Jockeying for You

by Stacy Hoff

  If Jake had known that, he would have stayed living in his bachelor pad in Manhattan forever. Frankly, he liked his Park Avenue penthouse better anyway. Only two bedrooms, with one used as a home office. It had more windows than it did furnishings, which suited him fine. The furniture had had simple clean lines, not the frou-frou carved wood and ornate mirrors his sister chose for the mansion. For a man who didn’t much bother with interior décor, he had done a pretty good design job with his apartment, if he said so himself.

  Although living in the Long Island countryside did have its advantages. Like being close to the stables so he could track his horses’ progress. And impressing the heck out of women. Assuming he was, (1) on a power charge that day; and, (2) willing to play up the powerful alpha mega-millionaire role with women who would be adequately impressed by that.

  He snuck a glance out of the corner of his eye at Ryder, who had fallen asleep in his car. A dreamy expression had set upon her face, basking in an afterglow he envied. His own afterglow left the minute he turned into the great circular driveway. Would Ryder be duly impressed like Betsy had been? A part of him hoped so. Anything to make Ryder want to be with him again.

  But a part of him also hoped not. Having Ryder turn out to be just like Betsy was the exact opposite of what he needed in a woman. He had listened to his family enough. Their tastes could prevail in most ways, since most things he didn’t care about. Like where, or how, he lived. Or even what lifestyle he should lead. But business deals, and now women, were hands off. All matters close to his heart would have to be far from their hands.

  He stopped the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and leaned over to kiss her awake. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.” He watched her eyes flutter open.

  She blinked hard, stretched out as best as could be done in a sports car, and fixed her gaze on the windshield. “Wow,” Ryder said. “It makes sense you’re Prince Charming. This place is a castle. Do you really live here?”

  “No,” he deadpanned.

  She gave him a playful smile. “It’s really owned by somebody else, all part of this big lie you’re rich?”

  “I’m a liar, huh? Slide your hands down my pants. Make sure they’re not on fire.”

  “Not a bad idea.” She shot him a smoky expression, as if she were on fire, too.

  I need to shut up. If we keep up this banter I won’t be able to wait until I get her all the way upstairs to my bedroom.

  “It won’t work, you know,” she commented casually.

  “What won’t?” He scowled. Trust me, I’m going to work fine. Just give me five seconds to get your clothes off. I sure as hell don’t need any little blue pills and I’m going to prove that to you right—

  “Your ruse,” she answered. “I’m sure the real owners will come back any minute. Despite your praying they won’t leave their vacation condo in Belize.”

  “Oh my God, you’ve seen through my whole charade,” he answered flatly. “Since we’re going inside, you’ll have to wonder how much I’m bribing the butler to play along with this elaborate game.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “You have a butler? For real?”

  “Twelve of them, actually. But only Jeeves is allowed to let people in.” He parked the car and walked around to hold open her door, ignoring her gaping mouth. He did his best to avert his eyes so he didn’t break out into laughter.

  “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?” she said crossly.

  “Yup. Totally worth it. Your expression is priceless.” The laughter he had been holding in tumbled forth, a prisoner desperate to have been set free. “I don’t know why you’re upset. You started it.”

  A slow smile spread across her face. “But when I tease, it’s funny.”

  “Right. I’ll make a note of that. My teasing is definitely not funny. So why am I laughing?” When he calmed down he grabbed her hand as they walked up the marble steps. “I don’t have twelve butlers. I do have someone who lives onsite for security and maintenance purposes. He lives in a guesthouse out back. I also have two housekeepers who come several times a week. I try to keep house staff to a bare minimum. I don’t love hordes of people around me. I don’t trash my own house so a lot of clean-up isn’t necessary. I can cook. Even throw in the occasional load of laundry. I don’t mind doing a little work to keep my house all to myself. As much as possible anyway.”

  “You sound like a hermit. But you’re not.”

  When he pressed the electronic keypad at the front door they entered into a foyer shaped like a rotunda.

  “Your home is stunning,” she marveled.

  “Thanks. But I can’t take credit for choosing it.” He gave her a seductive smile. “I only picked the woman standing inside it. And as far as stunning is concerned, that distinction goes exclusively to you.”

  Warm red color flushed her pretty cheeks. “Can I check your place out?”

  “Sure. Make yourself at home. Do you want anything to drink?”

  “Coffee, maybe?”

  “Screw that small stuff. I’ll whip us up some cappuccinos. One of the perks of having a big stuffy house like this is having enough space to hold everything I want.” Like you. Wait, where did that come from? He forced his thoughts back on-track. “I brought my cappuccino maker back from Italy last summer. There’s nothing like it.” He hustled over to the kitchen. “Sugar?” he called out over his shoulder.

  “Sure. Thanks. I know how much effort you’re going through for me. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem at all. Hope you like it.” And me.

