all roads lead to you

by Probst, Jennifer

  The idea of spending nonstop hours together shook her core. He’d been at the inn only a week, and already her body peaked to attention in his presence. Could she handle a long-term working relationship without getting physically or emotionally involved? Could she trust him with Phoenix and her family? Could he really take Phoenix all the way? The questions whirled through her mind.

  Slowly, she stepped back, needing the distance. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I need to think. Talk it over with Ethan. Look over your history.”

  He nodded. “Of course. Ophelia has all my personal information on file, but I’d be happy to sit and talk with everyone tonight. To go over things. Would that be acceptable?”

  She nodded. “I’ll let you know where and what time later.”

  “Good. I’ll get started exercising some of the horses.” He pivoted on his heel and walked away.

  Harper looked at Phoenix. The horse was staring after Aidan’s retreating figure with a touch of longing she’d never glimpsed before.

  Or maybe it was her imagination wanting to see things that weren’t there.

  “Come on, sweets,” she whispered. “I’ll get you washed up and find some iced oatmeal cookies for both of us. I think we deserve them.”

  She’d never find out.

  Aidan refilled water buckets and feed trays while his mind combed over every detail of the incident with Kincaid’s Crown. No one knew about it except his business partner and Rachael. Aidan had agreed to pretend to part amicably in order for it to be kept out of the news and off the internet. On paper, it looked as if he’d gotten his usual itchy feet and left to find a new opportunity. There should be no record of what’d happened after the Irish Derby to make Harper question his motives.

  Unless he told her the truth.

  Uneasiness clawed at his gut. The idea of beginning a working relationship with a lie bothered the hell out of him. Of course, it wasn’t technically a lie—more like an omission.

  But what if she heard him out and didn’t believe him, deciding to reject his offer of training because she didn’t trust him? Even worse, she could contact his ex-partner, Colin, for more information and rip open old wounds. Besides lying to Harper about what had really occurred with Kincaid’s Crown, Aidan didn’t want Colin to know about Phoenix. He didn’t trust his ex-partner not to make trouble, especially if the man believed Aidan had sniffed out a potential champion.

  Aidan had come to the States for a fresh slate. Telling Harper about his past wouldn’t help anyone. He’d prove he was the best trainer for Phoenix. He respected Harper and her family. He’d work his hardest to give the horse the best chance possible to win.

  Isn’t that what truly mattered?

  Now that he’d met Phoenix, he couldn’t flee to California and look for a new career. He’d be forever haunted by the possibility of returning to Ireland as a king. As a winner. The opportunity of a lifetime had finally dropped in front of him like a damn Christmas present.

  He couldn’t screw this up.

  A few hours later, Ethan came up behind him. “Harper told me about your offer.”

  Aidan regarded her brother. His previous military background was evident in the alertness that emanated from his figure. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s worth discussing. Ophelia’s making dinner for the family tonight at seven. Why don’t you join us so we can all talk?”

  “Appreciate it. I’ll be there.”

  Ethan nodded and strode out of the barn. At least they were all willing to hear him out.

  He worked most of the day with the horses, gave Owen another riding lesson, and went back to his room to freshen up before dinner. He was curious about the rest of the family and how they fit into Harper’s plans to race Phoenix. Were they supportive? Would they be investing money with Harper? Or were they against trying to train a professional racehorse? Horse training was intense, and supportive family members made the process easier. It was important he figure out how each of them related to one another. He’d been known to turn down a job when the dynamics were too difficult to work with, especially if family members interfered regularly with his training process.

  He showered and changed into khakis, a white button-down shirt with the cuffs rolled up, and leather boat shoes. Then headed down to the kitchen.

  The scents of fresh meat and garlic hit his nostrils. He followed the smell down the hallway and to the back rooms, where guests weren’t allowed. Peeking his head around the corner, he caught Ophelia and Kyle laughing in the kitchen. The table was half-set with platters of an amazing array of food displayed.

