will share a diet coke with you."

Terri turned and smiled slightly at her,"surrre, do yo...u kno...w sign lau...gu...age?" as she handed Taylor her a diet coke.

"No, but you can bet I'm going to learn it right quick. Is it easier for you?"

"Yes,un...l..l..ess I gett..piss...ed,don...t..kn....ow why...not ev..en the doc..tors..Know."

"I've got an idea. Come on." she jumped off her chair and knocked it to the floor. Terri's eyes filled with fear. It stopped Taylor in her tracks as she reached for Terri's hand.

"Sweetheart, I wont hurt you?trust me...come on." she pulled her to her feet. How can a pro rodeo rider get to the point of fear that draws her in a death like grip? Was there more to this than anyone knew?

Taylor made a mental note to make some phone calls in the morning. As she thought back, she remembered seeing Terri use sign language at the bar last night, and several times in the stables talking to Jesse. She quickly pulled the door to her small cottage open and motioned Terri inside. She sat Terri down in her cottage in front of a laptop computer.

"You can type here and I'll answer." she rested her hand on her shoulder.

"I'll have another one here by next week we can talk all night without you having to worry about stuttering." She opened up the word program to use until she had another laptop to connect to.

Terri's eyes filled with tears, no one had cared enough too actually go this far. She wiped her eyes and typed quicker then she could talk.

"Why are you doing this?" she typed.

Taylor's hand gripped tighter, " I want to know more about you, than just what's said on TV." She sat down in a chair next to Terri.

"You can ask anything you want, I'll answer with nothing but the truth, just remember.... I don't bite." She grinned at Terri. Another half smile was won from Terri.

Terri turned back to the key board. "TV is nothing but lies. Don't believe everything you hear in them. Were you really cold last night?"

"Honestly, NO. I knew you were in the other room and I had to be next to you. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable...I just needed you to know I was ok with you no matter how badly you think of yourself. Your stuttering doesn't bother me at all. Your voice is smooth as silk to me. Besides, you started this on the dance floor."

"I didn't feel too uncomfortable with you, just been a long time since I've wanted to get to know someone, but you're way out of my league..." The anger showed in her expression as she typed the words on to the computer's screen.

Taylor pulled her face towards her.

"NO don't ever say that! You are not someone I would take, use and then drop after a good roll in the hay. That's not why I'm doing this. If I wanted that I could have had you this morning when you woke up kissing me." Taylor's green eyes flashed with heated anger.

"Don't ever think I am doing this for that reason. If that were the case, it would have been done by now. I won't deny I want you but it has to be a mutual thing. I won't take what is not offered willingly, unless you pull something like you did on the dance floor. I will not be held responsible for my actions next time." Taylor leaned in kissing her fully on the lips....

"I want you. But it's been awhile for me as well. I'm not sure I even know how any more." she turned to see the look in Taylor's eyes after she hit the enter button.

Taylor held Terri's face in her hands, joy radiating throughout her body she read what she typed.

"Y.....esss..I...d like....tha.....t." Terri took a deep breath, " I...wi?ll you st....ay with m...e?"

"Honey I would love that. Let's take this back over to your cabin. This place is too cold. Tamara will have someone look at the furnace tomorrow as well as the stove."



Part 7



The days passed quickly for them. The day light hours were spent working the ranch. The nights were filled with long conversations. They had yet to actually make love together. Taylor held back, not wanting to push Terri. Taylor spent the days looking for some land to buy. She found a plot of land was for sale that connected to the Athena's ranch. She put a bid down on it and kept her fingers crossed that she would get it.

Terri had ridden out to feed the stock in the back pasture and to check fence lines after the snow they had gotten and it was safe to say that a few strands would need mending.

Taylor was in the office off the riding arena when the call came through for her. It was from L.A., she knew she'd have to go back but she didn't think she'd have to go today. She held her head in her hands softly crying.

Tamara found her that way a few minutes after she had hung up with her lawyer's. She had figured she would go back sign the final papers for her vet clinic and that would be it. She would be free.

"Taylor?" Tamara knew she was crying. "What's wrong? Honey, don't cry. What did Terri do now?" her eyes filled with a mixture of things as she looked at Taylor.

"She hasn't done anything Tam. I have to go to L.A. today. My lawyers found my vet clinic cleaned out all the equipment is gone. The new owners took everything and fled the country." Taylor's eyes filled with tears again.

She packed up her stuff from Terri's cottage and finished getting her items from her own cottage. She had left the cell phone and laptop for Terri. The messages on the screen read," I love you". She turned off the light in Terri's cottage and walked away.

She left a note on Tamara's door saying she'd call when she got into L.A. She had Mark drive her to the airport.



**************************************************



Terri was tired as she put her mare up for the night. She tossed some grain into the feed bin then turned and headed for her cottage. She had an eerie feeling as she opened the door. No lights were on as she entered. She flipped on the light and stood there in shock at what she saw or rather what she didn't see. Taylor's belongings were gone. Anger hit her with the force of a train.

She ran through the small cottage and out the door to Taylor's cottage. She kicked the door open with one solid slam of her boot. None of Taylor's things were there either. She went into a silent rage as she stalked over to Tamara's place. Banging on the door she yelled at her to open the door.

"Tamara. Open this door, NOW dammit." She yelled as Tamara opened the door.

"Look Terri. You need to calm down right now.' Tamara snapped at her.

"Tell me where she is?" Terri pleaded with her.

"She was called back to L.A." Tamara could see the anger building up in Terri." Calm down. She left me a note before going. She'll call as soon as she gets there. That's all I know Terri. Now come in out of the cold and we'll wait till she calls.

" It is too late for that Tamara. I quit. I'll be out of here come morning."

"Terri dammit! Stop don't do anything rash. Just wait for morning. We'll talk to her then. DO YOU HEAR ME?" Tamara yelled at Terri's back.

Terri didn't even notice the laptop as she slammed her door open and began gathering up all her clothes, packing until late into the night. She had already made two phone calls; one to get the horse trailer ready; the second to the Pro-Rodeo Circuit inquiring if she could still get into the finals. The answer was yes she could but she would have to make all four shows and win them to keep her standing in the top four in order to make the finals in Oklahoma City in two months. She quickly wrote Tamara a letter. Afterward, she slept fitfully on the couch until five am. She showered, dressed, packed the dog and her stuff in the truck, and drove down to the ranch where her new trailer was parked. She paid the owner the money for adding a sleeper to it. She turned and headed back to Tamara's ranch to get her mare.

"Terri, please don't go. Please stay and talk to Tamara see if she has heard from Taylor yet." Jesse pleaded with her.

"No Jesse. It's time to move on. Listen can you give Tamara a letter from me?" the blue eyes were cold and uncaring.

"Sure Ter. Where are you headed?" Jesse was hoping at least get that much out of her.

"I've got some unfinished business to take care of." She looked into Jesse's eyes.

"Take care of your self kid. I'll be seeing you again."

Quickly she got in her truck and drove away. She drove through the night in order to make it to the Texas border by daylight. She stopped long enough to feed and water both the dog and her horse. She made the rodeo grounds in record time. She quickly found her mare a stall.

Everyone was in shock to see her. She didn't say a word to anyone, just went about feeding and settling the mare into her stall. She needed some sleep and she was finally hungry. Finishing up, she headed out of the temporary barn into the hot Texas sun. She stopped to put on her sunglasses.

"OH my god! Will you look at what the cat drug home?"

Terri grinned at Michelle.

"Well it's about time you got your ass back in the saddle darlin' now I have some real competition." Michelle grinned back at Terri.

"Hello Michelle." Terri playfully growled at her shorter friend." Hate to cut this short but I've been on the road for almost two days. I need some food and sleep. Later we'll play catch up." Terri started towards her truck.

"Baby, let me take you up my room. You can get some sleep there. That way no one will bother you hon! As soon as they post tonight's listings the reporters are going to be lookin for you're ass sweetie." Michelle smiled.

"You won't mind?" Terri asked, hesitant to take her up on the offer.

"Hell no. Sides that way we can talk later tonight when things settle down. Your being back is going to cause quit a stir."

Michelle helped her get her luggage from the truck. After a quick stop for some food, she took Terri up to her room on the fourth floor.

"Make yourself at home. I have to go put some money down for my stall. I'll pay yours while I'm there. You can pay me later tonight. Get some sleep and I'll wake you in time for the first rounds." Michelle straightened her shirt and headed for the door.

"Michelle?"

"YEAH?"

"Thanks!"

"Glad you're back Terri. I've missed you!"

"Me to, Michelle, me to!" Terri said softly as the door closed.

Michelle headed for the front desk. She needed to make a phone call. She tucked herself into a phone booth and placed her call.

"Hello?"

"Tamara? Is that you?" Michelle's drawl was thick.

"Michelle, how the hell are you. I haven't heard from you in ages. Girl, what are you up to?" Tamara's voice was filled with excitement.

"Well Tam, seems your foreman's not working for you anymore?"

"No, how did you know that?" Tamara was in shock it hadn't been more than two days since Terri had left.

"Well she's sleeping off a long ass drive in my room. She looks like shit. Tam, what happened?"

"It's a long story Michelle but I promise to fill you in soon. Is there a number where I can call you back?' Tamara was in a hurry now to disconnect the conversation.

"Sure Tam. I am at the Hyatt Downtown, Houston. Room number is 6844. Just leave a message and I'll call you back between rides."

"Got it Michelle, Hey do you know if she has her cell phone with her?"

"Actually, I think she did. Tamara is there anything I can do to help?" Michelle asked, concern filling her voice

"Yes. Keep her from killing herself. Where will you be traveling to next?"

"We go to Arizona for a four day stay. Then off to OKC for the finals. Will you be there?" Michelle asked hopefully. Terri was too much to handle on her own.

"You bet your ass I will be, I'm bringing someone with me. Reserve me some seats along the chute rail will you? Now I've got a phone call to make letting Taylor know where she is. I'll explain soon dear. Ride safe!" Tamara said as she hung up.

Michelle set the phone down in the hook, wondering who Taylor was. This sounded like it would be interesting to watch it all play out. Hopefully, Terri wouldn't do something foolish in the mean time.



"Taylor, pick up the phone you know I HATE talking to these machines." Tamara about screamed into the phone.

"This better be good Tam, I was trying to sleep." Taylor's voice groggy from a catnap on the couch. She sat up straight when she heard what Tamara had to say.

"Got a call from Texas tonight. Seems Terri is back to riding the circuit This is what we are going to do. You will settle this crap in L.A. and then will fly out to meet me in Oklahoma City for the finals. I will send you an E-tickets by email. No ands, ifs, or buts about it Taylor. YOU WILL BE THERE" Tamara slammed the phone down. She was tired of these two acting like children.

The line went dead. Taylor was shocked that Terri had taken off. Yet what did she think? It hurt that Terri misunderstood her having to leave so quickly and not wait for an explanation. She flipped on her TV and sat channel surfing to find the Pro-Rodeo TV channel. They showed Terri's picture several times, recapped the accident where the drunk driver had hit them, and how she had disappeared after her lover had died. Taylor hadn't heard too much about the accident until now. She knew the answers to why Terri was so gun shy, of letting her self go. She finally understood why no one could get close to her.

That pain alone caused Taylor to break down and cry. The news continued. Terri was in third place. She had ridden two broncos quite well for someone who had not been keeping up with pro-riding. On her third round she lost a turn and hit the ground hard. They carried her off the arena floor.

