The Marshal Pt. 05

"Robert, he was always as wild as a young buck," Ms. Mabel continued. "A good student, but he was more interested in chasing girls than doing his homework."

"Do tell," Bae said, looking at him and grinning. "I may want to talk to you in private sometime."

The pump clicked off, saving him from having his entire life story told. "We're on the way to Bangor," he said as he pulled the nozzle from the Ford and hung it back on the pump. "It's good talking to you, Ms. Mabel. I'm sure we'll see you around."

"Nice to meet you, Robert... Bae," Ms. Mabel replied.

"You're still driving," he said, pointing at the driver's door.

He hurried around the truck and crawled inside. Bae was grinning at him as he sat down. "I need to talk to Ms. Mabel."

He chuckled as she started the engine. "No. No you don't."

Bae heard the clattering growl of the tractor as Rob arrived home. He'd been working on his property steadily, mowing the part of the forest he'd already cleared, and more, getting ready to clear another section of land. It was only eleven and she hadn't expected him back this early, so she hurried to the kitchen to start lunch, pulling meat and cheese from the 'fridge to assemble the sandwiches.

When she'd arrived at his home a couple of weeks ago, she'd wondered how anyone could live without cable television, internet, and a night life. Now she knew. There was always plenty of work to do, and she was starting to help. She'd learned how to drive not only his Bronco and the side-by-side, but the lawn mower as well. She'd only mowed the grass once, but she'd enjoyed zipping around on the machine while Rob worked in the woods.

He had a system for clearing his land, and she'd helped him mark off the next section he wanted to clear. Two days ago, they'd ridden out in the side-by-side, and as he walked, inspecting the trees, she crept along with him. Trees he wanted to keep he tied a bright orange ribbon around. He was judging them based on size and type, and selecting those that weren't too close together and were healthy. As he tramped through the forest, he picked up any trash or rocks he found and tossed them into the back of the side-by-side. Things he couldn't move he marked with a yellow flag so he could come back with the tractor to pick them up. If it was too big for the tractor to move, it became part of the landscape. When he reached the edge of his property, using his phone's GPS to find the property line, he spray-painted a wide, bright orange, ring around a tree he was keeping to mark the boundary.

She'd looked back and saw a line of orange trees meandering in the direction of the house. She'd asked where the fence she'd seen at the gate was, and he'd told her that was for show and only went a few hundred feet into the forest on each side before ending to stop people from trying to drive around the gate.

After he finished marking trees, they'd gone to the lake to dump the rocks he'd picked up, while the rest of the junk went into the trailer he used to haul off trash. The picking up of rocks and trash, the and marking of trees, had taken most of a day, and though Rob had done all the work, he'd said she'd been a big help and had probably saved him a couple of hours by keeping the side-by-side close at hand so he didn't have to keep walking back to it when he found rocks and trash. Not only had she enjoyed their time together, she'd all but puffed with pride that she was a help rather than a hindrance.

Yesterday he'd used the tractor and that giant mower thing on the back to mow down all the small stuff, the high weeds, brush, and trees up to half the size of her wrist to make clearing the trees easier. She wanted to go with him, not only so she could enjoy his company but also to help. He'd told her there was nothing she could do and asked her to stay away so he wouldn't have to worry about flying debris hitting her. She'd ridden out in the side-by-side anyway to give him a lift back to the house for lunch so he didn't have to bring the tractor or walk. Remembering his warning, she'd stopped well away and watched until he noticed her sitting there. As she watched, she could tell it was slow going, the mower banging, rattling, and shaking as the tractor growled and strained under the load. Rob was going backward more than forward, had to move slowly because of the heavy cutting, and having to squeeze the machine between the closely packed trees required care and skill. Even without the felling of trees and planting of grass, the difference in appearance after he'd cut down the tangled undergrowth was amazing. He hadn't finished yesterday and had returned to the task today.

She liked going out with him and stomping around in the woods. Not only did she enjoy his company, but when she switched off the grumbling Gator, the quiet never ceased to amaze her, at least when the tractor wasn't clattering away in the distance. It honestly felt like they were the only two people on earth, and she loved it.

