by Laura Ann
The idea of smelling like a large beast had never appealed to him before, but it was so...Kinsley. Everything about it reminded him of the beautiful model he had sworn to protect, and was far too attracted to.
“I’m here!”
Her voice penetrated Sawyer’s heavy thoughts and he turned to see her practically skipping down the stairs. Geez. Does she really get more gorgeous every time I see her? Or is my memory really that bad?
A grunt and an elbow to his arm broke his stare, and he looked down at Mr. Storm.
The older man winked, then walked off with a smile on his face.
Crud. Now he knows I’m attracted to his daughter. Could this be any more embarrassing? Sawyer scrubbed his hands down his face, but stopped when he saw Kinsley frowning. “What?” he asked.
“What, what?” Kinsley threw up her hands. “I haven’t even done anything and you’re already irritated with me.”
“I’m not irritated. I’m—” Ridiculous? Starstruck? Twitterpated?
“You’re what?” Kinsley crossed her arms and tilted her head, obviously defensive.
Sawyer sighed. “Sorry. I’m not irritated at you. I was just thinking about something I need to take care of.”
Kinsley’s arms dropped and her frown softened. “Must be something terrible if you’re that bothered by it.”
Actually, it’s not terrible at all. “It is, but it’s my problem, not yours.” He waved an arm toward her great room. “Why don’t we sit, and you can tell me what happened at the barn.”
Kinsley nodded and led the way. “Do you want something to drink?” she asked over her shoulder, veering toward the open kitchen as she walked.
“Water would be great,” Sawyer said. Maybe it’ll cool down my stupid desire for another kiss.
Kinsley was back quickly with two bottled waters, one of which she handed to Sawyer.
“Thank you,” he mumbled. Twisting the top, he took a long pull, then set it down. “So, tell me what happened.”
Kinsley pursed her lips and played with her bottle rather than taking a drink. “Nothing really...happened. But Mary Ann came over to have a chat.”
Sawyer wanted to roll his eyes. Mary Ann Donaldson was proving to be the exact stereotype Sawyer had originally thought Kinsley would be. Kinsley, however, was proving him wrong right and left. She worked hard, treated others kindly, and stood up for what she thought to be right. Very little of the spoiled princess Sawyer assumed would be present ever peeked through.
“And just what did she want to chat about?”
Something flashed in Kinsley’s eyes, but Sawyer couldn’t interpret it before it was gone. It did, however, catch his attention, and he straightened up, ready to listen carefully.
“You, mostly,” Kinsley said casually, finally taking a swig of her water.
Sawyer’s eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”
A smirk tugged on Kinsley’s lips. “You heard me.”
“Why would I be a topic of conversation?”
Kinsley tilted her head to the side and gave him a look. “Are you kidding me? You have to know how attractive you are! I mean, honestly, you have the whole barn swooning at your every word!”
Sawyer’s eyebrows felt as if they were nearly at his hairline as he listened to her rant. “You think I’m attractive?”
Kinsley snapped her mouth shut and glared. “I’m not adding to your already massive ego, Sawyer. You want to know what you look like? Look in a mirror.”
Sawyer knew full well that women often found him attractive, but there was something about Kinsley admitting to it that set his blood to pumping. But diving in deeper is only going to make my job harder. She’s a client. I’m a professional. No matchmaking will occur during this job. “Back to what Mary Ann said,” Sawyer responded, ignoring Kinsley’s eye roll. “Why did you feel the need to let me know she thinks I’m cute?”
Kinsley sniffed. “That part wasn’t the most important part of the conversation, but I thought I should let you know you’re on her radar. She doesn’t seem the least bit worried that we’re supposed to be dating.”
Sawyer grinned when he realized her prickly attitude came from jealousy. So this little obsession isn’t one-sided. I should be thrilled about that, but I have a feeling it’s only going to make things harder. “So we need to up our game. Got it.” He held back a laugh at the look on Kinsley’s face. It appeared she couldn’t decide between elation and horror at the thought of being more convincing as a couple.