  Ryder spent the time waiting for her cappuccino by wandering around the various rooms. The house was amazing. Almost out of a fairytale. She glided a fingertip lightly over a stately wood desk to see if it was real. Can I feel things in my dreams, too? If so, she hoped she wasn’t going to wake up for a long while. Because right now, she was in a castle. With a prince. And Lord knew Jake owned enough horses for him to ride in on. Handsome Dancer was chestnut brown, not white, but both of them were certainly regal enough.

  She strolled into a library room and fought against her hands’ desire to pick up his many knick-knacks for inspection. The temptation was great. A million curios demanded her attention. A good many of them seemed to be awards for his contributions to different charities and non-profit business organizations. Seeing the positive way other people viewed Jake made her admire—and want—him more.

  One eye-level shelf in the library had a row of picture frames displayed. Each frame was made of simple wood and all were made in the same craftsman style. Every photograph showed smiling faces. One picture was of Jake as a child standing next to an older girl. The girl had a pleasant smile and wore long light-brown braids. He and the girl appeared in many photos obviously taken throughout the years. Some pictures were with an older man whom Jake resembled, and some were with a woman whom the daughter favored. It’s clear the girl is the sister. So who was the slim, sexy woman in the most recent photo of Jake?

  This dark-haired woman sported a solitaire diamond almost as a big as the olives at the French restaurant. She stood next to a cake bearing the words, “Congrats on your engagement!” Behind her stood Jake, who held her hand. Jake’s smiling eyes reached out to Ryder from the photo. All the way to the pit of her stomach. I think I’m going to be sick.

  “There you are,” Jake said, interrupting her thoughts. “I thought you got away from me. Were you nervous to try my cappuccino?”

  She stared at him silently until his face scrunched up, clearly confused. He set the cups down on an antique end table. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I want to hear all about your engagement.”

  “Geez, Ryder,” he answered dryly, “I know we had an extraordinarily good time back at the stables, but don’t you think we should get to know each other a little bit better before you ask to marry me?”<
br />
  His sarcasm eased her apprehension a little. If he could joke about the situation she must be incorrect about her assumption. “Can you answer the question seriously? Please?”

  She watched his eyebrows knit together. “No, I’m not engaged. Why on earth would you ask me such a thing?” His temper was clearly kicking in, if the harsh tone of his voice was any indication. “We just had the most fantastic experience, why ruin it?”

  Her lips welded together, she lifted the photo of him and the dark-haired brunette and showed it to him.

  “Oh. Me and Betsy,” he said softly, straightening up. “We broke up. I forgot that picture was still in here. I never come into this room. I didn’t even decorate it. My sister did.”

  Ryder bit down on her lower lip, feeling stupid and accusatory. “Sorry to have brought it up. Since it’s an engagement photo, I needed to know.”

  “You need to believe I’m not a liar. I would never be with a woman if I’m engaged to someone else. You need to understand that about me, or you don’t understand me at all.” He raked a hand through his thick hair. “I’m sorry for the photo. I’ll have it removed but don’t doubt me again, okay? I have enough doubts from my family. I’ve been searching for the one woman in life who will stand by me no matter what. That woman was not Betsy. I’m hoping it’s you.”

  Silence permeated the air. Neither of them moved. Breathed.

  “I really want to be with you, Ry. I want our relationship to grow. I’m incredibly attracted to you. But I have my own issues. Being second-guessed is one of them.”

  She watched him take a breath, admiring his ability to do so. Her breath had been suspended the minute she saw that photo. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have doubted you. I’m sorry. Like you, I have my own issues. I’m a little overprotective of myself. I try to wall myself off from things that are going to make me fail. I don’t often reach out for the brass rings in life anymore. Somehow I managed to work up enough courage to reach out for you. But then I saw this picture . . .” She placed the frame back on the desk with a hard thump.

  Jake pulled her into his arms, and she dropped her head against his chest. “I’m so sorry, Jake,” she whispered.

  “Shhh. It’s all right. Things were a little . . . powerful between us back at the stables. We’re just a little overemotional right now.”

  She reached her arms around him and reveled in the feeling of security and warmth.

  “You know what will make us feel better?” he asked solemnly.

  “No, what?”

  “If we re-enact the stable scene upstairs.” He let go of her and gave her a wink. Then he grabbed her hand and she followed him.

  Then he stopped short. “Damn. Almost forgot about the cappuccinos. I guess we need a temporary change in our plans. First let me indulge you. Then we can indulge in each other. Deal?”

  She felt a broad grin stretch across her lips. “I don’t know. Pretty tempting offers either way. You say you make mighty good coffee.”

  He arched an eyebrow.

  “Then again,” she conceded, “you make mighty good love, too.”

  “So which will it be?”

  She pretended to stroke her chin in indecision. “Which one is more worthy of my time?”

  Before she could finish teasing him, he grabbed her around the waist and swung her over his shoulder. He carried her all the way up the winding staircase to the second story.

  “Fairytales don’t have cavemen,” she pretended to chastise.

