Twice Upon a Time

Chapter Seven

McKinnley made it to the barn in record timing with Chase following closely behind. As McKinnley slowed Jasper to a stop she was in a fit of laughter as she clutched her stomach from the searing pain, her eyes burred as tears that were threatening to spill. She hadn't laughed this hard in a long time and it felt magical. Chase breathed heavily as he got off his horse almost not waiting for it to stop and made his way over to McKinnley, The sound of her laughter was like a long lost favorite song of his.

She looked down at Chase's stern face and McKinnley abruptly stopped laughing but she saw a hint of smile trying to creep at the corner of his luscious lips. She absentmindedly bit her bottom lip as he held out a hand to help her down. And eye brow raised in apprehension to what he may do for payback. However, deciding she would have to deal with the consequences at some point, McKinnley went with the flow and swung her leg over as Chase placed his other hand on her waist to steady her. A warming sensation pooled in the lower area, she shook her mind clear trying not to fall and make a fool out of herself.

Once her feet touched the ground, Chase's luscious lips were mere centimeters from hers, their eyes in a dead lock with one another. All time seemed to evaporate as it did anytime they were that close, it was only them at that very moment of time and space that mattered.

"Breathe" Chase husky lust filled voice whispered, and McKinnley released and lung filled breath. She mentally kicked herself for being so taken by Chase's presents that she forgot the common need for oxygen.

Something in McKinnley urged her to close the mere distance that was between them, he's eyes were welcoming. She leaned closer and could smell his cologne mixed with earth, as a calming sensation washed over her. As their lips touched McKinnley felt a tingling warmth in her lips and craved to be closer. She brought her hand to lay on the side of his lightly stubbled face, Chase deepened the kiss as he lightly squeezed her hips. McKinnley sighed softly as she gently bit his lower lip asking for entrance.

He eagerly obliged and their kiss was becoming more urgent, he moved his hand to grasp the nape of her neck. All was lost, until reality came smashing down with a clearing of the throat. They abruptly drew away as McKinnley turned swiftly busying herself to hide her now blushing face.

"McKinnley dear, Ashlyn is on her way down here like a hopping jack rabbit. She wants to go to town and I've tried to hold her off as long as I can. Looks like a good thing I got to you first." June teased knowing McKinnley was a red as a radish.

"Thank you grandma" McKinnley mumbled as she began to take the saddle off, Chase took it from her and walked into the barn giving her a side ways glance. Ashlyn came bounding around the corner of the barn like her tail was on fire.

"Mommy.. Mommy... Mommy is it time to go to town yet?" Ashlyn bounced her hand clasped together in hope. McKinnley had grabbed a brush and began to stroke the horse's long knotted mane.

"In just a little bit baby girl" She soothed as she worked through the tangles, Ashlyn plopped herself on a bench and huffed.

"Mommy I'm so bored, there's nothing to do" Ashlyn whined and that in itself went through McKinnley like a streak of lightning. She couldn't stand to hear her daughter whine about nonsense, McKinnley remember she was never allowed to whine, it just wasn't tolerated. However, before she could scold Ashlyn, Chase came walking behind Ashlyn and jokingly tugged on one of her pig tails.

"Now your telling me with all these animals and fun things to do on a farm, your bored." Chase shook his head as Ashlyn looked up to him in wonder. "I woudn't say that too loud though, you know when I was younger and I bet your momma can agree. That if I was ever caught saying that I was bored, my parents or grandparents would find stuff for me to do. And let me tell you, it was never fun what they had picked out and I learned real quick to either stay busy or never complain." Ashlyn looked at Chase with wide eyes and then looked at Mckinnley for confirmation, Mckinnley nodded and Ashlyn jumped up off the bench.