Cut Loose. [WCS/IRS/SOPS]

[Cavallo]

<sub>The car ride over to the Riley's Bar, the local tavern, had been loud and rambunctious to say the least. Jeff had made it a point to sit beside Adele in back seat, mercilessly teasing the blonde willowy woman. Her blue eyes begged with Nick to save her in his rear view mirror, but the older brother figure had simply laughed. Beth turned around in the front seat, to throw Adele a comforting look and ripped Jeff a new one. The car had roared in Jeff's sputtering response. Ethan Marino just smiled and watched as the four of them interacted. It was fascinating to watch them all, they were in every sense of the word, family. He felt a surge of pride growing within him to be able to call Intrepid his new home and knew that with time, he too would be as intricately connected with these people; it made his home sickness fade ever so slightly.

Nick and Beth had practically dragged Ethan into the car, but he could gladly say now that he was glad they had forced him to come. With nine yearlings in training in prep for Y15, his life was a wild mess. It was rare not to see the muscled and devastatingly handsome man, disguised and masked with the sweat of his toil, mud, manure and all that jazz. It felt nice to be clean for once and actually listening to human conversations. He'd needed this, whether or not he'd known it and he slowly found himself relaxing on the right side of Adele. The woman was sweet and kind, the complete opposite of his sister and he found her company refreshing. He gave Jeff a wry grin and relished in his temporary embarrassment. He'd known Jeff for years, in fact, it was only because of him that he'd even landed the job here at Intrepid. He owed the man a lot, to say the least.

Some of the staff, Nick and Beth mainly, had decided that the staff needed some free-time - time to cut loose and relax. Michael and Kyle had been so excited, dancing about like children with the potential of having a night off, but...the saying the early bird gets the worm had never proven more true. Jeff and Adele had both jumped on the train and Nick and Beth had dragged Ethan...unfortunately someone had to stay home with the horses. Nick laughed as he remembered seeing the deflated looks in his brother and cousin's faces. There would be other nights, but tonight it belonged to these five.

Nick had called and texted Amber and Ripley about their plans, opening up the invitation to their friends, should they desire to let their hair down with them. He hoped, personally, that Amber would come and he knew Adele was pinning away for her man Malcolm. He tried not to grimace at the thought and told himself to behave. He wasn't going to ruin this night...and hopefully Amber would be there to keep his thoughts and attention fully entertained. As Nick pulled up to Riley's, he looked over appreciatively at his older sister. She was stunning. Her light pale skin off-set by her wavy dark brown curls. She wore a simple long grey cotton shirt, covered with a white and black knitted Indian patterned sweater with maroon jeans and brown boots. Simple, but striking. Nick had sensed a recent shift in his sister and wondered about it. What had caused his sister to become searingly more beautiful that normal? He let the thought slide and parked the car. The entire crew spilled out like a wave as they made their way to the door, laughing and joking without a care in the world.

Adele pushed back a stray curling strand of blonde hair from her face and tugged down her grey undershirt and smoothed out her tan knitted sweater that hung loosely over her tall and slender frame. The sweater ran down the length of her covering her in a comforting, but alluring fashion as it hung loosely off of her shoulders. Her curves oh so becoming and all the more pronounced with striking black leather tights. The leather tights clung to her every curve and form, refusing to hide her fit and trim form with legs that could walk up to the sky. The sweater managed to cover her tight rear and offer some comfort to her sizzling sexiness. She was sex appeal with comfort. Smiling she walked to the door, blonde locks down and waving freely in the wind, but Jeff was quick to open the door for her and the rest of the crew. They were all chatting amiably right up to the bar and everyone ordered their drinks, except for Nick - he'd drawn the short straw.

