"I love you too, Jordan," she whispered.
* * *
Maggie glanced at the digital clock and saw three-o-four flash on the LCD.
What time did Jan leave for the hospital? It must have been just after noon.
She turned her head slightly and placed a gentle kiss on the back of Jordan's head, then wrapped her arms around her as she spooned herself behind Jordan. "Wake up, lover," she whispered softly into Jordan's ear.
Jordan moaned and rolled over to face Maggie then took the redhead into her arms and held her close.
"I don't want to wake up. I want to stay like this forever," she replied without opening her eyes.
"I, too, would like nothing more, but Jan will be back soon. Our attraction is difficult enough for her to accept without her seeing us this way."
Jordan rolled onto her back and laid her arm over her eyes. "Ah, Jan. I forgot about her." Jordan sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. "Okay. I guess we'd better get dressed."
Jordan stood beside the bed and stretched her arms high above her head. Unable to resist temptation, Maggie rolled to Jordan's side of the bed where she climbed to her knees and wrapped herself around a naked Jordan from behind. Jordan's arms immediately came down to reach behind her and pull Maggie close.
"God, you feel good, Maggie," Jordan said huskily as the flames of desire once again began to flicker within her.
Maggie allowed her hands to roam freely around Jordan's abdomen as she pulled herself closer to her. One hand slipped lower to cover Jordan's mound, where she stroked gently.
Jordan looked down and saw where Maggie's hand rested, and although she could not feel her hand from a tactile standpoint, the psychological effect was overwhelming as a spasm tore through Jordan, nearly doubling her over. "If you keep that up, we'll never get out of here before Jan returns," she warned.
Maggie kissed Jordan's back. "I know, but you make me feel so alive. All I want to do is make love to you."
Maggie placed a trail of kisses along the scar running down Jordan's back. Finally, she sat back on her heels and ran her hand over the area where the implant protruded from Jordan's skin. "Does it hurt?" she asked.
Jordan couldn't feel what Maggie was doing but knew instinctively what she meant. "No, I don't feel it at all. In the beginning, the constant vibration kind of drove me crazy, but I hardly notice it now. It's a small price to pay for mobility."
Maggie patted the mattress beside her as she settled herself into a seated position on the edge of the bed. "Sweetie, sit. Talk to me for a bit."
Jordan sat beside Maggie, then reached up and tucked an errant lock behind Maggie's ear. "Yes my love?" she asked.
Maggie looked directly into Jordan's eyes. "When my mouth was on you, you didn't feel anything, but when I entered you it was amazing how you reacted."
Jordan smiled. "I know. I was so afraid that I would feel nothing at all, but when you were inside of me, I… well, it felt so intensely overwhelming I thought I might explode. When the orgasm hit me, I nearly lost consciousness it was so intense. I have never felt anything so wonderfully satisfying in all my life. I don't know how to thank you enough for helping me experience that, especially for the first time."
Maggie kissed Jordan tenderly then ran her index finger along the side of Jordan's face. "No thanks necessary, sweetheart. You are an incredible lover. You've made me feel more alive in the past two hours than I have ever felt. Thank you for coming into my life."
Both women's attention was suddenly drawn toward the open window as the sound of a vehicle approaching broke them out of their desire-induced haze.
"Shit," Maggie exclaimed. "That's probably Jan."
Maggie quickly jumped up and grabbed her robe from behind the adjoining bathroom door. "I'll intercept her in the kitchen while you get dressed," she said.
Maggie donned her robe and ran through the living room to the kitchen as Jan walked in the door. Jan was immediately suspicious of Maggie's attire.
Jan raised her eyebrows. "A little afternoon delight?" she asked accusingly.
"What I was doing is none of your concern," Maggie replied.
Jan narrowed her eyes. She walked to the bar and poured herself a drink.
"Jan, what did you find out at the hospital?"
Jan rested her backside against the bar and crossed her ankles. She casually sipped her drink.
