Chapter Six

Late afternoon, the next day, Creed drove the hauler to the Fields' barn. He parked and got out, scanning the property.

"I'll go get Mr. Fields, can you find someone to help unload the cattle, Luke?"

"I'll take care of it. I'll check the barn." Luke walked into the barn while Creed headed toward the house.

He had barely taken a few steps when he saw Art coming out from the back door of the house. Art walked down the porch stairs and approached Creed. They shook hands as they met.

"You must have had a long day, Creed."

"Yeah, we ran into some snow in Kalispell."

"We?" Art raised an eyebrow.

"Agent Luke McCallister was with me. He's in the barn looking for help with the cattle. I didn't know where to put them exactly."

"Next to the barn is fine. I'm sure my men are somewhere around here."

"Alright."

Just then, Luke emerged from the barn with three men following him.

"Mr. Fields, this is Agent Luke McCallister. Luke, meet Art Fields."

"Good to meet you, sir," Luke greeted as he shook Art's hand.

"Likewise, Agent McCallister. Thank you for helping bring my cattle home."

"Yes, sir."

Creed watched as one of the men opened up the hauler and led one of the cattle to a pasture next to the barn using a rope. The other men made sure the rest of the cattle followed.

"It's good to see them back where they belong," Art commented as he looked at Creed. "Any updates on the other three?"

"No luck so far. The perpetrators were caught but they're not talking. Typical. But we won't stop investigating until we find those three missing animals, but they could be long gone. Sorry about that, Art."

"Don't worry about it. I'll replace them when the insurance check comes in."

"Okay. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to reach out."

"I will. Thanks again." Art shook hands with Creed and then Luke.

Creed and Luke got back into the truck and drove back to the building where the hauler was kept.

"Long damn day," Luke grumbled.

"At least it didn't snow the entire way," Creed replied.

"True, but if that's what's heading our way, we're in for a rough time." Luke yawned. "Man, I need a nap."

Creed chuckled. "I hear ya."

They drove back to the department and went their separate ways as it was already well past five pm. As he made his way home, Creed noticed snow flurries falling through his headlight beams and accumulating on the road. He hoped it wouldn't be too bad by the weekend; he wanted to see Abbie.

A smile spread across his face as he thought about her. The sex had been incredible, but he also genuinely liked her. She was gorgeous and had a fantastic sense of humor, an irresistible combination in his eyes. It was hard to believe they didn't hit it off at first. He was instantly drawn to her, but after acting like a jerk during their initial meeting, she wanted nothing to do with him. But now, for the first time since becoming a livestock agent, he was actually glad to go on a call for stolen cattle. Not only did he get to see Abbie there, but they were able to move past their rocky start.

After pulling into the garage at his house, he exited the truck and entered the house through the laundry room and immediately let Ranger out of his crate and the dog ran outside.

"Sorry, bud. I didn't think I'd be this long. I'm sure you have to go," Creed said and chuckled.

He sat on the bench, toed off his boots, pulled his socks off, then stood and removed his clothes. After tossing them into the hamper, he walked to the bedroom and tugged on a T-shirt and sweatpants. He was hungry but he was also exhausted.

When he heard Ranger bark, he opened the door, and the dog ran in with snow covering his back. He shook and it flew everywhere and hitting Creed.

"Damn, Ranger. Why did you wait until you got in here to do that?" He picked up an old towel and rubbed the dog off then he took off running through the house.

Creed filled the dog's bowls with fresh water and food. He had to be hungry. Ranger came running back into the kitchen and then straight to his bowl and dug in. Creed knew he needed to eat too, then he'd call Abbie.

After he ate, he picked up his phone, headed for the living room, sat in the recliner, and called her.

"Hi," she answered.

"Hi, how was your day?"

"Busy. What about yours?"

"Tiring. It's not that far to Kalispell, but pulling a hauler, plus getting through the snow, it was a long damn day."

"Aww, poor baby."

Creed chuckled. "Well, I can see there's no sympathy from you."

Abbie laughed. "I'm sure it was a long trip."

