Sam feigned contriteness as Irene scolded him about racing the horses.<br/><br/>“Yes ma’am . . . but I never really intended that we race back . . . it was more an expression.”<br/><br/>Sam was smiling broadly as he swung down off of Diablo and stood watching her with pride.<br/><br/>“You are such a wonder Irene.  I am totally impressed with all you know and how you are.  I’m a very lucky man.”<br/><br/>Sam knelt beside her and watched her as she watered Freckles and then herself.  He removed his gloves and dipped his cupped hands into the clear cool water.  He drank his fill which seemed to cool him down from the inside out.  He chuckled as some of the water leaked out of his hands and ran down over his shirt.<br/><br/>Sam leaned back on his haunches as Irene made the water hole a bit deeper and gave Diablo his fill with her cupped hands.  With his eyes widening Sam watched as the water from her wet kerchief dampened her shirt.  The shivers that shook her body as the water cooled her upper body had him remembering their earlier interaction.  He looked around at the rough terrain and shook his head in disappointment.  His want of her never seemed to ebb.  With a sigh, Sam stood and removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.  With a couple quick swipes of his hat against his leg he shook the dust off his hat and trousers.<br/><br/>He chuckled, “You mean the saloon and your room?  Yeah . . . let’s head back.”<br/><br/>Sam swung himself up into his saddle and took Diablo’s reins into his hand.<br/><br/>“Lead on Darlin. I’ll follow you until we’re back on the main trail.  Do you know whose land we’re on?”<br/><br/><br/>