"The doctors say Don is a lucky man. It appears he landed directly on his back and just fractured a few vertebrae, but the X-rays don't show any permanent damage. He'll be laid up for a while, but they predict a full recovery."
"That's great news," Jordan said from the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
Jan sneered as Jordan came into view. "Got my answer," she said as she downed the rest of her drink and placed the glass on the bar with a resounding thud. "I've got work to do. I'll catch up with you two later,"
She turned and walked out of the house.
CHAPTER 7
Early the next morning Jordan stepped into the common room of the bunkhouse just as Jan entered from outside. After setting up the coffeepot to brew, Jordan turned around and leaned against the counter and crossed her booted feet at the ankles. Her hands rested on the countertop on each side of her reclining torso.
"Are you always up and about this early?" Jordan asked.
Jan diverted her eyes from the mail she was reading to glance at Jordan. "Only when I have business to attend to," she replied abruptly. She returned to reading her letter.
Jordan allowed the next few moments to pass in silence as the coffee brewed. It wasn't long before a beep at the end of the brewing process signaled that her much needed morning energy was ready for consumption. Jordan turned and retrieved two mugs from the cupboard and filled them both with the dark amber liquid. She held one out to Jan.
Jan looked up from her letter once more and cocked an eyebrow at Jordan in surprise.
Jordan continued to hold the cup out to her. "Look, Jan. These past few weeks have been awkward at best. It seems we're going to be roommates for a while, so we might as well make an effort to at least be civil to one another."
Jan relented and accepted the cup from Jordan. "Thanks," she said tersely.
An awkward silence fell between the women as they each sipped their coffee. Finally, Jan cleared her throat. "I, ah, I have some correspondence to take care of. Thanks again for the coffee."
Jordan nodded and watched as Jan retreated to her bedroom and firmly closed the door behind her.
* * *
Maggie was waiting for Jordan in the barn when she arrived a short time later.
"Hey, you," Maggie greeted her with a smile. "Sleep well last night?"
Jordan grabbed her saddle and threw it across the back of a regal Mustang mare she had affectionately named Sally in honor of her own childhood horse. "I slept okay."
"Where are you going?" Maggie asked as she watched Jordan secure the saddle in place.
"Out to the new barn raising. I was thinking last night that it won't be long before snow falls. We don't have much time to finish the shell before that happens. I thought I'd get a head start before Dave and the rest of the crew show up."
"Well then, I'm going with you," Maggie replied as she saddled her own horse. "Surely there's something I can do to help."
Jordan traced her gloved finger along the side of Maggie's face. "Sweetheart, I will have no problem finding something for you to do."
Maggie smiled and raised her eyebrows seductively. "I think you'll find me to be an efficient helper."
Jordan placed her foot in the stirrup and gracefully swung herself into the saddle. "Come on, then."
The two steadily made their way to the site of the new barn where they released their horses to graze in the corral then entered the old barn to retrieve Jordan's tools.
Maggie looked on as Jordan draped her tool belt over her waist and adjusted it into place. "You look very butch in that tool belt," she said suggestively.
Jordan grinned devilishly and retrieved a screwdriver from her belt. "Let me know if you need something screwed. I'd be happy to oblige."
Maggie reached forward and grabbed the front of Jordan's shirt and pulled her close. "I definitely have something you can screw," she said as their mouths met.
Maggie explored Jordan's mouth for several moments before she pulled back and smiled. "Well, lover, as much as I'd like to sample your handyman wares right now, we are bound to get caught if we take this much further. I will, however, hire your services later tonight."
Jordan chuckled and kissed Maggie passionately once more. "Tonight? Mmm, a midnight rendezvous?"
"Well, once I have you in my bed, there's no way I'm letting you leave. You can call it a sleepover, imprisonment, confinement, a hostage situation. Call it anything you want, but you're not leaving."
"Sounds like fun, but aren't you worried about Jan missing me when I don't come home tonight?" Jordan asked.
Maggie cupped the side of Jordan's cheek with her palm. "I broke things off with Jan nearly a month ago. She has to get used to it some time."
