Chapter 38

The walk back was slow, with Lex cautiously keeping them off of any real paths. The rain also hampered their progress, even though the heavy tree cover blocked out most of the downpour.

How on earth does she know where we are going? Amanda wondered, keeping her eyes locked on the tall figure a bare step ahead of her. Lex doggedly made her way through the thick foliage, not hesitating in which direction to take. She must have some kind of built-in radar, the blonde mused. The object of her thoughts must have felt her scrutiny, because Lex turned her head, giving the younger woman a weary smile. Amanda returned it with a smile of her own. I'm really worried about her. She seems so…washed out.

They had been traveling for nearly an hour when Amanda reached forward and captured a muscular arm. " I hate to sound like an annoying kid on a trip, but how much further? " she asked quietly.

" Do you need to stop and rest? " Lex questioned. " I'm sorry it's taking so long, but I thought it would be a good idea to take the roundabout way, in case those guys are still trying to find us. Let's take a quick breather, " she sank to the ground gracelessly, propping her back up against the nearest tree. " We've still got about thirty minutes of walking to do."

Amanda dropped down beside her, linking her hand with one of Lex's larger ones. " Sounds good to me." Leaning her head on the nearby broad shoulder, she sighed. " Is your life always this…interesting? "

The older woman chuckled. " No. Well, at least not until recently." She glanced down and could just barely make out the young woman's features, between quick flashes of lightning. " I've had more things happen in the last week than in the past couple of years." Lex squeezed the small hand in hers. " Guess you brought the excitement with you."

" Oh, yeah…I love driving my car off into flooded creeks then run around in the cold rain getting shot at." Amanda laughed. " All part of my big plan to bring some thrills into my otherwise boring existence."

" Got more than you bargained for, huh? " Lex released the small hand, then wrapped her arm around Amanda's shoulder, pulling the smaller woman close. " Me too." She gave the damp head a gentle kiss.

They sat there quietly, listening to the sounds around them. Thunder rumbled intermittently, punctuating the bright flashes of lightning. Lex felt her body relax, and her eyes slowly drifted shut.

Amanda felt the body next to hers relax, and she looked up in alarm. The older woman's head was tipped forward, her chin resting lightly on her chest. Reaching up with her free hand, the young woman lightly touched the still face, which appeared unnaturally wan in the flashes of light.

Pale eyes popped open, tracking to Amanda's face instantly. " What? " Lex blinked, opening her eyes wide in an effort to become more alert. " Sorry…all this exercise must have worn me out." She wiped a hand over her face.

" Uh-huh." The small blonde pulled Lex's face towards her with her hand. " Are you getting sick? " she asked, peering intently into the somewhat glazed eyes.

The older woman blinked again, shaking her head slightly. " No…really, I'm okay. Just a little tired." And I think my ribs decided to shift apart again…but she doesn't need to know that just yet. Lex tried to take a deep breath, feeling a sharp pain along her side. Oh, yeah…I'm not gonna hear the end of this for quite a while. Martha's going to kick my butt. She glanced over at her companion, seeing the exhaustion on the fair features. Lex gathered up what little stamina she had left and stood up, pulling Amanda up with her. " C'mon. We're almost back to the pass, and then we can ride the rest of the way home."

Amanda allowed herself to be hoisted to her feet, not missing the slight tremor in the hand pulling her up. " Now that's the best idea I've heard all day." She brushed herself off and resumed her place behind Lex, as the dark woman began blazing a trail through the thick trees.

They found Thunder standing under a canopy of leaves, happily munching shoots of tender grass. The big stallion looked up as the two weary women approached, nickering a greeting.

Amanda expelled a huge sigh. " I never thought I would be so happy to see a humongous horse." She walked over to the still animal, patting his neck in relief.

Lex followed her, checking Thunder's saddle. " Hey, boy…you about ready to go home? " She leaned against him heavily.

The small blonde wrapped an arm around the weary rancher. " C'mon, honey…let's get you home too." The endearment had slipped out before Amanda could take it back. Lex didn't say anything, but the happy smile on her face said it all.

" Sounds like a plan." Lex climbed up on the tall horse and pulled the smaller woman up behind her. " Thought I'd drive, this time."

Amanda wrapped her arms carefully around the rancher. " Sure…I've always been told what a great back-seat driver I am, anyway." She felt a chuckle rumble through the tall woman, and gave the flat stomach her hands rested on a gentle tickle. " Home, James." She commanded regally. Snuggling up to the strong back, Amanda placed her cheek against Lex's shoulderblade.

The exhausted woman unconsciously leaned back against Amanda. " Yes ma'am." She gently kneed the big horse, guiding him back up the path to the pass, letting the large animal find his way cautiously through the dark.