  Ophelia caught sight of him and waved him forward. “Hi, Aidan. I’m so glad you could join us for dinner. Do you like pot roast?”

  He couldn’t help the groan that escaped his lips. “It’s my favorite thing in the world.”

  Kyle grinned. “Good, ’cause I made it. You’ll love it.”

  Ethan walked in with Mia and rolled his eyes. “No one likes your meat, Kimpton. Stop bragging.”

  Kyle blew him an air kiss. “You know it’s the best you ever had.”

  Mia shook her head and laughed. “Oh my God, guys, cut it out. You’re scaring Aidan.”

  “It’s okay. I grew up with three older brothers. There’s nothing I haven’t heard or seen,” Aidan said. “Once, they told me stories about a crazed barn killer, then locked me up in the stable overnight. I slept with the horses, terrified I wouldn’t survive.”

  “Dude, that’s harsh,” Kyle said, carrying out a platter filled with biscuits.

  “But kinda funny,” Ethan admitted. “Ever end up getting revenge?”

  “Of course. When they were asleep, I snuck into each of their rooms and cut their hair. Let’s just say the mohawk look wasn’t flattering on any of them.”

  Kyle pointed at him. “I like you.”

  Ophelia placed a bowl of fresh peas on the table and sighed. “I will never understand boys. Now, let’s sit down to eat. Where’s Harper?”

  “Right here.”

  Her voice squeezed him like a velvet vise, and a bunch of carnal images attacked his brain, throwing him off. What was it about her scent? She worked in a barn around horses all day long, yet when he got close, he smelled a spicy musk tinged with chocolate that turned his brain to mush. He narrowed his gaze and studied her, trying to figure out why this woman drove him a bit mad.

  She’d changed, too, but still sported jeans, a T-shirt, and simple sneakers. Her hair was loose and fell around her face in a sexy disarray. No makeup. She seemed comfortable with simplicity. Refused to be pretentious about who she was. Was it the innate confidence that poured from her aura that attracted him so much? The sense of power of watching a woman who liked who she was and owned every bit? Her height would intimidate most people, but those Amazon legs and perky breasts were hypnotic.

  Did she have a boyfriend? Girlfriend? A lover?

  He immediately shut down those thoughts. He was looking to forge a business relationship with her. Any type of sexual attraction would need to be smothered so he could do the work needed.

  Aidan wondered how many times he’d need to remind himself.

  He took a seat, filled his plate, and listened to their easy chatter. The two couples were obviously close, with easy ribbing and genuine caring intertwined in their words. He learned Kyle, Ophelia, and Ethan had grown up together and been dubbed The Three Musketeers when they were young. He watched Harper under lidded eyes. She laughed and chatted with them, but there was a distance around her that told him that as much as she loved her family, she felt like the odd one out. Made sense. The couples were publicly affectionate, sharing kisses and intimate gestures that spoke of solid relationships. Being single in such an environment could sting a bit. Did she wish she had a companion to bring to the table? Someone who’d hold her hand, and kiss her fiercely when she needed comfort? Someone to laugh at her jokes and hold her when she cried?

  “Aidan, why don’t you tell us a bit abo
ut your proposal?” Ethan said, interrupting his thoughts. “Harper told us you’d like to stay on and train Phoenix for stakes races. What would that involve?”

  He faced the curious gazes at the table. “I’ve trained horses in Ireland for the past decade and won many grade stakes, such as the Irish Derby. Some trainers like to get a horse ready to hit, then move to the next one. I tend to seek out a quality horse for a longer period of time. I think Phoenix is a winner. I’d like to stay on the property and train him for the next six months and see if we can win some races. The road to the Derby is competitive. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to deal with the pressure, or even take to the horse-racing circuit, but I want to try. If that’s what you want.”

  His gaze settled on Harper. She was listening intently, meeting his eyes with her own demands, as if trying to probe beneath his surface words for truth. “You really believe after seeing him run just once he’d be able to go to the Kentucky Derby? Isn’t that a bit ambitious?”

