Once Bitten, Twice Shy

He was silent for a few minutes as they sloshed toward the house. The only sound was the sucking sound their boots made in the mud and the soothing sound of flowing water down at the creek. The raindrops were heavier now, working the mud on her face into a slimy mess. Yet she was disappointed when they reached the porch steps. Alex was a delightful companion. He had such a cute personality. Was that what Katie meant all those times she indicated his looks weren't his strongest point? It was strange he hadn't ever married.

"I imagine this is a lot different from where you live in Houston," she prompted.

"Like another world," he responded with a sigh as he followed her up the steps. The screen door squealed as he opened it. "It was nice of you to let me visit."

He was gazing down at her, their faces illuminated by light coming through the window in the door. Something about his expression started an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Where was Katie?

He reached out and touched her face, his fingers sliding in the mud. He grinned. "Is this how you keep that beautiful complexion?"

She pushed his hand away and her laugh sounded nervous.

"If it is, you're going to have the prettiest face around."

He laughed and pushed the door open for her. Let's get cleaned up and see if there are any more baby goats.

She shook her head. "Not me. I'm beat. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed. I've got to leave them sometime. I can't watch them twenty-four hours a day, you know. If you want to check on them, go ahead."

The feel of his warm fingers on her cheek, the uneasy stomach - they were all warning bells. She was feeling rejected and he was lonely and experienced. Those factors went together like sulfur and a spark. Now was not the time to be in the barn alone with him this late at night.