Not only was he teaching her how to recognize the different trees, and to play with his toys, he'd also started teaching her to cook. He could throw something together from whatever he happened to have on hand, where she still felt like she needed a recipe, but she was learning. She couldn't say she enjoyed cooking, not like he seemed to, but it wasn't as dull an activity as she'd imagined it was. Especially when he stepped up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her on the neck.

But better than all of that was what happened after the day's work was done. They'd sit on the deck, sipping an adult beverage of some kind, watching the fireflies blinking as the stars and moon came out. When there was no breeze, the lake was glass smooth, and she'd seen the moon reflecting in the mirror like surface of the water. It was a perfect photographic moment, and she got to enjoy it every night.

They'd sit, talking softly about nothing, or not speaking at all, as the mood struck them, before they retired to bed. She was in nirvana. She knew this arrangement was only temporary, but she was soaking up the memories like a sponge. She and Rob were making love at least twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, and once, during a lazy, rainy, afternoon, they'd idled the entire day away in bed, making love, sleeping, and then making love again.

She heard him step into the kitchen, but she ignored him as she continued to assemble the sandwiches, and he didn't disappoint. His arms went around her and his lips found her neck as she pressed back into his crotch. He smelled of dust, wood, and sweat. It was a very manly smell that she liked.

"Get finished?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"What's next?"

He let her go. "Next, I'll start taking down the trees and cutting them up for firewood, but that's for later. You know, all work and no play, and all that."

She plopped the two sandwiches on plates. "Oh?" she asked as she turned and handed him a plate. "What did you have in mind for this afternoon?"

"I thought you might like to go out on the lake again."

It wasn't what she thought he was going to suggest, but she couldn't claim she was disappointed. They'd used his new kayak only once. She'd been completely useless in helping him paddle, but she'd enjoyed the leisurely trip around the lake immensely. She'd even seen her first real, live moose when a cow had stepped out of the woods for a drink. Rob had called her Gretel, recognizable by a large scar on her right side, and according to him, she'd been drinking from his lake since before he'd owned it. She'd been nervous as he'd warned her that moose could be dangerous, but he seemed unafraid, though he made sure they kept their distance.

"I'd like that."

"You're going to help paddle?" he teased as they sat down to eat.

She groaned in mock despair. Even though Rob did most of the paddling, she'd still been a little sore the next day. When she'd first met him, she'd wondered how he stayed in such kickass shape. Now she knew. Everything he did required some form of physical activity, and he did it nonstop.

"If I have too," she muttered as if she were upset with the mere thought of it.

"You're never going to learn if you don't practice."

"Okay, fine," she grumped, but she couldn't prevent her smile from peeking out.

They finished eating and he rose, placing their plates and glasses in the dishwasher before disappearing into the bedroom. She followed a moment later to get her boots. When she entered Rob was standing by the bed, butt naked, pulling on a pair of swim trunks that were cut like boxer briefs. They were made from some type of clingy, shiny, black material that fit him perfectly. They weren't too short or too long, and the bulge in front as he snapped the waistband was going to require her to exercise some willpower or the only place they were going was to bed. She'd never seen him wearing swim trunks before, but she approved. He grinned, knowing exactly the effect he was having on her. She didn't know why he found it humorous as there wasn't a woman with a pulse that wouldn't be thinking all the same things Bae was.

"It's such a nice day, I thought I'd get some sun."

"You know," she drawled, "that a really good idea."

He'd bought her a bathing suit when they went to Bangor, but other than trying it on in the store, she hadn't worn it. Now was the perfect time.

She stripped out of her clothes, Rob standing and watching her with rapt attention. The bulge in his swimsuit became more pronounced as she undressed, so she took her time, allowing him time to have a good look. When they'd shopped for the swimsuit, she'd picked out several styles from daringly skimpy to a more modest one piece, with a couple of steps in between. She figured since he was buying the clothes, even if he did expense it back to the government, he should have a say in what she bought.

