Lost sight, not heart

[Charlie Parker]

Anthony would have checked King himself, but before he could even think about doing it, Alex's hands were running down the horse's legs, checking every inch carefully for heat. When she returned, Anthony figured that meant that everything was normal. So why hadn't he switched gears like he usually did? Maybe it was the sloppy track...but he'd run in mud before and never had a problem...maybe he just wasn't having the best day in the world...although he looked like he was completely ready to run earlier and he'd done perfectly the rest of the time. Ah well, whatever his reason, he'd done it, and there was no going back to change it now.

HE looked up at Mr. Fently who looked quite thoughtful as he looked over the animal. He wasn't looking at Anthony at all, probably meaning that he was trying to figure out the horse's hesitance when before he seemed so eager too. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he turned towards the two jockeys. He's certainly got room for improvement.[/s] He stated bluntly, of course meaning that he wasn't too impressed with the performance, But from what I know of him before you got him, he's already come a long ways in a short time.[/s] It was true, Anthony had had King for something like nine months, give or take a few, and already the horse was much better than he had been before.

Anthony didn't say a word, but waited for him to continue. He knew that the hesitation was more difficult to see because he didn't carry a whip which was usually used when the horse was asked for more, so there wasn't that sign that he was asking, but the trainer had seen Anthony ride almost from the very beginning, and could tell just exactly when he was asking a horse to give it more than he already was. I'll have to get back to you in a day or so after I've given it some thought. Now you go get that horse taken care of, I've got another horse to go see. It was nice to see you again Lovasz.[/s] Well, at least it hadn't been an instant no...that was a good sign, right? Of course it was, if he had to think about it it meant he was at least considering it.

For a few moments after Mr. Fently had walked away, Anthony stayed silent. He wasn't sure what to say...what could he say? Finally, he broke the silence, Well, at least he approves of you. He said, turning towards Alex with a smile. He wasn't going to let a tentative verdict get him down for the rest of the day. There was way too much going on that was exciting and thrilling to be all glum first thing in the morning. Besides, there was no point in getting upset about it...Even if the trainer didn't sign, he still had a great horse, a great girl, and everything he could ever want from life.

Anthony and Alex now sort of matched, they were both flecked with mud from the horses' feet, although Anthony was a bit more sweaty considering he had just ridden...but still. He pulled his helmet off his head, and ran his fingers through his hair briefly to get it all back into place. That was all he ever had to do with it and you could never tell that he'd just been wearing a helmet. Now lets get you back before I make you late to go see that colt. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders again, kissing her on the cheek before grabbing King's reins and starting forwards back down the trail towards the stable.

As they walked, Anthony looked over at Alex and smiled, You know, He said somewhat playfully, You're the only girl who is totally okay with being filthy and still look gorgeous at the same time. Most girls he knew hated getting dirt under their finger nails, but Alex was different from most girls, and that was what made her so perfect. If she was like the other girls, she probably wouldn't have let him touch her when he was all muddy and sweaty like he currently was. If she ever changed...he was pretty sure he would end up killing himself. It was hard enough to stand next to her without holding her hand, or putting his arms around her...it would kill him if she didn't want him to touch her.

[Alex Lovasz]

Once she stood up she looked over to Anthony. She had no idea what could have made King do that. Usually he was just fine and moved smoothly... Maybe his shoulder was still tight from not running ,except yesterday, since the accident. She was going to check his shoulder but then she noticed Mr. Fently's skeptical look. She looked over at him watching him look over King. At the time their really wasn't anything that could explain why he had done that. There was a possibility that he was a little nervous and felt the pressure that was on him. Maybe it was a little to much. But she didn't feel like Anthony or anyone had put pressure on him. Or maybe he just sensed this was a big deal and all his anxiousness early got to him. Heck she didn't know. She looked back at King but quickly turned to Mr. Fently when he started to talk.

she furrowed her brow slightly at his first comment... In her opinion every horse had room for improvement no matter how fast they ran and how well. But she kept her mouth shut. He continued with sort of a compliment. More like a statement but it was there. She agreed though King had come a long way in a short time which only meant it wouldn't take long to get him track ready. He had the speed they all knew that. He definately had the heart. All he was really missing was the sight. Well and a little more conditioning. She patted King's neck reasurring the big horse. Even thought he was pretty sure he had known he did a good job. Sure he messed up a little but that was it other then that he did great and diserved a reward.

Alex, as much as she wanted to step up and say something, Held her tongue and stood quietly by Anthony holding King. She went over the ride in her head over and over. Sure Anthony didn't use a crop but normally on his usual runs that didn't make any difference. She was mistified to what had happened. It was hard being on the other side. Usually it was her in the saddle and she could feel what was going on.... But this time she was just a mere spectator. She couldn't exactly see as much as when she was on the horse.. which probably didn't make any sense. But when she was on the horse she could feel and sense alot more then she could see on the ground. So naturally she tried to picture herself on King and trying to put together what she saw and what Anthony probably felt.

She was brought back to reality when Mr. Fently spoke again. He said he would have to think about it for a day. Which she understood. Things like this couldn't be made in a hasty instant. They needed thought. Ans she also understood that just because He and Anthony were close doesn't mean it was a shoe in. Because he still needed to think first about what would be the best intrest in the end. No trainer wanted a blind failed race horse on there record. It wouldn't look good for future references. She kept quiet as he said his goodbye.Well not quite what they were hoping for... But he didn't say no... He didn't say yes either but he didn't say no so there was still hope. So now King's whole carreer relied on a phone call. Weird huh?

It was quiet for a while and Alex didn't know what to say. She wanted to turn and hug Anthony. But that didn't seem right. But before she did anything Anthony spoke. She laughed. He didn't seem fazed at all. She loved that about him. He didn't seem upset at all. "Well that good.... But would that really change anything if he didn't." She laughed, joking of course. She knew how much Mr. Fently's opinoin meant to Anthony and that he was like a dad to him. So she wanted to be close to him to. Practically family now. But she was pretty darn sure if Mr. Fently hadn't liked her that Anthony wouldn't go off and leave her... That was just silly. And if he ever did leave her... it would destroy her to pieces. She knew for sure she wouldn't be able to live with out him.

She looked him up and down. He was sweaty and muddy. Now she was just as muddy.. but her mud was dry. And she was no longer sweaty. He ran his hand through his hair. And she couldn't help but smile and look at him. He was so cute. And not in that little boy cute. But in that sexy but innoscent type of way. it was hard to explain. But he was hot and she was glad that he loved her. Because if she didn't she would have to be one of those other flirty girls and try to get his attention and she wasn't like that so they never would be together. She smiled and nodded when he spoke again. It was true she really did need to get going... She still needed to get home take a shower jump in the truck and drive... forever. He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled and a giggled a bit. Then he grabbed King and they headed down the trail.

Her mind raced with several different thoughts... all at once. It was starting to give her a head ache. So much was going on today. Her ride with Loco, Which had gone extremely, Kings try out, The hesitation, then her going to see the colt, and working again... it was just a lot to take on. And then there was Alessandra and her being pregnant she still needed to talk to her about that. She tried to shake it all. She scrunched up her nose when he put his arm around her... only joking of course. I mean after all she was just as dirty as he was. She loved teasing him and playing with him. What could she say.. she was a tease but not in a bad way in an innoscent come and get me type of way. Besides even if she was clean she wouldn't really mind it wasn't going to kill her. I mean she grew up with horses she knew it was a dirty job. That was just how the cookie crumbles you know.

"You know" He started to say after they had been walking for a while. "You're the only girl who is totally okay with being filthy and still look gorgeous at the same time." She laughed and playfully shoved him.. not hard enough to hurt him though... more then he already was anyway. "Oh gosh!" She said with a slight roll of her eyes. Only playing of course. "What can i say its a gift." She laughed and stepped closer to him bumping her shoulder against her. Sending a shock of pain. She flinched a little but still laughed... More so at her own pain and stupidity but also at how well they could turn a silent awkward moment into one of laughter. She looked down at herself...she was a mess... But thus the life of being a horse person.

