Two In Hand

by Mary Winter

  He probably had work to do, and so did she. With her upcoming competition, she should be in the arena right now, navigating cones, working on her driven dressage. She smiled, thinking that no matter how different their disciplines were, no doubt they had the same work to do.

  “Yeah. See you this weekend?” Sooner? She kept her thought silent. Her weekend with them had taken away from her training time; she needed all she could get. And she couldn’t be with them all the time. The guys had their own lives, just as she did. The weekend would arrive before she knew it, even if her body, and her heart, demanded she see them sooner.

  “Sure. Either Daniel or I will call before we arrive. I don’t think we have directions to your place.”

  “No problem.” They chatted for a few more minutes, then exchanged pleasantries and hung up the phone.

  Katie remained on her porch a few moments longer, savoring the warmth that just speaking with James brought. Oh, she had it bad. Forget about Daniel, and her probably unstoppable crush on him. The past meant nothing, not when she had the memory of James’ whisky-rough voice in her ears and the tingles of anticipation that seeing them again brought. Standing, she took the phone, and her forgotten glass, into the house. Her drink went into the sink, the phone on the charger and then she braced her hands on the counter and exhaled deeply. Follow your heart, Sydney had told her. It seemed she had no choice.

  Chapter Nine

  With the reins in her hand, and her two Halflinger ponies weaving in and out of obstacles, Katie rode the wave of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sure, to the guys this probably looked silly. A woman in a light cart careening through cones with tennis balls on top. Dislodge the ball, and it was a lot easier to do than it looked, and you lost points. She tightened her fingers on the left rein, pulling in her horse as they took an exceptionally tight corner.

  The back of the cart swung wide. She didn’t have time to think, couldn’t worry about the soft plop of the tennis ball hitting the ground, because another turn, this time a serpentine, came up ahead and Mouthy was doing just that, starting to ignore her cues. “Come on,” she muttered under her breath, certain the nuts on the carriage wheels just missed that last tennis ball.

  She passed the finish line with the clock giving her a few hundredths of a second to spare with the time. Frowning, she drove the pair to a clear space by the barns.

  James and Daniel were there, each stepping forward to grab a horse. “That’s more exciting than I thought it would be,” James said. “You do all of that in a carriage? Damn.” He smoothed a hand down Buddy’s neck. His harness mate, Mouthy, shoved his nose at Daniel.

  “Smack him for that,” Katie rested her driving whip in its holder on the side of the cart. A volunteer ran up and handed her a score sheet. She glanced at it, before folding it and putting it in the pocket of her breeches. Could have been worse, she guessed, though when they got home, she and Mouthy would have a long, hard talk. “We might place if we’re lucky. I have driving dressage with Lady next.”

  “You brought how many horses?” Daniel asked with an arched eyebrow.

  Katie checked the harness, making sure it wasn’t equipment issues causing Mouthy to misbehave so much. Nah, just his usual stubborn nature. If she wanted to go to the higher level competitions this year, she’d probably have to think about swapping him out for another horse. She nibbled on her lower lip.

  “Three,” she said absently, running her hands down Mouthy’s outside front leg. No heat or swelling. “Damn it,” she muttered under her breath. “Let’s get them in the barn.” She hurried back to the carriage and hopped into the driver’s seat.

  The guys stood there.

  “Well come on.” She patted the seat next to her. “What are you waiting for? I got them.”

  Daniel reluctantly released Mouthy’s reins and then stepped back. He got in, inching closer to her than the seat demanded. When James saw Daniel seated, he hurried back and sat on Katie’s other side.

  “You know, I once heard someone describe driving horses as strapping on roller blades and being pulled by a horse. It definitely ranks as one of the more dangerous equestrian sports.”

  Katie arched an eyebrow at him. “You’re a cowboy,” she said drolly. “You’re not supposed to care about danger.” She lifted the reins and the horses took off at a stately walk.