Taylor's heart pounded harder. The reporter said nothing was broken. She was just a little shaken up but she would still be competing in the bull riding on Sunday. Taylor grabbed her phone and called Terri's cell number.......



Part 8

"Hello?" said a soft southern drawl.

"Terri?"

"No, this is Michelle, Terri's in the shower, is there something I can help you with?"

"I need to talk to Terri. Please." Taylor hoped she wouldn't be hung up on.

"Lemme go ask her. Hang on a sec." Michelle put the phone on the nightstand of her hotel room and knocked on the shower door,

"Terri May, you got ur self a phone call."

"Who is it? No one knows I am here......SHIT...You didn't answer that cell phone did you??" She yelled from behind the door, "And don't call me THAT."

"Yes it's your cell, why?"

"Dammit Michelle, HANG IT UP NOW!!!!" Terri snapped.

"Can I ask whose calling?" Michelle asked as she placed the phone to her ear. She had a feeling this was the person Terri had run away from.

"This is Taylor. She won't come to the phone will she?" sadness crept into her voice

"Nope, in fact she'll kill me later for even answering it. But I'm nosey, so I picked it up. What can I do for you?"

"Well get her to talk to me? Which I know she won't, but just tell her I miss her and she's got this all wrong? She knows my number she can call me anytime of the day or night. I'll explain it to her when she calls me. Please express to her it's NOT what she thinks. I didn't leave because of her...will you tell her that for me?" Taylor was almost pleading with her.

"Yes, when the time is right. Right now, she's pissed at being tossed on her ass today, but I will tell her. Don't think it will sink into that hard head of hers. You're gonna be needing to explain to her face to face. Won't do no good other wise!! Shit here she comes, gotta go?"

Click! The line went dead. Taylor sat in the silence wondering how she'd get through the next three weeks.

Michelle did not mention a word to Terri about her conversation with Taylor. She bid her time on it deciding it was better to wait until she cooled off. After a long day of riding and getting beat up on the backs of some of the heaviest bulls on the circuit, Terri was bruised. She went with the gang to get something to eat at the local bar and even stayed for a dance or two. She just couldn't get into the whole rodeo co-mingling thing so she left shortly before midnight. She had agreed to share a room with Michelle. She watched the replay of the days rides wondering how her body would make it through one last time.

She fell into a dreamland where Taylor was holding her, telling her it was ok and everything was just a bad dream. She had this dream every night since she had walked away. She would find herself lying in Taylor's arms, safe from nightmares, smelling her perfume, feeling the soft touches and the lingering kisses they had shared before Taylor returned to her own cottage for the night. That is what she had waited most of her life for and she was now throwing it all away. She woke with a start. It was five am and Michelle had not returned to the room. Terri grinned to herself. After a quick shower, Terri headed for the barn to exercise her mare.

The arena was empty, except for one single person. Terri mounted up and walked out to the center of the ring where she slowly put the mare through her paces. When she was done, she heard a whistle. She turned in her saddle. A news crew from the Pro-Rodeo TV net work waited at the gates for her. There was no way out without running directly into them. She cursed herself for being silly and not wanting to talk to them. She should have waited for everyone else before coming to the arena alone.

"Terri, can we talk to you?" One of the camera operators yelled at Terri.

"Now Denise, you know I hate talkin this early." Terri's face was getting redder with anger. She had fought with this bitch for a long while. They had a history of cheap shots and bar fights. She would love nothing more then to shove that silly microphone held out in front of her face back down her throat.

"Terri, your fans want to know why you are back."

"Hum?because I didn't have anything better to do? Look Denise I haven't had breakfast yet so bug off."

"Terri, what do you want to say to you fans out there? We all want to know what made you come back." Denise kept pushing. Terri edged her mare closer and closer to Denise's microphone.

"Not for the money that's for sure. Maybe because it's the only thing that is my one true love?" Terri used her knee to cue her mare to move sideways knocking into Denise. She dropped her microphone,

" Denise, lemme give you hint...BACK OFF. Leave me the fuck alone. Don't push me. I'll have your ass canned so fast you won't even have time to wipe it, let alone kiss it good bye." Terri nudged her mare into a trot and rode away.


Sunday's events went by quickly. The newspapers and TV were there to cover Terri's rides. She had clean go-rounds all the way through. As they headed down the road for Arizona, Terri kept the conversation light and wouldn't talk about her face to face with Denise. It was all over the news that the "Reckless Rogue" was back.

Terri had no problems in Texas. She made the top two rider slots. She was excited to be in first place, which she shared with Michelle as they were tied in points it, making it one more step closer towards the finals. Arizona went quickly by. They were still tied for first place. They had traveled this road so many times before. The next show would determine the winner.

Terri knew that the only thing missing was her long lost love. She was doing this for Lucy's memory and then she would quit. Oklahoma City was in site. It was her way of letting go of the past in the hopes of having a future of some kind.

It was a sold out crowd everyday. People were trying to buy tickets from hackers on the street. People packed the arena at dawn hoping to catch Terri or Michelle for an autograph until the security tossed them out.

Terri had made the final rounds on Sunday in the bull riding by the seat of her pants. She was in second place at this point. The calf roping she had in her back pocket. The bronco riding was yet to be decided. They had two more contestants to go but it could be a no brainer that Terri would take the whole lot. It had only been done once before by her lover.

This is why she came back. She had to do this to let go of the past and move forward. She was riding with a pulled tendon in her wrist, a bruised knee, and a backache that would not go away. She sat on the top rail and waited for Michelle's last round. This was the last one, until tomorrow. Michelle's small bull was 'Dynamite'. Terri held her breath as this one could spin. She had coached Michelle before she hit the chute.

"Keep close to the right side of him and he'll spin right every time for you. If not he'll flip over backwards to throw you off him."

He came out of the chute, flying wide to the left. Michelle was done for as she flipped side ways. Her hand stuck in her rope. Terri came off the top rail as the bull drug Michelle around the ring. The continued bucking while dragging her for what seem liked forever. Michelle's body hung lifeless over his flank as he ran into the side of the ring, Terri jumped up on the rail to avoid being knocked down. As he went by, she jumped on top of him. She held fast to Michelle's rope. Finally, she felt the rope give from under her as she continued tugging on it. Both she and Michelle slammed into the arena floor. She could hear the crowd go deadly silent as she cradled Michelle's head in her arms. The medics were there as Michelle came to.

"Ter, help me walk out of here. Don't let it end this way." she pleaded in broken speech. Terri picked her up, Michelle cried out in pain,

" Keep goin Terr...Walk me out of here."

The clapping crowd was on its feet as the two slowly made their way out of the arena. Once past the gate the medics took Michelle onto a stretcher and rushed her to the Emergency Center. Terri stood with blood on her shirt. This was going to be a long night she thought as a dreadful feeling washed over her. She slowly made her way to her truck to follow the ambulance to the hospital. Michelle was in the operating room for hours. Many came and left but Terri stayed on. Terri called Michelle's lover, who would be flying in on the red eye. She waited until she got to the hospital before leaving to go back to her and Michelle's room for at least an hour of sleep. She had to be ready for the last round of riding. This ride would be for Michelle.

She had three bucking bronc's to ride. The first one was easy. She lasted the eight seconds. The second, she rode out as well. The third was wilder but she managed to stay on until the buzzer screamed. Leaping sideways off its back, she went down hard on her knee. She lay in the dirt waiting for the pain to pass. The pickup cowgirl helped her off the dirt floor. She went to the first aide booth to have it iced. While sitting there thinking about the three entries to go, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"You need to stop this. You're going to find yourself laying up next to Michelle." Tamara's eyes were full of grief.

"I.....ca.....nt,?you do..nt,aww,hell..YOU DONT UNDERSTAND." she yelled at her.

"Terri, don't you yell at me. Let's get your horse and go home. Please, I'm begging you," The anger built up in her face,

"What do you care? Look just go on back to the stands. I told you I'm not goin to stop this close to the winning Gold."

"I do care and so does Taylor .Now stop this crap and come on home." Tamara was getting pissed.

"Don't you dare toss her into this. She doesn't give one hoot. Now get the hell out of here. I've got a bull to ride." she turned her back on Tamara. She winched as the doctor shot more cortisone in her knee.

"She's here. She'll be here to watch them carry your lifeless body out of the arena, DAMMMIT YOU SELFISH BITCH!" Tamara yelled as she spun on her heel and walked out.

Her knee was taped and she was waiting for them to load up her first bull. She climbed to the top rail as she scanned the crowd lookin for Taylor. They made eye contact. Fiery blues met pleading green ones. As she settled herself on the first bull, this one was quick and shifty. She tugged her rope tighter and yelled at the gate keeper,

" OUT."

The bull came out of the chute as if he had been shot. He spun right into a tight turn and then shifted left Her head snapped back and forth as he bucked and spun trying to dump her onto the dirt floor. He hit the side of the concrete wall, smashing her knee hard. The crowd was on its feet yelling, chanting her name. She blocked out the noise as she watched the bulls ears. He spun right using his horns to claw at a clown who moved in to close. The dirt flew from under his hooves. The spittle flew from his opened mouth as he bellowed angrily at the added weight on his back. He bucked to the left, stopping in mid stride to spin back to the right. The buzzer was loud, Terri let go of her rope and hit the dirt hard. She waited for her head to clear. When she stood, she could tell her knee was blown.

One down, she talked to herself as she limped out of the arena. She stopped and waved her hat at the crowd. It brought them to their feet again. She moved to a barrel of hay and applied more ice before the next round. She had one buckle tonight for calf roping and was going for a second in the bull riding. She had won the gold buckle in the bronc riding. So far, it looked good for her. No one but she had made a clear round.

Her second bull was a little tougher then she had thought and she almost didn't make it to the buzzer. She leapt off just as it sounded and landed on her feet, throwing her hat high into the air. One more to go! If she made another solid eight second ride, she'd have the buckles she needed. She went for more ice and another shot of cortisone in her knee.

This was it. It was now or never. As she climbed the top rail, the crowd fell into a hush. Terri looked into the crowd, and yelled

"THIS ONE'S FOR YOU CHELLE!!"

Dropping herself down on top of 'Rebel', Terri pulled her rope tight, tucked her chin, and slid her legs forward as far as she could reach.

Taylor couldn't watch this last ride. Her heart had stopped beating normally when they carried Michelle out of the arena yesterday. She gripped Tamara's hand tight while silently saying a prayer.

Terri clamped her mouthpiece down tight and nodded to be turned out. The bull stood for a second, and then he exploded under her; twisting left then doing a switch back to the right. He was quick and wiry. He pulled right just as quick as he did to the left. He had more under him than any ride of the night. He crashed her into the cement wall of the arena.

The crowd was on its feet as the bull lunged for the center of the ring. One more time he took her into the side of the arena. This one busted her knee open. The blood and sweat flew into the dirt as he switched back again to the left for one more try at scrubbing her off on the cement wall. He bucked so hard he stumbled in the dirt. By now, Terri's pant leg was soaked with blood and she was getting light headed. The buzzer had to sound soon or she would be passing out on top of one of the wildest bulls in the circuit.

He pulled up into the wall one more time and shifted left hitting her now bloody knee once again, leaving behind a trail of blood on the wall. He switched back again trying one more time to rub her off on the wall. The buzzer sounded but she didn't even hear it. The clowns stepped in after twelve seconds had gone by. This was like watching a fight to the death. Who would win?