It was funny every since she was little she was always the little girl to play in the mud with the boys. Guess thats what she got for having brothers. And being the only girl in her family.. besides her mother. She couldn't ever imagine herself being one of those stuck up clean girls. And if that ever happened she hoped someone one slap her. Now she would scream and hit you if she was clean and you threw mud at her. Ok she was would do that even if she wasn't clean. But she would be playing around and most likely tackle you and end up filthy. Being dirty didn't bug her not one bit infact she sort of liked it. It made life more interesting you know.

[Charlie Parker]

It did mean a lot to Anthony that the trainer approved of Alex. If Fently liked someone, then there were, without a doubt a good person. If, however, he had not approved, Anthony would have been upset, but not even thought about leaving Alex. She was more of his world than racing was, and he was certain that without her he would completely fall to pieces and probably bury himself in too much work and end up killing himself doing something stupid in a race, or die from too much pain or have some massive seizure...Basically, without Alex he would somehow meet his demise in an unkindly fashion.

He smiled when she asked if that would change anything if he didn't approve of her. Yeah, it would...a lot of things. He replied a tad bit devilishly, For one thing, I wouldn't want him training my horse, and for another, I'd think much less of him. Although he said it jokingly, it was, in a way, very true. Anthony hadn't known Alex very long, and honestly...he didn't really know her. When that thought entered his head, he realized that it sort of scared him. How could he love somebody as much as he loved Alex but not know a thing about them? His heart sort of skipped a beat at the thought...what if it wasn't love? What if it was just some romantic fling that he was getting dragged into?

He quickly snapped out of it though...he knew it was love, it had to be. After Tristanne had died, he'd sort of made himself a bit more protective...okay, much too protective of himself. He refused to fall in love, he refused to let his heart have it's way...and it turned out that whole time he was just being stupid. But then again, if he hadn't, he might not have fallen in love with Alex. It was sort of depressing to think that it took him nearly getting killed before he would finally let his heart trump his head. Love wasn't something you could control, and all that time of suppressing it was just making things harder for him. Now that he had told Alex he loved her, he felt so much more free and like life was a far better thing.

He wasn't really expecting her to push him, and so was thrown a bit off balance, pushing his shoulder into King's. The horse didn't even react. It was like he was totally used to Anthony and Alex being all...in love. He just kept walking, keeping his muzzle close to Anthony's shoulder, just like he had when he was blind. He could see a little more now, but it had become a habit, and a security for him. He still had to rely on Anthony for the majority of his sight, and he could best do that by being in contact with him somehow. Anthony didn't try to right himself instantly, but when he did, he was just in time to get knocked into by Alex again, pushing him right back into King.

This time, King snorted and maneuvered himself around to the same side as Alex, and pushed her from behind with his head as if telling her to quit goofing around. It probably would have looked like he was keeping them in line if right after that he hadn't pushed his muzzle against her cheek in a "horse kiss" of sorts, and lipped at her hair. It was funny...come to think of it, how much he and Anthony both had changed after the accident. Anthony was much more carefree and relaxed, and very much in love. King was less edgy and violent, and he seemed to be in love with Alex too. Anthony hated doctors of any kind, and King hated horse doctors. Maybe everything King was and had been was a mirror of everything Anthony was.

Be sure to thank whoever gave you that gift for me. He said as he righted himself again. He reached up and pushed King's head away from Alex, I told you once man, get your own girl, this one's mine. King tossed his head and snorted as if he were jealous of Anthony. He was quite a character that horse, and Anthony wouldn't trade him for the world...well...maybe for Alex if he had to, but he wouldn't be too happy about it.

[Alex Lovasz]

Now this was a cute sight, Man and his horse. Those two right there were the most perfect match in the world. It was like how they say dog was mans best friend. But a horse was mans right hand. Together they were perfect apart they crumbled. But see that picture was cute and happy but what made this picture adorable and one of awe was the girl along side them. Man his girl and his horse. Not just any old girl. This girl loved this man more then anything in the world and nothing could pull her from her side. She loved him like dogs loved chasing cats. And she loved that horse of his. They were one big happy family. Walking down the trail side by side them playing around was the picture perfect moment. But just like every family they had a rotten apple. Loco. The girls horse, back at the barn, couldn't stand any of them except the girl. But that would all change with time.

Alex let his words grace her eardrums. But it took a while for them to sink in. And she wanted to say "Awwww" but she kept it to herself. What would she do without Anthony? She didn't know what she would do if he ever fell out of love with her. Yes she did she knew exactly what she would do. She would become what she used to be... Burried in her work never doing anything fun... and this would only go on for so long before she just gave up and let the world take its toll on her. Now this was what would happen if she didn't kill herself before. She would be heart broken. And what got her the most was she knew if he ever left her she wouldn't be able to not cry. Which put her in a very vunerable position. But she trusted him. He was the only guy she trusted with her heart. And so far he never betrayed her. And she had faith he never would. He loved her.. well she sure hoped so or he was one sudductive man.

"Is that so? Well then its a good thing he approves of me." She smiled. She regretted the fact that she had to go. If she could she would stay on that trail with those to boys. She loved them both. It was funny she realised how many boys she had. Infact other then Alessandra all she had were boys. Her two dogs, Loco, King, and Anthony. And then this new colt would make five. It was only natural though. She couldn't handle girls they just didn't match her personality. She was more of a boy then a girl anyway. If that wasn't obvious by the fact that her entire outfit was covered in mud. I mean what girl in her right mind would walk around without makeup on covered in dirty muddy clothes? Well Alex would. What could she say she liked to get down and dirty.

It was funny she never pictured herself falling in love. If you had asked her 4 weeks ago her plan was. Get Loco trained become a race trainer/jockey and go from there with her other job and go big with just her and her horses. There was never any lan of meeting someone or falling in love. When she was younger she dated a lot but that was just something to pass the time. She never really loved them. After being raised by her dad she learned to conceil her heart. She never let anyone see it. But before she could lock it away Anthony brought it out. He was the only one who was aloud to hold it other then her animals. She never really trusted anyone enough and just sort of made sure her heart never got involved. Well that worked now didn't it? No not at all. She ended up falling harder then ever for the man in a hospital bed. Funny how love brings you together isn't it? It would be some story to tell the kids.

When she pushed him he got nocked off his balance and his shoulder bumped into Kings. She watched the horse he was so... loving the way he put his head on Anthony's shoulder. I mean come on how cute was that. They were just about the cutest boys she knew. They had a bond stronger then anyone she knew. She had faith that they would get this trainer to sign and then to the big time it was. Course that got her thinking. When Anthony and King did make it big... they most likely wouldn't stay here. King would need to be in a facility made to meet his needs. And They would need a time tower and a gate and all the training equipment. And none of the big tracks were out here. In fact the West virginia track was several hours away. So they would need to be closer to it... Or would they move with the trainer and go to a completely different state. How was she supposed to do that. She just moved here she couldn't just pack up and move with them... or maybe he wouldn't want her too.

Maybe it was just like her summer fling with Austin. Back in cali when she was staying there for the summer months at her fathers house for the horse training. Would it be like that a one time fling that would soon perish as he hit the big time? She didn't think he'd leave her in the dust but she knew she was a bit further away from hitting it big. How was this going to go down? Would it all just end? The thought scared her. She always thought they would just be together and that was just it they would get married and do the whole racing bit together. But even if Anthony did want her to go with him she couldn't move Loco.. Not again when he was doing so much better then before. When he was just starting to behave....better..slightly... She tried to push that way of thinking out of her head though and not ruin the good time they were having.

Just when he got back onto his feet ,so to speak, she pushed him right back into King and giggled a little. King snorted and moved to her side. But before she knew what was going on she was stumbling forword nocked off her balance by Kings big nose. "Hey!" She said straightening back up but then she found his nose on her cheek nibbling at her hair. She giggled as he blew hot air on her neck. Really she wouldn't want to be anywhere in the world other then with these two goofs. She loved then more then anything they were the closest thing she had to family out here. And you learned to take what you could get. She loved them though. King was like her big teddy bear. He was so sweet. It was cute she imagined the scene from Seabuscuit, Where the jockey was fighting a bunch of guys and The horse was fighting his handlers. They were one in the same them against the world. But in in the end they ended up sweet and loving. Thats how she saw Anthony and King the mimicked one another. And now they were happy. Just how she wanted it to stay even if it meant moving away.