  “Yes.” He couldn’t help the confident smile that curved his lips. “With that type of speed and the right training, I think I could get him there. He’s the right age. And I don’t take on a horse I don’t one hundred percent believe in. Do you?”

  The challenge took her by surprise. She jerked back a little, wet her lips, and came back with her own challenge. “It’s not all about belief. You should know that. I’m more interested in the long game here, and making sure my horse is comfortable and not pushed too hard. What if Phoenix doesn’t take to the training?” she asked bluntly. “Are you going to drop him immediately? Will you make us pay whether or not he runs? How will your contract read?”

  “We can negotiate, but if a horse isn’t what I believed, I’m always prepared to walk and void the agreement. We can put in a clause about that. What I don’t do is give up easily, though. Sometimes the best runners have difficult personalities, and they get stuck. They need time to get unstuck. That said, the horse’s needs will always come first.”

  Harper lifted her chin and narrowed her gaze. “And if I tell you to do something you don’t believe is good for the horse?”

  His lips firmed. “I don’t do it. The horse’s welfare always comes first. No exceptions.”

  She nodded, her face softening. “Good.”

  “What would you need from us?” Ethan asked. “Money? Time? Marketing? We’ve never been in this position before. We’ve been strictly a rescue organization.”

  “I understand. In my eyes, that’s a benefit, because you’ll be open to my training and not question my every move.”

  Harper snorted. “Believe me, I’ll be watching your every move, Irish.”

  He flashed a grin. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Gotta keep me honest.”

  “Are you?”

  “Am I what?” he asked.

  “Honest?”

  A chill skated through him. He reached deep and told her the only truth he lived by. “‘Truth speaks even though the tongue were dead.’”

  Ophelia slowly nodded. “Yes, truth will always rise, even beyond the lies. I believe that, too.”

  His gut clenched, but he ignored the reaction and squared his shoulders. Best to return the conversation to racing and away from his past. “I’ll map out the extensive schedule of training and races we want to enter him in. I’ll work with him every day. I require room and board and a small daily living expense. The big money comes with a percentage on any wins Phoenix has.”

  Mia wrinkled her nose. “I’m really sorry, but would you be able to clarify the process for me? I’m good at betting on horses, but that’s where my talent stops.”

  Aidan smiled. “Of course. I think it’s important everyone here knows how this works. First off, in order to qualify for the Derby, a horse needs to accumulate points throughout the racing season. The season kicks off in May, but we’ll begin racing Phoenix in August. Depending on the race and the stakes, first, second, and third place earn a certain number of points. They tally them up, and if Phoenix’s total puts him at a high-enough ranking, we can enter him into the Derby.”

  Mia nodded. “Makes sense.”

  He held up his hand and began ticking off bullet points with his fingers. “Since Phoenix is young and has no real racing history, we’ll begin by training him for a stakes race. There are grades one, two, and three races, with one earning the most recognition and money. I’d like to start Phoenix off with two lower-grade races at Saratoga. It’s an important track and not too far from here. If he does well with those, it will allow us to enter him in higher-grade stakes and compete against a field we’ll likely see for the Triple Crown.”

  “What are the bigger races?” Mia asked.

  “There are a few. There’s the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, the American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita Park, and the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. I’d plan to skip the first two and target the Champagne at Belmont, which takes place in October. Again, we’d avoid having to force Phoenix to travel far, which can be a bit stressful in the beginning of a racing career. After that, we’d shoot for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. That goes off in November. It’s a huge race and racks up a number of points for the Derby. It’s quite difficult to get in to compete, though—a horse must win or place in a grade-two or -three stakes race.”

  “If he wins either the Champagne or the Breeders’ Cup, will he qualify for the Derby?” Mia asked.