The crowd was on its feet. Taylor held Tamara's hand so tight it was numb. Terri passed out just as she saw the clowns coming toward her. She slipped off its back as she let go of the rope. She lay in a heap on the dirt, broken and bleeding. By the time the medics got to her, the clowns had her conscious with smelling salts.

" Jake, help me walk out of here. I won't go on any frickin' stretcher." she painfully yelled at the clown.

"Come on Terri, listen to that crowd. They are yelling for you. Reckless Rogue...cant you hear them? You bet your ass I'll help you walk out of here."

He gently lifted her to her feet. Taking her hat off, she bowed to the crowd as she said a silent prayer and grabbed the two clowns next to her,

"Get me off this dirt floor before I pass out again."

She woke up two days later. She had lost a lot of blood and required surgery on her knee. She opened her eyes and moaned. Her head hurt. She remembered little about her last ride. The buckles and flowers on her table told her she had rode him to the gold one last time.

"Terri, its Michelle can you hear me?"

"Y....es, my....h...h...Head hu.....rts."

Michelle pushed the nurse's button,

"I'll get you someone right away,"

"Mich??"

"Yeah Terr??"

"I m....ade i..t rig....ht?"

"Yes you did. When you're feeling up to it, I'll show you the replay. Now rest. The gold buckle is yours."

Terri drifted in and out of consciousness. She thought she felt and heard Taylor near her with her green eyes pleading at her to wake up. When she finally did come to, Tamara was sitting next to her.

"Hi, do you want some water?" Terri opened her mouth to try to reply. She turned her head toward the voice. She stopped as she looked up into Taylor's wonderfully sexy green eyes. She closed her eyes, as she felt Taylor's hand slide up her arm. She tried to pull away, but the hand held her tight,

"I don't bite." came a soft silky response close to her ear. Terri just nodded.

"Wha......wh...eres m...y ho...rse?" She looked pleadingly at Tamara

"She's fine, Jesse is hauling her back to the ranch. I'm going to go get a cup of coffee. You talk to Taylor."

Taylor took Tamara's chair and moved it closer to the bed where she could hold Terri's hand,

"What you did was foolish. You scared the hell out of me. I thought I had lost you when they wheeled your bleeding body past me out of the arena. Why Terri? Why?"

She looked into the green emerald eyes and her heart raced faster. She didn't know what to say. She saw so many things flashing in those beautiful green eyes before her.

Terri closed her eyes and tried to relax. She could smell Taylor's perfume in the air close to her. She could feel the soft touch of her hands on her arm and it felt wonderful. It almost felt like she was dreaming but the pain pills were wearing off and she knew she wasn't dreaming. This was real; Taylor was here.

"Terri? They are going to give you something for the pain now but when you wake up I'll be here. I'll never leave you again, I swear." Taylor cried openly as Terri met her green eyes.


Part 9



It took several days for Terri to regain full consciousness and was ready to get out of the hospital. They were flying her back to the ranch. As they made their way down the hall, Terri could see the reporters waiting for her. She didn't want to face them.

" Terri if you don't do it now they'll follow us back to the ranch. You have to talk to them. You made history, girl." Tamara spoke to her in a hushed tone.

"OK." was all she could say.

The reporters crowded around her wheel chair. She could feel the anger building up in her mind.

" Terri, how did you do it? What was that last ride like?" they shoved microphones in her face, each asking a million questions a minute.

"HEY SHUT UP AN GIVE ME A CHANCE HERE" Terri yelled.

"Damn that hurt," she growled. "Ok. Truth be known, I don't remember too much of the last ride. I hoped you all saw it well because that was the last ride you will ever see me make. I don't want to remember it either. Its part of my past. I did it for two reasons: one for the memory of an old dear friend, and two, for the love it. That's all I have to say. Now you all go back to your tiny little desks and write what you will. This is my last ride."

She saw Denise approaching her. Terri's eyes flashed dark blue as a growl grew from deep in her chest.

"Don't you start with me, Denise. I swear I'll get outta this here chair an clobber your ass."

"Well! I'm glad to see you're feeling better honey!!" she smiled at Terri, "Any last comments to your fans?"

"Yes, don't try this at home. On a serous side, don't give up your dreams. Make them happen. If I can do it, so can you."

"Now, if'n you all don't mind, I got a plane to catch." She nodded at the reporters, growled at Denise and tried to wheel herself to the curb without waiting for Tamara. Once Terri was settled into the car, Tamara pulled out into traffic.

"I have one question Terri?" Tamara asked, still pissed at her. 'Oh-oh here it comes.' Terri thought to herself.

"Shoot." Terri growled at her.

"Was it worth it?" Tamara asked sorrowfully.

"Yes, it was." Terri snapped. Her emotions were raw; she felt her self start to cry." I can't explain it you to. It was something I had to do." Terri's anger flashed into her eyes.

"Why Terri?" Tamara asked not taking her eyes off the road.

"It's my way of letting go." a single tear slid down her cheek. "Please Tamara, don't."

"I need to understand what drives you Terri? Why you feel the need to punish yourself for something you didn't do?" Terri adjusted her seat; the pain in her leg wasn't half as bad as the words Tamara said to her.

"Look, when we get back to the ranch, we'll talk about this. Right now I need to sort out my feelings."

"How long are you planning to stay this time Terri? Someone comes to close to you and you run away. How can I be sure you'll actually talk to me?" Tamara tried to show no emotion as she spoke to Terri. It really didn't work because she was pissed at her. Terri had not only walked out on her best friend, but she had walked out on her as well.

"Keep in mind Terri you walked out on a lot of good positive happens in your life. You have an obligation to each of us, then and now." She knew better than to bring up Taylor's name yet. That was coming soon.

Taylor had gone back to L.A. to tie up the settlement of her practice. She would be flying out to Portland by the end of next week. Tamara would be making sure that she talked to Terri before that time. She was going to make sure she knew what was going on before Taylor came back to the ranch.

Terri could hear the words Tamara spoke and they were hitting home a little too harshly. She cried even harder. Tamara reached across the seat reaching out and holding Terri's fingers sticking out of the cast.

" Terri, I know you have a lot to think about right now, but you need to know Taylor loves you. That's something you didn't think about before making this change."

Terri nodded. She had nothing to say in return. She couldn't face what she had done yet. Even though she knew that, the truth was she loved her too.

" Now, take your pills and relax. We'll be at the airport soon."

Terri had no clue as to how she got on the plane. Tamara slept soundly next to her. She was in first class. Damn but it was ritzy! Her long legs were always too crowded in the regular seats. She reached in her bag for another pill. Tamara's hand shot out and snatched the bottle out of her hand.

" I don't think so Terri. We will be landing soon. You will be awake for us to get you off this damn plane." Tamara put the pills in her shirt pocket. She snuggled in closer to Terri and said,

" Don't even move, Terri. I'll feel you fidgeting." Tamara smiled to herself as Terri mumbled under her breath.

The ride back to the ranch caused Terri to hurt. She knew she would need to lie down soon or she would pass out. Tamara handed her a pain pill. She took it, knowing this wasn't going to be fun. She wasn't looking forward to staying in her cottage alone.

Her last thought before she passed out was of Taylor's lips kissing her softly good night. Was it a dream? She would wonder later. She woke intermittently but had no clue as to where she really was. She felt like she was floating in a sea of white clouds. She was high and that's all she could think of. This wasn't her cottage, but her dog was there next to her, waiting for her every time she woke up.

Four days later, she came out of her fuzziness to see Tamara sitting in a chair close to her bed.

"Well sleepy head. About time you woke up. I was getting worried you weren't goin to wake up. How's the pain?" Tamara moved on close to her.

"Hum not bad, just feel weak right now. I'm actually hungry. Would you mind helping me up?" Terri asked.

"Hell yes I would. You are to stay in bed for the next week. Doctor's orders in fact." Terri's eyes light up surprised?

"A FREAKING WEEK?" She almost wailed." How the hell am I supposed to get something to eat, or hell, even go to the freaking bathroom? You're making this up Tamara!" Terri growled.

"No I didn't make it up. Shall I call the doc?" Tamara asked amusingly.

"Shit no. So what's the plan then?" Terri asked in a snotty tone.

"Well girl, you are going to rely on someone else taking care of you for awhile. You got yourself into this, now you have to pay the piper. If you don't act, nice you don't get to get up, or eat." Tamara was laughing inside at the feelings that were showing on Terri's face.

"Yes ma'am." Terri pouted. The pain pills were hitting her.

"Look, you relax. I'll get us something to eat." Tamara turned to look at Terri and she was sound asleep.

Tamara went off to the cooking shanty to find Mark.

" Mark honey, I need some help at the main house. Can you give me a hand?"

"Oh my. A lady with a plan, huh? Sure, sister, what do you need?" he smiled to himself. He knew when Tamara had that look in her eyes nothing would stand in her way to get something done.

"Well first, can you fix us something for supper and come on up to the house when it's ready? We'll eat some dinner and talk it over what I need." Tamara moved quickly outside, and back to the house.

An hour later after they had eaten Terri was moved into the bigger guestroom. The bed was huge, even for the tall grumpy patient. They hooked up the cable in the room. Finally, they turned to the most important feature hooking up the internet lines for the laptop.

Terri was tired from watching them argue as they set up the room. She watched as they moved items around to make it easier to get to the bathroom while Terri was confined to the wheelchair. Tamara set up a desk on wheels to stretch over then bed so Terri would have something to place her tray on and to set her laptop on for ease of use. Tamara had Terri sitting half way up so she could eat. She had made it part way through her meal before falling back to sleep. She awakened to find Tamara sleeping on the other side of the bed.

Terri reached down and pulled her blanket from her feet to cover Tamara. She pulled the table desk closer and logged onto the laptop. She checked her mail and found an instant message from Taylor.

"Hi sleepy head. How are you?"

"Drugged. How are you Taylor?"

"Better now that you are ok."

"Thank you that's awfully sweet of you."

"Do you have time we could maybe talk?"

Taylor held her breath at the other end of the computer line.

"Sure. I may fall asleep on you tho! Tamara has kept me pretty much out of it. I think she is doing it on purpose too!"

"You're to funny honey. I miss you."

"Yeah, me to."

"You let me know when you are feeling tired, I'll let you go."

"NO?.I'm fine, really. Tamara is passed out on the bed next to me and snoring loudly. I want so bad to hold her nose closed."

"Aww, now that wouldn't be nice. Funny, but still not wise to do to someone who's bringing you your meals."

"Ah that's true. You just HAD to remind me didn't you? Can you believe I have to stay in bed for the next week? I'm thinking she said that on purpose too!"

"Actually, honey, I was there when the doctor told her that. She didn't make it up."

"So you WERE there. I thought I felt you beside me."

"Yes, I was. I didn't know if you wanted me to be or not but I had to see you again. I'm sorry if that makes you mad. I had to touch you, to make sure you were all right. I was so scared when you took that last ride. You didn't get up right a way and I thought?."

"Taylor, don't ? please don't. I'm OK. I'll heal. I knew you were there. Maybe that doesn't make any sense, but I felt you there with me. Call me crazy. I don't know. I think that's what kept me fighting.. I don't want to feel this way again. It's too scary. I don't know if I can do this again. But then the feelings are to strong for me to fight much longer."

She stopped typing not knowing what to say. She let her hand rest. It was hard typing one handed.