She reached her hand over her shoulder to stroke Kings head. He was a cutie now wasn't he. Anthony told her to thank whomever it was that had given her her gift. "Will do." She replied with a slight chuckle. Half because King was tickling her and half because of what Anthony had just said. But then Anthony pushed Kings head away and told him to get his own girl. She giggled a little but then grabbed Kings head and craddled it. "Awww poor King. mean old Anthony." She teased and kissed King's nose. "He's just jealous that i give you so much attention King." She eyed Anthony from the corner of her eye trying to keep the laugh in as she kissed King again and continued to hug his head. Sure she needed to go but a few minutes of play time was nessiccary in her life especially on a busy day like this one. Sometimes you just had to relax and flow with what was going on.

Besides since she had gotten out here early and rode Loco first she had a bit of spare time... that she needed to shower but she cleaned up fast.... Even with horse slobber in her hair and mud covering her entire body she would make it on time. She always did. It was just that simple. Besides she wanted to be with Anthony for a little bit of the day before she totally left for the entire day. Well at least until later that afternoon. Which seemedd so far away. She had been up for so long already and was sore all over and needed to go into the spa or take a long bubble bath. But she still had a lot more to do that day. And one long lonely car ride. It was rather depressing to think of being alone in the car for that long. But most likely she would hook up her bluetooth and take care of all the work she had left un tended to last night. It was going to be a LONG car ride.

[austin]

Anthony was currently loving life more than he ever had. There was nothing he would change...well maybe he would get rid of the pain...but that didn't count. This was his fairy tale turned reality. Maybe it seems strange to you to think of guys as having fairy tales, but really, every single one does. Every guy out there hopes that some day he will find that girl...the one who goes by "Love isn't blind, it sees everything but chooses to ignore it". Every guy wants to find the girl he know he will be married to someday. Every guy dreams of finding a beautiful girl to call his own. Every guy wants to fall so in love with a girl that he can be protective over. Every guy wants to feel that jealousy that can only be caused when the girl he loves talks to or even looks at another guy. Every guy wants to be obsessed with one woman who turns his whole world inside out.

Anthony had found that girl in Alex. He didn't know a thing about her, but he knew he loved her. Maybe that was what made them different. Maybe this really was a truly selfless love. He didn't know anything about her, so how could he possibly be just trying to get out of her what he needed? Maybe this love was unconditional. She could have all the secrets in the world, and it wouldn't change his mind. For all he knew she was a former alcoholic drug addict who'd had three kids with three different men and there were 20 possibilities of guys who could be the father.

Alex had completely stolen his heart, and he was convinced that there would never ever be anyone else in his life. Even if she stopped loving him, she would take his heart with her, leaving him with nothing more to give to anyone else. She was the one, the only one that he would ever be with, end of story. Every girl in the world could beg him to love them, and he would always say no. Alex was the only one for him, no matter what. He'd never been "in love" with someone before and not meant it. Tristanne, he had loved and he had been planning on marrying her, but then she had died, and her death wish to him was that he find some other girl to make him happy and not just mourn over her. He had done that, but Alex wasn't just a replacement, she was more than he had ever imagined anyone could be.

Anthony glared at King and shook his head, That's what he'd like you to think. He said, slipping between King's shoulder and Alex so that he was beside her again, and King was on his other side. The back of his hand drifted up her arm and up to her neck before he stepped in front of her and pressed his lips against hers...picking up where they left off before they were interrupted by the trainer. It was more private out here anyway, and they were less likely to be interrupted by those giggling girls like they were almost every time they were in the stable. It was the ones who, according to Alex, had crushes on him and were jealous of her. He didn't exactly believe that...but it was probably true, no matter what he believed.

King snorted ingidnantly, as if quite offended that Anthony had not only pushed him away but was now making out with his girl. I mean really...how rude could he get? What kind of gentleman was he, just grabbing somebody else's girl and making out with them? King was quite put off by that. He lifted his head high, appearing to stick his nose up in the air. After a minute or two, he snorted again and started back on down towards the stable on his own. Anthony pulled back from Alex as the horse started walking away, and quickly moved along side him, taking hold of the reins again before King just ambled down into the stable without a person leading him. That wouldn't go over too well with Chey. "Yeah...I was making out with my girlfriend and forgot about my horse...so yeah." Nope...that wouldn't go over too well at all.

He glanced over his shoulder at Alex as he caught his nutso horse to see if she was coming or not. King seemed to have completely forgotten that Anthony had just been making out with "his girl" and went right back to resting his muzzle on Anthony's shoulder. The memory of a goldfish that horse had...either that or he was just very forgiving. Most likely the latter. He and King couldn't have been any closer than they currently were, and neither one could hold a grudge, serious or not, against the other for very long.

[Alex Lovasz]

You know every girl dreams of meeting her Prince Charming. Well Alex never believed in fairy tales. She didn't believe they just happened to you. She believed that you made it happen. You worked till you reached the top and that was your dream. Well she had to admit now.... She actually got that happily ever after. Sure they weren't getting married yet or anything. But she was with the man of her dreams. Anthony was her prince charming. The one she dreamed about. The one she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. No other man could fill his shoes. If anything ever happened to him and he left her. She wouldn't be able to move on. There wouldn't ever be someone who could even come close to what he was. He was her everything. Her life. She loved him with everything she had and if he ever left her for reason of death or lose of love she would die. She couldn't live with out him pure and simple.

She wanted to be with him every second of every day. Last night was something she wished could happen every night and morning. Waking up to see him first thing in the morning was... Well it was perfect. His arms wrapped around her she felt warm and safe. Protected. And she loved that. She loved feeling his chest rise and fall and his heart beat. It was soothing. But at the end of the next day he would go home and so would she and they would be apart again. She hated that. But she knew where he stood with that. He wasn't one of those types of guys to move in before marriage. Or sleep with and she agreed with the sleeping with part. And understood that thats where he drew his line. And so she wouldn't fight him on that. She would just have to be patient and not complain.

She giggled as Anthony spoke and slipped between her and King. He traced his hand up her arm and to her neck then stepped infront of her. His hand tracing up sent chill up her spine and caused her to get a little bit of goose bumps. His lips pressed against hers. The meshed so perfectly. She laced her hands on his sides and gripped his shirt. Like he said finishing up what they already started. It was nicer out here anyway not so many interuptions. Such as Anthony's fan club. Filled with several little girls that ran around the barn giggling. And they always seemed to show up when they were making out in the stall or where ever. Or like today when the trainer walking in on them so to speak. For once they were somewhere where they couldn't get interrupted.

Or so she thought. Hardly after she finished thinking that. Anthony pulled away and walked after King. She smirked and shook her head. Aparently the whole world was against them kissing that day. First the trainer then the horse what next the dogs? She just stood there watching the two. She licked her lips and then walked after them as Anthony looked over his shoulder. She walked on the opposite side of anthony that king wasn't on. She loved the quiet times in the morning before everyone showed up to do their morning works before the heat rolled in. But her and Anthony would be known as phsyco's. In fact she was pretty sure everyone thought King and Loco never got worked because no one was ever around when they were worked out on the track. Because they worked them in the morning before anyone ever woke up. And in the evenings before anyone showed up to feed their horses.

King rested his nose on Anthony's shoulder and Alex followed suit. She was exhausted from the mornings events and she still had that long car ride up north. She sighed just thinking about it. She was happy she had her bluetooth so she could catch up on work while she was driving which meant less work later and more time to spend with the knew colt or with Alessandra. Not that she didn't love Keke and the new colt... But she sorta hoped she could spend the rest of the day with Anthony. But she wasn't sure what his plans were and such. So she would just have to settle for whatever came next. The walk down to the barn was relaxing and soothing it was still nice and cool and the sun was just barelly starting to come up. The three of them side by side made there way down the path.

