He wasn’t close to his brothers, either. He loved them because they shared blood, but Aidan hadn’t been home for years, and they rarely conversed. They all sent money to their mother to care for her, but no one visited for holidays. She was hard of heart, and the few times he called her, she was always brief and a tiny bit cold. He just didn’t come from a warm, loving type of family.
But Kyle’s reaction came from the heart, and damned if the moment didn’t move him.
Kyle rubbed his forehead. Raw emotion leaked into his voice, which came out half-ragged. “Hell yeah, I’m up to it. I’d love to be your best man. I love you, bro.”
Ophelia got teary eyed.
Mia put a hand over her mouth and sniffed.
Ethan muttered a curse, then got up from the table to give his brother-in-law one of those half hugs that men do to keep their masculinity in check. “You, too,” he muttered, slapping him on the shoulder for good measure.
“While we’re getting all weepy, I might as well finish us off,” Mia said. She turned to Ophelia with a smile. “Would you be my maid of honor?”
Ophelia blinked, obviously stunned. “Are you kidding?”
“No. Do you not want to do it?” she asked worriedly.
Ophelia shrieked, jumping up and hugging Mia with mad glee. “Yes, I want to do it! Oh my God, I’m so excited! I’ll make sure you have the best wedding cake in the entire world!”
Everyone laughed.
Aidan glanced over at Harper and froze.
Longing carved out the features of her face. A smile rested on her lips, and the light in her eyes was real and not fake. She was genuinely moved and happy for them. But he could also see she craved something that danced beneath the surface, trying to claw its way out.
She wanted.
And God knew he understood.
Staring at her from across the table made his insides shift, and he ached to cross the room, tip her chin up, and kiss her until all the empty longing disappeared and transcended into a different type.
A type that was satisfied in bed.
He coughed, trying to break up the moment before he did something he’d regret. “Congratulations,” he said. “When’s the wedding?”
“Next summer,” Mia said, squeezing Ethan’s hand. “You’ll be invited, of course. If things end up the way we all hope, you may be joining this family table as one of us.”
The words hit him full in the chest.
He didn’t really know what the phrase meant. Had never felt he truly belonged anywhere other than a barn. He was closer to animals than people, and it’d never bothered him. God knew the only person he’d cared about like family had been his best friend, who’d ended up betraying him and destroying any type of softer emotion that had once lived inside of him.
He’d learned his lesson. No attachments but the open road ahead. If things didn’t go the way he liked, he left, and no one got hurt. It was a good way to live. He’d always been satisfied and never sought more.
Still, he was touched by the genuine invitation in Mia’s voice.
He forced a smile and stood from the table. “That’s very kind of you,” he said politely. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. Have an important call coming in from Ireland I have to take. Thank you so much for dinner. I can have some contracts initially drawn up, along with an estimate of costs to help you make a decision.”
With a nod, he turned and left.
He didn’t look at Harper.
It was better that way.
Chapter Seven
Harper gave a low whistle and approached Phoenix’s stall. Her usual greeting was rewarded by the horse’s perked ears and immediate attention.
When she’d first rescued Phoenix, he’d been like a hellion, ready to take on anyone who came near. She and Ethan had spent months slowly gaining his trust. Now that the foundation was built, she had a choice to make on the next step.
Should she hire Aidan O’Connor?
Reaching into her pocket, she removed an iced oatmeal cookie, smiling at the horse’s low grunts of excitement and the curl of his lips that revealed his teeth in a goofy grin. He munched as she thought in the still silence of the barn, late at night.
Ethan had spent most of the day trying to convince her to accept Aidan’s offer. Seems he and Kyle agreed after their dinner last night he was a man worth trusting. The contract he’d put together was fair. After researching the trainer’s reputation and statistics, it seemed she was looking a gift horse in the mouth.
Pretty damn clever.
But she knew her decision to retain him for training Phoenix was more complicated than Ethan believed. A connection simmered between her and Aidan—full of danger and temptation. They would both need a sharp focus for the upcoming months, and being distracted by physical chemistry was a liability. Also, the expense would be a strain. The fees were large, but Mia was quick to remind them her PR business was thriving and amassed a large profit, so they’d have a decent cushion if things went to shit. Kyle’s book was being turned into a movie, and he quickly offered up the advance. The inn was booked solid for the summer season, and no large repairs were needed anywhere on the property. It was doable.
It was possible.
But she didn’t want to completely rely on her family’s money. This was her dream and her responsibility to finance. She’d contacted the local bank to inquire about a loan on her house to help offset the fees.
There was one other loose string that bothered her. She’d dug deep to examine Aidan’s career, searching for signs he was a man worth entrusting Phoenix with, and one question kept popping up over and over.
Why, exactly, had he left a successful business in Ireland behind to start over?
His background check simply said he’d parted ways with his partner after winning the Irish Derby with Kincaid’s Crown. No details could be found. In their past dialogue, Aidan had hinted at a betrayal. Was it strictly personal? Or was his need to be free ingrained so deep, he couldn’t physically stay in one location for too long? What would happen if he decided to cut them loose without warning—his wanderlust spirit calling him to a better opportunity?