"Taylor, are you there? Talk to me. I'm trying really hard here to try and make sense of what's going on between us."

"I know you are Terri, but so am I. I know we didn't get off to a wonderful start, but maybe in time we can work it out."

"Is that what you want, Taylor?"

Terri hit enter on her laptop and held her breath.

"More than ever, sweetheart. I want to teach you to accept unconditional love, to know I care about you more than you realize. Listen honey, this is getting deep. Why don't you get some sleep and you can buzz me later tonight if you feel like it. We don't need to solve this in one night."

"I am getting really tired. Will you be on here later?"

"I won't log off, so just buzz me when you need to."

"Ok Taylor. I'll talk to you in a little while."

"I'll be here honey, you get some sleep."

Terri closed her eyes feeling better than she had in the last week or so.

Tamara had gotten up at some point and moved to the small bed on the other side of the room. Terri needed to use the bathroom. She started to get up but felt light headed.

"SHIT!" she muttered to herself.

"Well, dipshit, if you would ask for help you wouldn't hurt yourself." Tamara snapped at her.

"YOU WERE SLEEPING."

"Terri, don't you yell at me." Tamara stood up and walked over to help her into the wheelchair.

"Sorry Tamara." Terri started to cry.

"Terri, there's no need to cry. Come on. It's goin to be ok."

"Jeezee Tamara, I'm in your house and you're playing nursemaid to me. How are you goin to run this ranch if you're in here every day and all through the night?"

"Terri, it's ok really. Jesse is filling in until you can get back to work. There other things I need to do, so I have come up with a plan to solve this little problem. As far as you being here, I don't mind at all. I can keep a better eye on you. Secondly, I am goin to hire a part-time nurse to come in and help you." Tamara waited for the explosion of anger.

"How do you think I am goin to repay you for all of this?" Terri mumbled.

"Well, you can start by taking over some paper work I need help with. Second, you can shut up and deal with whomever I hire to help me out so I can get some other chores done around here. Do we have a deal?"

"Hum? what kind of paper work?"

"Next spring's breeding schedules, and some odds and ends. Deal?"

"What's this person going to look like you are hiring?" Terri asked in a hushed voice, she was tiring fast.

"Well she's about 5'6', and very cute. She comes highly recommended. It's my money. I'll hire whom I want that I see can do the job. You will be nice and get along with whoever it is. Either take the deal or don't. I must warn you I get nastier as the more worn out I become."

"Shit, seems like I don't have much choice. So when do I get to break in the new nurse?" Terri grinned at Tamara. She smiled back. This was the first time she had actually seen Terri smile a full smile, even though it was slightly evil looking smile. It was a start.

"Ok, I take it we have a deal?" Terri nodded in agreement.

"She starts in two days. Now relax and get some sleep? I'll go find us something to eat."

"Tamara?"

"Yes Terri?"

"Th?ank...y?ou"

"Your welcome, Terri, but this is going to cost you?" she giggled to herself while throwing Terri's own words back at her as she left the room.



The time passed quickly for Terri. She'd wake up, eat, go to the bathroom, and sleep more. She talked to Taylor at least twice a day. It was late in the day when Tamara said she had to make sure the new nurse settled in. Terri was pissed due to the fact she didn't have a view of the front of the ranch. She wanted to check out the new nurse. She flipped through the TV channels, board as hell. Tamara came in to make sure she had taken her pills. She was starting to hate having to take them. She didn't want to sleep as much as she felt better. She wanted to be up and a round. She took the pills reluctantly while glaring at Tamara.

"Oh shut up Terri and take them." Tamara growled back at Terri. She was catching on to her wicked ways. Terri smiled at her. "Open your mouth. I don't think you swallowed them."

Terri opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue.

"BITE ME."

"Keep that up and I'll send that sexy nurse back to where she came from. Now go to sleep, butthead."

Terri woke with a start. She was having a wild dream, yet it wasn't a dream. Taylor was holding her as she slept too. Terri looked down at the sleeping woman lying in her arms. She felt like she had finally come home. She was puzzled though. How long had she been here? One emerald green eye popped open to meet her blue ones.

"Hmmm. HI, how are you?" Taylor moved closer to her.

"N?ot ba...d you?" Terri lazily ran her hand down her side.

"Like I've died and gone to heaven." She pulled herself up to meet Terri's lips.

"Hmm. I've missed you Terri." She kissed her softly. Terri felt herself pulled into the passion that burned against her lips. Terri moved to pull her closer but winched in pain.

"Grrrrr, I think we need to stop this for the time being." Terri growled.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Relax. I'll go get us something to eat." Taylor realized her mistake as soon as she pulled away.

"Taylor? Wait. Let me go with you. Just help me into this damn chair."

"Now Terri, I don't think that's a good idea. Give me a minute and I'll be right back."

"Taylor, you have two choices. I can do this by myself or you can help me, but either way I am goin to go into the kitchen and out of this freaking room." Terri's eyes meet Taylor's. Taylor knew she had lost.

"Come on. Let's do this before Tamara gets back. She'll have both our heads."

Taylor helped Terri sit up. Terri's face turned white and her stomach flip-flopped but she was determined to get up out of bed. She pushed the nauseating feelings back down and moved into Taylor's arms before being eased into the wheel chair. Once settled, they rolled down the hall towards the kitchen,

"Taylor?"

"Yes honey?" Taylor melted each time she heard her name roll off Terri lips. It sent shivers up and down her spine.

"Have you seen this nurse Tamara hired?"

"Hum as a matter of fact I have, why?"

"She cute?" Terri was smiling, waiting for her to answer her. Taylor gently slapped the back of the raven hair.

"Not on your life honey."

"Damn?I'm in need of a bath too!"

"I'm sure we can help you out with that. Mark can drag the garden hose up here. We'll spray you off outside on the deck."

"Ohhhh?? you are so funny" Terri snapped back with a giggle.

"Then don't you be worrying about some cute nurse."

They talked and laughed while Taylor made them something to eat from the food Mark had sent over. Taylor knew Tamara would be gone for a few days. She planned to use this time to really get to know Terri.

Terri was lost deep in thought. Taylor couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind those deep blue eyes. She leaned down and kissed her softy, pulling her out of her thoughts. Terri jumped; a sharp pain went through her rib cage. Her leg almost fell off the chair's leg brace. She nearly came unglued, as the pain was almost unbearable.

"Honey, let's get you back to bed. This is not good for you, being and around so soon." Taylor's eyes filled with regret.

No sooner than Terri's head met the pillow, she was sleeping. Taylor held her all night softly stroking her face. Terri would relax and go back to a peaceful slumber. It had gone much easier once Terri realized that Taylor was going to be her nurse until she was back on her feet.



Terri was up and moving four weeks later. She still tired easily and had to use a crutch to get around. The cast on her arm made it hard to use both crutches but once lifted into her saddle she could spend hours at a time riding all over the ranch. Both she and Taylor were inseparable. They spent many hours talking while Terri healed. They never talked about the past or what the future would hold in store for them. It was one day at a time.



Part 10



Spring came too quickly for the Athena ranch. Terri was up before the sun each day pushing herself back to normal. The workload seemed not to over whelm her. The scars outside would never completely heal. She'd always have a slight limp, but the scars ran deeper inside than on the outside. It didn't help that Taylor was pushing her either. Terri spent her evenings with her but would not stay the night. Things were strained between them at the beginning and that didn't help. Terri had other worries. She had been getting calls to make TV appearances, a few photo shoots for a magazine, and several other promotional tours. Michelle had even called to bug her about accepting the photo shoot.

She had not talked to Taylor about the new offers. She wasn't sure how Taylor would she would take it and she didn't know herself if she wanted to do it. She hated the feeling that she was keeping things from her. Taylor was pushing her to increase their relationship. If she had her way she would leave things the way they were. Little did she know that Michelle had called Taylor about it nor that she had found several letters from the Gay Rodeo Circuit left on her kitchen table. After a quick shower she drove over to Taylor's new place

"Terri, don't you bring that dog in here if she is wet and muddy!" Taylor yelled annoyed, "And don't? for god's sakes? don't let that?.." Terri let the screen door slam shut.

"Screen door slam shut." Taylor finished under her breath, pulling supper from the oven. She felt Terri pulling her into her arms. She turned toward her to meet her lips with a passionate kiss.

Terri deepened the kiss as her tongue sought out Taylor's. The heat of the kiss took Taylor to a different time. Her mind flashed back to the kisses she had gotten from Terri on the dance floor. Her mind raced with the desire of wanting Terri for so long.

Terri's hands moved across Taylor's shirt. She could feel the response her hands got as they softly touched Taylor's hard nipples. Without thinking, she picked Taylor up in her arms and carried her to the bedroom.

"Terri? Suppers going to?."she didn't get a chance to finish.

Terri cut her off with a hard deep kiss.

" God woman, Shhhh and go with it?"Terri growled as she caught Taylor's bottom lip in hers.

Taylor moaned, wanting more?

"What brought this?.."

Another hard, heated kiss from Terri pushed Taylor to the point of wanting to ravish Terri. She almost clawed her shirt off before they had gotten to the bedroom. She had wanted this for months and now that it was happening, she was beyond control.

Terri kicked the door shut in the muddy dog's face as she set Taylor down, ripping her shirt open causing buttons to fly everywhere. She was grabbing at Taylor's jean zipper. She froze, as her fiery blue eyes clashed with Taylor's passion filled green ones. That was all she needed to incite her to continue. Terri quickly assaulted the jeans zipper again. Taylor moaned as she felt it give to Terri's demanding hands. Terri made small bite trails on Taylor's neck as she finished undressing her.

Taylor's naked body had Terri's eyes clouded with a desire she had never had felt with anyone. She was trying to go slow, to enjoy the moment of seeing the only one she had ever wanted this bad, naked in front of her. She had lost all control from the start. The wanting in her was making her loose her own self-control. The heat was too much as she shed her clothing and turned to pick up Taylor and place her on the soft downy bed.

Taylor found it was more than she could bear. She moaned and ground her hips up into Terri as Terri lowered herself down on top of her. She could feel Terri trembling as she lay on her, trapping Taylor's lips with her teeth. Taylor raked her nails down Terri's back, causing her to shutter as their lips clashed in an explosive kiss.

Taylor couldn't catch her breath and her heart felt it would stop beating with each bite Terri made on her skin. Terri made her way slowly across her chest to tease each nipple to a hard peak. Taylor ground harder against her as her hand snaked lazily down her thigh. Her breath caught in her throat, stifling a scream that threatened to break loose. She wanted her inside of her now. She couldn't wait much longer. She was going to loose her mind.

Terri brought her hand down to meet Taylor's hips stopping her from moving. She slid her leg between Taylor's to hold her still. Taylor cried out her name in frustration as Terri brought her lips down on hers, once again ravishing her mouth.

"Tell me what it is you want Taylor," she growled into her ear," Let me hear you say it, Taylor."

"Oh God Terri, I ?huh?I want you," she yelled.

Begging Terri to take her Taylor continued moaning and crying out with each bite Terri placed on her body. Terri's hand slid back to her hips, the other turned her face so she could look into the emerald eyes,

"Taylor don't move. If you move at all I will stop."

Terri's eyes were dark with hunger and Taylor's skin burned with anticipation as Terri lowered her head into the softness between Taylor's legs. She was taking Taylor beyond any point of return. Taylor wondered if this was what heaven felt like.