Now all she needed to do was drive home quick shower jump in the other car drive up chat write a check grab the colt and drive back. Get him settled in the his stall and then work Loco then come back and probably go home take another shower and then more work. She would give the colt that day off to get used to it. But then tomorrow morning she would work with him after Loco and King. Her schedule was about to get very very full. Which meant less time with Anthony... but luckily for her he was at the barn just as much as she was so she would see him there. But other then that she would have to really work on getting free time. If she had the choice her life would consist of Anthony all day along with the horses. But nope... she had to add work into that and not just one horse but now 3 considering Keke needed her to work Cadricane. But she was excited about this colt. And even thought it was a lot she knew she could handle it.

[Tyler Haze]

Anthony brought his arm up around Alex's shoulders as they walked back down to the barn. He wished she didn't have to go drive down to get that colt, or at least that he could go with her, but from what they'd said of Doubt it was going to be hard to get him around the track once at a canter. He had a terrible feeling that he was going to get thrown a time or two, which, he knew, would hurt like hell...but there was no avoiding that. Every jockey got thrown occasionally, considering how high the stirrups were their balance was very tentative, and when you're on a horse that wants you off...boy you can bet you'll be off.

As they walked in the early morning light, Anthony was brought back several years to the last time he saw Tristanne. They had been out early, he working Doubt on the track only days after the Santa Anita, his arm still broken, and the two of them had walked back to the stable when her cell phone rang... It was her dad. Tristanne's mom had had a heart attack, and was dying quickly. It was an hour's drive down to where her mother was hospitalized, and she took off without even so much as a word to Anthony about what was happening, leaving him completely at a loss as to what he should do.

Nearly four hours later, he got a call. Tristanne was dead. In her haste to get to her mother before she died, she had blown right through a red light and been plowed into by a semi truck...killing her instantly. That was the last call he'd ever received on a cell phone. He hadn't ever told anyone that that was the reason he disliked cell phones. He always said they just annoyed him, but really...it was because he was afraid that any call he got would be telling him that she was dead. He was strong enough to deal with the physical pain he was in, but he wasn't strong enough to deal with the emotional pain of losing her.

He hadn't ever said good bye to Tristanne. She had left so quickly...if only he had stopped her, offered to drive her there...she wouldn't have died. He shook the thought from his head quickly. He couldn't think like that. It wasn't his fault. Besides, he had Alex now, and he knew that Tristanne would want him to move on. She probably would have killed him if she knew how long he'd been all depressed and whatnot after her death. She would want him to be happy. She would tell him that Alex was the girl he was meant to be with. There was no denying that...and he knew it was 100% true.

He looked over at Alex whose chin was rested on his shoulder, and smiled. She was so beautiful, and she was so perfect right there. He wouldn't have it any other way. Deep down inside, he wished that they could live together, that he could wake up with his arms around her, with her body pressed up against his, every morning. But in reality he didn't think he could do that. He'd been raised catholic, just like 90% of other Mexicans, and the belief that you couldn't live with someone before marriage was ingrained in his head pretty solidly...but what about last night? He wasn't catholic anymore...maybe he could make an exception? Either way, now wasn't the time to bring that up. They both had enough on their minds as it was.

When they got back to the barns, it hardly took him ten minutes to get the tack stripped off of the horse and King totally brushed out. Normally he would have moved on directly to the next horse, but he wasn't going to do that this time. No, Alex was leaving to go get that colt of hers, and he wasn't going to let her set foot out of the stable without telling her what she already knew. He gave King his feed quickly, and then moved over to Alex, putting his arms around her from behind. I love you Alex. He said so only she could hear. People were starting to arrive now, and although the entire state probably already knew that they were in love, he didn't care...that simple phrase that was so overused wasn't meant for everyone to hear, only Alex...she was the only one for whom it was true.

[Sam Lettington]

She let out a relaxed sigh when he put his arm around her. Now seriously what girl didn't want this. She loved her life... Sure it was a bit more busy then she wanted it to be but she could manage. She always managed it was the story of her life. They walked in silence. And she couldn't help but close her eyes and smile. She was so peaceful now. In his arms. Nothing could touch her. I mean look how lucky she was to have the man of her dreams holding her as they walked down the trail while the sun was coming up. Talk about romantic... Course they were covered in mud and sweat. But that just made it more them. Thats how they were they loved their job and liked to get in deep. And boy was she in deep. She was pretty sure that he could make her do anything he wanted. She was so in love with him.

If he ever left her she would have no way of recovering from his love. It would drive her mad knowing he had stopped loving her. Which is why she was so happy now. Because she knew the loved her just as much as she loved him. Her arm was around his back and his arm over her shoulder. And her other arm across his stomach. She desperately didn't want to leave him. Even just for the few hours. She hated saying goodbye it killed her every time. But she knew where he stood with the whole living together scenario and she wasn't going to push it. Even though she had to admit waking up to him hold her and being pressed up against him was like heaven. She wanted it to be that way every day. But like she said she wasn't going to push something he wanted. That was how it was going to be. And She was happy it being that way because she loved him. And would do whatever for him.

The barn came into view and when they got there Anthony went to work untacking King and feeding him. While she went and checked on Loco before she left. She stepped in and checked over his legs and checked for any heat. The patted him on the neck and told him he was a good boy. She stepped out and opened the tack trunk and grabbed her keys and wallet. But just when she closed the trunk she felt hands wrap around her waist. She smiled and placed her hands over his. He said i love you and she blushed. She knew he loved her. But it always felt nice to hear it come out of his mouth. She smiled and turned her head slightly so she could see him. "I love you too." She did really love him more then anything in the whole world. She turned herself around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. "so" She kissed him. "So" she kissed him again. "Soooo" She kissed him again this time a little longer. "Much" She really honestly didn't care if anyone was watching. They were in love and if someone had a problem with that well that sucked for them. She wasn't going to change how she acted with him just because someone else had an issue with it.

But despite her want not to she had to go. Or she'd be late. She sighed as she kissed him one last time letting her lips linger for a while. "But i gotta go." She opened her eyes and grabbed her things. She waved and just like that she was off. She hated leaving but the sooner she left the sooner she could come back. She hopped in the car and sped off getting home quickly. She hopped in the shower patting each of the dogs on the head as she went in. She got out grabbed some jeans and a green shirt slipped on some shoes and headed down the hall to the office. she grabbed her phone and bluetooth and a few files and then walked down the stairs. She smiled at the dogs and opened the door. Then realised she didn't see Keke at all. She walked back up the stairs and found a note on her desk "Went to the store see you tonight." Figures she would go shopping for Alex. But alex was never home to go shopping so there fore it never got done.

She walked out the door with the dogs on her heels. Locked it and opened the back passenger door to the big SUV for the dogs. The each jumped in and she shut the door behind them. She hoisted herself into the drivers seat and started the car. She hooked her bluetooth up and pulled out of the drive. A headed toward the high way. She dialed the office and sat the files on her lap. Yeah she was a workaholic. Flipping through pages she drove down the highway. It surpirsed her how much work she could get done just in this drive. With the dogs asleep in the back seats and the trailer empty she had nothing else to do then get work set away. Which sadly she had to admit she let it get way far out of control. But now she was ready to tackle it and get ahead so she could take some days off. To spend with the horses and anthony and alessandra.

Once there she pulled up the long drive to the gorgeous farm. It was all green. She just gapped in awe at how gorgeous the place was. She put it and park and jumped out. A young couple walked over and introduced themselves she smiled. And the asked her follow her to the pastures. She asked if she could bring the dogs along and they nodded excitedly glad that she felt comfortable enough to bring them. So she opened the door and they jumped out happily and followed along. They pointed out Yellow Brick Road the gorgeous paint throughbred in the field with all the other foals. She smiled as they all eagerly swarmed the fence where they stood. She stepped in with the owners permission and pet all there soft faces. After a moment of negotiating they pulled out Yellow Brick and lunged him a bit. She smiled and wrote them a check. No way she was letting this one go. They chatted a bit longer then loaded up and headed home yet again.