  Daniel laughed as they went back to the barn. Katie drove right into the aisle, letting the guys disembark before she unhitched first Mouthy, then Buddy. The two horses went into their side by side stalls. It took her only a moment to switch out the harness before leading Lady into the aisle. After a quick brushing, Lady’s golden palomino coat shone and Katie harnessed up the beautiful Quarter Horse mare.

  “Do you need any help?” Daniel asked, a brush in his hand.

  She paused in buckling a strap to stare at him. Both he and James stood by the stall. Daniel held a body brush, James a hoof pick. So used to being on her own for so long, she’d totally shut the guys out. At least at the rodeo, they’d let her help and they had a lot less work to do. She finished buckling the strap and smoothed down a wispy strand of Lady’s mane. Her mind raced.

  “I have two more classes. Do you think you could give Mouthy and Buddy a good grooming? They’ll have to go back in for our last class,” she suggested.

  Normally Sydney helped her, but her friend had taken Knothead to a local schooling show just to see what he’d do. She’d competed on her own before, so hadn’t given any thought until she’d seen the guys standing there. Two cowboys in the barn for a combined driving event. They’d left their hats at home, but in boots and jeans and their western shirts, they kind of stood out. She smiled.

  “I’ll do that.” James snatched the brush from Daniel. “Go cheer our Katie on.”

  “It’s dressage,” Katie said, mortified that the guys would do exactly that—cheer. “It’s like golf. Everybody’s quiet.”

  James elbowed Daniel. “Remember. It’s dressage.” He spoke in an exaggerated stage whisper. “No yelling allowed.”

  Katie finished the last minute touches on Lady and tossed a hoof rag at Daniel. “Thank you,” she said to James as she backed the mare past them. She paused long enough to stand on tiptoe and brush a kiss across James’ cheek. “For luck.”

  “Uh huh.” Daniel fell into step behind her.

  She felt good, probably better than she wanted to admit to herself, and having Daniel waiting to polish Lady’s hooves as they exited the warm-up arena was nice. Really nice.

  And then it was time to compete again. This time, driven dressage wasn’t quite as flashy as the timed obstacle course. More like the compulsories in figure skating, it was all about performing certain movements in specific places in the arena. No music, no glitzy costumes, and certainly little thunderous applause. She had memorized her tests so she didn’t even have a reader to at least call out what the movements were. She bet Daniel was completely bored.

  He didn’t look it though, when she drove out of the arena. He clapped, little golf claps, but that’s what everyone else was doing. And when she stopped, he had a smile as big as the Oklahoma sky.

  “Looked great,” he said.

  “Come on. You have no idea what I was doing, except driving this pretty girl around the arena.” Katie transferred the reins, intending to get out and take care of the horse and then remembered she had a groom. “Why don’t you come up and sit? Lady will be in the next class before I get the boys out.”

  “Okay. We just won’t tell James, will we?” He winked as he got into the cart, and Katie couldn’t help but smile.

  ~* * *~

  Daniel waited until Katie pulled them over into the shade of a large tree. He rested his arm along the back of the seat. His fingers brushed against her shoulder and she snuggled a bit closer to him.

  “Sure you’re not bored?” Katie relaxed the reins, letting Lady stretch her head. The mare snorted, shaking her mane.

  “Why would I be? I’m here with you and
James.” He played with the strands of her hair escaping the pony tail that she’d tucked beneath her helmet. His fingers caressed the back of her neck. A warm breeze surrounded them, bringing with it the familiar scents of any equestrian event—a greasy concession stand and horses. Leaning closer, he nuzzled her neck. “How much time do we have until your next class?” He let his fingers wander down beneath the collar of her shirt.

  Katie closed her eyes and leaned against him. He loved the way she trusted him, not caring about what anyone else said. To outside observers they were just two people, lovers maybe, sitting in a carriage while Katie waited for her next class. He drew a lungful of her scent into his lungs, his groin tightening.

  Just being with Katie made him hard. Their past haunted him, the way he had his life almost perfect, except for the fact that he didn’t know whether he wanted men or women. Now that he had one of each, he couldn’t think of a better place to be.

  Katie murmured. “This is nice.”

