all roads lead to you

by Probst, Jennifer

  Owen’s face fell. “Well, I kind of wanted to—”

  “Oh, that’s my horse,” Chloe said, beaming. “She’s a sweet little mare, isn’t she? I really appreciate it.”

  Owen did a quick pivot, nodding with crazed enthusiasm. “Of course! Chloe’s Pride is my favorite in the whole barn. I got it covered, boss.”

  Boss?

  Ethan and Chloe took off, and Owen disappeared back into the stables. Elmo had taken in the whole scene without a word, and he kept his silence, trudging off with Phoenix, leaving them alone.

  “That was kind of stupid,” Aidan said.

  Harper spun around and treated him to a level glare. “Excuse me?”

  He squared his shoulders. “Jumping in the middle of two charging animals? Not. Smart.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “It was a chicken I know very well and a horse I was able to grab in time. It wasn’t like I was in Spain with dueling bulls.”

  “You could have gotten hurt.”

  She studied his face for a while, then seemed to relax. “But I didn’t. I can handle myself.”

  It happened so fast, he had no time to rein in his reaction. His hand shot out and gripped her upper arm. He felt the sleek flex of feminine muscle beneath him. “Not saying you can’t. But I’m not going to apologize for not wanting you to get hurt.” His grip gentled, his thumb brushing her soft skin. “Especially on my watch.”

  Her pupils dilated, and for endless moments, they stared at one another, locked in their own intimate world.

  He liked the surprise on her face almost as much as the fleeting flicker of longing. She wasn’t used to people giving a crap about her, other than family. She was a lone wolf, used to doing everything on her own without apology. Aidan didn’t want to change that. But the primitive part of him needed her to know he was with her every step of the way, and damned if anything or anybody was going to hurt her. The protective instinct was new for him, but now that he’d felt it, he couldn’t pretend the urge wasn’t there.

  Just another crazy element he experienced with the woman.

  He waited for her to jerk away and snap at him for being overbearing. Instead, a smile touched her lips and she softened under his touch. “Getting all alpha on me, Irish?” she asked. “Too many males challenging each other for their turf?”

  He grinned back, opening his fist so he could stroke her entire arm with his palm. God, her skin was like velvet. He could only imagine what she’d look like naked, sprawled out in her bed. His body shuddered at the thought. “Maybe.” He paused, diving deep into those jeweled green eyes. “Or maybe I’m trying to put my own claim in.”

  She jerked, strangled out a breath, and stepped away. Yeah, she wasn’t ready to hear that. He couldn’t blame her. He’d just broken the strict rules she’d set up between them. Especially since he was now staying at her house.

  Cursing under his breath, he rubbed his face with his hands. “Sorry. I was outta line. I’ll meet you back here in an hour.”

  He turned and left her, refusing to look back.

  Chapter Ten

  Two weeks later, Harper stared out at man and horse and wondered why she still couldn’t stop thinking about his strange declaration.

  Maybe I’m trying to put my own claim in.

  She’d spotted the regret carved on his face as soon as the words left his lips. His quick apology and even quicker retreat should have made her happy. Yet she kept going over the exchange, wondering what he would’ve done if she’d questioned him. Stepped closer. Whispered his name.

  It was good she’d managed to stay in control.

  After all, she was known for her levelheaded actions. Ophelia had been known for her temper when she was young, but age and Kyle had mellowed her. Harper had always been more like her brother. Able to shut down her emotions when threatened. The talent had gotten Ethan all the way into special ops. Her? Well, she was able to run a profitable horse rescue without falling apart each time she failed an animal. She was trained to shove down all those messy emotions and lock them away. It was the only way to not just survive but also thrive.

  Lately, though, she’d been wondering if all that practice had put her soul into a deep freeze with little chance of thaw.

