Kid mopped the sweat from his brow while observing his day’s work.  The newest bay mare had decided that she wasn’t interested in having a rider on her back and consequently had kicked down a large portion of the corral fence.  Kid wasn’t particularly pleased with the horse either, having spent a good portion of the morning on his backside when the horse bucked him onto the hard ground.  After repairing the fence, he was eager to get cleaned up, eat some of Rachel’s delicious cooking, and take a well-deserved nap.  As he headed toward the shower, he paused as he remembered that Lou would be back from her run soon.  Uh oh.  I better hurry up, he thought. Several times in the past week, Lou had almost walked in on him naked, and it was starting to make him wonder.  The first time he had just pulled on his pants when she had burst into the bunkhouse.  She had acted as though nothing had happened, but he knew that she could tell that he had just finished dressing.  The second time he was standing in the shower stall unbuttoning his shirt, and she threw open the stall door without so much as a warning.  She had apologized profusely, claiming that she hadn’t seen him, but he had a difficult time believing her.  How could she have not seen him when his head and shoulders were clearly visible over the half wall?  If he didn’t know better, he would think Lou was trying to see him naked.  The idea seemed silly at first; after all, hadn’t she backed away every time he tried to kiss her? The thought reassured him briefly, until he remembered the way she had been looking at him lately.  Many times he had caught her staring at him, across the dinner table, on the porch, even looking down from her bunk above him.  Each time the look was fierce, intense, and well, lustful.  He had tried to pretend it was something else he had seen in her eyes, but looking back, he knew she wanted him. The idea both excited and terrified him.  He and Lou had shared several passionate kisses, but there was a big difference between kissing and that.  Even though he had no personal experience with that, he knew enough about that to know they hadn’t gotten close.  He definitely felt strongly enough about her, but he wished he knew more about what to expect.  Sure, the guys had discussed it many times, and he had smiled and nodded even though he felt clueless about the subject.  Now he wished he had asked some questions, even if it had revealed his inexperience with women.  Maybe I could to talk to Jimmy, he considered, he wouldn’t tease me too much, and I could make him swear never to tell Cody. For now, all he wanted was a shower, a meal and a nap, in that order, which brought him back to his original dilemma.  How do I keep Lou from walking in on me in the shower?  He had a sudden brainstorm – Rachel. He rushed into the bunkhouse, looking for Rachel.  She was there, but unfortunately so were Buck and Ike.  Not to be deterred, he decided his best bet was to be vague. “Hey, Rachel, I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna wash up, and then I’ll be in for lunch,” he said quickly. “Okay, Kid, that’s fine,” she replied, obviously distracted and not paying him much attention. She barely acknowledged me!  I guess I have to be more clear. “Could you make sure no one disturbs me in the shower?” he tried again, hoping she would understand his unspoken request.  Seeing the confused look on her face, he knew he wasn’t going to be so fortunate. “Why would the boys bother you in the shower?” “Um, well, I’m not worried about the guys.” At this, Buck and Ike gave each other a knowing look and burst out laughing.  When Buck managed to gain control of his laughter, he said, “I would have thought you would want Lou to interrupt your shower.  She certainly seems to be interested in you.” Kid shot Buck and Ike a deadly stare.  “Thanks for your help, Rachel,” he said and headed in the direction of the shower, leaving behind a confused Rachel and an amused Buck and Ike. “What was that about?” Rachel asked, “What is Kid so worried about?” Buck and Ike nearly fell to the floor with laughter.  Ike recovered first this time, and he signed furiously while Buck translated amidst his chuckles. “Ike says that Kid told him that Lou nearly walked in on him twice when he was getting dressed or undressed.  He thought it was just an accident, but judging from the looks Lou has been giving him when she thinks no ones watching, we think she’s interested in seeing the goods.” Rachel smiled in spite of herself.  She had also seen Lou’s looks of longing and was surprised that Kid apparently had no idea of her feelings.  She also knew that he was just as interested in Lou as she was, but she doubted that he would do anything about it.  He might be able to ride and shoot with the best of them, but he had no idea about women, that’s for sure.  Maybe the poor boy needs a push in the right direction, she thought, maybe I should help him out. At the same moment she came to this conclusion, Lou slammed open the door of the bunkhouse and approached the table.  She grabbed a plate and started to reach for some food when Rachel had a brainstorm of her own.  This is just what Kid needs, she decided. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Eating!” “No ma’am, not until you wash up.” “Ike and Buck don’t mind.” “We ain’t been asked.” Rachel feigned a cross look, barely able to conceal the smile hovering on her lips.  This is gonna be perfect, she thought. Lou looked about ready to spit nails, but for once, she kept her mouth shut and stalked out the door in the direction of the shower, and unknowingly, towards a thoroughly naked and clueless Kid. Buck and Ike gawked at Rachel who burst into uncontrollable giggles of her own.  “Rachel, you know very well that Kid is in the shower right now,” Buck stated, his amazement over her actions still evident in his voice. “Why yes, Buck, I guess I did know that.” “So you sent Lou out there on purpose?” “Yep.” “Why, Miss Rachel, I do believe you have a naughty side to you.” *Things are about to get naughty in that shower, that’s for sure!* Ike signed. “You’re both right, boys.  Now let’s hope Kid likes his shower surprise!” THE END A/N: Thanks to my betas catsimmie and Shannon! Email Kathleen HOME