Thoroughly Loving Nina

THE STORY SO FAR: Twice divorced, unemployed computer technician Victor Haig is searching for a real soul mate when he rescues Nina Raymond from two louts who either mistook her for a hooker or an easy opportunity. Nina (20) admits to 37-year old Vic she's sexually inexperienced. He learns the young woman has been abused sexually by the few men in her life including her widowed father, now dying. They leave town, taking to the road in Nina's SUV with no destination in mind. They work on a dude guest ranch and a year later help the proprietor rebuild his computer and video business. They leave the coast and head east into traditional cattle land to search for a run-down ranch to buy and build up. Nina reveals she was the daughter of an heiress and inherited her mother's wealth. Although pleased socially emerging Nina is wealthy, Vic decides it's best they don't overspend as he wishes to pay his way to end up being in true 50-50 partnership with Nina. They purchase a run-down privately owned ranch of 63,800 acres and their adventures continue while waiting to 'hand-over' day of the property. Vic is having sex on the side with Leigh Masters and he and Nina meet the Loves.

* * *

A couple of days after first meeting the Loves, Nina received a call from Kate inviting her to lunch with Vic included Vic if he didn't mind being in the company of two chatterbox women; Shaun was away working. Nina laughed, saying that the word 'chatterboxes' would scare Vic away but actually he was occupied looking around for ranch suppliers and signing up with selected ones.

"I have something to show you," Kate said, a touch of excitement in her voice, leaving Nina mysterfied.

The ranch-house was typically a builder's home – the extensions covered in and not finished.

"Shaun will finish the work if we ever go to sell or if he breaks a leg or I put him on rations."

"Oh, you poor girl," Nina chuckled, watching her new friend placing the flowers Nina had presented her into a vase. "Actually it looks a very comfortable home for a working couple" and that earned a thank you smile.

After coffee they walked arm-in-arm to the corral on the far side of the barn.

"Well, what do you think?" Kate asked casually.

"Which one?"

Kate laughed and said the other two were geldings.

Nina studied the sorrel roan and felt her heart reach out to her. Perhaps the mare would look better after Kate had worked on her.

"Well?"

"Yes, thank you. I trust your pick. It doesn't matter if she's a bit of a slouch."

"Oh, just you wait. I see Nell..."

"Nell?"

"She's not registered, is working ranch-bred of parentage unknown and came to me nameless. Change Nell if you wish. Kate, I know horses and see her as a pocket rocket. Her head's still down but at least she's beginning to gain weight. In five week's time you'll be looking at a different horse."

"I'll take her. How much?"

"My wee gift to you. I'm picking you two will be regular clients. Unfortunately I can't give you my pick for Vic – the price tag comes high."

"Why?"

"Because the Palomino is registered and exceptionally classy."

"What, to breed from?"

"That's over to you guys; it will give you a fantastic new interest if you do and sell off the progeny as riding horses, not workhorses of course."

"So how much?"

"Quite a lot as I said but he looks beautiful; we'll take a look at his picture first."

"There's so much to learn – we're babes in the wood, really."

"But you both have had some experience; you told me Vic spent his first eighteen years on farms."

Nina agreed but said working on farms and one ranch was somewhat different to running the ranch.

As they re-entered the house Kate said perhaps there was someone who could be encouraged out of retirement to become foreman-consultant. He'd probably do it for food, shelter and spending money.

"You have someone in mind?"

"My father, if you don't mind his constant talking. My mother Pearl nicknamed him Gabby before I was born and just loves not having him around her for longish intervals."

"Vic and I should meet him."

"Come to lunch Saturday – he spends his weekends with us, mainly to tell Shaun what to do; he acts as if he were Shaun's father."

"Well, why not? Thank you. I have the feeling you and I will become great friends."

Kate laughed and said she'd picked that the moment she learned Nina was coming to live close by.

For a moment Nina wondered how could Kate size her up so quickll. But then, "Of course, you know horses."

They both grinned as Kate brought the laptop out of 'sleep' mode and Nina found herself looking at Kingston Nobel Arc.

"What a name, what a horse," Nina breathed.

"Oh yes – the working name is King and the price he comes at is not chicken shit but Vic will be invited to lead local parades and whatever on him – there's nothing like owning one of the best looking horses in the territory if you're that way inclined."