She was glad he hadn't picked the tiny little thing because it was totally impractical, unsecure, and uncomfortable, and was designed to look good on a model during a photo shoot, but not to wear. She'd assumed he'd pick one of the other two-piece suites, but he'd surprised her by picking the black one piece with the white side panels.

It was easily the most comfortable of the four suits she'd selected and was a good blend of practicality, comfort, and sexiness. On the way home, she'd asked why he'd picked the most modest of the swimsuits. His reply of, 'The anticipation while unwrapping a present is part of the fun,' had left her tingling. When they were buzzing along the road, and she didn't have to think about shifting, his words echoed in her head. When they'd arrived home, after the kayak had been stored and her new clothes put away, she'd started unwrapping him.

He always knew exactly what to say to make her feel good about herself. Even though she was dressing down far more than she used to, she felt sexier. She was trying to emulate Rob. He was sexy as shit, not because of how he dressed, but because of how he carried himself. He had an easy sexiness that came through regardless of what he was wearing, and because he wasn't trying, it made him sexier still.

She slipped into her suit, tugging and pulling to adjust how it fit, the white side panels emphasizing and flattering her shape. Had she been shopping on her own, she'd have picked one of the other suits, but looking at herself in the mirror, she nodded in approval. The cut and fit of the suit made her look good without looking like she was trying to impress anyone.

"Nice," Rob murmured as she twisted to look at her ass in the mirror.

The simple compliment from him warmed her more than any of the gushing praise she'd received from any other lover she'd ever had. She ran her hands down her sides as she continued to admire the suit and how it fit her. Once again, she realized that Mr. Rob Cogburn had simple but exquisite taste.

She turned away from the mirror. He was sporting a full hard on, and she stared pointedly at his crotch. "Yes, it is," she murmured as she crossed the two steps to him.

He pulled her into a kiss. He held something back, but it was still a hell of a kiss. All he had to do was say the word and their bathing suits would be on the floor in moments. He sighed out of the kiss but continued holding her to his chest.

He smiled at her in that mischievous way he had when he was teasing her. "Ready to get wet?"

She giggled. He was the absolute master of the double entendre. "I think I already am."

He kissed her again, a quick bussing of her lips this time. "Come on. Let's go before I change my mind about going out on the lake."

She put her canvas sneakers on instead of her boots and followed him out. It was a warm Maine summer day. The boat wasn't heavy, but she helped him carry the tandem kayak to the lake, stepping carefully over the rocks as they slid it into the water. She scampered into the front seat and held the paddles before he propelled the kayak away from the shore with a single shove and took his seat in the back.

She handed over his paddle, and they stroked away from the shore. As before, he was doing most of the work, his strokes powerful, quiet, smooth, and sure, especially when compared to her splashy, fumbling strokes. She was still working on the technique of rotating the paddle as part of the stroke.

"You're doing better," he said from the back.

They were about halfway across the lake, and her arms were already tired, but Rob acted as if he could paddle all the way to Korea if he wanted to. She took a break, laying her paddle across her knees to rest.

"I'm so fucking out of shape, it makes me sick."

"I think your shape is just fine," he said, still paddling.

"I'm serious. I had no idea how flabby I was."

"Babe, you're anything but flabby."

She smiled at him calling her babe. "Still," she complained.

The only thing where she could even remotely compete with him was fucking, but she decided on the spot she was going to take these next two or three months and do everything with him to try to whip her sorry ass into shape. Nothing would make a girl work harder than trying to impress the honey watching her. Gritting her teeth in determination, she began to stroke.

"Easy," he murmured. "Smoothness is the key. You're working yourself to death."

They rounded the end of the lake, the water so clear in the shallow end she could see the bottom. "How deep is the water here?" she asked as they slowly paddled. She was sweating buckets and her arms both burned and felt like noodles, but she was starting to get the hang of the rolling shoulder stroke and wasn't splashing or dragging her paddles in the water as much.

"Eight or nine feet, I'd guess."

"Deep enough for swimming then. I'm so hot!"

"Yes you are," he teased, but she ignored him.

"Can we go swimming?"

"If you want, but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Why?"