She first drove to the barn though. No sense in taking the colt to her house. On the way home she called Alessandra to let her know the good news. She picked up and they begain chatting about the new colt and the babies and they got caught up talking about the old days when they were kids. And before she knew it she was pulling into the drive of the barn again. She said goodbye and that she would see her later after she wasa done at the barn again. She jumped out and ran down the aisle to check his stall to make sure it was ready. It was right beside Loco's. It seemed nice and without looking at anything else she ran back out opening the door so the dogs could get out. She walked around to the whinnying colt. Poor baby she thought to herself.

She stepped in and unclipped him leading him out slowely so he could take in his new surroundings. She stroked his neck and lead him to the barn. She reached the stall beside Loco and loco shoved his head out to sniff the new neighbor. His ears were pinned in obvious jealousy. And Alex just shoved his nose away. She lead the colt in and unclipped him letting him sniff around his new room. She leaned on the stall door and smiled and the new addition to the family. The dogs were laying at her feet and the new foal sniffing around. And Then she felt Loco's nose on her arm she smiled and rubbed his face with her hand. "I know i haven't forgotten about you my big boy." She had a few minutes before she absolutely had to take him out to work and she wanted to use that time to relax and get her mind ready.

-finished-

[Anthony Lovasz]

As much as Anthony hated to see Alex go, he knew she had to. He let his arms fall back to his sides and watched in silence as she hurried out to her car. He knew how important it was to make good first impressions when you were buying a horse, and showing up late wouldn't make a very good first impression. So he knew she had to leave. He really would have liked to go with her, but from what he'd heard of Doubt, it was going to take a long time to make any progress with him, which meant he would be out there with him for several hours and he needed to get the majority of the work done before the heat of the day to avoid making the horse overheat.

He stood there in silence for a minute or two, then turned back to the two horses. King was too busy eating to pay any attention to Anthony, but Doubt was still looking out over the stall door at him, waiting expectantly for his turn to get out of the stall. He headed into the tack room and pulled out the thoroughbred's tack. It took hardly ten minutes to get him completely ready considering that the horse just stood there half asleep during the whole process and didn't try anything to make it more difficult for Anthony. As he tossed the light weight racing saddle up onto his back, he caught a few glances that were thrown his way. They all had the same look on their faces "what is he doing putting a racing saddle on that horse?"

Doubt didn't look like a racehorse. He was much too small in the eye of an untrained person, racehorses were big and stunning. His conformation was all wrong, his withers too high, his back too short...there was nothing streamlined about him. His legs weren't long enough, he would have to take at least two strides for every one that the larger contenders took. He didn't have that brilliant sheen look to him, he was just sort of...blah. His age looked to be about 15-16 years old, and no horse ever raced at that age these days. His eyes were half closed most of the day, if not totally closed...there was no fire like all the great horses had. Yes, Shadow of a Doubt was the modern day Seabiscuit.

Before going out to the track, Anthony pulled himself up onto the small thorougbred's back. When he rode King he waited until they were on the track to get up on him in case he spooked, but with Doubt, if he waited that long he would never get up on the horse. No one ever believed him when he told them what a devil this horse was on the track, but he sure knew what was going to happen. He was guessing that he'd hit the dirt at least twice today, and probably not make even so much as a lick of progress in his training. He knew it would be painful, but sometimes you just had to make sacrifices.

The ride up to the track was easy and went without incident. Doubt ambled along amicably without a care in the world...at least until they came to the track. When it came into sight, Anthony could feel the energy coursing through the horse's body beneath him. It was like an electric current flowing through the animal. The moment Doubt's hooves hit that soft earth of the track, every muscle and sinew in his body tightened and then came the explosion. Doubt leapt forwards and jerked the reins, trying to get control from his rider. Pain rocketed through Anthony's arm, but he ignored it. He couldn't let the horse have his way or he'd get killed.

It took about half an hour to get Doubt to walk around the track once because of how many times he had to circle him to maintain control of him. Then it took about 15 minutes to get him to canter once around the track in warm up. Already by the end of the 45 minutes, Anthony was starting to feel the pain in his leg. By the end of hour three, Anthony had been thrown three times, and as he hit the ground for the fourth time he knew he had to stop. If he didn't he was going to have another withdrawal and if he had a seizure out here no one would find him until Alex got back and discovered him missing, and by that time it would be too late.

Every time he was thrown, Doubt would take off at a gallop around the track, exit at the gate and stop. Most people would assume that the horse acted like this because he didn't like the track, but Anthony had seen him race...he loved racing, he loved the track...but for some reason, unless he had Anthony riding him at all times, he went totally insane and they had to start over again. The moment Doubt was off the track he became the placid careless horse that most people knew him as...but Anthony knew better.

He came back down to the stables and took every precaution to keep Doubt from getting hurt. He checked his legs, washed him down with room temperature water, then walked him until he was dry, threw a cooler over his back, and set him out to pasture. Then he headed up to go get cleaned up. Having been in the racing business his whole life, he knew to always have a clean set of clothes with him...otherwise he'd have to go around looking like that all day. He had decided not to work King tonight, in their best interest. Anthony was way too tired and in pain to ride again, and King wasn't exactly ready for the full time runs yet. That bobble this morning made Anthony nervous and he didn't want to push it.

After he got changed and cleaned up, he came out and brought Doubt back in. As he latched the door, he noticed a bit of blood on his arm...probably from one of the falls he'd taken. He rolled up his sleeve to his elbow and looked at the cut. It wasn't anything serious, just a lot of blood, you know those, we've all had them. He shrugged it off and would have left it, but just then he saw Alex pulling up with the colt. She would worry about it if she saw it...he knew she would. So he washed it out quickly with peroxide then wrapped some gauze around it and pulled his sleeve back down so she wouldn't see any of it. He didn't need her worrying about him.

When he had replaced the first aid kit in its proper place, he headed out just in time to hear her talking to Loco. How could anyone forget Loco? He made sure to keep a wide berth around Loco and came to a stop on Alex's other side, looking at the colt. He was a pretty thing really. But, being a horseman, Anthony saw more than just a pretty horse. His conformation was perfect, long legs, gently sloping withers, long body, finely shaped head, narrow shoulders and powerful hindquarters, as well as a slender and long neck. He was perfectly aerodynamic, as smooth and slipstream as there ever was. He looked to be about the perfect race horse you could ever ask for. He turned his attention then, to Alex, You sure know how to pick them. He said with a smile, just do me a favor and make sure this one doesn't have a passionate desire to kill me.

[Vivian Kings]

It had been a long day so far and it wasn't over yet she still had so much to do. She had to work Loco then come play with the colt for a little bit then go home and shower then.. well after that everything was in the air. She would either most likely work or hang out with Keke but she was pretty sure Keke would be asleep by the time she got their. So that left just work. Unless Anthony asked her to do something. If he did she would gladly give up on work to spend time with him. Even if it was just hanging out and watching a movie... which wasn't likely cuz if they did that they would just end up falling asleep. They were both married to their jobs pretty much. And it took all of their engergy and time to keep up with work... Which left very little alone time. Sure most the day at the track they were with one another with no one else around but they had to put the horses first before one another. In fact now thinking about it she realised that other then while they were at the diner they had never really been alone with one another. And even there they had the waitress and other people around them. Never once were they ever truly alone with one another.

Speaking of. Just as she stood admiring the new member of their huge family, Anthony came around to her side. For a moment she just stared in at the colt. He was so pretty his coloring was magnificant and his confirmation was perfect. He was a fine speciman if she didn't say so herself. He was just what she was looking for and his movements were great and his temperment just the exact opposite of Loco's. Which was exactly what she wanted. She could picture riding him already. She was sure he was going to make it big. Sure she still had faith of getting Loco back on the track but that could be a bit harder. He was older... and phsyco. You know just those two tiny problems. But she had no doubt he had what it took. He was just quite the devil that no one but her could control and she couldn't very well ride him and own him and train him. Though thats what she had her parents for. Her father trained her mother owned. If she could get them to agree then she could be the jockey. Though just thinking about riding in a real race scared her senseless. She had only been one time and that had been the end of her racing career... so she thought.