Harper unlatched the gate and stepped into the stall. She slowly reached out and scratched under Phoenix’s chin, studying those dark, expressive eyes that had seen way too much in his short two years.
He snorted, pressed against her, and achieved almost full-body contact. It was amazing how affectionate the horse could be once his barriers were removed.
She leaned her head close and muttered the words aloud. “Is this what you want, baby? Because if it is, you’re going to have to be brave. We both will.”
“I think you were both born for this.”
Phoenix startled, rearing back at the sudden entry, but Aidan began murmuring nonsense in a soothing voice, and the horse quickly settled.
Harper’s arms dropped to her side. “This is the second time you’ve snuck up on me. What are you doing up? It’s late.”
His brow lifted, but he didn’t seem bothered by her prickly tone. “Couldn’t sleep. I saw the lights during my walk. Why are you still up?”
He stepped inside the stall, and suddenly the space shrank between them. Harper tried to breathe steadily and act nonchalant, even though the energy in the barn pulsed with awareness. Her skin pulled tight and her tummy clenched into a silken knot. His straw-colored hair was mussed, and a crease line pressed into his cheek, confirming he had at least tried to get some rest. She wanted to reach out and touch his cheek, run a finger down his chiseled jawline to see if his stubble felt scratchy on her skin.
She cleared her throat. “I’m a night owl. I checked on the dogs and came back to clear my head.”
Cognac eyes narrowed with interest. “Did you clear your head?”
“Not yet.”
He nodded. “Why don’t you tell me about the issues that are blocking you from agreeing?”
She blew out a hard breath. “Everyone else is on board,” she admitted.
“But some things don’t add up for me. You owned an extremely successful training business in Ireland. Why did you leave after winning the Irish Derby with Kincaid’s Crown? Are you really here on a vacation, or is there something more going on? Wouldn’t you rather go back than take a chance on a green horse in a different country?”
Shadows flickered over his face. “Does it matter why I’m here?”
She waited a few moments, recognizing the sudden distance that abruptly surrounded him. Normally, she respected privacy and secrets. God knew she was an expert at hiding if she became uncomfortable. But there needed to be an openness between them if they were to go forward. “Yeah, it does. Because if we do this, I need to know my family will be safe. That Phoenix will be safe. I need to be able to trust you.”
“You need me to do my job. Won’t that be enough?”
She held her position with a stubbornness that was part of her genes. “No.”
He let out a litany of Irish, and she bet most were swear words. He looked at the horse in front of him as if Phoenix held all the answers. “My business partner and I had a difference in opinion regarding a personal matter and decided it was best to part ways. We made an agreement he’d keep the business, and I’d be free to make a name for myself on my own.”
She pondered his answer. A prickle of suspicion flared. “Did you want to walk?” she asked bluntly. “Or did you get pushed out?”
Demons danced in his eyes. Still, he answered. “A mixture of both. I didn’t want to stay after some shit went down. I decided it was time to try American racing for a change of scenery. Spent a few months traveling, but no horses called to my gut. Not until Phoenix.”
She refused to back down, knowing every one of his answers was critical to her decision. “And the money? I’m assuming there was a lot of money on the line after the Derby win. Did you prefer to just take your cut and hit the road? Is money the most important goal for all of this?”
“I earned a decent cut but not as big as you think. There was a lot of people to pay. Not gonna lie and say money isn’t nice. So is winning. But is money the ultimate goal?” His gaze seized hers. “No. What mattered to me the most was Kincaid’s Crown. I found him the same way I found Phoenix. It was simply meant to be.”
A man who believed in gut instinct and fate was a man she could respect. Still, questions burned. “You’ve termed yourself a wanderer, so how do I know you won’t drop us if a bigger and better opportunity comes along?”
His jaw clenched, but he answered the question. “The contract clearly states I can’t just walk away for greener pastures. Besides, I won’t want to if I’m training Phoenix. Because he’s going to win.”
Again, that touch of arrogance in his voice caused a shiver to race down her spine. Her last inquiry was the most important. “But will you put him first? Or is this an attempt for revenge on your partner, using my family to make your mark?”
His golden eyes burned. She caught a flicker of regret, but it was gone so fast she wondered if it was a trick of the light. “I swear to you, I’ll make sure Phoenix comes first.”
The vow was spoken with a naked truth that seared her soul. He couldn’t fake that type of passion for the well-being of an animal he hadn’t become involved with yet. Could he?
She had to believe Aidan would do the right thing if forced, and that was her priority. She couldn’t hire a trainer obsessed with only money and glory, or everything later would become tainted.
She needed to take this leap, or she’d never know the true talent of her horse, and Phoenix deserved the best opportunity to race again.
“Good,” she said. “Then there’s one last thing to discuss.”
“What?”
Sweat broke out on her body, but this was too critical to squirm from. It was best to face the problem head-on. “Us.”
The air grew heavy with sexual tension. His bottom lip quirked, and his lazy gaze raked over her figure. He never moved, but he didn’t have to. That gaze caressed every inch of her, over and under her clothes. She could only imagine the things he could do with no barriers between them. “What about us, love?” he drawled, his voice dropping to a sexy growl. “Am I part of the contract?”