  She pushed her sunglasses up her nose and hooked a leg over the lower fence post. The dogs were lined up, as if sensing a show, faces framed with longing as they watched Phoenix warm up in the field. The horse was breaking better from the gate and had settled into a good pattern. After early morning workouts, he munched out and relaxed, then lounged in the sun by his favorite tree, running off any animal visitors. He now recognized the vet, who he had tried to chase away several times, but Aidan insisted on regular checkup visits, citing too many instances of early injuries from pushing a young horse too hard. Harper knew many critics believed racing equaled cruelty. But her heart told her Phoenix was born to run, and it was her job to keep him safe, healthy, and happy while pursuing a racing career.

  It was funny how they had formed a quirky type of family revolving around daily routines. Afternoons were for gate practice and social interaction. Aidan had settled into his own routine at her house. Breakfast was quick and punctuated with the day’s schedule, which blurred by in a steady cycle focused on Phoenix and regular barn work. Dinner was takeout, usually from the Market in town, maybe a shared beer and summary of the day, and then he headed to bed with a polite “good night” and an averted gaze.

  He was a perfect roommate, careful about respecting her space. Since his slipup, he’d made no move to touch her. If they got too close and that intense energy roared up between them, he made an excuse to leave the room.

  Things were perfect.

  Things suck.

  Harper sighed and tried to settle her uneasy thoughts. Why was she acting like such a girl? She hated when words contradicted action. Aidan wasn’t playing any bullshit games. He wasn’t trying to get her into bed for an extra added bonus. It should make her happy.

  The voice slyly peeked out and rose up within. What would it be like to be the woman he wanted? To be claimed by his rough hands and warm lips and demanding voice?

  Heaven and hell.

  Orgasms and regret.

  It’d be worth it.

  She shook her head hard to rattle the voice and headed to the barn to get Maximus ready for the upcoming ride. The two horses tolerated each other’s presence enough to test on the track. Aidan warned they needed to gauge how Phoenix dealt with competition in order to figure out the next steps to training. With his first race fast approaching, today would be the first time Aidan tried to pit Phoenix against a competitor. He had run with Flower a few times at an easy pace and didn’t seem threatened by her presence. They all figured it was time to step up the experience so there were no surprises at Saratoga.

  She tacked him up, seated herself in the saddle, and rode out, forcing her mind back into work mode. Elmo was ready, and Phoenix danced around in a spirited fashion, always happy when he got to run.

  Aidan greeted Maximus with his usual warmth and raised his gaze. “You ready?”

  She nodded. “Do you want me to let him set the pace or hold him back?”

  “This is a practice, so just let him go. I’ll be watching how Phoenix handles it, and we’ll tweak later.” A slight frown creased his brow. “Be careful.”

  Warmth flowed through her. She ignored it. “Always.”

  Aidan walked both horses around, loaded Phoenix in the gate first, then Maximus. Both horses eased in without a fight. Harper mentally counted it out, and then the buzzer screeched. She broke out in one clean jump, guiding Maximus to the right to give Phoenix a bit of space.

  Clumps of dirt flew up over scrambling hooves, and she leaned forward, urging him with her squeezed legs as Maximus settled into his pace. Harper concentrated on her mount, glancing only once toward Phoenix in order to ground herself. The turn rose up, and she urged Maximus faster, sensing Elmo was ready to push Phoenix harder. The wind hit her face, and her
body screamed with elation over the sleek, moving muscles flying over the track. At the next turn, she opened the horse up and hung on, letting Maximus run full speed, tightly focused.

  Phoenix whirled past in a dizzying black cloud. And kept going. And going.

  By the time Maximus crossed the finish line, Phoenix was already happily trotting, as if imagining a crown of roses around his neck.

  Elmo turned. “We win.”

  Harper laughed, adrenaline pumping in a mad rush through her bloodstream. “Hell yes, you won. I didn’t even see you coming.”

  Aidan walked over. Excitement etched the carved lines of his face. “That was incredible time. Seems he has no problem with a bit of competition. I think we’re right on track to enter the August third race at Saratoga. He’ll be matched with a bunch of juveniles who are all testing their limits.”

  “You think he’ll travel okay?” she asked.