They all grabbed their drinks and went to a cluster of high-tops. The night was just starting and the local honky-tonk band was winding up. Live music, alcohol and great friends? The only thing missing was more people to soak in the fun.</sub>

[Ripley]

Ripley did not know why she was Reese's car speeding down the interstate toward downtown. She did not know why Reese had to drive fifteen miles over the speed limit at every single sharp bend or turn. Her hand clutched the overhead handle, cat green eyes flaring with fear when the car practically tilted on two wheels. She sent a glance up at the sky, praying that she lived to go to Riley's Tavern where Nick Landing and Mal's girl waited for them. Mal sat stoically in the front seat, cobalt eyes gazing far into the distance. It was his only coping mechanism for dealing with Reese Balling Jone's reckless driving.

Ripley could feel a pair of eyes burning into her from behind the driver's seat. She glanced nervously sideways to find Brooks staring at her with high interest. Nerves skittered up and down her spine. When had Brooks become so dangerous? He'd been so naive and simple to get rid of before this last year. And now... he was a tick burrowed in the back of her neck. She stared back into his eyes, feeling heat waver over her, flush in her cheeks. Brooks' eyes glinted as though he knew his effect on her. Ripley let out a shaky breath when he turned his attention away. God damnit Reese! What do you think you're playing, Grand Theft Auto? Good lord. Reese's white smile flashed in the rearview mirror. Oh hush, Brookson Wells. Look who got us to Riley's Tavern in no time.

Yeah and barely in one piece, came Mal's deep voice. Reese patted his arm before sliding out of her car. Mal let out a huff of air and launched out of the death trap, wishing he could kiss the ground. I'm driving home Reese. I suggest you start taking tequila shots. Reese's low thrumming laugh wafted over Brooks and Mal. The guys shared a glance. Both of them were deeply entranced by their women, but they knew when a woman was primed to slay a man. Brooks wrapped an arm around Ripley's waist. The woman slashed him with her knifelike gaze, but he held on. He was extremely satisfied. He wouldn't be going home alone tonight without the woman he loved.

Reese stalked into the bar, brown eyes searing the people at the counter. Her hair had been straightened to perfection, fingernails blood red as they tapped her chin in a look of contemplation. Her white t-shirt scooped provocatively at her breasts, her naturally tanned skin glowing around her neck. The brown leather jacket hung gracefully around her slim, in-shape frame. She was here to slay. She swaggered over to the man who had caught her eye. She'd never seen him before. Her ripped skinny jeans melded to her, baring skin here and there. She was effortlessly gorgeous, drawing eyes of bartenders and bar-hoppers alike. She settled at the bar, beside a man in a brown sweater and quality blue jeans. Her lush eyelashes batted his way, brown eyes searing beneath a field of black eyelashes. She flashed him a killer smile, cocking an eyebrow at the stunned man behind the counter. Tequila shot please. Salt on the rim.

She held out a hand in the man's direction, smirking. Reese. And you are too handsome for your own good.

Mal entered with Brooks and Ripley sauntering in behind him. His gaze swept over the crowd, noting briefly that Reese had found her target. His cobalt eyes were all for Adele Rogers though. He walked over, body cloaked in gray flannel and blue jeans as he surveyed her. His heart tripped in his chest and lust could have claimed him then and there. She was gorgeous. He placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling into her eyes. Hey there Adele. You look absolutely stunning tonight. He lifted a hand, eyes still on her hers and kissed it softly. He stood up straight, smiled. What is it your drinking this evening?

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Nights on the town weren't occurring all too often these days. This season was always one of those busy ones when people just wanted to be home with the horses. But Amber Black had had to make an exception for today. Her crew needed the break...and she couldn't say no to hanging out with Nick. Being in a relationship was...weird, but pleasant, and she was enjoying it. So the small black-haired woman was now in the car with some of her crew, driving precisely five miles per hour above the speed limit. That was the safe zone - five miles above was something the police couldn't pull you over for, after all. She looked in her mirrors, grinned as she watched the antics of her crew.

