Dawn greeted us as we disentangled our limbs. It seemed I couldn't get enough of the cuddler Chayton turned out to be when we finally fell into exhausted sleep. His phone was insistent, and he groped around until I said, "Under the pillows."

My alarm sounded inside of seconds and he laughed as he put his down after silencing it.

"I guess we have similar habits. I'm always up at the same time every morning. Greeting the dawn has been a thing since I was in high school." He rolled the blankets off us and ran his hand over the curve of my hip, pulling me back against him spoon fashion. His arousal reminded me of the skill he showed three times over night. I could swear my house shook with every climax.

"Alyana, you're the most intriguing woman. I don't think I've ever met someone as grounded and respectful of our ways."

"Thank you," I whispered, reminding myself I was worth the compliments that come my way. I damn well deserved them no matter the litany my inner voice raised to counter. It wasn't mine in any case. Only the conglomeration of every envious, derogatory competitor along the way to my position with DOJ as a special investigator and criminal prosecutor. "You startled me with your willingness to help around here. It's a treasured surprise, you know."

He distracted me again, with a quick nibble on my right shoulder, his hand wandering up to cup my breast. By the time we finished, the rosy light of sunrise glow dissipated. I kissed him under his ear, and whispered, "The shower is a generous size. I remodeled last year. Join me?"

He nodded. "Coffee?"

"It'll be ready when we're done. Plenty of time to enjoy the hot water too. I've got an endless supply," I winked before I slid down the ladder and strode into the kitchen naked.

Muscles loose, I stretched to reach for the coffee to make a fresh pot. I could hear Chayton starting the water in the bathroom, and a raced through the steps to get the machine started. Heading across the living area, I went through the door to join him.

"My boss left a text. He's more than happy to have you join us in the command center. They're moving the mobile into place. There's an advance lookout watching the compound where the women are held." He winced as he spoke. "Filming won't start until after they have a feast of a brunch. Women are prepared to a certain spec beforehand in any case."

I nodded. "I know, the tapes I have are all the same that way. How did you get the old ones?"

"Raided their storage. They're in a special climate controlled space that keeps them at the identical temperature to preserve them perfectly. It protects the originals so they can make copies whenever they need to." He hissed his disgust as he tested the shower spray before stepping under. "Come on in."

Washing my hair with help, was a sensual pleasure I didn't expect. Chayton stood behind me as we enjoyed our first coffee and coaxed the knots out of my hair with gentle strokes of my bamboo brush.

"There. Finished. Are you going to leave it loose, or what?"

I pulled it forward over my shoulder and braided it quickly. "I love the look of it when it dries this way. Besides, this works to keep it out of my way."

"Do you want to cook? I should go rescue Bingo."

"Bring him down here. It isn't going to matter if he stays in my shelter. Is he yours or provided by the ranch?"

"I brought him with me. I needed a desert smart mount. He's an appaloosa. With a bit of quarter horse in him too. I've had him for over ten years. Smart and doesn't spook."

"I have a mare, she's unusual. A paint, on a palomino background. Gold with dark brown and black patches. Star has a white diamond on her forehead. But she's ready to breed. Is your boy gelded?"

"He's a full stallion. I'd love to solve the mystery of your mare's genetics. A foal by him would be interesting. I'm not sure what's more dominant, the paint or the appaloosa?"

"We should do the genetics. Let's grab some cold cereal now, then take Star to get Bingo. My mare is sturdy and we can ride double. Is he in the cave with the spring?" There were more than half a dozen big enough to hold a horse and a small camp, but only one with a water source if my memory was correct.

"I'd never leave Bingo without a way to find something to drink. If I let him, he'll take a plastic bottle and drain it. He loves apple juice and that overpriced organic carrot stuff. So, yeah he's in the one with the artesian well in it."

I opened the cupboard with Frosted Flakes and apple cinnamon Cheerios in it. Both of them held an equal part in my heart. Two of only half a dozen processed foods my Grandma allowed in her house for us kids when we visited. They continued as staples until her death a couple of years ago.

Chayton had bowls and spoons waiting on the table as I placed the boxes between them. He pointed at the cinnamon flavored Cheerios and said, "I would use any excuse I could think of to get my hands on these as a kid. Still have a couple of boxes in the pantry at home base." He filled his bowl to almost overflowing with the little o's.

I went to the fridge for milk. No wimpy skim for me. Full fat was best for cooking and for my Frosted Flakes in the morning too.

"Man, you think like me when it comes to breakfast. At least what I have in the fridge for a quick meal when I'm running too late to cook." Chayton waited for me to pour and used his spoon to dunk his cereal into the milk.

"I'm surprised at how well we mesh." I lifted the first spoonful to my mouth and savored the sweet crunch.

"Do you have any time off coming?"

"About three years of deferred holiday time. Edison says take them, or they'll have to pay them out and screw my tax bracket for a couple of months."

"So, what? About three months?"

"Yeah, what are you thinking?"

"I have a spot where I board my horse. They have extra stalls. Bring Star with you and lets do some back country riding. Get out into the mountains." He gestured with his spoon as he spoke.

"I'll think about it. Have to get someone to watch the hooghan for me. But it sounds like a great way to relax. Take some time to really get to know each other. I don't want to let this turn into another disastrous divorce."

"You have an ex? Stupid man, letting you get away."

"Stupid me for not seeing through him," I countered.

"I won't be making that mistake." His voice softened to a croon. He finished the last of his cereal and held out his hand for my empty bowl. Taking them over to the sink, he rinsed them and put them on the dishrack.

"Let's get out of here. I can't wait to meet Bingo, and I'm sure Star is eager too. It's the first time I'm letting her foal."

"Put what you need into a knapsack. Bring binoculars if you have them. There's a good view of the ranch compound from the cave."

We were on Star's back inside of ten minutes. As we approached the cave, a rock pinged off my stirrup.

"Who the hell is in there?" Chayton's grip around my waist tightened as I kicked my mare into a gallop.