Anthony started talking and Alex pulled her gaze away from the rambuncious colt. She smiled and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She had to agree she just had a way with picking good ones... well racing wise yes. Temperment she had failed in once or twice. But track and running wise she never failed. Then he continued. She laughed and smiled and stepped closer to him. She smiled and pressed her body up against his and looked him in the eye. She closed her eyes and moved her arm slowly past him. And then "Click" She unlatched the half door and giggled. "I think we should prevent that don't you?" She pulled open the door and stepped in waiting for Anthony to join her. She loved teasing him it was so much fun. It wasn't really teasing either it was more like tormenting. She was a flirt a tease... Hard to get so to speak. But he definetly already got her. Ther was no catching involved she was already caught. Taken. A sold sign on her if you will.

It was funny. Loco really did hate Anthony and they all swore he had it in for Anthony. Alex didn't know how to cure that... nor did she really want to risk Anthony's safety to find out if they could remedy that. He was too special to her. And besides Alex was sure that the only reason Loco really disliked him was because he was jealous of him. I mean Alex was all over him all the time... He was used to being the only man in her life and then some new guy shows up and wisks her away just like that. After walking into the stall she stood next to the colt petting him. "You know he's only like that because he's jealous of all the attention i give you." Well that she was pretty sure had something to do with it. But he also just hated men. He didn't like them hanging around at all. And Since this Anthony was not only a guy but he also had his hands all over Alex. It was just all wrong.

It may be all wrong for Loco but for Alex it was all right. She loved everything Anthony did. Even if it was torchure sometimes. In the end it was always just right. She just loved him. She walked around the other side of the colt, she was just like a little kid on christmas morning discovering all the gifts under the tree. She folded her arms over his back and looked at Anthony with a huge devious grin. Sure you could say "Poor guy that girl just keeps on torchuring him." But in reality she was just playing... Sure it probably was torchure to him. But she always let him have her if he really wanted to. It was just a game. She loved him and no matter what she would always let him catch her in the end. Because, she simply, wanted to be caught. But only by him. She giggled a bit curious to see if he would ignore her teasing and focus on the colt or if he would react.

It was funny even though she was exhausted and wanted badly just to end the day, Whenever she was around Anthony she always had this bundle of energy that never ran out. She just loved being with him. His smiled the way he kept his hair his eyes everything about him just made her feel all giddy inside. In fact if he wasn't in so much pain right now. And had a still healing broken bone and dealing with withdrawls she probably would have jumped on him. But she knew how much that would hurt him and she never wanted to be the cause of his pain. It just wasn't something she could handle. Knowing that she was the cause for his pain. So no until he was fully healed she would never attempt a stunt like that. But she would wait and when he was feeling his best the games would certainly begin.

[Anthony Lovasz]

As Alex’s body pressed up against his, Anthony felt like he couldn’t breathe. She just felt so right when she touched him, he just wanted to wrap his arms around her and kiss her…but there were people around at this hour, and he doubted any of them would be too fond of him if he just grabbed her and started making out with her. Sure he loved her more than anything in the whole world, but he had to be respectful of other people too…and that meant he had to moderate himself when they were around. It wasn’t easy, but it was something that he just had to do. She was so hard to resist though, and it was killing him to have her so close like that. Then just when he felt like he couldn’t hold back anymore, he heard the click of the stall door being unlatched, and she stepped away from him.

She was such an incredible tease…and it drove him crazy in a good way. He was so powerless when she was around, and that was saying a lot, considering he was normally a pretty controlled person. But Alex…she just took his life and turned it upside down. He was pretty sure that he would do anything she asked him to do. It didn’t matter if it was totally against everything he had been brought up believing and had ingrained in his head…if she asked, he would do it. Well…maybe there were a few exceptions, but he was pretty sure Alex wouldn’t ever even think about going there. She just wasn’t like that, and that was one of the things he loved about her.

After a moment of collecting himself again, he stepped into the stall beside Alex and the colt. He was fairly sure from what he’d seen of the colt just in those few moments that he wasn’t going to be anything like Loco. Well, temperament wise anyway, he looked like he would be fast like Loco, but much more…bomb proof. Besides, with Alex training him, he knew that he would turn out alright. I mean really, look what she’d done to King in a matter of just one week…over a course of a few years, he knew that this colt would become something great. It wasn’t possible to be less than all you could be when you were around Alex…at least for him anyway. She drove him on to bigger and better things than he ever thought possible, and he was always going to be grateful for that…not to mention always in her debt.

Usually people hated owing people anything, but when it came to him owing Alex…he wanted it to be that way. Why? Easy enough to answer. He liked owing Alex because he then had an excuse for doing whatever she told him to. He’d always been an incredibly independent person, so when Alex told him to do things, most would expect him to not do it…or at least do it on his own time…but if he was in debt to her, he would have to do it so he could pay that debt off. Of course, he was going to see to it that he had never paid off in full, just so that he could keep on doing anything and everything she asked him to do.

Suddenly, Alex maneuvered herself around to the other side of the colt, again putting space in between them. He knew she was only doing that because she knew it drove him crazy and she got a kick out of teasing him like that. This really was torture for him. He wanted to just push her back against the wall so she couldn’t get away from him and kiss her, but again, he had to restrain himself for the sake of the other people in the stable…especially his “fan club.” Twelve year old girls didn’t need to see him making out with his girlfriend all the time and then go home and tell their parents, and then the parents get all mad at him, and complain to Chey about it and then he and Alex both get in trouble for it. No, that wasn’t what he wanted to become of this.

Ah, but she was right there…and so tempting….he couldn’t hold out much longer. He tried to divert his attention to the horse, but with her leaning over his back like that, it was nearly impossible to not pay attention to her. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she also probably knew that it was working. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought the urge to do what his body was naturally demanding he do. What man in their right mind could resist someone like Alex when she was doing this? That was her plan too…to make him completely helpless to resist her. It seemed like women liked to make their man powerless. It was like they were somehow charmed by the reversal of roles, where the woman is in complete control and the man is unable to do anything.

Finally, he gave up fighting it, and stepped around to the other side of the colt. Before she could move away from him again though, he put his arms around her, and pulled her close so that she was right up against him, and pressed his lips against hers. Alex had won yet again, and Anthony didn’t mind it at all. Every time she won, he lost and won at the same time, so it was all good with him. As long as he was able to have her wrapped in his arms and her body against his, he was totally happy with being the loser at this game. Besides, when you weighed what each of them got when she won and he lost, he really didn’t lose at all.

When he kissed her there, he basically gave up on what he had formerly believed in so firmly. He didn’t want to have to say good bye to her anymore, he never wanted to have to spend a night without her. He never wanted to be apart from her. Forget not living with someone until you’re married, he couldn’t live without her anymore. He needed her more than he needed anything else. If he had to give up racing to be with her, he would have done so without hesitating. He could do anything as long as Alex was there, and that included some deathly boring desk job. Luckily for him, she loved racing just as much as he did, so he didn’t have to worry about that ever.

When he pulled away, he knew he had to say, it, he couldn’t just keep quiet about it anymore. He had wanted to say it this morning, but he’d decided against it. Now, that wasn’t an option anymore, he had to say it. Alex, He said, his heart pounding and his mind racing, I’ve been thinking about last night all day and… He wasn’t really sure how to phrase what he was trying to say so he hesitated a moment before going on. …and I realized that it should be like that every night. I love you Alex, and I don’t want to spend another night alone…without you. There, he had said it, it was out there…now it was all up to her.

[Vivian Kings]

Alex knew everything she was doing was making him go mad. And yes that was the idea. She had been gone for what seemed like forever... which it was almost all day it had been far to long since she'd been wiht him. And she never really liked making the first move though there was times when she would. But it was simpler just to tease him and torment him long enough to make him make the first move. It was simple.... it was a game all girls even beginners knew how to play. And unless the guy was gay there was no way he could resist. And Anthony definetly wasn't gay so she knew it was only a matter of minutes... if that, before he made a move. She felt like a little girl with her first crush or something. But she wasn't foolish or a little girl at all. Nope not at all.