Krystal's beautiful light brown hair was straightened and not put up in its usual ponytail. She was quiet, contemplative as she sat on the passenger side. The backseat was anything but quiet. Young Valencia Andrews was chatting animatedly with none other than her older brother Timothy Andrews, the stallion manager. He was young for the job, fresh out of college, but Amber had recognized talent and will from a mile away. The siblings had the same black hair and light brown eyes, as well as the same snarky attitude. It wasn't hard to label them as siblings at all. It was a bit of a risk bringing them both out in public where they would meet the IRS and the WCS crew. Valencia got on famously with the WCS group, so Timothy likely would as well. Krystal got on with everybody. Amber was frenemies with Ripley Marsh, but didn't mind many other people. Overall...it should be a fun night. Amber would just have to make sure Valencia didn't engage in underage drinking. The young woman may have won the Canadian Triple Crown aboard Italian Ice, but she was not drinking age.

The four arrived and stepped out of the car. They were just a little bit late, but among friends it didn't really matter. Amber nervously examined what she was wearing. Black jeans, a bit ripped at the knee, along with a simple but form fitting red top. Tall black boots traced up her legs, their length resting just beneath her knee. Her black hair was down, freshly shampooed and looked great. She wore no makeup - she never did. She glanced to see Krystal, dressed similarly, also lacking makeup, with blue jeans and a very nice, sparkly green top. She looked the picture of youthful success...very very attractive. Maybe Krystal would actually get a man?

Amber switched her gaze to Timothy and Valencia, who were still talking. Tim was dressed in faded blue jeans and a regular black top. Valencia looked the most beautiful - skinny black jeans, formfitting blue top, hair up and tied with a blue ribbon that matched the shade of her top and some light makeup dabbed around her face. Valencia knew how to go all out. She looked alluring. Amber faced front, steeling herself, before entering Riley's Tavern. Her smile became real as she sighted the Witch Creek crew getting situated with the Intrepid. There was Nick,. with a seat open for her. She was on her way shortly. Krystal glanced at Amber, realized she was otherwise occupied and just went for the nearest seat near some random person. Valencia was all class. She practically strutted in her heeled shoes over to the bar and took a seat right next to Reese. Amber shot a warning glance in her direction that Valencia pretended to ignore. Timothy took a seat on the other side of Valencia and proceeded to order some beer for himself and chocolate milk for Valencia. He laughed heartily as his sister glared and sent a punch in his direction.

[Cavallo]

<sub>It was nice for once not to be wearing an old muddied t-shirt and worn jeans. Ethan had busted out his high-end Italian denim and his brown Italian leather shoes. His clean white shirt scooped low to reveal a toned chest, smooth and muscled and sun-kissed. Overlaying his white shirt, Ethan had decided to go with his wool knitted sweater cardigan. He was comfortable as he could be and also knew that he looked dang good. He was nursing his first beer, his eyes silently sweeping the bar. Riley's looked like it was going to be hopping place tonight, but Jeff would make sure of that. Teal blue eyes locked onto the teasing Jeff and he almost sent Adele a look of sympathy. He was glad he had no associations for Jeff to turn his teasing eye upon and he took comfort in that as he drug another sip of his beer, hiking up his right leg to rest on the bar of his stool. Adele's cheeks were stained an attractive pink as Jeff ribbed her about her so called "man". This was one of the first times he'd heard about this Malcolm, but a few weeks ago when Nick and Adele had come home with a new weanling for him, he couldn't help, but overhear the two bickering teasingly back and forth. He hadn't asked any questions, but soon the entire staff had known Adele was fraternizing with the enemy.