Finally, she cleared her throat. “Whatever. The part I thought you should know about was when Mary Ann mentioned that I’d been having...troubles, as she put it.”
Sawyer stiffened, immediately on the alert. “Troubles? She knew about your accidents?”
Kinsley shrugged. “She didn’t mention anything specific, but claimed she’d heard rumors through the grapevine.” She looked at Sawyer from under her lashes. “I’ll be the first to admit there is definitely a strong gossip line within the club.”
Sawyer nodded, then leaned his elbows on his knees. “I think you need to tell me everything word for word.”
CHAPTER 8
Kinsley stroked Amadeus’ neck absentmindedly. Her eyes were trained on the arena as she watched another young woman going through her routine.
“You ready?” Sawyer’s deep voice sounded just behind her, making Kinsley jump a little.
She turned to look over her shoulder. “Don’t scare me like that!” she whispered, then gulped. Sawyer was far too close for comfort. Being as tall as she was, it wasn’t very often Kinsley had to look up at a man, but Sawyer still had several inches on her, even with her riding boots on. She tilted her chin a little to look him in the eye, and the intensity she saw made her knees buckle.
“Whoa, there.” Sawyer wrapped his arms around her as she wobbled. His movement brought them even closer and Kinsley just knew she was going to have a heart attack.
That or my heart is literally going to jump out of my chest. Either way, I’m a total goner. This was the first show Sawyer had attended with her, and after last night’s talk, they had decided it was more important than ever for him to stay close. This is certainly close, Kinsley thought sarcastically.
Despite the fact that she knew she should lock her knees and step back, she selfishly wanted to stay right where she was. Ever since their kiss a while back, she’d been aching for more from him. She knew their relationship was fake, but the spark she felt when they touched was beyond description, and Kinsley wanted more. Needed more.
“You okay?” Sawyer asked softly, his voice husky.
Kinsley opened her mouth to answer and his eyes dropped to her lips, ridding her mind of any chance of responding.
Slowly, painstakingly, Sawyer’s head moved closer. “Kins...” he whispered.
Just as their lips touched, someone jolted them from behind.
Kinsley jumped out of Sawyer’s arms and could have sworn she heard Sawyer growl softly. Turning, she scowled when she saw Mary Ann looking at the two of them innocently.
“I didn’t want you to miss your cue,” the small woman said sweetly. She smiled at Sawyer, and Kinsley found herself wanting to grab Mary Ann’s hair and give it a good yank.
Maybe that would teach her to interrupt something as amazing as that kiss was going to be. Her blood was still running hot, and Kinsley felt slightly feverish. Tugging on her collar, she took some deep breaths and tried to calm down. “Thanks, Mary Ann. Glad to know you’re looking out for me,” Kinsley forced herself to say.
Sawyer stepped up and wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing her ear. “I’m thrilled that Kins has such good friends.” He squeezed Kinsley and gave a very fake smile to Mary Ann. “We wouldn’t want her to miss her chance to win, now would we?”
Kinsley snorted as she tried to hold in her laughter at Mary Ann’s look of disgust. With a curled lip and a flounce worthy of old time England, Mary Ann disappeared down the hall.
“That was good,” Kinsley said
with a smile and a nod. “She’ll be ticked about that one for ages.”
Sawyer shrugged and, to Kinsley’s delight, left his arm around her. “Someone needs to put her in her place. Anyone who thinks they can just walk in and steal someone’s significant other needs help.”
“Significant other?” Kinsley raised an eyebrow. “Is that what you are?” She had meant the question to be teasing, but her heart had other ideas, and instead of sounding like flirting, it came out far too serious.
Sawyer’s eyes darted between hers, and the conflicted look in them gave Kinsley a little more insight into the brooding Sawyer Lockwood. “For now,” he finally said.
When he dropped his arm from her waist, Kinsley felt as if she was off balance, but she had far too much pride to beg him to come back. And truth be told, she didn’t want a relationship where she had to beg. If the guy wasn’t ready, she wasn’t interested.
Sawyer stuffed his hand in his pockets. “So you never answered my question.”
