I'd rather...

Feeling Misty's hand against his face, then run through his hair, Carson closes his eyes for a moment, enjoying the tingle that it sent down his spine. Returning the kiss, he slowly brings his arms around her, holding her tight while one hand strokes her back.

But while the passion is returned, Carson is suddenly thrown back to a time that this was normal. Misty had just called this old fashioned. And it was. It was, because this is what he used to be like. He used to be rougher. He used to take more chances. He used to not care about rules and regulations. He'd never crossed the line with Misty, but he'd been careless in more ways than one. What did that mean for now? Wasn't he trying to be a different man? Wasn't he trying to be a new man, no longer associated with those actions?

His sense of right and wrong suddenly seemed blurred as his mind went one way, and his emotions another. He wanted this to last. He wanted to hold her tighter. He wanted to let the fire in his soul out. He wanted to pull away and give her the smart remark that was on the tip of his tongue, that would surely lead to another kiss just as passionate.

But...

That was the old Carson. What about the new Carson? What about all that he'd worked for? Wasn't giving in to those feelings something he shouldn't do anymore? Wouldn't that just lead him back down the path he'd been trying to leave behind? His feelings for Misty ran deep... but did that mean he couldn't be who he was today?

Slowly, slowly, he withdraws, ending the kiss in a strong hug. Holding her for several moments enables him to hide his face, which he knew wouldn't convey what he wanted it to. He didn't want her to feel unwanted, or give her the impression that he didn't enjoy this. He did... but maybe he enjoyed it too much.

Gently, he lets Misty go, turning before his eyes can meet hers again. He'd sensed some hesitance on Misty's part lately, and had wondered about it. He was trying to behave himself, but she hadn't really responded the way he'd thought she would. Had he done something wrong, despite his efforts?

Fooling with the pizza box, the silence is one that he doesn't like, though he tries to pretend that his focus was on the box, not on anything else. Looking up, he finally looks back to Misty, a small smile on his lips. "I hate cold pizza," he muses. "I'll get the plates if you find the movie."


David stands near Angelica, one hand tucked in his pocket, his other busy holding a drink. She'd seemed far away tonight. It had been a while since they'd seen each other, and he'd tried multiple times to have a more serious chat with her since she'd been back, but she'd seemed unwilling. So, respecting her space, he'd settled for surface conversation instead.

"Why thank you," he answers, a smile playing on his lips. "You look fantas..." His words are cut off as her phone rings and she excuses herself.

Looking down at his arm where she'd touched him, he gives a little sigh. Finishing his drink, he glances around the room, shaking someone's hand as they pass, and nodding to another like any good business person should.

As his eyes find Angelica again, his eyebrows raise slightly. Where was she going and...who was this stranger? Frowning a little, he watches for a moment. They seemed awfully friendly. No one should have gotten in without an invitation, but David had never seen this guy before.


Reese's smile widens as Angelica approaches, and he puts his phone away. His cheeks redden slightly, though he retains his composure. Cocking his head, he reaches out to brush the tear from her face with a gentle finger. "Better now," he answers quietly. "Now that... I can apologize for being self-absorbed and too involved in my own little world to realize that maybe there was someone else who needed some company."

He gives a little nod, standing awkwardly for a moment. "I, um... might need a good lawyer now too, after I got let in here on an outdated badge." Humor twinkles in his eyes. "But I'd much rather have you as a..."

"Well hello." David boldly interrupts, his curiosity getting the best of him. He stretches out a hand to Reese. "I'm Angelica's associate, David Croughton."

Reese lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised, but willing to accept the intrusion. He accepts the handshake. "Mike Reese."

"And you're from..." David fishes, trying to figure out where he knew Angelica from.

"Nevada. I work, or, used to work for the Elite."

"Ah. The new branch of law enforcement." David nods knowingly. "Retired?"

Reese doesn't know whether the comment implied he appeared old enough for retirement, or if it was an innocent question. "Uh, no." He forces a smile. "Hopefully I'll be going back shortly after a few things are cleared up. Angelica might even help out with that one."

David studies Reese for a moment, then glances at Angelica, his smile remaining. His eyes stay on her, even though his speech is directed to Reese again. "I've been trying to convince this rogue to come back here full-time again since our two main firms are merging. Wears a person out to manage two unconnected jobs, especially long-distance."

"Well, she's pretty talented," Reese compliments. "We sure have appreciated her with the Elite. Lots of things we couldn't have done with out her."

"Now you know how I feel." David and Reese lock eyes for a strangely tense moment before someone else comes up to get David's attention. He offers a nod to Reese, then a gentle touch to Angelica's shoulder. "Excuse me."

Reese watches him leave, then turns his attention back to Angelica, a new look in his eye. It didn't portray that he was upset, but maybe just a little bit confused. Perhaps coming here hadn't been the great idea he'd thought it was. "Nice guy." He glances to the door, then back to her. "I, um... didn't want to crash the party or anything. I got a hotel in town if you want to meet tomorrow or something." He shrugs, not really knowing why he was suggesting that. He wanted to stay. He'd come to see her here because she'd invited him, and it was here that she'd originally wanted him. But suddenly he felt out of place. Maybe now she really would prefer if they met some other time. His original statement that had been interrupted went forgotten.



Mick wanders from the barn to the house, just having finished everything up for the night. Most people were already in for the evening, all work completed. It was dark, and stars dotted the sky.

Pausing at the porch, he takes in a deep breath of the chilled air, and looks up to gaze at the dark expanse. And like he did every night, he thanked God for where he was, and for his family.

Just as he's about to go inside, his attention is diverted by the sound of one of the ranch trucks being started. Curious, he watches, to see Clint heading out the driveway and towards town. It would have been more strange had he not suspected the same routine for the last week. Mick had asked Jim about it, but no one seemed to know anything. No one had asked Clint about it though, as he'd seemed pretty offish lately. He was often exhausted to breakfast, then would simply trudge to the shop to work for the day with Wes.

Tonight, Mick had seen Clint bid Wendy goodnight, then head to his own bunk. He'd assumed his nephew was turning in. But apparently not. Interesting.

Giving a little sigh, Mick finally finishes his route, entering the cozy house. BJ had been tucked in an hour ago, so all that was left was a warm spot on the couch in front of the television with the one he loved. He was tired, but he wouldn't head to bed just yet.