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The only thing that surprised me was Brent arriving with the baby. I figured Jackie would hang on to the kid out of spite, if nothing else. It'll be interesting to see how Brent made it out. Thanks for posting. I was checking every day! :0)

Nice chapter. I like the other characters you introduced, and the way you did it. I especially like the glimpse into Clem's little network of friends. They seem an accepting bunch (after all, they were ok with Clem and Nate, and I love the line about the divorce), and Clem was more liked and missed than he expected. I hope that Clem and Ashlee have a serous talk before they get to sexy times. Clem dropping two "I love you's" is no passing matter, and Ashlee hasn't said how he feels. Plus there's the matter of them moving so fast. Sure they were both comfortable when it was all froth and flirt and kisses, but deeper emotions are becoming involved. Once we get past Nate invariably saying cruel things and (I hope) getting his ass kicked, I look forward to Clem and Ashlee hashing out where they stand. Fingers crossed that convo includes open discussion about their romantic pasts. (Clem really shoulda told Ashlee that Nate would probably be the rodeo, BTW.)

Not gonna lie -- I'm worried about Ashlee wearing a skirt to the rodeo. It's like waving a red cape in front of a bull. They're not in Austin. If they don't at least get glares, it won't seem realistic. I like the buildup between them, tho. Hope Clem straightened up his place and changed the sheets.

I like that Ashlee took the initiative to visit -- those first stages of love, where you can't get enough of the other person, are so fun! I was DYING to know what Malik thought of Ashlee, tho. And I don't know much about farms, so I'm wondering: how can Clem get away to take Ashlee to lunch? Is it because it's a slow(ish) period at the farm? Or because Clem gets up early, then come back and works late to get all his stuff done? Just thinking about him cleaning himself and the truck up, then the drive into town ... (I know, I'm thinking too realistically again. I can't help it!) Looking forward to the third date. I wonder if either of the boys is good in the kitchen ...

I like the characters, but I can't help thinking about reality. Clem might not have had a problem with Ashlee in the skirt (then again, it's all so new he probably couldn't think past "thighs"), but even Austin is still Texas. Surely someone looked askance when they were out? (I'm surprised Ashlee went to work at a day job in hair clips and makeup because, again, Austin = Texas.) Also, if Ashlee does come visit the ranch, with his hair clips and lipgloss, lord ... BUT if he comes to visit with a makeup-free face, is he stifling a big part of himself? And this is on top of the issue of Ashlee liking the finer things in life and Clem being more salt of the earth. You've taken on a lot, Sasha. It'll be interesting to see where you go with it.

Whoa, that was rape, full stop. I hope Clem stays strong and doesn't go back to Nate. Clem is too good for him, it's too bad he can't see it. It's better to be alone than to be abused. Maybe some time alone for introspection (which Clem is certainly capable of, unlike Nate) will strengthen Clem's resolve. I hope he can accept that there's nothing wrong with wanting more out of life. Intriguing characters, Sasha.

I made the mistake of reading all the chapters in one sitting, without noticing the story isn't done. Curses! Do you ever plan to finish it? I hope so!

It's been so long, I think I need to go back and read the Jackie-related chapters again to understand what's going on here. Her actions are incredibly cruel. And did her husband try to stop her? I hope Jackie says more than "you should've driven with us" as an explanation before poor Mark leaves with Gary and Diane. Also I hope someone gives her a piece of their mind before they leave. The rushed cremation is the absolute worst thing that could've been done to Mark. Where's Jackie's effing glee coming from? Did she have some sort of breakdown? What does the husband think about all this?

I know this story is about Kieran and Robin (and as you predicted, I've warmed up to both of them), but Becca's outburst was beyond the pale. It's like she showed her true colors for everyone to see. I feel like I need to know what kind of conversations she and Shastan are having, for him to still want to marry her. The way she feels toward Kieran makes her look like a jealous harpy, and that's not going to go away. That said, I hope Kieran can find some satisfaction in the racing world without actually racing. It DID send him to hospital four times and almost kill him. And that's *with* him being good at it. If he sucked he'd already be dead.

*tears*

*tears*

I keep reading this because I really like the way you write, Sasha. But especially while reading this chapter, I kept asking myself, "why?" Why would you choose to write about a young, rich, vain, beautiful manboy who doesn't have to work and spends his days with dogs and motorcycles and someone else's kids (which ... that's kinda weird, the trust the mom has in him)? Why would you make him suddenly interested in some nondescript twink whose main purpose is to be shocked and say no? And why the borderline violence? Maybe I'm too old (or jaded) for this story, because I don't find any of the characters compelling -- in fact, they are the least interesting of any you've created. But because it's you, I'll keep reading.

I'm excited and sad to hear there's another chapter. Excited because the first time I read the story, this is where it ended, and I always thought it deserved more. Sad because the next chapter will be the final one if you decide not to write a sequel. This is one of the best stories in this genre I've ever read.

I was surprised by the added stressor of Shell being taken right when Buzz showed up. But I'm sure with his computer skills, he'll be a great help in getting her back. As Sandra Bullock said in "Speed," "relationships based on intense experiences never work." But since Jed and Buzz are fated to be together, this'll just accelerate their mating.