But before she even had a chance to react he slipped around the other side of the colt and wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her in close to him so that their bodies were pressed up against each others. Her heart began pounding in her chest and she threw her arms around his neck. Then his lips met hers in one heck of a good kiss. Yup she had gotten exactly what she wanted. She one yet another round of their games but she honestly wasn't very surprised. Because thats just how it was. She tease he put up a fight... She teased a little bit more and he gave in. It really wasn't fair for him... but she didn't think he suffered too much. Mmm she could stay there all day pressed into him with his arms around her. She enjoyed it while it lasted. But just like every other time she got a taste of heaven... It had to leave. And she had to say goodbye.

Just as she predicted he pulled away. But she kept her eyes closed for a second savoring the moment for a little bit. But then he said her name and she opened her eyes staring straight into his. When he continued she smiled. She had been thinking about it too. It was probably the best sleep she had had in a long time. And it was on the couch at that. She loved not having to say goodbye that night and she loved waking up to having his arms wrapped around her. It was all to perfect. But from what he told her he was raised against living with someone before you were married. And even thought that made no sense to her she respected that because that was what he believed in and she wasn't going to make him go against that unless it was his choice.

He paused again and she felt her heart start pounding again. She just wanted him to spit it out. Everytime he paused it killed her. Making her wait like that was like torture to her. But aparently he was learning to play her game. But it was almost as if her heart stopped when he continued. And When he finished it took all she had in her to hold herself down. And to keep from throwing herself on him. She wanted so badly just to jump on him and kiss him but she calmed herself keeping herself calm cool and collected... which wasn't easy around him. He gave her like some weird energy boost that she honestly couldn't explain even if she wanted to. She knew even if she was falling asleep and he showed up and wanted to do something she would jump up and do whatever it was. He made her feel like a little kid and just wanted to play tag in the neighbors field. He was the one for her.

But being the stinker the she was. She looked up to the side as if she was thinking. "Hmmmm." She loved being a tease. She pretended to think it over. "I don't know i mean..." She paused for like half a second before dropping her gaze to meet his eyes and a big smile came over her face. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him and after a second pulled away. "Thats good because i'm pretty sure i would die if i had to spend another night apart from you." She smiled and let herself fall back to her feet. She couldn't have been happier. No more goodbyes... Course she wasn't sure what that meant.... Did he mean for her to move in with him or for him to move in with her. Because she was housing Alessandra now and her expected little ones she couldn't exactly kick them out. Or bring them with her. But she had plenty of room in her big house... that she was never at. But Keke liked it so it worked. But she had more then enough space to house them all. She couldn't wait.

While they stood their wrapped in one anothers arms the colt looked over at them and shook his head as if saying "Silly kids these days." He nibbled at Anthony's shirt then looked up at the two. As if saying ok ok i know you guys love each other but what about some lovin for me? He was a sweety for sure. It was funny she could never in a million years see herself and Anthony doing this in Loco's stall he'd like smash anthony into the wall and kick him out of the half door. But she hoped she could change that. Who knew maybe doubt and Loco were what one another needed. From what Anthony told her about Doubt he wsa just a little devil on the track. And we all knew what Loco was like. So maybe if they put the two devils together they would hit a spark or something... in a good way. But she would keep that little idea to herself for now. Maybe bring it up later.

Speaking of Loco though it was just about time for his last workout of the day. Even thought she desperatly wanted to take the rest of the night off and just go home and watch tv. Or make dinner for some reason she had this strange urge to make a huge meal. Which was odd because she never cooked it was always just a glass of carrot juice and a banana or apple and that laster her all day till dinner which was usually a granola bar and coffee or maybe a sandwhich. yeah not very healthy but she rarely had enough time to eat because she was at the barn all day then when she got home she worked herself to sleep. She was sure with all the people in the house that would change. It would be just like having a family again... minus the arguing. She couldn't wait.

[Anthony Lovasz]

For a moment after he finished talking, Anthony was afraid of what her response might be. After last night, there was no way he would ever fall asleep without her close by...or even wrapped in his arms again. He couldn't describe how it felt waking up with her body pressed up against him, and his arms around her. It was just...perfect. Sure he was in a heck of a lot of pain, but he hadn't even noticed it. The smell of her hair, the touch of her skin, the throb of her heard, the rising and falling of her chest, the sound of her breathing, her beautiful face, her angelic voice...he wouldn't change any of it, and he wanted to have all of it right there when he woke up every morning.

When Alex answered, he mentally breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't care if she moved in with him or he moved in with her, it made no difference, as long as he didn't have to say goodbye at the end of the day. He knew that there was no way he would ever want another woman in his life, and Alex was going to be the one he would marry. He really would like to propose to her, but again, they had hardly known each other for a month, and he knew that there needed to be more time before he asked her to marry him. Besides, it might be nice to maybe meet her family before they got married.

He knew that Charlie and Hayley didn't know one another's families and they were getting married, but he found that to be just a bit...well, not like him. Charlie was a great guy, and Anthony had been the one who told him to stop waiting around and just ask her to marry him, but for Anthony...he just couldn't do that. He was the kind of guy who liked to ask the father for the daughter's hand in marriage, he was the kind of guy to be incredibly careful so as to not hurt the girl in any way, he was the kind of guy who did things the traditional or old fashioned way every time. Of course, if Alex didn't want him to meet her family, he wouldn't, and he would just have to ask her without asking her dad first.

He loved her enough to throw everything out the door and start over again. He'd already done that many times already, and he would do it as many times as he needed to, and as many times as she wanted him to. Heck, he would even throw out the belief in abstinence if she asked him to. Call that a little extreme, and maybe it was, but Alex was changing him in many ways, and they were all good changes, so whatever she wanted different in him, he would be sure to make the change as soon as he possibly could all for the sake of keeping her happy and in love with him.

He loved the warmth that spread from her to him and from him to her when they held each other. Sure it was summer and it was hot out, but still, there was something about that transfer of heat that just...well just made him happy. And just imagine in the fall and winter...on cold nights the two of them could curl up together and cuddle to keep each other warm. Sure, Alessandra would be there, but since when had he ever let other people stop him from loving Alex? Besides, Alessandra and Alex were incredibly close friends, and Anthony knew that she wouldn't mind the two of them spending time together like that.

Not to mention the fact that Alessandra was a very sweet girl, and he was convinced that she would find herself a nice guy pretty quickly here. There were plenty of them around here to choose from. He couldn't think of anyone off the top of his head who wasn't a generally nice person. Plus, Alex would be more than willing to tell Alessandra if she got a guy that Alex didn't think was right for her. She was like that, always speaking her mind. As he recalled she had done just that on the first day they'd met. It seemed like it was so long ago, but really it had hardly been a month. He would never forget that day though.

He'd just come in from working King, and was bleeding...how he ended up bleeding, he didn't really remember...but he was. Then Alex came down and recognized King, which stood out in his mind because the moment King started losing, people forgot about him, but Alex had seemed to know everything about him, and seemed to see the same potential that Anthony saw in him. After about two minutes of talking, she told him straight out that he needed to get that cut looked after. He of course, had his typical answer of "I've had worse," and he was guessing that although she didn't say anything more about it, she had probably wanted to drag him into the tack room where the first aid kit was and stitch it up herself.

Then Loco went nuts and bit him then took off, promptly ending their conversation. The horse's hate for him seemed to have increased since then. Then Alex accompanied him out to the track to watch King run later on that evening, and that's when it all fell to pieces. He and King went through the rail, and next thing he knew, he was in the hospital telling Alex that he loved her, and she was telling him that she loved him as well. Talk about speed dating. But his whole life was fast paced, and besides...they obviously loved each other more than either of them ever thought possible, so there was nothing wrong with fast.