"It was. I'm glad to be home though. I plan to hit the sheets real soon. Want to join me?"

"I'd love to, but we'll have to wait until Saturday."

"Remember you're staying."

"I know."

"You could come here Friday night after you get off work if you want. That way we'd have all weekend."

"Okay, but I'm not sure what time I'll get off work. I know I have set hours but in the ED that doesn't matter."

"Okay, well, we can plan on Friday and if you can't make it, that's fine. We'll still have the rest of the weekend."

"Sounds good. You do sound tired, Creed."

"I'm exhausted, sweetheart. I might not get out of this chair."

"Go to bed. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Alright. Goodnight, Abbie."

"Goodnight, Creed." She disconnected and he pushed to his feet and headed for the bedroom.

Once inside the room, he plugged the phone into the charger and set it on the nightstand. After removing his clothes, he slid under the sheets, closed his eyes and fell asleep. He later jerked awake, gasping for breath.

"Son of a bitch," he muttered, as he glanced at the clock to see it was three in the morning. He ran his hands down his face. "Damn, could I get one full night of sleep?"

With a heavy sigh, he got out of the bed, walked to the kitchen to get a drink of water. He opened the fridge, removed a bottle of water, twisted off the cap, and downed all of it, then tossed the bottle into the recycle bin. Ranger sat in front of him, staring up at him.

"I'm okay. Come on, let's try to get some sleep. I have to get up soon."

He walked to his bedroom with Ranger on his heels, then around the bed, and crawled between the sheets. He clasped his hands behind his head and sighed. If he could just get a little more to come to him, maybe it all would eventually. But it was the same thing every time. Every. Damn. Time.

Rolling to his side, he punched the pillow, closed his eyes, and prayed for just another hour of sleep.

****

On Friday, Abbie met Lorna at the diner for lunch. After placing their orders, she looked at Lorna to see her staring at her.

"What?"

"We haven't talked all week, and you ask me, what." Lorna shook her head.

Abbie laughed. "We've been so busy."

"Tell me about Creed."

Abbie shrugged. "Nothing to tell." She bit her lip to keep from grinning.

Lorna leaned forward. "Do not make me drag it out of you."

"Okay, what do you want to know? How was the sex? To use Mitzie's favorite saying, it was fanfuckingtastic." Abbie grinned. "I have never, ever, had better."

"I understand that," Lorna said with a smile. "You know how much I loved Mac, but I never realized something was missing from our relationship until Eli came into my life."

"Chemistry is amazing." She shivered, making Lorna laugh.

"Are you getting together this weekend?"

"I'm going to his place tonight, if work doesn't get too busy, and I can leave. I'm going to stay until Sunday. I can't wait to see him again."

"Oh, girl, you are in deep."

"I feel like I could fall for him in a heartbeat. I just don't know what he wants. I mean, he lost his wife and baby, so I don't know how he feels about kids or getting married again. I'm not saying I want to marry him or have kids with him, but if that's not something he wants, why should I bother seeing him? I do want to get married again, and I would love to have kids."

"I get it. People date to find the right one. Eli told me about Creed losing his wife and child and I can't imagine what he went through, then two years later, he goes through a horrible night and can't remember anything."

"He remembers everything except that night. That night is a blur to him, and he's been having this dream." Abbie told Lorna about the dream.

"That has to be so frustrating for him."

"I'm sure it is. I feel so bad for him. I know it has to be bothering him, though he doesn't let on that it does."

"I'm not sure I'd want to remember."

"Oh, yeah, he's said that too, but he also said it could possibly help them identify the culprits."

"That night had to be a real nightmare for all of them." Lorna shook her head.

After finishing their lunches, they paid for their meals, walked outside and stopped when they saw how heavy it was snowing.

"We weren't in there that long," Abbie said. "Oh, please let up. I want to see Creed."

"I hope you can. I'd better get going. I have to pick up Lily at Dad's then I'm heading home."

"I hope the rest of the day isn't busy. I'd like to get out of work before it gets worse."