Come on Adele. Spill. You were over at Witch Creek for three days and you haven't spilled ONE detail. I don't believe that you just sat around for three days. Jeff's flashing blue diamond eyes stared down at her insinuating something darker. Adele's innocent eyes widened with shock and then darkened with indignation as she raised her right fist and aimed directly to punch Jeff in his arm, where the man sat on her left. Jeff caught her fist in mid-air and easily muscled her arm down getting a jab of his own in to her left side. Adele laughed, and even Ethan admired the purity in that soft sound. dang Malcolm was lucky. And then all of a sudden the empty seat next to him suddenly occupied by a stunning, brazen sharp tongued she-wolf. Adele and Jeff's teasing across the table blended into the background noise as the minx ordered her drink. Ethan knew he couldn't stop the smirk forming on his face even if he'd wanted to as he observed the woman dressed ever so enticingly. Here was another interesting woman and she obviously had eyes set on him - he couldn't blame her. Well, aren't you cocky tonight? He mildly scolded himself, but he wasn't that sorry. He took in the slight and trim woman beside him and any hot-blooded male would have been blind to not be enticed by this delicious treat, except this was a treat that looked like it was ready to bite back.

He casually lifted his beer bottle again to his lips as the woman ordered herself a tequila shot. Well. Someone was out to have some fun that she wouldn't remember in the morning; he could help out tonight with that. The woman boldly turned to him, hand extended demanding his attention. His smirk still burned into his features as he slightly angled his body to the right to get the full onslaught to his senses as his teal blue eyes skimmed the length of her quickly to settle on those demanding brown eyes and then her full lips parted as she spoke, "Reese. And you are too handsome for your own good." His mouth parted as a low masculine rumble rose from his depths and broke through white flashing teeth as he extended a masculine, work roughened hand. Her skin felt softer than his own, though he could tell she was a worker herself. He admired that. She smelled tangy too and wondered if it was a hair product, perfume or her natural scent...He suddenly caught himself thinking what it would be like to run his finger through her hair, but quickly stopped that thought process to open his mouth up to reply. I think it would be rude of me not to return the compliment Reese. Do you always dress so dangerously? You might attract the wrong kind of predatory attention. Something dangerous flashed in his eyes, but it was tempered with his easy smile and relaxed posture. The name is Ethan and I would love to buy you your next shot. Good Lord. How much more fun could this woman be? He was going to find out, just for tonight anyways...

As Adele wrestled away from Jeff's grip and fended off the painfully ticklish jab when all of a sudden she felt someone's eyes lock onto her. Her hair raised on the back of her neck and she spun to see a pair of cobalt blue eyes locked onto her. She felt a warmth begin to pool in the bottom of her belly. His intense gaze alone lighting a fire deep within her. Mercy, Adele...He hasn't even touched you yet. A problem she hoped would soon be remedied. Jeff quickly grew quiet as he took in the dream man that Adele had been gushing only to him about for months. Jeff smirked at the obvious chemistry the two had and he continued to look on with avid interest. He didn't even notice his buddy Ethan being sharked on across the table. What was unfolding before him was much more anticipated.

Adele felt his hand on the bare skin of her shoulder, her nerves on end as she stood to face Mal full on. God he looks good. Her glacial blue eyes looked up expectantly into his and his smile reached down into her very soul and made her own private world seem all the more brighter. The deep rumble of his voice awakened something latent inside of her and she surely felt her knees had just gotten weak as she hung onto every word that came out of his ever so appealing lips, "Hey there Adele. You look absolutely stunning tonight." She didn't blush this time at his compliments, she was too wrapped up in finally seeing him. After a couple of weeks, it felt like it had been an eternity. She didn't feel so shy anymore around him and she silently wondered what that meant. His hand then lifted hers and her breath caught in her throat. His intense gaze never left hers as he kissed her hand in greeting and stood to smile and ask her what she was drinking. God. She wanted to grab his hand and leave right now and the fact that it wasn't a real option at the moment sent a wave of regret through her. Did he even know the effect he had on her? Her eyes were tinted with a desire that was all for him and she did nothing to mask or hide it. She tilted a sweet face slightly and slowly smiled up at him, truly glad that he was here and answered his question, Cuba Libre and maybe a side of you. Later on. We'll see. Adele loved her mixed drinks. Anything with rum in it was a success and so the combination of coke, white rum and lime was like heaven, but she wasn't even thinking about how good her drink tasted when all her eyes seemed to be able to do was drink him in. Her smile had widened as she teased the tall man beside her, but she still had meant every word she'd uttered.