He didn't want to let go of Alex. He wanted to just stand there and hold her until kingdom come. He hugged her to himself for a moment, then relaxed his grip around her body as the colt tugged at his shirt. He smiled and let one hand drift down to the animal, running his hand down his neck, and keeping the other arm around Alex. He wouldn't have it any other way. He wasn't really sure what to say though. Silence was good at times, and up until now it had been, but now something needed to be said, and he needed to be the one to say it. After all, he was the guy, and the guy was supposed to take initiative.

A smile played across his face as he held her close to him, I can't have you dying on me... He said, lifting his hand to run it through her hair, I love you too much for that. He was totally serious too. If she died, he'd kill himself. Sort of like Romeo and Juliette...only more realistic...and they would beth actually be dead the first time. Really, their story was like a million and one fairy tales merged into one. They were basically making up their own love story though, and so far, Anthony was loving the way it was turning out.

[Vivian Kings]

Anthony was Alex's prince charming. Her knight in shining armor. Her guardian. Her protector. When ever she was with him she felt safe. Like nothing could touch her. Now don't get me wrong it wasn't as if she was afraid when it was just her. She was a very independant woman. In fact she insisted on standing on her own two feet. Mainly because she knew better to go from relying on her parents to relying on some guy then have him leave her and her have nothing. She was smarter then that. she went out and got herself a degree and then a job and now she supports herself just fine. In fact she made enough money doing what she did to support her and a couple of other people. Hence the big house tons of cars expensive horses. Not that she flashed that money. She just liked feeling secure. And i mean who doesn't?

But none of that ever made her feel as safe and secure as being in Anthony's arms did. And she knew that no money or object could ever make that happen. She knew that before she bought it all. It was just her way of reminding herself she had accomplished what she wanted to. And that was to get away from needing her parents without leaning on a guy for help. But now that she had Anthony she realised how nice it was to know that he didn't need to pay for her food or to pay the house payment or any of her bills for that matter. She had seen many girls get themselves into that and it didn't turn out well. BUt all this was beside the point. No she wasn't flashy and no she didn't consider herself better then anyone. And no she didn't think she didn't need Anthony. Because she desperatly needed him. She couldn't live without him. You think it s just a saying but its reality. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if he left her. But she knew that wouldn't happen.

Still wrapped in his warm embrace he turned to rub the colt with one hand. She turned slightly to look at him too. she rested her head on Anthony's just and let out an exhausted sigh. It was nice to just relax and take a moment just to each other. Care free... well minus the care of having watching eyes wondering about the barn. But really i mean it wasn't as if they were loud or in the middle of the aisle. This was Alex's paid for own private stall and if she wanted to hold and kiss her boyfriend in it she was going to go right ahead and do that. After all it was a free country wasn't it? After a few moment she decided that Loco was doing good enough in his training that one night off wouldn't hurt so she was going to spend a little bit longer with the colt then call it a night. She had gotten a lot of work done in the car so she could even take a night off of that... though she should probably get more done.

Her arms were still fully wrapped around Anthony with her head rested on his chest. She watched peacefully as he stroked the colt. Then he spoke to her. She smiled "mmm then i guess its a good thing that won't be happening." It was funny here they were in the dead heat of summer holding one another and sending both their body heat from one to the other. Call them crazy but it was actually quite cozy and she liked it.... Actually she loved it. She adored the fact that he held her close and that he pulled her in so intensly. It was defenatly a turn on for her. She wouldn't have him any other way. There was nothing about Anthony that she would change. She loved him for him.

But then as she watched him pet the colt she noticed something on his sleeve. It was a few specks of red. Her eyes focused in on it a little bit more and just as she suspected he was bleeding. She narrowed her eyes. What a little stinker trying to get away with hiding it and not telling her. He was trying to do it for her own good most likely but there was no hiding it from her she would always find out. Lucky for him she wasn't a drama queen. She was just tease and a stinker butt. "So.. How did Doubt and you do today?" Knowing him like she did he would tell the truth... without telling the truth. He would hide how his arm was bleeding but he wouldn't completely lie to her. He would just "protect" her from worrying. Which was long gone now. The cat was out of the bag. She turned her head and rested her chin on his chest so she was looking up into his eyes. Yes she was testing him... Not that she was mad at all in fact she wanted to laugh but she was being sneaky so she had to keep to a low profile. Calm Cool and Collected the 3 C's.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony smiled as she assured him she wouldn't be dying on him. That was a good thing...he couldn't take her death, even if it was natural or an accident or whatever. He wanted her to live a good long time with him. He wanted to grow old with her...which was a weird thought. He couldn't picture either of them old. Especially not since they were both in incredibly good shape from their riding habits. He just couldn't see either of them getting fat or gray hair or all those other old people problems...of course, that was a long long ways off, so he wasn't all that concerned about getting old. I mean really, they weren't even thirty yet, they were a long ways away from old.

A very good thing. He said as she rested her head on his chest. Ah how he loved it when she did that. It wasn't one of those major turn on things where it made him want to push her back against the wall and make out with her for an extended period of time...it was just one of those things that he loved her doing. It was cute, and made him feel like she needed him...kind of like the cuddling thing. He just loved her being next to him and feeling her pressed up against his body. He loved it when her hands brushed against him, when he could feel her breath on his skin, and hold her petite body between his arms.

There honestly wasn't a single thing about her that he didn't love. He wasn't one of those touchy feely guys who seemed totally desperate and always had to have his hands on her. He just loved her, and when she touched him it was reassurance that she loved him too...not that he really needed it, but still. He was used to coming in contact with other people, considering that he was a jockey, and racing often unintentionally became a contact sport. But there was something different about the way Alex touched him. It was like he could feel the love between them whenever they connected. More so of course when they kissed...but even just when they held hands or stood shoulder to shoulder.

Then she suddenly asked how things went with Doubt while she'd been away, and he mentally winced. He didn't really want to tell her that he never made it once around the track without getting thrown off, and he didn't want to tell her that he'd sort of sliced his arm open somehow, and he really really didn't want to tell her that he was kind of sort of maybe a little bit in enough pain that he wasn't going to take King out again tonight. But he couldn't lie to her...he couldn't lie to anyone very well, but especially not her. He knew she would see right through any lie he told her, so it was pointless to try.

He sighed and decided to give her the vague truth. He really needs some work. He said honestly, He's worse than King used to be. Again, truth, but no details. That was the way to go here since he was trying to avoid her finding out about his bleeding arm. Of course, he didn't think to look and make sure he hadn't bled through the gauze wrap and that she would see it. He never considered details like that....he was a guy, what guy would think of that? Unfortunately because of that he didn't realize that he was starting to get a pretty good stain on his sleeve that she would undoubtedly notice. He was always slow to feel pain, so he wouldn't be feeling the pain of this cut until a while later.

Hoping that she wouldn't inquire further, he casually changed the subject. Too bad she had seen the blood, if she hadn't she never would have noticed that he was trying to get attention off his ride with Doubt. How'd your trip down to get him go? He was praying she wouldn't say anything more about him and Doubt, because he would start feeling really bad about not telling her if they lingered on that subject for very long. He was really bad at lying, and hated to do it. Even if he hadn't lied in his answer, he hadn't really told her the whole truth either. Sins of omission...a big thing with the Catholic church. And even though he wasn't catholic anymore, he still always felt guilty about them.

He was doing it for her sake though. She worried about him enough as it was, and he didn't need her worrying more than she already did. Since her chin was now propped against his chest and she was looking up at him, she was a bit more accessible for kissing...He leaned down and again touched his lips to hers lingering a moment there before pulling back about an inch or two and just looking at her with a smile. She wad drop dead gorgeous, and he kept thinking he was going to wake up from a dream and find her gone. Most guys claim that they don't fantasize about their dream girl, but deep down, they all do, and Alex was even better than Anthony's dream girl.

He again ran his fingers through her hair, resisting the urge to grab her and hold her as tightly against him as he could...which would probably result in her being suffocated. He never would have imagined himself being so controlled by a girl. With Tristanne it had been sort of a mutual thing, where they weren't really controlled by one another, and just did things on impulse. But in this relationship, he was totally submitted to her everything. Her wish was his command, and he would carry out whatever she wished no matter what the cost. She just meant that much to him, and he wasn't ever going to let her go.