This is an alternate universe romance, which won't have anything to do with the anomalies. I got the idea for this from several sources. At this point I haven't decided if I want to put the time and energy into creating this entire story, yet I really like this beginning. Since I post these things for the pleasure of reader's reviews, I will decide whether to continue based on the response I get to this first chapter. Hint – 3 reviews will not be enough to motivate me to write. If you like it and want more, then tell me. If you read it and don't review, I probably won't go on.

Chapter 1 - Fate

Abby dangled her jean-clad legs off the back of the open pick-up truck. Her silvered sunglasses reflected the strong early morning light of the Texas prairie. She had been watching the light from the rising sun change the look of the land for the past twenty minutes. The sandy soil and rocky outcrops made her glad she had worn sturdy shoes. The rough terrain seemed stern and unwelcoming; yet its look was softened by the scrub brush and blooming cactus that grew along the side of the road. It was interesting land, but she really hated being stuck with a broken-down car. She peered down the road and wondered how long it would take her traveling companion to get help. With a sigh, she hopped down from the truck and aimed her camera at the brilliant scarlet blossoms of a nearby cactus. She took a few pictures and then zoomed in to get a different view. A slight motion along the base of the blooms instantly caught her attention. It was a small beige lizard. Abby snapped a few more shots and then crept closer and crouched down, trying to get a better look. She was concentrating so hard that she failed to hear the man approach until he spoke.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Need any help?"

Startled, Abby fell back onto her butt. She turned toward the source of the voice and saw a pair of boots peeking out from under long, lean, jean-covered legs. She craned her neck past a narrow waist to a wide chest and broad shoulders encased in a denim shirt. The long column of the man's neck was partially covered by a bandana and framed by dark shoulder length hair. Abby took in a strong jaw line, and incredibly dark eyes under the brim of a Stetson hat as she continued to stare up. Her lips parted slightly as she felt her heart rate increase. Stunned, she tried to pull herself together as her body text-messaged 'sexy' to her brain.

It was the man's broad smile that finally broke her silence. Feeling indignant that he would dare to smile down at her with that ridiculously cute dimple; Abby came up bristling in embarrassed anger. "Don't you know any better than to sneak up on a person?" she complained as she started to get up.

The man continued to smile as he reached down to take her hand and help her to her feet. Her northern British accent reminded him of his father's speech. His smile faltered as he looked down into her frowning face. It wasn't her scowl that had him backing up, but the intense feeling of attraction that suddenly gripped him. She was beautiful. Her creamy pale complexion, light blonde hair and soft pink lips knocked the air right out of his lungs. He suddenly wanted to pull the sunglasses away from her face and look into her eyes. Instead, he took a large step back. "I wasn't sneaking. I was checking the fence line and saw your car. Technically, I don't think you can 'sneak' on your own land," he said mildly. "But if you don't need any help, I'll be on my way." He turned to the handsome, chestnut horse waiting calmly on the far side of the truck.

As he swung up into the saddle, Abby forced her attention away from the smooth controlled motion of his body as he sat the horse. She ignored her physical reaction to him as she remembered her situation, "Wait. I do need help. The car broke down and my friend went back to town," she said as she gestured up the road.

"Please tell me your friend took a hat and some water."

"Of course. He's not an idiot."

"Good to know." He reached down to take her hand. "Put you foot in the stirrup and swing yourself up behind me." Abby did as instructed and found herself settled on the horse's broad back. The cowboy used the reins to circle the horse carefully, "Wrap your arms around my waist and hang on."

Abby gingerly placed her hands around him while trying to maintain some distance. "My name is Abby Maitland."

The horse leapt forward as the cowboy urged it to a canter. Abby lost her balance and frantically grabbed for the man's waist to pull herself tightly against his back.

The young man grinned as he turned his head to look back at her, "I'm Connor Temple. Nice to meet you."

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So what do you think? Is this worth continuing?