Jeff sat back in his chair, mouth slightly agape at the entire scene. Dang. Never in his life had Jeff ever felt like the third wheel, but as he watched Adele become officially hypnotized by her man candy, he suddenly felt oddly like an intruder. He let his long leg discreetly poke the back of Adele's taunt left kneecap and her leg buckled slightly. She caught herself one hand on the table and one braced against Mal. Almost growling, Adele spun around with a roll of her eyes, shooting Jeff with a look that could kill. Jeff. She ground out the words, but her eyes had softened with teasing and she shook her head to turn back to Mal, an apologetic look on her face as she then began to introduce the two men. This is kinda weird. The thought whizzed through her mind, but didn't remain. She was head over heels for Mal and Jeff...well no one had ever known about that crush and no one ever would. Mal was the real deal for her and Jeff the ever ready friend. She secretly hoped that the two would get along, she had enough to deal with trying to get Nick and Mal on good terms. Mal, this is Jeff Saunders - the proverbial pain and Jeff, this is Malcolm Floyd. Her voice said his name with a tone of possessiveness that warned Jeff to play nice. Her eyes glinted dangerously as if daring him to try and embarrass her.

Jeff knew exactly how to push Adele's buttons and he always enjoyed that, but this new lovey dovey side was a whole new animal. He loved it. His ploy had worked. No longer was he the bystander watching, but now he finally got to meet the guy that Adele had been sooooo secretive about. Jeff had studied the man while he and Adele had greeted. He was tall, around his own height so that he could easily look over Adele's blonde head right into the man's eyes. He was dressed simplistically in a grey flannel shirt and blue jeans - not to different in simplicity from his own simple grey hoodie and blue jeans, but even Jeff could tell the man was well kept. His head almost nodded in approval as he smiled and held out a hand to the man in greeting. What a pleasure it is, to finally meet the man our little Adele has been hiding from us. His eyes glinted with amusement and approval as his voice rumbled out with a tone of teasing, but also sincerity.

Nick watched as Malcolm came in and made a direct bee-line for Adele. His gaze started to follow the man, but decided he'd best not. Seriously. What could happen to Adele in here anyways with all of these eyes? He decided instead to greet Brooks and Ripley as they entered in behind. Ripley! Brooks! Glad you guys could make it! We just got settled. Amber and some of her crew should be here soon. He checked his watch and then smiled again at the pair. He winked at Brooks. He liked the younger man and was glad that he'd come tonight. There were three empty seats by Nick and he motioned for the two of them to take the two open seats to his left, leaving one chair on his right. Right when Nick was about to speak to the "couple" he heard the door open and in spilled the SOPS crew and headed his way was his woman. His crystal blue eyes took on a possessive glint as he stood up as she drew close and drew her into his arms, placing a polite kiss on her cheek and forehead before pulling out her chair for her. Amber, I missed you! So glad you and the crew could come out. He mentioned the rest of her crew in politeness, but it was blatantly obvious that he was only focused on the small green-eyed and dark haired woman. What can I get you to drink before we kick off this shin-dig? His eyes danced with happiness and eagerness. He was more than ready to relax tonight with the woman that he loved. They didn't get to do this kind of stuff often enough since they both ran large stables and so moments like these...well Nick was determined to make the most of tonight. What about you two? Ripley?? Brooks? What are we all drinking tonight?

Beth smiled and shook her head at her brother's exuberance, but she wasn't going to stop him. She knew how much Nick needed these nights and she quietly texted him real quick and let him know that she'd drive home tonight. Nick deserved to really have the night off and to be honest...she wasn't that much of a drinker. Beth secretively put her cell away and watched as Nick sent her a grateful look after he read her message.</sub>