  “It is.” Though the commotion of the event was behind them, Lady cocked a hind leg and dozed beneath the tree. “Do you want something to drink or eat? You didn’t have lunch.”

  “I usually don’t.”

  “You should. Keep your strength up. James is always making sure I eat something at the rodeos, even if it’s just an apple or a quick sandwich. Did you pack a cooler?” He didn’t recall seeing one in her truck, and he and James had helped her unload the horses and the tack. He reached for the cell phone on his hip, intending to radio James to bring them food. “How long do you have until your next class?”

  Katie glanced at her watch. “About ninety minutes.”

  “Good.” He flipped open the phone.

  “Hey, what’s up?” James’ voice came through. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, can you check and see if Katie packed a cooler and bring her a bottle of water and—”

  “I didn’t pack a cooler,” Katie softly admitted.

  “I heard that,” James said. “I’ll see what the concession stand has. Maybe some fruit? Where are you guys at.”

  Daniel gave directions then flipped the phone closed. “James will take care of you.”

  He watched her stiffen and struggled to hide his smile. His Katie, always independent. Even before, especially then, with her just learning to spread her wings, she’d insisted on handling everything herself.

  “It’s okay.” He closed his eyes and rested his chin against the top of her head. “He takes care of me too.”

  She softened then, relaxing into him. Even Lady breathed a sigh, and Daniel figured the mare felt Katie’s tension through the reins. “James said you’d called last week. Hope nothing was the matter.” His hand dropped down to her arm, stroking the length from shoulder to wrist.

  “No,” she said, not quite convincing him. “It’s…just—” Katie squeezed her eyes closed and sighed. “Silly shit. Never mind.”

  He cupped her chin, tilting her face so her gaze met his. “Don’t ‘silly shit’ me. I know you, hon.” The phone at his hip beeped and he flipped it open.

  “Think she wants something more than fruit? They have really nice looking burgers here.” James asked.

  “Did you hear that?” Daniel asked her.

  She nodded. “Yeah, just some fruit and a bottle of water is fine.” Her stomach rumbled.

  “You’re not pulling that girly stuff on us, are you?” Daniel asked.

  Katie looked sheepish enough, that he bet she was. “Why don’t you get her a burger. If she doesn’t eat it, I will. Thanks.”

  “Will do.” Moments later, Daniel heard James giving his order. Sounded like burgers and fruit all the way around.

  “I’ll pay you back. They charge a killing. That’s why I usually wait until I get home.” Her stomach rumbled again. “Though the day does get long,” she admitted.

  “Don’t worry about it.” He slipped his phone back into his pocket, thankful to be able to do something, no matter how small, to help her out. “You have to keep your strength up if you’re going to win.”

  She nodded.

  James showed up then, his arms laden with food. Daniel stepped down to help him, and the two of them made their way back to the carriage. They sat, the smell of burgers strong enough that Lady raised her head and looked over her shoulder. She snorted, giving an equine pout, before turning her head back to the small patch of grass in front of her. She pulled up a couple of stalks and began to chew.

  “Thanks.” Katie dug into her meal as if she hadn’t eaten in days and Daniel wondered if she’d even had breakfast. This was what was missing from before. Sure, he and Katie had spent time together, made love, dated, but they lacked the little things that made up a day-to-day relationship. He glanced over and saw James watching her, the same kind of speculative look in his eyes that Daniel knew was in his own. Serious probably didn’t begin to describe his and James’ relationship with Katie. He hoped she realized that as well.

  ~* * *~

  Daniel sat next to James in the truck, thinking that this must have been how Katie felt last weekend. She drove the truck and horse trailer with a capability he shouldn’t have doubted. She traveled to shows all over the country. Making sure she and her horses arrived safely had to be her top priority.

  Still, sitting in the middle suited him just fine. He angled his legs over toward the passenger side and joked about playing footsie with James. Katie’s arm brushed against his as she steered and shifted, sending delightful tingles through his body. Schedules be damned, he needed to see her again, and soon.