She ignored his teasing and tried to attack the issue with bluntness and logic. “I want to be clear that we won’t be sleeping together. We both need to be focused on Phoenix’s training. Having an affair has the potential to explode into chaos and ruin everything we’re working toward. Do you agree?”
He moved, shifting his body a few inches closer. Her back pressed against the roughness of the gate. His scent teased her nostrils, a combination of musk and spice and pure aroused male. Something about his quiet strength and confidence hit her straight in the gut.
And between her thighs.
Shit.
“You been thinking about us together, Harper?”
She licked her lips, then cursed herself when his gaze dropped to her mouth. Temper frayed at her nerves, reminding her the only way to face him was no-holds-barred boldness. “Yes. Have you?”
“Yes.” The word struck like a bullet. “In fact, since we’re putting all our truth out there, I should let you know I’ve been fantasizing about kissing you. And not just on your mouth.”
Shivers crawled down her spine. Her nipples turned to hard, aching knots beneath her shirt, imagining that sexy mouth kissing and licking her breasts. Searing heat exploded between them. It took her a moment, but she gritted her teeth and rallied. “Again, not a good idea.”
Another inch closer. His body heat practically glowed bright in the dim barn. Phoenix caught the swirling tension and snorted, shaking his head and taking a few steps back in the stall. “So no sex. No kissing. I’m going to assume that includes touching, right?”
Her body wept. Her temper ignited. “You like playing games, Irish? You want to get into my pants more than you want to race my horse?”
He braced one hand against the wall by her head, leaning in. She didn’t flinch and tried to ignore the soaring freedom he made her feel by the confrontation. “A crude way to put it, don’t you think? I’m just trying to make sure we don’t cut off all options before we even try.”
“There won’t be any test experiment. We both need to commit to the only thing that matters between us.” She lifted her chin. “Phoenix.”
A muscle worked in his jaw. His breath came out jagged. “Is that what you want?” he demanded.
Her heart skidded and tripped over itself to keep beating. No. But it’s safer this way. “Yes.”
The word took all possibilities away, yet his lips were poised inches from hers. If he ignored her declaration, she’d send him away. If he pushed his advantage, she’d be unable to work with him as a full partner. He needed to respect her claim for distance.
Her mind urged him away.
Her body urged him closer.
“I’ll give you what you say you want in exchange for one thing.”
Disappointment crashed through her. It was over. There might be a kiss, but there’d be nothing further. “What?”
“Say my name.”
She blinked, confused. “I don’t understand.”
The blistering heat of his gaze almost burned her alive. He overwhelmed her with his strong body, his breath mixing with hers, his hand just brushing her hair, his chest an inch from her straining nipples. “I want to hear my name on your lips one time before I walk away. Before we close this door between us.” His voice dropped. “Just once.”
Shock barreled through her. The demand was more intimate than a kiss. It was the acceptance that he already meant something to her, but she was voluntarily rejecting him. Speaking his birth name was the beginning of a relationship that would never happen.
A strange grief and pain tore at her insides, but she had no choice. She gave him what they both wanted in that moment. “Aidan,” she whispered against his mouth. Her voice trembled over his name. Her tongue tingled with pleasure, and she wished she could moan
the beautiful melody when he was deep inside her, when his mouth swallowed hers whole, when she screamed it as she shattered to orgasm.
He sucked in his breath, as if the pictures in her mind had seeped into his, and he closed his eyes halfway, his shaking body fighting both of their needs to surrender to the wicked temptation and leave the rest to hell.
Instead, he stumbled back, fisting his hands, and turned. “It’s a deal. We begin tomorrow. Good night, Harper.” He patted Phoenix and left the barn.
She wrapped her arms around her middle and fought the overwhelming urge to go after him.
Eventually, she was able to straighten, lock up Phoenix for the night, and return home.
His words replayed in her mind like a mantra, and the sweetness of his name on her lips lingered for a long time.
Aidan surveyed the sprawling property before him. It’d be a decent workout track for now. He’d have a starting gate by the end of the week to begin practicing breaking out clean, but for now, he was about to make things a bit uncomfortable for the fiery horse.
Owen came up beside him. Peering over his aviator sunglasses, he stared at the empty field, where a worn dirt track wrapped around in an almost perfect mile. “What’cha looking at?” Owen asked in puzzlement.
“The training track,” he responded a bit gruffly. Deep down, he thought Owen was a good kid. Unfortunately, his lame-ass work ethic and phone addiction were getting in the way of figuring out if he could actually help on the farm. “You finish rounds?”
He wrinkled his nose and looked glum. “Yeah. Little Foot wouldn’t let me lead her in. Kept running away from me, so I ended up chasing her around, and then when I got mad, she blew a bunch of spit in my face. Disgusting.”
“Harper told you not to yell at her, remember? She’s young and a bit spirited, but if you’d stood your ground, she would’ve listened.”
“Yeah, I forgot.” He checked his phone and groaned. “I missed out on another outing at Splash Down Waterpark. My friend’s been posting pics all day. They don’t understand I’m stuck here.”
Aidan shook his head. “Your friends convince you to vandalize your dorm?”
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