Kinsley blinked rapidly, striving to figure out what he was talking about. “What question?”
“Are you ready?”
“Oh!” She tilted her head back. “Uh, sure. As ready as I can be, I guess.” She leaned her shoulder against Amadeus. “This big guy does all the real work anyway.” She jabbed a thumb in the horse’s direction, smiling when he snorted.
A boyish grin overcame Sawyer’s face, and Kinsley held her breath to keep from puddling at his feet. “Maybe so, but you’re still an important part of everything. Did you eat your lunch and stuff?”
Kinsley waved his concern away. “Nah. I was too nervous.” Truth was, she was far more nervous than normal, thanks to the man standing next to her. The thought of him watching her in the ring had her tied up in knots. His opinion meant much more to her than it should have this early into their acquaintance.
Sawyer frowned. “You really should eat. Your dad told me you’ll need your energy.”
Kinsley smiled and patted his shoulder. “I’ll eat when I’m done. I had a good breakfast before we headed out this morning, so I’ll be fine until I finish.”
“I could run and grab you a sandwich or something—”
“Sawyer.” Kinsley held up a hand to stop him. His concern was totally sweet, but completely unnecessary. “Really. I’ll be okay.” She grinned. “This isn’t my first show, ya know.”
Sawyer grinned sheepishly and scratched at the short stubble on his chin. “I suppose.” He glanced behind her. “Looks like you’re up in a minute.” He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “You’re sure nothing looked odd when you got ready?”
Kinsley shook her head. “No. For the first time in a while, everything was completely normal.”
Sawyer pursed his lips and nodded, then glanced over his shoulder. “You go do your thing. I’m gonna sneak back and glance in Amadeus’ stall, then I’ll work my way back to the arena. I don’t trust that your saboteur suddenly went quiet.”
“I thought you weren’t sure there actually was a saboteur,” Kinsley shot out before she could think better of it. She winced internally. Well, that’s the perfect way to push him away, she grumbled to herself.
Sawyer paused his retreat and glanced back. “I’m sorry I made a rash judgment,” he said softly. “But Mary Ann’s remarks the other day are definitely suspicious.”
Kinsley’s mouth dropped open a little as he turned and stalked away. That was...something I never thought I’d hear out of his mouth.
“Kinsley!” Coach Ritton growled as he marched toward her. “I don’t know what’s been wrong with you lately, but get yourself together. You’re up in five.”
Kinsley snapped her jaw shut and nodded. “I’m ready.” She put her helmet on and attached the strap under her chin.
Coach Ritton waved an arm toward the entrance. “Get in there and show them how a horse is meant to be ridden.”
Kinsley almost smiled at his command, but she held it back just in time. With another nod, she led Amadeus to the gate, then mounted onto his back. Patting his neck, she whispered, “We got this, boy. Let’s show Sawyer what we’re made of.”
SAWYER NODDED AT OTHER contestants, their parents, and show workers as he made his way back to the stall Kinsley had been assigned. Everything had gone smoothly this morning. Almost too smoothly, considering the stories Kinsley had been telling him. Absolutely nothing had been out of place in Kinsley’s tack boxes and luggage. Apparently, she’s just as meticulous as she claimed, he thought to himself.
After seeing her things, he could understand why Kinsley felt that her forgetting multiple items wasn’t likely. “Add Queenie’s comments and there’s definitely something fishy here,” Sawyer murmured, using the nickname he had given Mary Ann because of her lofty airs.
Once Sawyer could see Kinsley’s assigned space, he slowed, glancing up and down the long hallway of the barn. Nobody seemed to be paying any attention to him as he approached the stall. Stepping up to the gate, he quickly scanned her gear, once again seeing nothing out of place. Sawyer growled softly and spun on his heel, only to jerk to a stop.
Tyrone stood ten feet away, glaring at Sawyer.
Remembering Kinsley’s pleas and the scene Sawyer had watched with Tyrone and Coach Ritton, Sawyer forced an easy smile onto his face. “Hey, bud. How’s it going?”
Tyrone’s narrowed gaze didn’t ease. “What are you doing here?” he ground out.