"The water's going to be cold."

She dipped her hand in the water. It felt cool and refreshing. "It feels great to me."

"Okay," he said, lilting his voice in a way that said she was going to be sorry if she didn't listen to him.

"Are you going to come in with me?"

He grinned. "You go in and tell me how the water is. If you say it's fine, I'll join you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

She put her paddle in the boat and dipped her hand in the water again, deeper this time. It was definitely colder the deeper she reached, but she was so fucking hot, a nice cool swim was just what she wanted.

"It's safe, right?"

"Safe?"

"Yeah. Nothing's going to bite me or anything?"

He chuckled. "I promise you there are no alligators or anything like that in my lake." He paused, watching her. She guessed he could tell she was hesitant. She'd never been swimming in anything other than a pool. "Yeah, it's safe."

With that, he rolled out of the boat into the water with a splash, almost dumping her out at the same time. He popped up a moment later, treading water.

"Shit," he murmured.

"How is it?" she asked.

"A little cool."

"I'm not that great a swimmer, so don't push me under, okay?"

"I promise," he said while slowly backing away from the boat.

She rolled out of the boat as she saw him do, turning the boat over in the process. "Holy... shit... this water's cold!" she screamed as her head popped above the surface.

She felt like she'd just jumped into a tub of ice water, her hands and feet almost instantly going numb. She damn sure wasn't hot anymore. Rob lunged out of the water, grabbed the far side of the kayak, and flipped it back over so it was right side up again.

"I told you."

"Holy... fuck! I'm freezing my ass off!" He swam to her and pulled her into his arms, kicking hard to keep them afloat. Even the normally torrid heat of his body wasn't enough to combat the cold and her teeth began to chatter. "Jesus! Why didn't you tell me?"

He chuckled. "I did."

She pushed out of his arms and grabbed the edge of boat. "Aren't you cold?"

"A little. I think my weenie has crawled up inside me."

She giggled before trying to crawl into the boat, but all she succeeded in doing was turning the kayak over again and dunking herself under. She popped up, spluttering.

"Rob, help," she begged, her teeth rattling so hard she was afraid she was going to crack the enamel.

He flipped the boat over again and pulled it between them, holding onto the side. "I'll hold it."

Teeth chattering, she struggled out of the water, feeling weak as the bitter cold sapped her strength. As soon as she was settled in the boat, Rob handed her the two paddles that were floating nearby before he exploded out of the water like a breaching whale, lying across the boat on his stomach before squirming around and sitting down. She held on for dear life as the kayak rocked, but they didn't go into the drink again. She sat shivering, scrubbing her arms with her hands. She'd never been so cold in her life.

"I'm freezing," she muttered as she hunched in on herself and rocked. A high in the mid-eighties didn't seem so warm now.

He chuckled. "I warned you."

"You said the water was 'a little cool,'" she grumbled. "It was a damn sight colder than a 'little cool.'"

He picked up his paddle with a chuckle but said nothing, turning the boat for his house, just visible in the distance. She shivered and picked up her paddle. Maybe paddling would warm her up and get them home faster.

By the time they reached the shore she'd warmed up, but she still felt like she had a cold lump sitting at her core. She stepped out of the boat into the water. Near the shore, the water was cool, but nothing like it was out in the middle. They picked up the kayak and carried it back to the barn where Rob hefted it up and hung it on hooks attached to the wall so it was out of the way.

As they stepped out of the barn, she stopped in the sun, tipping her face up and drinking in its warmth. Standing on the graveled pad, away from the water, it felt warmer, and as Rob's arms went around she, she snuggled in tight.

"I should have listened," she said, shuddering as the warmth of his body leeched the last of the chill out of her.

"City girl," he teased.

"You say that like it's a bad thing," she mumbled into his chest.

"No, not a bad thing," he murmured. She looked up and his lips were waiting.

She sighed out of the kiss. "This city girl needs you to take her inside and warm her up."

He grinned down at her. "After that, I hope I find it."

This time it was her turn to smile. "You let me worry about that," she purred as she caressed his bulge.