"I hope you do. Love you." Lorna hugged her and they parted ways.

As Abbie drove back to the hospital, she hoped the snow didn't get too bad. Not only because she wanted to see Creed, but because a lot of accidents happen in snowy conditions. She planned to head straight to his place after work. Her bag was in her vehicle, and she'd shower at his place. She smiled. Maybe he could join her.

At seven o'clock, she walked out of the hospital to see it snowing so heavily that she couldn't see the cars in the parking lot. Should she go to Creed's? She wanted to see him so bad.

After getting into her car, she drove from the lot, and stopped at the main road to see the snow blowing across it, but it wasn't sticking yet. She decided to take a chance and drive to his place. She pressed the button on her stereo to call him.

"Hey, darlin'," he answered.

"I'm just leaving the hospital. The roads aren't covered yet so it should be fine."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"Yeah, I am. I should be fine. It's just snow. No ice."

"Alright. You let me know if you have any problems. I'll come and get you if you need me to."

"I appreciate that. Hey, can I take a shower at your place?"

"Sure. I have a couple of steaks thawed, so I'll make them once you get here and relax a little."

"Okay. Let me go so I can concentrate, and I'll see you soon."

"Yes, ma'am. Be careful."

"I will." She pushed the button to disconnect and slowly made her way to his place. She was anxious to see it. He had told her he lived in an old farmhouse he had bought and fixed up right after his wife died. They had lived in a modern ranch-style home and he wanted something totally different after he sold the place.

It took her almost an hour to pull up to his house. She stopped, blew out a breath, then looked at the beautiful white two-story farmhouse with red shutters. The wide porch looked like it encircled the entire house and a few rocking chairs sat on it, along with a swing.

As she opened the door, she saw the back door open, and Creed stepped onto the porch.

"I was getting worried, but I didn't want to call and distract you."

"Oh, you definitely distract me," she said and grinned when he chuckled.

"Come on, darlin'. I'm freezing my balls off."

"We can't have that, can we?" She opened the back door on the car, picked up her suitcase, then headed for the porch.

Creed moved down a step, took the case, then put his hand out to her. She took it, and he pulled her up the steps, and kissed her lips.

"The scrubs are sexy," he said, making her laugh.

"I could really use that shower."

"Come on, then." He led her inside the house.

She laughed when she saw the dog come running into the kitchen. She squatted down and rubbed his ears.

"That's Ranger."

"Hi, Ranger. He's gorgeous."

"Yeah, and spoiled rotten."

"Whose fault is that?"

"No idea." Creed shrugged. He put his hand out to her to help her up. "Come on, I'll show you to the bathroom."

"This kitchen is beautiful." She glanced around at the white cabinets and red countertops. Floor tiles matched the color scheme. "Oh, I love the staircase in the kitchen."

"I'll show you the rest." He carried her case, held her hand, and led her through the dining room that boasted a large walnut table, a China cupboard, and buffet, then into the living room.

"Oh, my." She stared in awe at the gorgeous room.

The beautiful stone fireplace, with its intricate carvings and warm glow, sat in the center of a wall between two small windows. Underneath the windows were bookshelves with paned glass doors, filled with books. Two large, plush sofas faced each other, separated by a large wooden coffee table. An overstuffed recliner at the end of one sofa faced the fireplace, and above the mantle was a sleek flatscreen TV. The walls were a calming beige color and dark wood beams in a deep oak color arched across the ceiling. The floor matched the beams, adding to the cozy and rustic feel of the room.

He then led her into a foyer with a gray slate floor. A staircase sat to her right leading to the second floor with a landing halfway up.

"There's also a den across the foyer."

"How many bedrooms?"

"Four with five and a half baths. Each bedroom has its own bath, and fireplace. I converted those to gas, but the one in the living room is woodburning."

"This is beautiful, Creed."

"Thanks. I'll show you upstairs."

They climbed the stairs, and he pointed out each bedroom they passed until he reached one at the far end, close to the stairs leading to the kitchen. He nodded for her to go in and when she did, she was speechless.