Taylor knew this was real love. It had finally found her. She couldn't help but scream Terri's name with passion as she felt the white hot flash of lovemaking take her deep into a satisfied climax.

Terri's heartbeat was unsteady from the heat of Taylor's screaming as it reached her ears. She took Taylor repeatedly until she begged her to stop. Taylor lay in Terri's arms until her breathing had slowed.

"Ter?" Taylor asked in a sexy southern drawl. Her skin was damp from their lovemaking. She could hear Terri's heartbeat returning to normal as she held Terri tighter, not wanting to break the contact they had.

"Hmmmm?" Terri couldn't speak. She didn't want to. She was having flashbacks of Taylor screaming her name repeatedly. She smiled to herself knowing this was only going to get better.

"I love you Terri Lynne Cantrell." Taylor felt Terri freeze at this statement. Terri tried to open her eyes but she wasn't ready to return to reality. She grinned to herself; 'Take her again, don't break the moment'. She turned to Taylor, softly kissing her neck.

"I love you Terri." Taylor's voice was full of passion. She felt Terri stiffen just slightly.

Terri's heart stopped and her mind snapped to attention. How could she tell Taylor she was leaving? Taylor just said the words Terri had wanted to hear for months. Taylor could feel Terri relax, she sat up looking into her eyes. Framing her face with her hands, she softly kissed her lips,

"I take it that wasn't what you wanted to hear?"

"I...no...Yes...tha...that's not it." Terri trembled, holding Taylor closer.

"Terri, we have been seeing each other for months. I knew that day at the airport that I loved you. If that's not what you wanted to hear, then I'm sorry, and this should never have happened tonight. Nevertheless, I can't change that, nor can I deny just how much I love you. I want to wake up with you every morning and to go through the day knowing it's your arms I will be in when we fall asleep." Taylor was crying yet part of her anger was directed toward Terri for not saying anything.

"Taylor, stop running little movies in your head. It's not what you think." Terri flipped Taylor over so she was on top of her looking her in the eyes. "If I said I loved you, well, that wouldn't be a lie. However, I haven't told you something. It's something I need to do. I thought I could walk away and leave it all behind, but I can't. The dumb ass that I am, I wanted to start fresh and make a new life with you but there's something that's not finished yet. I'm going back to finish it. Making love to you was not a mistake."

Terri's eyes filled with love replacing the anger. "It only confirms that in order to go forward, I have to settle the past. Leave it behind, so the future with you will be complete with nothing over my head. I hope that makes sense, and you will understand what I'm saying." Terri eyed her hopefully.

"Yes, I know more than you think." Taylor watched as Terri's eyebrow shot up. "And yes, there's the look," Taylor smiled inside. "I know about the letters and offers you have been receiving. Now just lie here and hear me out." She stopped Terri from moving.

"I've given you time to think about it. I wanted you to make the decision on your own. Not because of me, but I think you need to do it. If I would have said so sooner, you would have gotten mad and you know it. But I agree with you; you need to do this. It's what you love to do. Ranching is a pastime for you, but Rodeo is in your blood. Go do this, finish what you started and come back to me a whole person." Taylor's eyes filled with unshed tears. She didn't want Terri to go, not after making the love they did.

"I have only one question though" Terri met her eyes.

"What?"

"Why tonight? Why did you pick tonight to make love to me?"

"So I could take that with me. So I know why I'm doing this. To remind myself that what we have is worth the pain I have to go through to get back to you. If I didn't have that to take with me, I don't think I'd be strong enough to do it." Terri spoke clearly with a heated quiver in her voice.

"Oh Gods, I love you Terri." Taylor pulled her down tighter, capturing her lips. The heat exploded like fireworks.

"Yes, this is worth waiting for." Taylor's mind raced.

Taylor took Terri to the white-hot passion she had showed her moments before.

"I thought you didn't bite." Terri growled at her.

"I don't." came a muttered reply as Taylor took her over the edge of the abyss with her mouth.

"I will miss you Taylor." Terri stated sleepily as her eyes closed to a distant dreamland of wild horses, the Rogue rider who rode them, and of the woman who tamed them both.



Part 11

The photo shoot was behind Terri and several TV appearances had been done. She was now headed for the last contract she had to fulfill in California. She was being elected into the rodeo's Hall of Fame on the last night of the finals rodeo. Everybody who was anybody would be there. Terri reminded herself daily that she was going home to Taylor very soon and with this one last appearance she would be in the arms of the woman she had fallen in love with.

They arrived in San Francisco late Wednesday evening. Checking into their hotel, they agreed to separate rooms. This was San Francisco after all and to Michelle, who was now single, the possibilities were an endless sea of Stetsons and skin tight Levi's.

"Terri, I think you should join us tonight. It's not healthy to sit in your room and brood." Michelle grabbed her arm to stop her from rolling over on the bed she was sprawled out on.

"I dare you!"

Terri's eyes snapped open.

"You wouldn't." She snapped back

"Oh yes I would. I dare you! Meet me in the lobby in one hour. If you're not there, I'll tell everyone at the bar what room you're in." She snapped back as she slammed the door to her room in defiance.

Terri walked in as the whole bar was screaming her nickname. Several women grabbed her for a hug or a kiss. Her eyes grew angry as she looked at Michelle.

"You sumbitch, I'll get you for this." She yelled at her as she was pulled out on the dance floor by a sexy looking redhead who danced a little too close for her liking.

As a rule she didn't drink. Tonight was the exception to the rule. As she relaxed and let her hair down, she had a ball.

Over half the bar followed them to the party at the rodeo grounds. Sunday the arena would have the Hall of Fame awards banquet. But now it was filled with bodies line dancing.

"Damn Terri, I think I've died and gone to heaven." Michelle grinned at her. Terri tipped her hat lower.

"I think I'm drunk because that redhead is mighty fine looking." Terri growled.

"Jeez Ter, that's Martina. She's the one who registers everyone for the daily events. Careful of her. She's a bitch, a conniving one at that."

The words were lost on deaf ears as Terri stopped two feet in front of Martina. She held out her hand.

"Care to dance?"

**********************************************************

Terri woke to a pounding in her head and the sound of someone breaking down her door.

"Jesus H. Christ on a fucking cracker, hang on a minute" she yelled, holding her head in her hand. Michelle shoved the door open as Terri unlocked it.

"You have some major explaining to do Terri." The anger escalating in her voice.

"What the hell are you talking about Mich?" Terri dug for some aspirin in her bag.

"This, Gods be damn you." Michelle shoved the newspaper in front of her. Terri's hand flew to her head.

"Fuck." Terri read the big bold print. The 'Reckless Rogue' to ride again!

"That bitch, she did this. I'm not riding, there's no way. Besides, I'm not in shape."

"Terri, that's not the half of it. Take a look on the next page." Terri about fainted. There in full color was Martina wrapped tightly in her arms in a full paged picture. "This is not only printed in the local newspaper but its on TV and posted all over the internet as of early this morning."

"I'm going to kill her. Damn it! What am I going to do? Taylor will see this. It's not what it looks like. She used me. She set me up. Damn it Michelle! What am I going to do?"

"Wel,l first you're going to shower. Then you are going to call Taylor. Explain it to her. Then you and I are going to go down to the main office and sign up. We'll show that bitch."

"Michelle I don't think I can do it. I'm not sure I want to." Her voice shook with fear.

"Bullshit! You can and we will. We have no choice. She started this. We are going to ride and then we publicly expose her. But you need a shower and call Taylor. I'll be back in an hour or so. Don't step foot out this door. The news crew is hanging around wanting to talk to you. "Are you ready to kick some ass?"

"I....I....don't know. I have to....talk to Tay....lor." She knew a shower would help her think better and then she'd call Taylor.

The icy blue eyes were blood shot and full of anger as she punched the buttons on her cell phone.

"This is Taylor." A soft southern drawl came across the line.

"Taylor, this is Terri." Terri's heart was beating faster. It never failed to do so when she heard Taylor's voice.

"Do you have a minute to talk?" Terri rushed her words to keep from stuttering.

"Are you ok?" Taylor's voice betrayed her worry.

"I'm fine Taylor, but something happened. I want you to hear it from me and not the papers. If you will just listen for a minute I'll try and explain." Terri shut her eyes waiting for Taylor to give her the sign to continue.

"O.K. I'm in my office. So what's wrong? Are you sure you're ok?"

"Taylor, I'm fine, just a little hung-over."

"HUNGOVER?" Taylor's voice went up a few octaves as she sat straight up in her high backed chair.

"Taylor, please don't yell into the phone and please let me explain. I had a few drinks last night at the bar. Then Michelle and I went over to rodeo party held at the arena. Well I got to drinking and dancing, and I guess I had one to many. This morning I woke up to pounding not only in my head but on my hotel door as well." Terri rushed to get the words out before Taylor hung up on her.

"I do not remember even leaving the arena. I don't remember a thing till this morning when Michelle woke me up, showing me this morning's paper. It has a picture of me dancing with the woman who takes the entry fees. I was suckered into something that I don't remember." Terri rushed to get the words out before she lost her nerve to tell Taylor what was going on.

"There's a picture of me and another woman slow dancing and the article under it announces that I am to ride this weekend. I guess Martina took advantage of me being drunk or maybe I did say I would ride. I don't know, but if I did say it then I've got to ride. If I don't, then I go back on my word. I guess I'll register to ride this weekend and well I just wanted you to know before you saw it on the news or in the papers." Terri held her breath waiting for Taylor to respond to what she had just confessed.

"Well Terri, I am not sure why you're even telling me this or what you expect me to say or do." Taylor's voice held a tinge of anger, "What are you going to do?" Taylor knew they had never talked about their deeper feelings to each other so she didn't want her anger to show through.

"One reason I am telling you I didn't want you to think it was something more then a dance." Terri heatedly replied. Without as much as a breath of air she continued.

"The second reason I am telling you this is because I... well I need you. I know you ca...nt be here, but I just needed you to know that. And the last reason is because it's been in the papers that both Michelle and I are going to ride. I am now committed to do it. I don't want to but I have no choice. I won't let that bitch ruin me or my name Taylor. I just hope you can understand that."

"Sweetheart, there's nothing to really forgive." Taylor's heart fell deeply in love with Terri at the words she had spoken. "I have no hold on you Terri but you have relieved what I was thinking. I won't say I am not worried about you riding so soon after recovering from last years death escape. In fact it scares the living hell out of me. But I know at this very minute I couldn't love you more and I wish I could be with you right now."

Terri laughed, "Well right now it's not a pretty sight."

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her normal ice blue eyes blood shot and barely open and dark circles under them gave her a horribly hung over look. She realized she disliked herself more right then than she ever had.

Taylor could tell Terri was beating herself up over the events of the night before. She began to cancel appointments clearing her schedule for the next week as she listened to Terri mumble.

"Well Taylor, Michelle is here so I had better go get myself cleaned up and ready to go. I have to go face the music I guess. I'll try calling you tonight." Taylor watched as Michelle flopped down on her bed waiting for her to finish her phone call.

"Terri, please be careful what you say while in front of the reporters and keep your temper under a tight rein. And remember, I am here for you and I do love you."

"Tha...nk you. I...ah... gotta go. I'll try and call you tonight if I get a chance. Bye." Terri hit the end button on her cell phone and picked up the coffee Michelle had set in front of her. Sipping the hot liquid while trying to open the bottle of aspirin Terri glared at Michelle.

