Megan grunted as she moved the fork full of hay into each stall. The stable was always quiet this time of year as the horses were mostly outside. She liked being the only one around in the early evening. It gave her time to think and time to get her job done at her own pace. Since her break up she'd found some solace in having something to do to occupy her time in the evenings. It was her eternal excuse to avoid social situations. She didn't feel like getting back out there as of yet.
She stood back from one of the stalls looking back at the pile left to distribute. Suddenly she heard something from the end of the huge stable. Chalking it up to a horse that must have been left inside by it's trainer she started walking back to the pile of fresh hay. As she dug her fork into the pile she arched her back trying to carry the heavy load a few feet to the next gated stall. She flung the bunch into the unit. Standing back she wiped the small amount of sweat off her forehead.
Her jeans clung softly to her curves and her tight white cotton shirt did nothing to hide the outline of her white bra. Although this far into her shift the shirt was no longer clean, with scuffing from the pitch fork's constant contact with her midriff and stray pieces of hay clinging here and there, she always took pride in how well kept she managed to keep herself while doing physical labour. Normally she would have worn something a little more conspicuous but she had quite frankly forgotten to do her laundry so it was as dressed up as she ever was if you could even call it that.
The sound came once again. Her attention diverted out of the stall as she poked her head cautiously out the gated door she saw a figure at the end of the barn. The setting sun shining through the door prevented her from seeing his face but she could see the outline of his towering masculine figure. He wasn't at all familiar to her. She stood her ground and asked in all the stern composure she could muster "Can I help you?"
He continued to walk towards her with measured steps, not saying a word.
She stood straight up thinking it may have made her look bigger than she was.
"The office staff has gone home for the day. If you have a horse here you'll have to contact the on call supervisor." Somehow quoting protocol made her feel more assured of herself.
As he approached the light of the barn began to allow her to make out more than just his shadow. He was significantly taller than her five foot two frame and seemed to be a rustic type. Wide shoulders and his arms the size of her thighs.
He introduced himself as John. Apparently the new resident cowboy. He explained he'd bought the place out a few weeks ago but had only had the opportunity to visit in the mornings since he got back into town.
"Thought I should meet the evening help, all one of you apparently."
She only somewhat relaxed as she knew the ranch had been bought out by some rodeo stud as the girls had told her. She had a relative disinterest in the drama it seemed to have caused amongst the younger trainers. Their giddy school girl personalities were too much for her to even try to reduce herself to.
"Nice to meet you" she said.
He complemented her work informally, as if necessary. He was standing too close for someone who she didn't know, she thought.
Her indifference to the situation was disturbing to John who was used to being ogled by women both for his looks and his money.
She was plainly beautiful. Obviously not done up but did a fantastic job of wearing her natural beauty. He stared at her while she walked past to another stall. He walked over to the gate and closed it behind her. He smirked as she finally showed some reaction.
She wasn't very amused by this mimicked forcible confinement. She turned rather abruptly and scowled.
"You always work alone? Must be lonely." He noted.
"I find it rather peaceful, now can you step aside so I can get it done? We're all about productivity here and right now you're limiting mine." She was not amused by his forward nature.
He on the other hand was not used to being spoken to in such a tone.
He pointed out to her that she'd better watch who she was speaking to. His arrogance did not impress her but she saw his point. She did like her job and she would probably just as soon be cordial and have him be on his way.
"Sorry." she uttered, "I guess I should be more aware of my place. My name's Megan. It was very nice to meet you. I've got quite the job ahead of me and I'd really like to get it done so I can get home."
This stung him almost as sharply. She now was clearly just feeding him what she thought he wanted so he would leave. She would have no such luck.
He followed her into the next stall, this time closing the gate behind him. She was aware of what he had done but did not wish to let him notice her uneasiness.
"Let's see what kind of quality employee I have here." His words turned cold.
She braced herself with the pitchfork placed between them. Whatever line she just drew would soon be crossed.
He grabbed the handle from her and tossed it aside. He looked her up and down. Her farm fit body seemed sturdy but it still flowed with femininity and grace. He liked the idea of taking things he couldn't have willingly.
She was wary of the look in his eyes. She was near frozen in spot.
"Now, Megan, was it?" He began, "I believe we should get better acquainted." He extended his large arm and put his hand on her shoulder softly.