Jordan took Maggie's hand from her face and held it to her lips then placed a delicate kiss in the palm. "I like the way you think," she whispered hoarsely.
In the distance Jordan and Maggie could hear sounds of vehicles approaching. The hum of the motors grew louder as they neared. Finally, the sound of male voices competing with each other signaled that the work crew had arrived.
Jordan leaned in to kiss Maggie deeply once more before stepping back to allow Maggie to exit the barn before her.
* * *
During the next several weeks, Jordan worked side by side with the carpenters to complete the outer structure of the barn while Maggie split her time between supervising the finishing touches on the inside and with Jan's help, maintaining the day to day workings of the farm. Jan was uncharacteristically stoic during those weeks, no doubt attributed to the fact that Jordan spent most nights with Maggie and leaving her on her own in the bunkhouse.
The relationship between Maggie and Jan became distant, with communication focusing on the day-to-day workings of the farm. The relationship between Jan and Jordan was strained, but polite — a fact that both surprised and unnerved Jordan, considering the veiled threats Jan had delivered to her the day she moved into the bunkhouse.
Just before Christmas, the barn was finished. To celebrate the occasion, Jordan erected a small Christmas tree inside the main foyer of the barn. The entire construction crew and their families were invited to a holiday celebration, which began with a wine and cheese social in the grand room of the new barn followed by a home-cooked dinner at the farmhouse.
The farmhouse was gaily decorated with lights and garland. A large Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner of the living room beside the fireplace. The tree was festively adorned with lights and ornaments, new and old, including several that Maggie had made as a child.
Dinner was a huge success, followed by a gift hunt for the crew's children in the main barn. Part way through the evening, Jan claimed she had a headache and returned to the bunkhouse.
It was well into the evening before the last guests departed. Jordan and Maggie walked them to their cars then returned eagerly to the house to take advantage of the blazing fireplace. They threw an array of blankets and pillows on the floor near the flames, creating a romantic nest.
"Make yourself comfortable while I pour the wine," Jordan suggested.
"Okay, love. I'll tend the fire," Maggie replied.
When Jordan entered the living room carrying two glasses of wine, she found Maggie sitting in front of the flames, surrounded by pillows. She approached Maggie and handed her one of the glasses.
Maggie smiled up into Jordan's face. "Thank you, lover. Come sit with me," Maggie added as she patted the floor next to her.
Jordan sat on the floor next to Maggie and sipped her wine. She couldn't help but stare at the woman beside her.
"What are you thinking, Jordan?"
Jordan reached forward with her free hand and traced the edge of Maggie's cheek. "I am thinking that I am the luckiest woman in the world. I am thinking that you are so beautiful you take my breath away. I am thinking that I want to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you."
Maggie smiled and looked down into her wine glass, deep in thought.
"My turn to ask. What is on your mind?" Jordan asked.
"I guess I'm waiting to wake up and discover this is all a dream. I have never known anyone like you, Jordan. There is something so mysterious about you, yet I feel like I've known you forever. I feel safe with you, yet I hardly know anything about you. Who are you, Jordan Lewis?"
Jordan kissed Maggie tenderly. "I am the woman who loves you with all her heart. I am asking you to trust me, Maggie. I promise I will tell you everything you want to know in time. Just know that I will never hurt you."
Maggie yawned loudly.
"You are tired, my love. It's been a very long and hectic day. Here, let me take your wine," Jordan said as she took Maggie's glass and placed it on the hearth. "Come here, lie with me. Close your eyes and enjoy the warmth of the fire."
Maggie rested her head on Jordan's shoulder and draped her arm across Jordan's midsection as they lay together on the pillows. Jordan kissed Maggie's forehead. "Close your eyes, my love. Relax. I will keep you safe." Moments later they were fast asleep caressed by each other and by the slow flickering glow of the fire.
* * *
The next morning, Jordan woke up alone among the pillows strewn in front of the fireplace. She sat up and looked around groggily. When she realized where she was and how she came to be there, she smiled broadly.