"You ready to ride this weekend?"

"Ter, you need to eat something first then we will think about riding this weekend." Michelle tossed an egg muffin at her and smiled.

"Oh... I don't think I can Mich." Terri snapped back at her.

"Shut up and eat that, we have a press conference in ten minutes. And for Goddess's sakes button up your shirt correctly and let's go." Michelle stated as she opened the door to the room. "Keep your hat pulled low to shade the dark raccoon eyes you've got going on. They won't know you're hung over that way." She started laughing as Terri reach in her bag next to the door and pulled out her shaded sunglasses and settled her black Stetson back down low on her head.

"Better?"

"Much, let's go kick some ass girlfriend." Michelle hooked her arm through Terri's and headed down to the lobby where the press conference was being held.

The room was packed with TV reporters and newspaper reporters all mixed with other competitors. The reporters flung questions at both Terri and Michelle as they entered the room.

As Terri walked up closer to the front of the small stage she couldn't help but notice the red mark on Martina's neck.

"Shit Mich, look at her neck. Tell me I did not do that." Terri growled as she yanked Michelle in close to her.

"No you didn't. Now hush before someone hears you." Michelle whispered as Martina got everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we called this conference to announce that Terri Lynne Cantrell and Michelle Presario will compete in the final rodeo of this season. Ladies please step up and meet the press." Martina waved her hand at the two women standing next to the small stage. Martina could see the deadpanned expression on Terri's face and as she brushed by her she could hear the low growl Terri gave her. Taking the stage sent the reports into a shouting match to get Terri's attention. She held up a hand and asked for silence.

"Ok people I am not a Goddess so lets start with one question at a time. I will pick who goes first." Terri snapped angrily and scanned the crowd of flashing cameras, catching a familiar face she pointed to a short bald man, "Bobby, you go first."

"Thank you Terri," He had always enjoyed talking with her and she treated him with respect and honesty. "It's good to see you have recovered from you death defying ride. Are you worried how the older injuries will effect your riding this weekend?"

"Good to see you too Bobby and thanks for coming today. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about the last ride I had and how it might handicap me on this go-round. But when you are tricked into doing something, sometimes you've got to bite the bullet so to speak and block the pain just to prove you won't be defeated." Terri grinned inwardly as she watched Martina sink lower in her chair.

She answered several more questions and sooner or later she knew she would have to face the one reporter she disliked the most. As Terri turned to smile across the crowd at Martina, she knew Denise would have picked up on the hints she had fed Bobby.

"Ok people I have time for one last question. Denise you had better make it a good one." Terri growled into the microphone. Terri caught Martina heading for the side door, "Martina? Please don't leave just yet. I am sure Denise will want to speak with you after I am done. Go ahead Denise and make it quick."

"Glad to see your back to your ornery self T, but please explain to the media what you mean by being tricked into this?" Denise winked at Terri, who took the question and ran with it.

"Well, Denise you know I really can't prove this but it was not my intention to compete anymore. Somehow y'all got that info from someone who decided to take it upon themselves to lie to you." Terri's voice filed with sarcasm.

The crowd went silent as Terri caught her temper in time not to wreck the interview.

"There is not only the fact that you all were lied to, but the picture in this mornings paper is not correct either. I will ride this weekend. I will not let the rodeo fans go home disappointed but any money I might win this weekend will be donated to the abused women's shelter here in California."

Terri looked over at Martina, glaring at her, as she got her point across. She wanted nothing more than to throttle her.

"Martina, I think these folks want to ask you some questions. As for the rest of you, I'll see you all in the arena." She stepped down from the stage, grabbed Michelle, and left the room.

"Come on before I beat the hell out of her." Terri headed to the back of the room, stopping in front of Denise, "I'm glad for once in my life you were here "D". Now don't let her fool you. She got me into this mess, and I'm going to finish it. When this is all over I may just call you and give you the interview you've been wanting for years."

Denise stood there stunned by Terri's words. She had some clue as to what Terri meant. She turned her attention back to Martina who was under the gun by several reporters.

Terri and Michelle paid the fees to ride the weekend events, had some lunch, and went to see about their rides for the opening ceremonies. Michelle pulled a ride in the first round of the night. Terri didn't ride until the next day.

"I'd give anything for Taylor to be here." Terri commented as they headed back to the hotel to get an hour of sleep before Michelle had to ride.

Michelle drew the bull's number from the hat and waited her turn. She checked the ropes one more time and then handed them to the gateman. She climbed into the chute, saying a silent prayer.

This was a new bull. She had no idea as to how he would come out of the chute. She sat down on the broad back, tightened the rope on her right hand, adjusted her mouth piece and then yelled "Out!"

The bull hesitated for a second. Michelle dug her heels into his sides. He came out of the chute into a hard right spin. Her head snapped hard to the outside of the spin almost unseating her. She over calculated him and his spin.

Managing to regain her balance, the bull turned to the left, charging at the clown trying to help Michelle to regain balance. Eight seconds seemed like a life time for Michelle. As the bull turned back right, he had her hanging off his side but at the last second the buzzer sounded. It wasn't a pretty ride but she had lasted the eight seconds. Michelle let go and hit the ground hard. She staggered to her feet.

Terri waited for the score to be posted on the billboard. 87 wasn't to bad for a new bull. She held the gate open for Michelle as she limped out of the arena.

"Terri, I'm too old for this shit. This is it for me. After this weekend I'm buying a farm and never leaving it."

Terri laughed, "Me too buddy, me too!"



Part 12

Michelle woke to the pounding on her door. She stumbled to the door and opened it letting Taylor sneak into the room next door, "Lock it behind you Taylor." She mumbled as she crawled back into bed.

Taylor set her suitcase down. She couldn't see much in the dark room but she knew Terri was sleeping hard. She took off her clothes and slid in next to her. She pulled her into her arms and let sleep take over her.

**********************************************************

Terri reached out to turn off her alarm. Sitting straight up in bed she realized she was not alone. The small body lying next to her had her worried it might be a replay of last time someone ended up in bed with her? Yanking back the covers she saw Taylor sound asleep next to her. She shut the alarm off and lowered herself until she was lying against Taylor.

Taylor knew she shouldn't start something she couldn't finish as she would need every bit of strength to ride tonight. The sexy body laying next to her made her want to take her to the plane of excitement and feelings they had before she left on this tour.

Terri could feel Taylor's body respond to her touch. Even in a deep sleep, Taylor moaned and moved her hips to meet Terri's moving hands. Taylor moaned louder waking up and reaching over to pull Terri down on top of her. She caught Terri's leg between hers and captured Terri's lips with her own.

"Good morning sweetheart." Taylor tightened her hold on Terri, "I've missed you."

"I?mi?ssed?you?t?too. We?hav?have to stop." She pulled away from Taylor. "When?d?did?you get h?here?"

"Late last night. Michelle let me in through her room. I hope you're not mad that I'm here. I just had to see you."

"No not at all, I'm?hap?happy you're here. Let's g?get ready, I'll b?buy?you breakfast?b?be?before I ?huh?ride this after?noon."

After a quick shower they met Michelle for breakfast in one of the cafés close to the arena. After finishing their breakfast Taylor left to find her seat. Tamara would be there by now. She had taken an earlier flight, bringing Terri's riggings, ropes and riding clothes. She dropped them off with Michelle that morning.

"Hey Taylor, how was your flight? I ran into Martina this morning by the way. She thinks I like her, so we are having dinner together."

"Terri is not going to like that Tamara." Taylor said as she took her seat.

They sat next to the chutes. Taylor strained her eyes looking for a second time trying to locate Terri. She picked out the black Stetson. It stood out from the sea of hats behind the chutes. The hat Terri wore had a different shape to it. It curved low to cover her eyes; the back was tilted down to match the curve in the front. The wide leather band had a single stripe of bright blazing pink intertwined to make a rope braid.

"Taylor are you listening to me?" Tamara shook her arm, drawing her attention away from Terri.

"What? I?ah?yes I'm listening." Taylor grinned at her friend seated next to her.

"No, you're not!"

"Ok, so I wasn't, I had something better pulling my attention. You were saying?"

"We are not going to tell Terri that I'm having dinner with her. Not till I get the truth from her. I don't want Michelle to know either. I'm picking her up after the shows over tonight. We'll go to the far side of town where no one knows we're there."

"Do you honestly think she'll tell you anything? She knows Terri works for you."

"Yes I do as she has been after me for quite sometime and I plan on using it to my advantage." Tamara smiled and worked out a plan to find out just what was going on with in the rodeo circuit.

They sat in the crowed stands discussing the plans as they watched the bronco riding events. Taylor kept one watchful eye out for Terri.

"Did you notice Terri seems to not stutter as much when she just lets go and doesn't think about it?" Taylor asked more to herself than to Tamara as her eyes caught the site of Terri's black Stetson.



**********************************************************

Terri made her rounds stopping and talking to some old friends as well as some newer ones she had met after she had returned to the world she had once loved. She knew this would be her last ride; the promotional tours would be a thing of the past. She wanted nothing more now then to settle down and have a real life, one that included Taylor.

'Where the hell did THAT come from?' Terri shook her head to clear the thoughts from her head 'I need to have a clear mind if I am to make it through the weekend rides!' Mentally kicking herself Terri scanned the crowds looking for the emerald green eyes she had come to love. Locking into the depths of those eyes Terri tipped her black Stetson and Taylor smiled and nodded back. Making her way behind the chutes Terri climbed the steel rails for her first ride of the day.

Taylor felt a shiver run up and down her spine as she met Terri's eyes and the raw passion radiated from the depths of those deep blue sea colored eyes.

**********************************************************

Climbing inside corral Terri straddled the enraged bull wrapping her hand in-between the raw hide rope. It would be the only thing holding her on the broad back of the bull. The rope cut deep into her gloved hand as she flexed her nimble fingers to get a tighter grip on the rope. Once again she realized she did not have her mouth piece and cursed softly and settled the black Stetson down tighter on her head and nodded to the gate keeper to turn them loose.

The black bull spun into a hard right handed turn; Terri leaned into the turn and gouged the bull with her dull Spanish roweled spurs. Her knee strained and pulled with each kick of her booted heel.

Blocking the pain from her mind she slid closer to her hand trying to easy the grip she had on the bull's sides with her legs. She was not concentrating on the bulls movements and it caused her to be nearly flipped off as he turned and spun to the left.

The switch in direction was a close call but sheer determination kept Terri upright on the bull's wide back. She managed to upright herself just in time for the bull to once more fling his head and turn back to the right. Red dirt flew from under the split hooves of the bull, sweat stung in Terri's eyes as she stayed right with him ridding him down the large arena.

Paying closer attention now she watched his head to detect any change in his direction. With one final burst of energy the bull spun into the turn as Terri rode him to the final seconds before the buzzer blew its final blast.

Quickly letting go of the raw hide rope holding her on his back Terri let him buck out from underneath her. Landing hard on her knees she quickly ducked and rolled into a ball as the bull turned on her. The large head of the bull narrowly missed her exposed back as he tried to spear her with his long twisted horns as she continued to roll away from him.

The clowns were on the bull in seconds distracting him and pulling him away from Terri. Jumping up, she staggered across the soft dirt to escape the bull's wrath that he would unleash upon her if given the chance. Leaping up on the railings above the cement wall she turned and smiled at the crowd whose lap she was almost sitting in.