  “I don’t know,” he said truthfully. “But we’ll find out. I’ll keep working with his limits to get him in the proper headspace.” He gave each horse equal praise and motioned to Elmo. “How much did you have to hold him back?”

  “Enough. He’s a pacesetter. With more horses? Maybe a stalker. Didn’t have to push when I asked for more. Won’t like being boxed in.”

  Aidan nodded. “Yeah, and if we have too many battling at the front, he may get confused. Gonna have to see how he feels about the rail, too. We’ll have to work with some different scenarios. Can you hot walk them for me? I need to talk to Harper.”

  Elmo led the two horses back to the barn, where iced oatmeal cookies waited as a reward.

  She tilted her head. “What’s up?”

  “I’d like to run another practice with more competitors. You have any other horses we can match up with Phoenix?”

  She ticked through the horses and their abilities. “Not to match him. He’s way too fast.”

  “That’s okay, I’m more concerned with quantity now. Your whole family can play jockey, right?”

  “Sure, I just need to let them know when.”

  “Good. I’ve got to run out and get some supplies. Meet you back here in a few hours.”

  “Need any help?”

  He hesitated. She recognized the sudden hungry gleam in his eye when he looked at her, but it was shut down so quickly, she might have imagined it. “No. I’m good.”

  She refused to acknowledge the disappointment. “Okay. See ya later.”

  “See ya.”

  She didn’t look back and watch him walk away. It was too pathetic.

  It was better this way, of course. Less to lose. He had proven to be a man of his word and did everything she’d asked.

  Yeah, life was just great.

  Aidan bumped along the narrow, twisty roads and tried to keep his mind off Harper.

  He’d been good. Two weeks had passed without an issue, and he’d kept himself under control. No moony eyes or casual touches. No conjuring up new ways to make her laugh. He’d stuck to business and kept his distance and his promise. Ophelia had told him a room would be opening up soon at the inn, so he could eventually move back.

  The problem?

  He didn’t want to leave Harper. He’d gotten used to seeing her face first thing in the morning and last at night. He’d grown attached to her animals and her crazy Herculean coffee. He liked being able to talk about racing and all the details of his training plan with someone as passionate as himself. He’d spent his whole life roaming the world, happy with his own company and freedom, only to succumb to a sweet summer crush on his boss.

  He groaned and focused on the road before him. So stupid. They were both walking a tightrope, and if they weren’t careful, one of them was going to crash. He just had to keep reminding himself the goal was too damn important. Phoenix had to win. His future depended on it.

  He knew leaving Ireland had been a risky move. Walking away from a champion horse in his prime stirred up questions and doubts regarding his ability as a trainer. He knew gossip and rumors had ignited, and his ex-partner had exploited his departure. Shame burned at the idea his once-spotless reputation was now tarnished, along with a simmering frustration and need to prove his worth. If he could get Phoenix to the Triple Crown, everyone back home would realize Aidan was still a winner. His decision to train in the States would look like a brilliant move rather than a failed retreat. And he’d finally have something he’d itched for since that fateful day in the barn when his best friend betrayed him.

  Justice.

  Thoughts whirling, he tamped down on the surge of emotion and refocused. No need to travel down memory lane. He had one job to do now, and he’d focus all his energy on it.

  He completed his various errands at the feed store and neighboring farm, then parked to head into the Market. It’d become one of his favorite places in town, offering fresh, home-cooked food for people who didn’t cook.

  Perfect for him and Harper.

  Fighting a grin, he perused the prepared-food aisle, trying to decide between the lemon chicken and fresh cod, when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Aidan! Where have you been? I specifically told Jeff to make those magic bars you love, but they sold out too fast. Next time, I’ll put some aside. How’s Harper? How’s Phoenix?”

  He grinned. Fran owned the Market and had immediately introduced herself the moment he stepped into her place. He was used to Kildare, where everyone knew everyone else, so he didn’t take offense at her probing questions and general gossip.