"Are you going to sleep all day?" Maggie teased as she walked into the living room fully dressed. Maggie scooted away as Jordan playfully reached out for her legs. "Oh, no you don't," Maggie exclaimed.
"No fair," Jordan responded as she lay back down among the pillows. A glance at the clock told her it was only seven. She watched Maggie button the cuffs of her shirt. "Where are you going so early this morning?" she asked.
"I'm going to take a ride out to the north pasture. Wanna come?"
Jordan placed her hands behind her head. "Actually, I thought I'd fix the broken spindles on the porch then start breakfast while you're gone. I'm not much of a cook, but I can do breakfast."
Maggie smiled. "You won't get an argument from me, but make it brunch if you would. I will probably be gone for a few hours." She squatted down beside Jordan and kissed her temptingly. "I'll be back in a while, lover."
Jordan watched Maggie leave, then climbed to her feet and tried to iron out the wrinkles in her clothing with her hands before heading into the kitchen to set up the coffee pot. While the coffee brewed, she showered and dressed in clean clothes then went out to the porch to assess which spindles needed to be replaced.
"Jordan, do you know where my saddle is?"
Jordan turned to see Maggie stroll toward her from across the barnyard. She stopped working on the repairs to the front porch to give Maggie her full attention. As always, Jordan felt a rush of desire pass through her whenever Maggie was around. "You're still here? I thought you headed to the north pasture a while ago."
"I can't find my saddle. I've been looking for it for the past half hour."
"Your saddle isn't in the barn?"
"No. I put it on the stand yesterday when Shawny and I returned from our ride but it's not there today. I was wondering if maybe you moved it."
"No, I didn't. In fact, I haven't been in the barn yet this morning. The saddler was here yesterday, wasn't he? Maybe he thought it needed repair and took it back to his shop."
Maggie stopped in front of Jordan and placed her hands on her denim-clad hips. Her curly red hair splayed in several directions from beneath her cowboy hat. "Hmm. That's possible, I suppose. I need to check on the horses in the north pasture and you know Shawny doesn't do well with saddles he's not used to."
Jordan looked into her emerald green eyes and smiled. "Why don't you take my horse? I'm sure Sally would love the exercise."
Maggie smiled and touched the side of Jordan's face. "You are so sweet, my love. I just might do that." She stood on tiptoe to place a kiss on Jordan's lips.
Jordan's arms immediately circled Maggie's waist and her hands found their way into the waistband of Maggie jeans as the kiss deepened. Jordan's hands delved deep, firmly grasping Maggie's buttocks and pulling her close to her own heated core.
"Hmm," Jordan moaned. "I want you again, my love."
Maggie drew her lips away from Jordan's to catch her breath. "God, if you keep that up, I'll never get out to the north pasture."
"Well, you could always send Jan out to check on them while we make better use of our time," Jordan suggested slyly.
"I would, but she doesn't seem to be around right now. She's been behaving pretty erratically. One moment she's stuck to me like glue and the next, she's nowhere to be found."
Jordan picked up her hammer and dropped it into the sling attached to her tool belt. "Well, if you ask me, I think she's trying to win you back."
Maggie blushed then gently punched Jordan's shoulder. "Get out of Dodge. She is not."
Jordan advanced one step in Maggie's direction and took the redhead's face between her hands as their eyes locked. "Trust me love, she wants something. Why else would she stay?"
Maggie wrapped her arms around Jordan's waist and pulled her close. "Well, lover, you have nothing to worry about. She can try all she wants. It's you I love and nothing she can do will change that."
"Well, the feeling is mutual. Now go on. Take Sally to the north pasture. I'll call the saddler for you while you're gone. Okay?"
Maggie turned to head back to the barn. "Okay. I'll see you in a few hours."
Jordan's eyes were glued to Maggie's swaying hips as she made her way back to the barn. After a few minutes, Maggie re-emerged riding Jordan's horse waving her hat in Jordan's direction as she galloped toward the north pasture.