Chapter 33

Jack and Ariel just came from the barn after unsaddling Cajun and Lady and putting away the saddles when Andy and Joanie pulled into the driveway with Ariel's car. Ariel invited them in for coffee. They enjoyed the coffee and donuts that Ariel made, then they hugged and shook hands before Andy and Joanie left. As soon as the truck was out of sight, Jack pulled Ariel to him and wrapped his arms tight around her. He kissed her deeply, passionately as his tongue slipped between her lips and caressed her teeth and tongue. His hands slid down her back, over her bottom and squeezed gently, pressing her lower body tight against his. He broke the kiss and whispered hoarsely, "Baby, I've missed touching you and caressing your body and making sweet love to you these past few days. What do you say we lock up and go upstairs for the rest of the night, baby?"

"I'd love to, Jack. There's just one thing you need to do first." she said. He cocked his eyebrow in an unspoken question.

Ariel giggled and said, "You need to go bring Precious in from the barn, honey. Now that we're home, she can be inside with us instead of in the barn."

Jack smiled and said, "You drive a hard bargain, baby. I'll go out and get her, honey." Then he went outside to the barn to get the puppy while Ariel cleaned up the coffee cups and plates and the coffee maker. She tidied up the living room and kitchen, then went in the bathroom and undressed to take a shower. While Jack was in the barn, he cleaned up any messes that Precious made, then put fresh straw in the corner of her stall. He checked the horses' food and water, then went inside, Precious trailing behind him. When he went inside, he saw that Ariel had cleaned up and he heard the shower running. Precious went into the living room and curled up to sleep on the rug in front of the fireplace.