Sawyer frowned. “I’m here with Kinsley.”
One eyebrow slowly rose. “Oh, really? Then why are you in here while she’s preparing to go into the arena?” Tyrone folded his arms over his chest and smirked, like he had caught Sawyer in a lie.
Sawyer took a second to calm himself. He was ready to put this guy in his place, but held back because of his promise to Kinsley. “I was just checking on Kins’ stuff.” He stepped close to Tyrone and cocked his head. “At the last few shows, someone was messing with her things, and I told her I would make sure everything was okay.”
Tyrone’s eyes widened and his arms fell.
“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?” Sawyer pushed.
“N-no.” Tyrone stumbled back a step. “Why would I do something like that?”
Sawyer stopped moving, not wanting to frighten Tyrone away. If Sawyer came on too strong, he knew the young man would bolt just like he did with Coach Ritton. Sawyer wanted answers, not for Tyrone to disappear. Sawyer shrugged. “I didn’t say you would do anything. We’re just trying to figure out what’s going on. A few of her things have gone missing.”
Tyrone gulped, his face deathly pale. “Someone is stealing from Ms. Storm?” he asked in a hoarse whisper.
Sawyer felt some of his animosity drain. This guy has no backbone. Would he really be brave enough to act out? “It appears that way.” He stepped up close. “Listen.” Sawyer put a hand on Tyrone’s shoulder, ignoring the way the young man flinched. Stupid bullies. “Can you keep your ear to the ground? Maybe see if anyone’s been bragging about getting away with something they shouldn’t have?”
“You think it’s a worker?” Tyrone’s brown eyes widened impossibly more.
Sawyer frowned again. The young man’s reaction seemed over the top, but Sawyer couldn’t quite tell why. Is he scared because he thinks I suspect him? Is he scared he’ll be punished? Or is he scared because one of his buddies might be the culprit? Either way, I can’t quite take him off my list yet. “We think it’s someone who has easy access to the barn,” Sawyer explained. He glanced down at his watch and cursed under his breath. “Look, I gotta go. Kinsley’s heading into the arena and I need to be there to watch her.” Sawyer backed up and pointed a finger at Tyrone. “But you’ll listen for any chatter?”
Tyrone nodded shakily.
Sawyer gave him a chin tilt and turned to jog back the way he had come. Once he was around the corner and out of sight, he stopped and stepped up against the wall. Ever so carefully, Sawyer peered around the corner, waiting to see what Tyrone would do
with that information.
Tyrone was standing in the middle of the walkway, looking at the ground. When his gaze came up, Sawyer ducked back, praying he hadn’t been seen. After counting to five, Sawyer once again looked around the corner, but Tyrone was gone.
“Shoot.” Sawyer pinched his lips together. “Looks like I’m going to have to be patient a while longer.” Kicking off into another jog, he headed for a seat in the stands. Whether he should or not, Sawyer was coming to like Kinsley for far more than her modelesque looks, and he had a strong desire to support her as she rode today.
He slipped into a seat just as she entered the ring. Clasping his hands together, he followed the cues of the spectators, having no idea when to clap or when to stay silent.
When she finished and the arena burst into loud applause, Sawyer couldn’t help but add his own congratulations. When Kinsley led Amadeus out the gate, Sawyer quietly left his seat to go join her.
CHAPTER 9
Kinsley slid from Amadeus’ back and immediately hugged her beloved horse. “We did it, boy. You are so wonderful!” She put a hand on either side of his face and kissed him between his eyes. “You’re absolutely amazing!”
Her heart was still beating rapidly and sweat was trickling down her back, soaking into her blouse under her stiff jacket. The arena had been extra warm today as she’d felt Sawyer’s burning gaze holding steady the entire performance.
“The day isn’t done,” Coach Ritton groused as he walked up to greet her.
Kinsley’s smile was just as wobbly as her legs, but she forced one on anyway. She had been way more nervous than normal today, knowing that Sawyer was going to be watching her. For some reason, she was desperate to make a good impression on the tough bodyguard, though she hated the desire to do so.