  She had tightly permed dark hair, brown eyes, and a smile that was always genuine. Her regular outfit of jeans, a short-sleeved button-down white shirt, and sneakers was casual, but the big name badge declaring MANAGER pegged her as the one who personally greeted her guests, learned their food preferences, and made sure to deliver.

  “Sorry, it got busy and Ophelia cooked, so I didn’t need to come yesterday. We’re all good and working hard.” He shot her a sheepish look. “But I need dinner for tonight. How’s the cod?”

  “So fresh it may wriggle out of the bag.”

  “That sounds scary good. I’ll take two fillets. Can you put that lemon-pepper sauce on it? It’s Harper’s favorite.”

  “Of course. I’d recommend the sweet potatoes with it, and the peas.”

  “Harper hates peas. How about the asparagus?”

  Fran smiled, but it seemed smug and full of interest. “Perfect. How nice you know exactly what Harper likes. Does she come over to the inn with you to eat?”

  “Oh, no, I’m staying at her house for a bit while I wait for an extra room to open up.”

  The moment the words popped out, he knew he’d made a terrible mistake. Those dark eyes lit with a mad glee that warned him the entire town would be gossiping about their relationship within the hour.

  Crap. Harper was going to kill him.

  “How wonderful!” Fran crowed, patting his arm like he’d done something truly magical. “You have no idea how happy this makes me! Harper has always been such a loner. So passionate about her animals and causes—the whole town admires her—but we’ve been worried. You’re a perfect match!”

  He refused to blush. Real men did not succumb to such weakness. “Umm, actually, we’re not involved in a relationship. It’s strictly for the benefit of Phoenix so I don’t have to stay at the Hampton. I need access to the barn twenty-four hours a day.”

  Her smile got more zealous. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret,” she practically whispered. “I’m just so happy! I won’t tell a soul. This town is so gossipy, it’s ridiculous. Why would anyone want to stick their nose into someone else’s business?”

  Aidan smothered a groan. “I appreciate that. Maybe you can throw some of those lemon tarts in for dessert, too?”

  “Yes, let me get you all settled. Be back in a few.”

  The moment she disappeared, a deep, commanding voice rang out in the small market. “Aidan O’Connor? The one training Phoenix for the Triple Crown?”


  He turned and faced an older gentleman with distinguished white hair and thick, black-framed glasses, dressed in a crisp suit, a tie, and a red carnation in his lapel. Even in the scorching summer heat, he looked fresh and pressed, as if going into the office, but he looked easily in his late seventies. “Yes. Sorry, have we met?”

  The gentleman reached out his hand. “Judge Bennett. Seems you’re working with my grandson, Owen.”

  Aidan shook the man’s hand, admiring his firm grip. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “Pleasure’s all mine. How is Owen doing, paying for his crimes?”

  Aidan caught the glint of amusement in the man’s gaze and realized, though he was being firm with his grandson, the judge also understood a young male’s tendency to get into trouble. “He’s doing well. Learning the workings of the farm.”

  “Has he managed to put down that accessory that’s tattooed to his body?”

  His lips quirked. “The phone? Well, we’re working on that.”

  “Good. He’s a bit of a whiner, and a pinch of lazy, but his heart is kind. I figured the Bishop farm has helped a lot of kids in the past, and my grandson could use some character. I heard about the monstrous chicken, though.” A gray brow arched. “That creature won’t really hurt him, right?”

  Aidan laughed. “Nope, but he’s good for a little intimidation now and then. I promise we’re all looking out for Owen. Teaching him how to ride. Honestly, he’s doing better.”

  Judge Bennett’s face relaxed. “Thank you. So when I heard you’re training a local horse for the Derby, I looked you up. Have a few solid wins behind you. Surprised you left Ireland.” The narrowed gaze told him he’d switched to a bit of suspicion.

  Aidan knew it was best to deal with the retired judge by keeping it simple and honest. “Won a few. Lost some others. Been wanting to find a horse in the States, so I took some time to explore various tracks. The moment I laid eyes on Phoenix, I knew I wanted to train him. He has something special.”