I really like this series, and I'm enjoying this story. But what I'm missing is Jem's motivation. Not just for Kia, but for ... life, I guess. In the other stories the humans seemed more fully formed. We knew enough about them, about their past, to understand why they didn't have a complete mental break when faced with these circumstances. But all we know about Jem, aside from that telling detail about his parents, is that he has a dominant personality and no filter when it comes to saying what he thinks (which is a little at odds with that detail about his family, when you think about it). I feel his character lacks dimension. Also: I may be in the minority, but I found his low-key reaction to what Kia did to Nassau disturbing.

This made my stomach hurt. Interesting, yet awful, premise. It would make a great movie. Jared Leto (the independent version) or Daniel Radcliffe (big studio version)as Poll?

Nice chapter! I know Rhyder is young and can be thoughtless, but I'm surprised there hasn't been a conversation about the horses. Two horses certainly aren't cheap. Neither is a visa. Sorry if I'm being nitpicky, but is Rhyder gonna continue to accept his good fortune with this family without a thank you, or some agreement as to how to pay them back for the horses? And I can't remember what time of year it is, but if Bryce isn't in school right now and he has a passport, it would be cool if he could go with Rhyder to England. Who knows when the Brit will visit his old home again after this ...

I enjoyed the chapter, but I had problems with the time frame. As in, I didn't know how much time passed in the different segments. It felt like the rodeo was 12 hours long, but they didn't leave the ranch until afternoon, right? And how much time did each event take -- I couldn't tell because I didn't know how many people were competing, or how long it took to set up for your turn, then taking your turn. I get the sense that it was quick, but I wasn't sure. Then I didn't know how far Rhyder had to run to get the horses, or did they have a special entrance, or ... get my drift? I'm not saying everything has to be spelled out; like others said, you paint a vivid picture. But did the action span 3 hours or 8? I couldn't tell.

I had to laugh -- OF COURSE Jase would fall for someone who looks like him. He loves himself so much! I think the birthday provided for Rhyder by everyone involved showed how much he was cared for, accepted and appreciated. I shudder to think what it would've been like for him back home. I look forward to Bryce following through on his sexy promises ... and wonder if they'll ever do it in a bed. :0) Great characters, great chapter.

Wow. I'd like to read that. Particularly interested in the drama that was Ethan's last relationship.

This is lovely. Like the earlier commenter, I'm surprised it's only been three weeks as well. So many life-altering changes in such a condensed amount of time! Could it really happen that way? Yes, I think it could. I'm interested in how you're going to resolve this. Rhyder still needs someone to take care of him. He can't even remember to make sure he has clean clothes! And he's in love with a boy who, while eerily mature for his age, is still in high school. It's hard to believe that Rhyder's parents, while portrayed as generally uninterested in him, would let him skip college and move to a ranch on another continent. Are they gonna visit and see for themselves the life he's making? What would he do to earn money? And would he get a work visa? So many adult questions for a young man who's really more boy than man.

Nice job! Love Caleb. LOVE. Rhyder will look back on this experience and be thankful the man pulled him out of bed. (I did wonder where Sam was, tho. Handling Caleb's normal duties, I expect.) I think we've all known men like Jase; I count myself lucky to have never been caught in the crosshairs of one, because I would've given in as swiftly as Rhyder. But I'm more worried about how Rhyder will deal with having to leave Shura at the end of break. That'll hurt him way more than Jase's indifference. It'll be interesting to see where you take this story next. It could easily wrap up now. Depends on how much more time you want to spend with the characters.

Well, there are worse ways to lose your virginity than to a hot, experienced man during a summer break where no one knows you. At least Rhyder enjoyed it, and came. I'm relieved that this won't wound him as badly (emotionally) as it could have. It all happened so quickly, he didn't have time to fall in love with Jase. And Jase is obviously done with him, so Rhyder can move on. Gawd, it'll be hard for him to look Caleb in the eye, tho -- Caleb who risked Rhyder panting after his man because he didn't want the boy to get hurt. Loving Caleb right now. A question, tho -- I thought Rhyder was spending the summer at this place. But with only three weeks left, it appears he's only staying a month. ... right?

I'm enjoying this story, especially Rhyder's relationship with Shura. I've been on a horse only once in my life, and the horse knew I was nervous and he was in control! They are scary-smart creatures. What I also like is the exchanges about Rhyder among the older men. It's an angle nit often seen in stories such as this. I particularly appreciate knowing what Jase is thinking, and I *really* missed that in this chapter. I wanted to know what he truly thought about Rhyder's trigger release. I wondered: was he amused? disgusted? proud? ambivalent?

I enjoyed the characters, and I'm glad there's room in Clay's life for both Eric and Steve. But honestly, I was hoping for something a little less sex-drenched (believe me, I'm stunned that I just typed that, because normally I'm all about the "erotic" in erotica). I guess it's all about sex with them because they're so young, and the relationship is so new. But I wanted to know if Steve was out to everyone (sounds like he's not) and if it was causing problems. I wanted to know what he planned to do with an art major. I wanted to know what was holding these two together besides sex and borderline co-dependence (at least that's how it reads to me, and you even have Clay mention it). From your comments, Mann, it sounds like you're ready to move on to other characters and stories. Kudos for creating this set that made me want more. They'd be great to revisit if you ever felt like tackling the issues that come with sustaining a relationship over time.