  “So you’re going to a rodeo in Texas next weekend,” Katie said as she turned into her driveway.

  “Yep.” Daniel glanced at their truck parked next to her car. Already dinner time and they were home with little more to do than unload the horses and the tack.

  Katie put the truck in park and then hopped out.

  James opened the door.

  “I got it, guys,” she said. “Just unhooking the trailer with the carriage on it. I’ll roll it into the shed later.” Before they could protest, she hurried behind the trailer. He heard the clink of pins being released

  “We’ll roll the carriage into the shed,” Daniel told James, who looked solemn. “Damn, I thought you were independent, but I forgot how bad she could be.”

  “A handful, that’s for sure. Glad you made her get some lunch.” James searched the rearview mirror until he presumably saw her. “She needs us to take care of her.”

  “So that’s what you were thinking at the show.” A slow smile spread across Daniel’s face. He opened his mouth to say more, but the truck door opened.

  “Quit talking about me.” Katie shifted the truck into gear and drove up to the barn.

  “Who said we were talking about you?”

  Katie turned off the engine and pocketed the keys. “Who said you weren’t?” Winking, she got out of the truck.

  James grumbled under his breath—something about having to deal with two smartasses—and Daniel inwardly laughed, considering what dealing with both of them on a fulltime basis would be like for his lover. By the time Daniel reached the back of the trailer, Katie had lowered the ramp and was backing Lady out. He opened the door to the tack compartment.

  “Can you take those trunks to the tack room?” Katie led Lady into the barn.

  “Sure.” Daniel grabbed one, and James the other. They were heavy, but not remarkably so given the harnesses inside. Really, the after-show clean up was the same no matter what kind of events were attended, and he felt right at home hauling tack trunks, then buckets into the wash stall to be cleaned, and finally lifting a couple of bales of hay back up to the stack.

  By the time he and James had finished, Katie had unloaded, unwrapped, and groomed the horses. They were in their stalls, and Katie was scrubbing out the buckets in the wash stall.

  He stood there, staring at her bent over the bucket, her perfect, heart-shaped ass on display. Her tight breeches left little to the imaginat
ion. After a day of restraining himself, his cock hardened with a swiftness that bordered on hurting. James stopped next to him, and a glance at the other man’s pants showed he was having a similar reaction to Katie’s tempting position.

  Daniel strode into the wash stall, water flowing in eddies around his boots. He came up behind her and smoothed his hands down her thigh. “Now isn’t this a pretty picture.”

  He leaned into her, letting Katie feel the thick length of his erection against her buttocks. Sliding his hands over the cotton shirt she wore he freed it from her breeches with a tug, then slipped his hand beneath.

  “What are you doing?” Katie dropped the sponge into the bucket, her fingers sliding on the hose nozzle.

  “Seducing you. Is it working?” He nuzzled the back of her neck, kissing the tender place just behind her ear. Capturing the fleshy lobe between his lips he sucked until she gave a soft mewl of need.

  James’ long strides carried him to them, and he gently took the hose from her hands. Turning off the water, he hung up the nozzle, making sure that there wasn’t an unfortunate accident. Daniel found the pulse fluttering beneath his lips and sucked on it.

  Ignoring the thin pool of water on the floor, James dropped to his knees in front of her. He took her shirt in his hands and pulled it up.

  Katie leaned forward enough so James could remove her shirt. He reached behind him and hung it on one of the hooks on the wall.

  “Who would have imagined you were so sexy beneath that prim and proper coat and tie you wore today?” James palmed her breasts.

  From his vantage point he couldn’t see everything James did, but Daniel could imagine. He’d pictured himself doing exactly what James was doing a hundred times today. One by one, he removed the pins from her hair, letting it unfurl, before gently sliding out the elastic band containing her pony tail.

  “My hair’s a mess.” Katie reached up to try and contain the unruly strands. They stuck out in a million directions, almost as if they protested being tucked up beneath her helmet all day.

  Daniel tamed her hair with long strokes of his hair. He massaged her scalp, earning a soft moan as she tilted her head against his hand.