"So, how much.

"Sixty thousand delivered; he's almost three, has tested perfectly and is worth it Nina."

"Wow, I have money but sixty grand on a horse seems rather extravagant."

"To put it in perspective, if you want a top sire as foundation for your ultimate herd, that could set you back $200,000 and that's on a year's lease."

"Jumping hot cats!"

Kate laughed and cocked her head. "Present King to him as a wedding gift."

"Wedding gift?" Nina faltered.

Kate said Nina would find it difficult to do better that marry Vic. "You're young and he's entering his prime and you're about to lock yourselves into big business – the timing is perfect."

"But he hasn't asked me to marry him."

"So? Then you ask him."

"But the age difference?"

Kate grinned and said Vic didn't look the worrying type.

"But what about me?"

Kate told her. "When he becomes too old then you have the choice of moving on without him. But chances are you'll be attached to him like an old saddle pleased that you didn't marry a young buck because all they think about is sex."

"But that's all Vic seems to think about."

"Shaun too – aren't we lucky; sex and experience in the one package."

They fell about laughing.

Lunch was served outdoors under shade.

Kate sighed. "I've been thinking about having an affair."

"Oh really?"

"A nice safe reply. I thought I would mention it since I know you're not actually prudish after telling me about the experience you had the other evening."

"Well, I wasn't recommending it."

Kate said she realized that. "I have this client who I notice flicks occasional appreciative glances at my body. It's worked me up a few notches and now I'm thinking lust is beginning to raze my mind."

"Well if you do break out insist on a condom and remember the possible consequences could go all the way to total marriage disintegration."

"Yes, I've thought that through. As you can gather, I married rather early so had few partners. This guy is beginning to attract me seriously – just for a fling of course, perhaps only the once. Who supplies the condom – me or him?"

"Who's him?"

"You won't know him. He runs a ranch to the north – Dean Masters."

Nina choked and Kate hurried to her with a glass of water.

"Oh dear, Nina said," eyes watering. "Thanks, now where were we – oh yes, don't count on the guy having condoms so carry your own as backup; you know what guys are like."

They grinned and raised their glasses in an unspoken toast before drinking, their dancing eyes locked.

After lunch they saddled up, Kate giving Nina a solid bay, noting how Nina handled it and took her seat. "You've had a good teacher."

"A very patient one, Vic."

"So he's taught you other things beside?"

"Besides what?" and only then did Nina become aware a sneaky trap had sprung. She giggled and urged her horse into a gallop. She veered to skirt an outcrop and watched Kate who was riding so smoothly wave and bend forward. Nina kicked the bay; the race was on.

She came to the rounded end of the outcrop to Kate waiting nonchalantly.

"You're fast," Nina acknowledged.

"I start everyone on my left so they always veer left at the outcrop. My way is the shorter route but I must say you cracked the pace on very well. You'll become a very good horsewoman."

"Become, aren't I okay already?"

"You're an excellent rider but I bet you can't cut and rope and do the others things one needs to do working as a cowgirl alongside her husband."

"Partner."

"Oops, sorry, partner. Come and stay with me a couple of days and bring Vic. While I'm teaching you early morning and evening, he can be finishing our dinning room extension for me; we both could pitch in with him some of the time. You could have your wedding here; would you like that?"

"Kate, stop it. You're making me nervous."

"But you two will stay?"

"Yes, oh yes."

"Well bunk down for this weekend and stay for a couple of working days as well. That will give you time to get to know daddy. let Nell become familiar with you and help me get my house completed as with you here Shaun will stick around."

"Sounds great. We're heading back west on Wednesday to stay with our ex bosses on the guest ranch where we worked – Joe and Hannah Black."

"Christ, Joe Black; you should have had Joe teaching you cuttingm roping and group penning."

"You know Joe?" Nina asked needlessly.

"He comes from these parts. When I was a kid he was a hero and is in our county hall of fame for winning national titles."

"Joe was that good?" Nina sighed and added: "Sadly he's quite crippled now."

"Many of them end up that way darling, what with broken legs, shot hips and busted backs."

"Joe, a real cowboy."

"Indeed, and get him to explain range riding theory in detail while you are staying with him Nina because he'll forgotten more about it than I'll ever know and yet I fancy I know it all."