  “We’d have a damn good chance,” Aidan said with a smile. “If he happens to win the Champagne Stakes, we get a ticket straight to the Breeders’ Cup, which is an amazing feat and would allow us to use the winter to rest him and continue light training until the spring. Then there’re a few big races held right before the Derby. I’d focus on the Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack next April—again, it’s local and a perfect time for him to compete. If he does well there, we’d get the opportunity to run in the Derby. Does that make better sense?”

  “Yes. And let’s say he wins the Derby. What happens next?”

  “After the Derby, there are two more races to complete the Triple Crown. The Preakness, which is held at Pimlico in Maryland, and the Belmont, which is held in New York. If a horse wins all three, he’s a Triple Crown Winner and goes down in history.”

  “A good goal to have,” Mia said seriously. With that level of focus, it was easy to recognize that she was an ambitious, assertive businesswoman who’d achieved success in a competitive industry.

  “Playing devil’s advocate, what if he struggles in some of these important fall races?” Kyle asked curiously.

  “We can still have a shot in the spring if he wins some of the big stakes races, but if he’s been doing poorly all fall and I’ve run out of options, I doubt we’d decide to continue. At that point, we can end the contract if both parties agree. Again, I’m negotiable on clauses and terms.”

  “How much will this cost?” Ophelia asked, sharing a glance with Kyle.

  “Entry fees can get expensive. I’ll also need to hire a jockey, so his salary and mine need to be covered. Vet expenses. And time for Harper.”

  She tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

  He leaned back in his chair. “You’re the heart and soul that drive this farm, but training a horse needs to be a joint effort, especially because Phoenix trusts you. I’d recommend you hire another full-timer or assistant so you’re not overworked.”

  “I can step up,” Ethan said.

  Mia jumped in. “My PR business has been growing steadily, so I’m going to hire another employee. Ethan helped me out for a while, but he can return his attention to the farm.”

  “Plus, Chloe will be helping us out most days this summer on her break,” Ethan added. “We should have enough hands for Harper to focus on what you need from her.”

  “How do you feel about that?” Aidan asked. He watched the bloom of pink heat her cheeks and wondered what she’d been thinking about. Was that a flash of guilt in her piercing sea-green eyes or h
is imagination?

  “That’s fine. Ophelia, would he be able to stay at the inn full time?”

  Ophelia sighed. “I have weeks completely booked out, but I’m sure we can make it work if you’re flexible, Aidan.”

  “I am. We’ll need to put the jockey up, too, but we don’t need much. I’m sure we can find a local hotel to use in a pinch.” His muscles relaxed. The Bishops were on board and fully supportive in this journey, which made his job a hell of a lot easier. Satisfaction settled in.

  Was taking a third biscuit too greedy? Definitely. Plus, it was the last one left. He really shouldn’t. He’d already scraped his plate clean, eating every last shred of pot roast. He eyed the remaining biscuit with longing but decided he should be polite.

  “Take it,” Kyle urged with a laugh. “My wife makes the best biscuits, and she likes to see people enjoy her food.”

  “Aww, you like my biscuits, baby?” Ophelia teased.

  “You can butter my biscuits anytime,” Kyle responded with a growl, giving her a quick kiss.

  Ethan groaned. “I just gagged. Seriously.”

  “You’re just jealous you don’t have the moves I do,” Kyle retorted.

  “I don’t think I can do it, Mia. How can this joker be my best man with lines like that?”

  “I taught you all the best lines, bro, and—what did you say?” Kyle broke off, staring at his friend with puzzlement. “Best man?”

  Ethan gave a mock sigh, but his eyes twinkled. “Yeah, but now I’m starting to reconsider. You’d have important jobs to do. Plan the bachelor party. Get me to the church on time. Hold the ring. Escort Hei Hei down the aisle. You up to it?”

  Aidan had never seen a man get choked up when asked to be a best man before. Hell, he’d never stayed put anyplace long enough to be a part of a wedding party. He had plenty of acquaintances. He’d won races with them, gotten fluthered with them, and bitched endlessly about the horse-racing industry with them. But when he moved on, he never kept in contact. Neither did they.