The large cherry four poster bed dominated the room, its ornately carved posts rising toward the ceiling. The fireplace sat on the opposite wall. A row of bifold doors hid the closet. Along the wall closest to the bed, sat a row of windows looking out onto the front yard. And tucked in the corner, a door next to the fireplace led to the luxurious master bath.

"I really want a shower now."

Creed grinned. "Why don't you go ahead and shower? I'll go downstairs and make the salads."

"You don't want to shower with me?"

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lips.

"I would love to, but if I get in there with you, we'll never eat. We have all weekend, don't we?"

"Yes. I won't be long then." She kissed his lips, took her case from him, and entered the bathroom. She smiled as she closed the door.

****

Creed grinned as he left the room and headed back downstairs. It was too bad he couldn't join her but he wanted her to relax and he knew he'd never let her alone if he was in there with her.

He stepped into the kitchen, walked to the fridge, and removed what he needed for the salads, but as he kept hearing the water running, he couldn't help but picture her in the shower with the water gliding down her body and he knew he had to stop thinking about it or making dinner was going to be very uncomfortable.

He set the ingredients on the counter and tried to ignore the sound of running water.

"Damn it," he muttered as he put everything back in the fridge and ran back upstairs, taking two at a time.

He entered the bedroom just in time to hear the water shut off. He took a seat on the bed to wait for her. The door opened, and she stepped into the room.

Creed watched her enter the room, wearing only a towel wrapped snugly around her. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed him there, looking at her, and a slow, seductive smile spread across her lush lips. She sauntered toward the end of the bed, her hips swaying with each step.

Unable to resist any longer, Creed sprang up from his seated position and closed the distance between them. Stopping just inches away from her, he looked onto her eyes. He slid his hand between their bodies and carefully removed her towel. As it fell, revealing her gorgeous figure, he moved his hands around to her back and pulled her against him with a firm grip.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss as his hands roamed across Abbie's body, caressing every curve and crevice before coming to rest on the swell of her ass. Gripping firmly, he lifted her with ease, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.

Their mouths remained locked together as Abbie ground herself against him, letting out soft moans of pleasure. His growing cock pressed insistently against the warmth between her thighs.

Creed carried her over to the bed and gently placed her down on the soft sheets. He straightened up, took a condom from his wallet, and casually tossed it onto the bed next to her. He unbuckled his belt, unsnapped his jeans, and lowered the zipper.

He shoved his jeans down just enough to free himself before rolling on the condom. Grasping Abbie's ankles firmly in his hands, he pulled her toward him, positioning her at the very edge of the bed. His fingertips pressed tenderly into her inner thighs, spreading them apart as he leaned forward.

She let out a throaty groan when he ran his finger along her slit, feeling the slick wetness that awaited him.

Creed couldn't help but grit his teeth, overcome by desire, as he positioned himself to enter her. Slowly inching into her, he felt Abbie's body accommodate him. She responded by tilting her hips upward to meet him, encouraging him.

Abandoning any pretense of restraint, Creed began to slam into her with a primal intensity. Each powerful thrust elicited gasps and moans from them as their bodies collided in a symphony of ecstasy.

Creed could feel Abbie's muscles tensing around him, her breath hitching in anticipation of the orgasm that was building within her. But he wasn't quite ready for this dance to end. With a wry smile, he pulled himself out of her warmth and took a step back.

"Creed, please," she pleaded.

"Roll onto your stomach," he commanded. As she complied, Creed admired the enticing curve of her body splayed out before him. He gripped her hips tightly in his hands and entered her once more, this time from behind.

With each hard thrust, his fingers dug deeper into the soft flesh of her hips as if trying to hold on. Abbie clenched around him as a powerful orgasm shook through her body and she screamed. The sensation pushed Creed over the edge as well; barely able to contain himself any longer, he groaned deeply and surrendered to the pleasure coursing through him.

He leaned down, kissed her back, then stepped back and sat on the bed then fell onto his back as he tried to catch his breath. He ran his hand down her back to the cheeks of her ass. He glanced over at her to see her staring at him.