All in all it was a good ride, not one of her better ones but the score showed on the billboard high above the arena showed it to be 90 points, posting her in first place and that's what mattered in this game they called Rodeo!

**********************************************************

Terri sat in the medical tent with ice wrapped tightly around her aching knee. Waiting for the next ride was not something Terri would ever get used to. She had dozed on and off for over two hours killing time until she was to take her last ride for the night. She had been told Michelle had not made the 8 second buzzer on her second ride of the day. She would have to have a clean go-round on her last ride to make the final draft for the next day's ride.

Fifteen minutes before her next ride Terri had the doctor shoot her knee full of cortisone numbing it from the pain of her old injuries. She limped out to watch Michelle make a good solid clean ride and score a 98 putting her in second place. Terri waved her hat in the air whistling along with the crowd.

The final bull waited for her in the chute. Stopping in front of the steel bars she adjusted the knee brace the doctor had given her and began to climb up the bars to mount the bull.

Looking up to the heavens above Terri said a silent prayer and swung down on top of the bull. He flung his head side to side spraying everyone in his path with the foamy spittle. The whites of his eyes showed as he bellowed in rage at the added weight on his back. This is what these bulls had been bred for.

As she settled down on his back as he let her know he was not happy about the added weight by slamming her knees against the steel rails holding him tight. Clamping her mouth down tight on the mouth piece she had retrieved from her bag, she tried to block the shooting pains in her knees each time he slammed her against the bars. Through clenched teeth she yelled "out" to the gate-keeper and waited for the explosion of well over 1900 pounds beneath her to charge from the gate. This would be a long 8 seconds!

The bull came out of the chute bucking and kicking his way to the middle of the arena trying to skewer the first clown he spotted with his long horns. The clown was there for a reason, to keep the bull bucking and spinning but to also help the rider down after the 8 second buzzer went off.

All the competitors in this game were thankful for the clowns as their lives depended upon the swift foot work of the colorfully dressed men. They could save the life of a rider who was being mauled to death by a bull, putting their lives in danger as well. Watching the bulls head close with each jarring buck, Terri felt him once again pull hard to the left even as she adjusted her weight to go with the movement of the bulls stride.

Her knees clenched tight against his side as he spun only allowed her to spur him from the inside of the turn with her good leg until he changed back to the right sided twisting and spinning. The dirt flew from under his hooves as he screamed in pure rage at the clown. Terri raked him hard with her spurs getting his attention back on her. As he spun around his long horns ripped into the barrel the clown had just disappeared into. He knocked it over, sending it rolling underneath his large body. As the bull became unbalanced he took a tumble, bringing them all down into a single pile.

Terri's right leg was pinned beneath the bull and the barrels as they toppled to the ground. She was pinned flat, face first into the dirt. Her face hit hard against the dirt floor, crushing her nose. With pure determination she clung to the rope in her hand waiting for the bull to find his footing and right them as it thrashed and kicked. Once he recovered his footing Terri rode him up and adjusted her weight to bring her body back into her hand increasing the tight grip on the rope. He hesitated as he got his bearings. Terri didn't wait for him too long as she dug her spurs into his sides hard sending the bull into a dazed rage, looking to rip apart anything in his path with his long dangerous horns.

She heard one of the clowns yelling at her. She had missed the 8 second buzzer as she rode him into a hard tight spin. Reaching down she let the rope loosen and flung herself to the outside of the bull's spin, hoping to break her fall and not damage her bad knee anymore then it was. She failed to land on her feet as her body crashed to the ground again sending her face first into the blood red dirt, knocking the wind out of her body. She stood back up and staggered to the railing as she gasped for breath. The audience went crazy shouting her name. She felt a warm touch on her arm.

"Sweetheart, you're going to need this. Your face is bloody and your nose is crooked." The red head smiled at Terri as she took the bandanna from her.

Terri tried to smile back but pain shot through her face and all she could do was nod her head at the woman. Signaling the pick up rider Terri waited for the horse to pull close to the rail then she slid down across the withers and said another silent prayer. She had made the final draft of the night in the number one slot.

"The medic's tent Terri?" the pick-up rider asked in a slow southern drawl.

"Uh, please." Terri sputtered through bloody lips. She had lost her mouth piece as well as her hat. Looking around she watched as the clown picked up the hat and mouth piece as he headed for the end of the arena.

**********************************************************

Taylor was on her feet the second the bull went crashing to the ground. She couldn't recall later if she had screamed or not and she had never felt as helpless as she watched her lover being crushed by the bull. She could feel the pain Terri was suffering at the hands of a wild animal then watched in horror as he scrambled to his feet taking Terri right up with him. Why didn't she just let go? What was she trying to prove? Taylor's temper raged a war in her mind as she watched the scene play out before her.

As Terri dismounted the bull Taylor wished she could be there to catch her. She grabbed the railing preparing to jump down into the arena. Tamara's gentle hand stopped her from going to the aid of the one who had taken her heart. She knew she would try and stop Terri from taking anymore rides as she made her way towards the medical tent.

As Terri slid from the horses back, Taylor was there beside her, helping her to the tent.

"Not one word Taylor, not now... just help me to the tent." Terri growled not only in pain but not wanting to argue with her lover.

Helping her inside the flaps of the tent Taylor quickly grabbed some towels and began wiping of Terri's face.

"This is insane Terri. You can't keep doing this and not pay the reaper." Taylor pleaded with her to call it quits.

"Stop it Taylor. Do you honestly think I can quit now? Do you?" Her blue eyes dark with heated anger at what Taylor was asking of her. "I can't stop now... nor do I want too. Granted I am glad you're here Taylor but if you cant stand to watch then stay in the hotel."

"Damn you Terri." Taylor ran a frustrated hand through her hair. "Do you think I could leave now? Is that how little you think of me? I love you dammit but I do not want to watch them carry your fricking dead body out on a stretcher for God's sakes! I want to take you home in one piece. Now, I'm going to go get Tamara and we'll get you back to our room."

"Fricking? Did you just say fricking?" Terri asked with a slight smile in her eyes.

"Yes, that is what I said." Taylor hissed in anger.

"What does that mean?" Terri asked playing with Taylor as she was one who hardly ever swore but made up words in place of the real ones.

"Maybe you will understand this then... I do not want to watch them haul your fucking dead body out of here. IS THAT CLEAR enough for you?" Taylor leaned in close, bringing their faces within inches of each other.

Terri swallowed the laugh that had been building and ran her hand across the angry face in front of her.

"Yes sweetheart. It is very clear. I will just have to ride carefully and make sure that doesn't happen." Terri whispered in Taylor's ear.

"Like I said, I do not want to see your dead body hauled out of here, so you just lay there and think about it." Taylor removed the distracting touch and walked out of the tent, not looking back.

Terri was examined by the doctor on call at the medic tent and he recommended going to the hospital for x-rays on her nose but she flatly refused. She asked him to treat it as if it was broken and that she would have it looked at after the rodeo was over. She figured in her own stubborn mind there wasn't much they could do for a broken nose anyway. She shrugged it off as temporary set back.

Armed with pain pills she gingerly stood up and went in search of Taylor and Tamara. They picked up her riding gear as all three went silently back to their hotel. Terri unlocked the door and collapsed on the bed as her pain pills were beginning to wash away the day's events.

Taylor removed the dirty boots and jeans from Terri's body. She reached out to take off her bloody shirt.

"Terri, honey, I need you to help me here. Come on honey and sit up for just a second." She gently shook Terri trying to wake her up enough to help remove the stained shirt. Once the unsalvageable shirt was removed, Terri sank down onto the soft pillows. Taylor went to fill the ice bucket to have some on hand when the ice melted in the pack she had resting on Terri's knee as well as the one for her face.

Taylor ordered room service as she sat watching the TV thinking of the day's events and wondered how she could convince Terri to stop this hellish ride she was on. Terri was as stubborn as the rogue bulls she rode.



Conclusion

When Terri woke up her head felt slightly better, the headache was gone but her nose was still painful to breathe out of. As she swung her legs over the edge of the bed she cursed at the sight of the black and blue swollen appendage. She walked with a limp to the bathroom and turned on the hot water. Spotting her reflection in the mirror she swore at the black and severely swollen eyes staring back at her. Standing in the hot water Terri washed the mud and blood from her hair and scrubbed the rest off her hands and face.

Returning to the bedroom she sat down and realized she had awakened at four am in the morning. Calling the front desk to setup a wake up call, she picked at the food carts left-overs.

Watching Taylor sleeping in the bed next to hers Terri wondered if she could just walk away from this 'bent for hell ride' she was on. Who would blame her if she did walk away and never look back? But Terri was committed to the end and would not stop until the final round was rode and the lights were dimmed in the arena. Pushing the food cart away from her Terri climbed into bed next to Taylor and was fast asleep by the time her head hit the pillow.

******************

Taylor woke to the phone ringing in her ear. As she moved to answer it, she heard Terri moan in pain at the movement.

"Sweetheart, I need to answer the phone. I'm sorry." Feeling guilty she picked up the phone and snapped into the receiver. Taylor wished with all that she was that Terri had changed her mind and they were on the next flight home.

Terri crawled out of bed and went once more to the hot steamy shower to ease the aches and pains of the day before. It helped to relieve the stiffness as well as it woke her up. She stretched and twisted her body, loosening her sore muscles under the scalding hot water. She knew she had to get moving as there was less then two hours before her final ride of the weekend. She was thankful that there was only one ride for each competitor on the final day. She didn't know if she had it in her to make more then one.

Taylor hurriedly dialed Tamara's room number to find out how the dinner date had gone with Martina. Tamara went on to explain how Martina had set both Terri and Michelle up. The money the dynamic duo drew each day of the rodeo was phenomenal. The main reason for the setup was Martina had always had a crush on Terri. With that information in hand Tamara had taken it to the owner of the rodeo as well as the board of directors. Martina would be fired at the closing of the final rides.

'Now all we have to do is get her off her last ride alive and we can go home.' Taylor's mind grasped that last thought as she hurried to get ready to leave.

After a quick breakfast at the local café the four of them returned to the arena. Michelle and Terri headed to draw their last bull's ear tag number and get their bodies and minds ready for one last go ride. Terri stretched her body out on the concrete floor next to Michelle. Holding each other's arms they pulled and tugged on each other groaning and moaning as their bodies popped and snapped into some kind of warm up.

The call came for them to draw their ear tag numbers. Terri reached out and grasped Michelle's hand in a silent rider's prayer they would both get an easy ride.

Terri reached her shaking hand into the hat and wiggled it around, finally picking a tag as she pulled her hand out. She handed it to Michelle.

"Please tell me I did not draw the Rogue!" Terri held her breath as she waited for Michelle to confirm her next ride.

"No you didn't> Looks like you'll be riding the old cuss himself, Rat Bastard." Michelle smiled and handed the tag back to Terri as she drew her final ride. She handed her tag to Terri. It was a long standing tradition for each of them to read the others tag.

"Damn you lucky dog. You're goin' out on Clownfaced Jerk. He's an easy ride as well!" Terri high five'd Michelle and returned to her stretches. If they rode a clean ride they would hold the two top spots for the closing ceremonies.

******************

Terri watched Michelle make a good clean ride and score her final points of the weekend, leaving her in second place. They watched as the next rider got tossed off right out of the chute. One more rider took to the chute and screamed to be let out. Tonya Barker was next in line for an all round gold buckle if she kept riding like she was now that Michelle and Terri were going to retire. The first four rider left easy score for Terri to beat with one good clean ride. She headed towards the chute to claim her final ride, stopping along the way to shake Michelle's hand.