"Why doesn't Joe talk about his great past?"

"Because of Hannah. She came here from somewhere and started high school with mom. She sometimes looked after me when I was young. I remember her well. She would have worked the ranch while Joe's bones were mending or ripped muscles re-attached during healing. Don't think it was only Joe who had the hard life. The day he retired she should have told him no more rodeo talk in her house ever again."

"So I best lure Joe well away from her to talk?"

"Smart thinking, Nina."

Nina went out and helped with the chores. Towards the end Kate kept looking into the distance in one direction.

"There he is," she said happily, pointing to the spike of dust trailing behind Shaun's truck. "He likes to walk in with a beer and a sandwich on the table and me standing beside his chair waiting to be kissed."

"How enchanting."

"Don't joke – it really is rewarding after being here all day without company unless I'm out riding out with temporary help to do extensive fencing or working on horses with assistance."

"I rarely joke about relationships. In your position I see it as enchanting."

Kate looked kindly at Nina: "Stand beside me and get kissed if you want."

Shaun came in hot and skicky, "Well, what a surprise – extra beauty to this kitchen," Shaun grinned, tossing his grimy Stetson on to the sofa and kissing both women. Nina noticed Kate scored a much longer kiss.

"I spotted Nell walking out to rejoin the herd. Why was she in?"

Kate colored and asked Nina if she wanted coffee. Shaun pressed: "Well?"

"I'm giving Nell to Nina in the expectation she and Vic will become big clients of mine."

"But you selected her for your replacement top horse."

Nina's face flamed: "Shut up Shaun."

"Oh no, I can't take your horse."

Kate transformed from being feminine to tough rancher. "Nell's not my horse, never was. She may have been but I've taken a different course with her now. Will you two please accept that?"

Nina rushed into Kate's arms looking upset.

"Oh Christ, I'm sorry," Shaun said. "You're your own boss Kate."

"Thank you darling, and please watch your language in my house – my unfinished house."

"My apologies."

"Thank you. Now tell him about Joe Black, Nina."

Nina jumped at the opportunity to ease the tension. Shaun listened, seated and sipping his beer, not taking his gaze from her face.

When she finished Shaun flicked blew his nose. "That guy was a legend around to us kids. Dad sold him some of his best horses. Joe had promise to sharpen up my riding but before he could do that he took a very bad fall and retired; he and Mrs Black moved out close to the coast. I'm happy to know that guy is still mobile."

Nina smiled. "Well, you'll be able to meet him in a little over a month – they'll want to inspect what we've purchased."

"Hah," snorted Shaun. "He'll be more than interested – Joe was lead horse wrangler when that Hunger Ranch was four times the size it is now in the days when cowboys on the open range were king."

Nina almost sank through the floorboards when Kate whispered: "Perhaps you could have Joe Black give you away?"

NinA glanced nervously at Shaun; fortunately he was busy swatting at a fly and appeared not to have heard. Nina gave Kate the fingers and Kate grinned, obviously back to better mood again.

* * *

Vic had a great time calling into ranch supply depots meeting owners, managers and dispatchers to learn what range of stock they carried, how they operated, delivery of big orders and opening account at the businesses which impressed him. He test drove a couple of ATVs (all terrain four-wheeler bikes) for general ranch work with the plan of increasing the number when the guest facilities were operating.

In mid afternoon he saw an attractive sight on the main street – Leigh Masters, taller, better dressed and more attractive than the half dozen women she was with, chatting outside a restaurant. She spotted him and waved so he waved back, feeling safe with the wide street between them. But glancing back he saw her excuse herself from her group and head towards him, so he waited.

"Hello handsome," she called softly as he raised his white dress Stetson to her. She kissed his cheek filling his nostrils with perfume; he stepped back quickly when noticing her companions across the street looking at them curiously.

"Slumming in town instead of riding the range?"

"Walking the streets begging for money to pay the fortune in commission a certain real estate company is charging us."

"Oh, my poor vagabond. Allow me to donate."

"You just go back to your girlfriends. You are so wicked"

"Forget them, that's part of the luncheon club. I've been missing you, especially a certain part of you."

Vic steered away from that. "Did you father's fishing trip go well?"

"Very well."

"Was he irritated I bypassed him and went to you?"