"I just had a shower," she said, making him laugh.

"I'm not sorry. I kept hearing the water running and I had to come up here. I was going to join you, but you were done." He shrugged. "I saw you and that was all it took."

"Well, since you put it that way, I'll let it slide."

Creed laughed. "I appreciate that."

He sat up, entered the bathroom to dispose of the condom, and reentered the bedroom. He walked to her where she still lay, leaned over her, and kissed her back again as he ran his hands along her ass.

"You are built like a brick shithouse," he said then chuckled. "I'm sorry if that was a little chauvinistic, but it's the truth. You make my dick hard all the time." He grinned when she laughed.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Good. It's how I meant it. Now, how about we get some food in us?"

"Okay. Let me get dressed and I'll be right down." She rolled over to face him.

"Alright." He leaned down, kissed her lips, then left the room, and headed back down to the kitchen.

As he stepped into the kitchen, he heard the wind picking up outside. He walked to the door, opened it, and swore when he saw the snowstorm raging outside. He pushed the door closed. Hell, it could snow all weekend if it kept Abbie here with him.

After dinner, as they sat on the sofa, Abbie had her laptop, checking on her social media page.

"Oh, my God! Are you serious?"

"What's wrong?" Creed asked her.

"This." She turned the laptop so he could see the screen.

"Whoa! I don't need to see that and who the hell is sending you dick pics?"

"I don't know. Just some random guy." She looked at him. "Why do men do that?"

"Come on now, not all men do that. It's someone looking for attention."

"Yeah, but to post a photo like that—" She looked at the screen when it alerted her another message popped up. She started laughing.

"Now what?"

"He asked me how I liked it." She snorted, then typed back an answer.

"Don't encourage him for God's sake," Creed said. She turned the laptop to him, and he laughed. She had sent ‘meh' back.

"Men." She shook her head.

"I promise to never send you a dick pic."

"Well, let's not get hasty here," she said and laughed when he did.

"You can always ask." He winked at her, and she winked back.

****

A few days later, Creed sat at the counter in the diner, his fork clanking lightly against his plate as he ate his breakfast, Creed chatted with Luke and Luke's brother, Beau about the various cases they were working on. The warm scent of maple syrup and butter wafted through the air, mixing with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

His phone buzzed from inside his coat pocket, breaking the flow of conversation. Setting down his fork, Creed reached for his cup of steaming coffee before glancing at the caller ID. A grin spread across his face when he saw it was a message from Abbie.

Raising the cup to his lips, he took a small sip before opening the message. His eyes widened in surprise as he read her request: Send me a dick pic followed by two emojis. One an eggplant and the other a laughing face. He nearly choked on his coffee and had to set the cup down hastily.

Beau smacked him on the back, concern etched on his face as Creed coughed and sputtered. Taking a quick gulp of water from his glass, Creed tried to compose himself.

"You okay, man?" Beau asked with genuine concern.

Creed could only nod, afraid that if he opened his mouth, he'd burst out laughing. Damn, he liked her and couldn't wait to see her again this weekend.

After finishing breakfast, he, Beau, and Luke returned to the office. He checked for any updates on the missing three cattle from the Fields' ranch, but there was no new information.

He reluctantly admitted to himself that those three cattle were likely gone for good, most likely slaughtered by the thieves. He had seen cases where none of the stolen livestock were ever recovered. It happened all too often.

Art Fields was fortunate to have seven out of ten of his cattle returned. Creed wished he could have found them all for the man's sake.

He would continue searching for the remaining three, but chances of finding them alive were slim to none. If they were still alive, they would have been found with the others. But who knows? Rustlers operated in strange ways, and their motives often made no sense to him. However, they often made mistakes and got caught eventually.

Creed regretted not being able to get more information from the thieves during their interrogation. They refused to talk. Perhaps when they were sentenced, they might change their minds and cooperate in exchange for a lighter punishment. He didn't like the idea of leniency for these criminals, but if it meant recovering more stolen livestock, he would consider it.