"Good luck to you, buddy. You drew a good bull; keep him upright and off the ground and this one is in the bag." Michelle gave Terri a quick hug and watched her limp toward the chute where they were loading her bull. Nodding to Tamara, Terri's eyes search for Taylor, who stood talking to the chute loader waiting for Terri to join them. Terri took her in her arms holding her close.

"I swear to you this one is the final ride and we can go home." Terri let her go, taking her time. She knew the bull would take sometime to settle down in the chute anyway.

She pulled on her leather gloves and tightened the straps on her spurs. Terri met Taylor's eyes and she felt the magnetic force that was between them. Reaching out she pulled Taylor in to her arms one more time, capturing her lips in hers.

"Mmmm?Thanks, I needed that. See you in a few minutes."

Terri left Taylor quaking with desire. Terri froze in her tracks when she saw what bull was loaded into the chute. This was not the bull she had drawn. She pulled the ticket out of her pocket. She yelled at the chute loader.

"HEY THIS IS NOT THE BULL I DREW?What the hell is going on?" She snapped at him.

"This is the bull they said you drew?" he looked down at her as she shoved her ticket at him.

"NO THIS is the bull I drew?.The ear tags don't match." She was yelling louder now. Everyone could hear her. Taylor stood next to her, holding her back from yanking the guy off the chute. In the chute stood the bull she had ridden when won the triple buckles. It was the very one that had left her in the hospital, broken and bleeding. She looked down at Taylor.

"That bitch set me up once again." Anger filled her eyes.

"Terri let's go to the main office and talk to them. Tamara will be there by now. She's getting Martina fired. They know what's going on. They can reload the bull you drew in the first place." Taylor pleaded with her but she knew that look in Terri's eyes.

"NO. I'm going to ride that bastard. Then we are going home. You go find Tamara and let her know what's happened. Meet me outside after you talk to her. You don't need to be here for this. I mean it Taylor! Swear to me you wont come back in the arena." Terri looked deeply into Taylor's eyes.

Taylor just nodded and walked away. Terri climbed up the side of the chute. She looked at the bull and back to the gatekeeper.

"Let's get it on boys. I want to go home." She let herself down gently on top of the rogue bull.

He slammed her against the sides of the steel rails holding him in place. She pulled her hat lower, clenched her mouth piece tighter as he slammed her once again against the steel bars. Punching him hard right between the ears just low enough not to hit the bone that connected the long horns, she tugged the rope even tighter. With her hand tightly wrapped in the rope, she pulled her body in close to her hand as she nodded to the gatekeeper to turn them loose.

She said a silent prayer as the gate swung open wide. The bull out guessed her. He normally went left out of the gate. Instead, he did a quick left with his head but spun right.

Terri slid away from her hand. Her grip loosened as he spun hard to the right, bucking hard to unseat her. She pulled her self tighter into the spin as the impact pushed her toward her strapped hand, making a better grip for her to hold her body up right. He headed for the side of the arena. One of the clowns stepped in drawing him back towards the center.

He tried to run the clown down as he bucked higher into the air. His body was off the ground quick as lighting. Terri knew the risk but she took it and started to spur him hard. She prayed she wouldn't damage her knee anymore than she already had. If she was going out, she would go out in the style she was known for.

The bull hit the clown's protective barrel hard. It went rolling down the arena with one dizzy clown inside. With the barrel out of his way, the bull's attention was now focused on the rider on his back. He bucked hard into a tight spin, taking him closer to arena walls. Flinging his massive body up against it he smashed Terri's knee into the wall. She spurred him harder on the left side pulling him back away from the wall.

He stopped bucking as quickly as he had started, flinging his head right. His body went with it as he slammed into the wall again, taking Terri with him. Her knee hit hard once again. She swore at him and raked him harder on the left side with her spur. He turned into the sharp pain of the spur digging into his side. He lunged at the nearest clown.

The bull bucking hard into a left handed spin once more forced Terri's body back into her hand. She had a good grip now and rode him hard. She knew in her mind the buzzer should sound any second. It wouldn't come soon enough. Her mind whirled as to how she would get off this Rogue bull without killing herself. She was not close enough to the side of the arena to climb on the railing. She'd have to run for it when she hit the ground or he would be on her in seconds.

She raked him as hard as she could one more time as the buzzer sounded loudly across the arena. The clowns moved in to try and help her off him safely. He turned into the rake of her spur as he hit the side of the wall one last time. Terri let go of her rope and jumped just as he spun to try to hit the nearest clown. She hit the side of the arena, loosing her grip on the top steel rail. As she slid to the dirt floor, her knee gave out.

She rolled herself into a tight ball as she knew the bull would be on her in a split second. It was if he had scooped her up in his arms. His horns dug into her side as she sailed over the top rail, landing into the first row of spectators. They helped break her fall.

She blocked the pain raging through her body, Terri pulled herself to her feet and apologized to the crowd she had landed on. Reaching out she grabbed the pickup girl's arm as she swung herself over the top railing, sliding on to the back of the horse.

She rode to the center of the ring with the pickup girl, taking her hat from one of the clowns. She held it high as they posted her score. With that ride she had knocked Tanya out of first place. She would take home the gold buckle one last time. She mumbled into the girl's ear in front of her.

"That bulls going to make some nice steaks." She knew she would make an offer to buy the bull from the rodeo officials.

The bull didn't need to be trying to kill anyone again. Letting go of the pick up girl, Terri slid to the ground, waving her hat one more time as she limped out of the arena. She wiped the blood from her face as she went.

*************************************

Terri grabbed Michelle to help her walk the short distance to the main office. They both had some unfinished business waiting there. Taylor stood outside the office talking to Tamara when she spotted Terri and Michelle heading right for them.

"Tamara, this is going to be trouble." Taylor held her breath as Terri strode right past her, yanking the office door open.

"Terri, STOP! Right there." Tamara spoke in a deadly voice.

" You will NOT do anything foolish in there. The problem's been taking care of. Let's just go home."

"That's where you are wrong Tamara. It's not taken care of and this is my fight this time. So stay the hell out of it." The blue eyes were cold and uncaring as she glared at Tamara.

Taylor reached out to try and take her hand in hers. Terri pulled away. She walked into the office. She could see Martina in the director's office. Michelle beat her to the door and opened it. Martina sat up in her chair. She never knew what hit her as Terri jerked her out of the chair and slammed her up against the wall.

"I could wring your neck right now, bitch. You set me up not once but twice. That bull could have killed me. And I don't take it lightly."

Terri gripped her harder and let Martina shake in her boots. Terri stood her full height. She slammed her one more time against the wall.

"You are not worth a broken hand but I would love to smash you down to a pint sized midget. I will make one suggestion to you. Don't ever cross my path again. Next time, I won't be so damn nice to you. My lawyer will be in touch with you soon, Martina. That you can bet on. As for the rodeo circuit." she spun on her heal, still holding Martina up right.

"I will be claiming the bull. He won't be ridden again by anyone. I don't think any of you will have a problem with that Mike, because you let her bribe people to load a bull I didn't draw. If this were to be leaked to the news, they would have a field day. So my recommendation to you is to have that Rogue bull delivered to Tamara's ranch by the end of next week. You will also see that who ever was involved in this with her, be fired as well." Martina tried to shake Terri's hold on her.

" Don't move, Martina, I'll hit you yet." She shook her hard.

"As for tonight, you will present the money I won today to the Women's Abuse Shelter here in my name. You follow that and I may not go to the press with this information. We got us a deal Mike?" Terri eyed him with fire in her eyes.

"Terri, we have fired Martina. We will also have an investigation into the whole matter. I will also see that the bull you asked for is brought to Tamara's place this week. So yes, we have a deal. Thank you for not letting the newspapers know what happened this weekend. I will keep you updated as to what the committee finds." Mike tried to calm her down.

He was worried that the women who stood before him would rip his office apart. He knew the reputation they had both gained over the years while on tour of the rodeo circuit. Michelle had yet to say a word. She was there to back up her best friend. Terri looked at Martina one last time.

"I wasn't kidding, Martina. You had best stay clear of me." With that she shoved her back into her seat and turned to go. She heard the sound of bone cracking as she opened the door. She turned to see Michelle pulling back for another hard right to Martina's face. She reached out stopping Michelle, a smile on her face. They walked out of the office. Outside Terri relaxed a little as she took Taylor in her arms and kissed her deeply.

" Let's go home honey." Taylor mumbled into Terri's kiss.

***********************************

Terri woke in her own bed alone. She couldn't remember the drive home or how long she had slept for that matter. She grabbed a robe as she walked to the kitchen to make coffee. On her couch slept Michelle. Terri ripped the blankets off her as she walked by.

"Come on Princess. Time to get up. We got work to do." Terri glowed at her.

"Get me some coffee and I might get up." Came the groggy reply from Michelle. Quick showers and cups of coffee in their hands they headed for the barns. Terri wanted to check on how things were going with the spring cattle round-up. Then they would talk to Tamara about the bull that was being delivered. Terri and Michelle had decided to start a breeding program with this Rogue bull. They would use him to breed more bulls for the rodeo circuit.

**********************************************************

Several months later....

Terri looked up from the paper work on her desk to see Taylor standing in the door way. A smile crossed her face as she stepped from behind the desk to take Taylor into her arms.

"To what do I owe this great pleasure?" Terri asked as she lowered her mouth to Taylor's.

"I finished up work early and thought maybe you would like to come over to dinner with me?" Taylor pulled her closer deepening the kiss, exploring her mouth softly with her tongue.

"Mmmm, what's for dessert?" Terri asked huskily.

"Any...thing you want. How much long...er will you be?" Taylor sputtered as the warm soft hands ran wildly across her body.

"I'm done, you want me to drive over or just ride with you?"

Terri could feel the heat building between them. She ran her hands down Taylor's back causing Taylor to tremble at the soft touch.

"Go get a bag packed. You're riding with me." Taylor broke the body contact first. She wanted to take Terri into one of the empty stalls and if they didn't hurry she would have her right there. Terri turned off the light to the office and went to pack a bag. Taylor found Michelle and told her they wouldn't be back for a couple of days if she could keep Terri away that long. Terri's knee was still causing her problems. She needed time to heal but she wasn't slowing down to let that happen. She had talked to Tamara and they decided to force Terri into relaxing for a few days. Taylor wanted the chance to talk to her about their future together. Taylor had great future plans for the two of them and she was sure Terri would agree to them.



The End??



Yes, this ones completed.... you decide if they lived happily ever freaking after!

Special thanks to my ever lovin' roomie RR728.... for all ur help on this one! That's why we call it RODEOOOO....It's 40 below and I don't give a F*&%K got heater in my truck and it's off to the rodeo!!!

In loving memory, I had originally had the dog name as Wizzy and she played a bigger role in this story.... but changed it just before I posted it. So with this ending I dedicate this one to WIZZY....gone but NEVER forgotten. I miss you deeply my best friend.

So you took the second to read it. Take another second and let me know what you thought of it. Hate mail is always a "good thing" just ask jail bait Martha, so send it to

Wizz44@thesandbox101.com Visit us at www.thesandbox101.com .You never know what you might find. Copyright © Dec 2004 by Wizz in conjunction with the Sandbox101.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.