"Oh no, he said he expected you'd do that as an alternative to slugging him one. He accepts he was grumpier than usual that day."

"He said that?"

"I just said he did, didn't I?"

"Yes, of course. I didn't mean to sound if I doubted you. The scoundrel was playing with us."

"Yes, because he didn't think you two had the money. Old and experienced he may be but he's not always right, you know."

"Agreed. I must push on, I'm thinking about buying a one-tonner."

"Oh, take the next turn right and at the next street crossing you'll see a dealership. Ask for Art, he's my brother-in-law. Tell him I said he'll give you a good deal on a pick-up and suggest he turns his one over to you. He'll offer it at a great price if he likes the look of you – it's a demo vehicle and he's due to replace it according to what I heard him tell Dean the other day."

"Gee Leigh; you really are a great person to know. Thank you."

"Well, it's the least I can do. As you know I'd like you and Nina to become good friends of Dean and me and our two kids."

"In that case we better stop messing around; friends tend to get caught out."

"Oh huge big sigh and expletive and I weep and tell the handsome hero he's right. You are right I must admit."

Vic looked a little sad. "Except very occasionally and under special circumstances."

Leigh brightened and said she had no idea what Vic was talking about but she'd agree, absolutely. She kissed him goodbye saying, "Go buy your truckie thing."

* * *

Nina arrived back at the suite tired but exhilarated. She found Vic at the pool swimming and watched his power and quite good style. He seemed good at everything he put his hand to, including her; she pressed her thighs together in anticipation. He stood after finishing that length, spotted her and smiled. She went to him to be kissed.

"I had a great time with Kate. She runs all horses and will be giving me a scruffy mare called Nell."

"What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, although she's rundown from being worked too hard and then being neglected. Like all women she'll bloom in the hands of someone with loving care."

"Then Kate must already be a friend to give you a horse; I though I was your only friend?"

"Oh darling, don't be jealous. I'm not jealous that you have a lady friend."

"Who?" Vic asked indignantly.

"Leigh Masters."

The feeling of being hit by a brick warned Vic not to be evasive.

"Oh yeah, quite right," he smiled and yawned.

Nina had been watching him intently for the reply. When it came she sensed it suggested there was nothing to be alarmed about.

Nina hauled Vic by his upheld hand from the pool and he fished out his wallet, watch, keys and sunglasses from under his towel and, putting on his robe without drying said, "Come with me." They walked to the edge of the roof with its high netting fence and he pointed to a vehicle. "Go take that white pick-up for a test drive. It's done 1875 miles as a demonstration vehicle and we've bought it for $4500 under list price."

"Wow – a good buy. But why didn't you ask them to store it until we move to the ranch?"

"Because when I go out you are left without a vehicle but also when we go to the Black's next Wednesday we could pick up useful gear along the way if we see foreclosure sales and the like. We'll get more on to that baby than into the SUV unless we take some seats out."

"Well I'll go down and look at it while you change quickly and fetch something to drink and a rug."

"Why a rug?"

"Because I feel like being seduced on a riverbank; any more questions?"

"No, wine, glasses and rug coming up, ma'am – oh, and a towel."

Well, you've been a good boy today, Nina thought, aware that he'd ejaculated powerfully. It was all over her front which meant her clothes as they'd done it half dressed because people walked through the tree-lined riverbank. God, it's even in my hair, she sighed, toweling that. Well, it was her fault urging him to pull out and spray her. What had she been thinking about – that he'd only plop a load on to her bare belly? Well, at least she'd given him the chance to feel manly; he also knew he liked being given that opportunity - the bull.

Yes, the man was a bull. She was dimly aware other women might receive attention from him, Leigh Masters almost certainly. She pushed such thoughts deep because she didn't want to know about it or even think who they were. Only Hannah Black would have been safe from him. Or would she? Nina gurgled in shock brought on by that rogue thought. How could she think that of Hannah?

God, weren't thoughts so cutting at times? No way but no way did she want to think about who Vic fucked at it would leave all their female friends and acquaintances under suspicion. Leigh Masters – oh the sexy, beautiful Leigh Masters and morhter had received attention of the rutting kind from Vic – she was sure of that; absolutely. She had no proof of course; they were as cunning as she'd been not even been presented with the smell of Leigh's distinctive perfume on Vic's shirts that she took to be laundered.