  “If I’m a caveman then you are definitely my captive.”

  “Captive, huh? I guess I’ll need a knight in shining armor to rescue me?”

  “I can definitely promise you a shining night. How about I get started now?”

  She giggled girlishly. “A shining night with a caveman, completely filled with sexual gratification. That’s one twisted fairytale. But I like it.”

  When he eventually dropped her onto the soft mattress of his four-poster bed she liked it even more.

  “When we kiss,” he murmured, “you make me feel all crazy inside.” With a slow, lazy hand that belied her own need for action he traced the contours of her breasts. She was so wrapped up in the sensation she almost missed the feeling of her garments being removed. Almost.

  “Jake,” she murmured, “I hate to stop this, but I need you to do something for me.”

  “Don’t worry, I have my own box of condoms. I didn’t know I could rely on Mindy.” The sound of his laughter was muffled from his head on her chest.

  “Glad you’re so organized,” she said drolly. “But I meant something else. Can you turn off the lights?”

  He eyed her quizzically. “Which one of us is ugly? If it’s me, I can wear both a condom and a paper bag.”

  “Ha ha ha. I’m serious. Please?”

  “Sure thing. As soon as you explain why. What’s wrong?”

  “My accident . . . it left me a little . . .”

  “You mean your scars?”

  She felt her face heat up. Her heart pounded in her chest. Only this time from embarrassment and raw nerves.

  “I know they’re there. I felt them on you.”

  “Oh my God, you what?” She sank down lower into the bed, dragging the bedcover around her.

  “Geez, Ryder, calm down. I don’t care about any of that. You are beautiful. I want to see you naked.”

  He tugged at the blanket but her grip was iron clad. “No, okay? Please?”

  “Okay. At least I’m comfortable with you seeing my body.” He got up to strip off his clothes.

  Good thing, the man is gorgeous. Taut muscles that had been hidden by high-end clothes were now gloriously revealed. Tight abs. Firm thighs. Built biceps. The food at Chez Louis XIV could not have been more tempting.

  “If you enjoyed the preview,” he teased after turning off the lights, “can we move on to the performance?”

  “Technically, wouldn’t this be an encore?”

  “I’ll show you an encore,” he said as he climbed underneath the blanket.

  As soon as he was on top of her she felt her skin peak and crest. Felt the heat creep up and take over. Bit her lip as his kisses worked their way down her body. Closed her eyes with an anticipation that was almost painful as he nudged his upper body down between her thighs.

  “Last time was too fast. This time will be slow. I want to make love to you, Ryder Hannon. I want to revel in your heat. I want the feel of you as you embrace me. Tonight I am going to be a part of you.”

  From his words and the touch of his mouth, hands, and body, she floated away in a cloud of sensations.

  “Hey, you’re finally awake,” Jake teased.

  “Hmmm? What?” Ryder tried to rouse herself from a deep sleep and to kick her brain into gear. Blinking, her eyes darted around, trying to get her bearings. She was in an enormous bedroom. With Jake. Who was standing up wearing only pajama pants, smiling at her with an obvious affection so deep she felt herself blush in response.

  “Morning,” she finally mumbled. Good Lord, I’ve slept with an owner. A well-known, well-connected, owner. Whom I work for. And who knows about all of my scars. Damn.

  “You seem a bit nervous. Are you? How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Umm. Okay.” Considering I probably have morning breath and look like a wreck in addition to everything else.

  “Not sure I believe you. But go wash up and hurry right back.”

  “Okay, I’m going.” As soon as she pushed the blankets off of her she realized she was naked. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she ran into the bathroom. In a second, she had slammed the door behind her.

  “I don’t know what your problem is,” he called out pleasantly. “You really are quite beautiful.”

  “Er, thanks,”
she said loudly enough to be heard through the door. “I’m nowhere close yet, but give me a few moments. I can work my way up to being presentable. I hope.”

  With a slump of relief to be in privacy, she made her way over to the sink. Using his toothbrush was way too intimate.

  So was showing him her scars.

  Chapter 10

  Ryder passively watched Handsome Dancer and Golden Child being hot walked by two teenaged girls. The girls were working hard but clearly enjoying themselves, their laughter filling the air. Ryder remembered the same joy she felt when she was their age at being allowed to help with a horse’s care. There had been no better feeling, until she started learning how to jockey.

  She rested her forearms on the railing as she reminisced. The smell of cut grass and damp earth filled her nose. The sunlight warmed her skin. She closed her eyes to enjoy a stray breeze blowing in.

  She could not believe all that had happened in the few short weeks since the night she and Jake had been together. Their relationship was progressing as fast as Handsome Dancer. Which was saying quite a lot. Handsome Dancer’s desire to succeed during his practice runs was nothing less than stellar. An ordinary thoroughbred would require a resting period of a week, sometimes two, after a vigorous practice session. But after waiting only a day or two, Handsome would whimper to go out and do it again. At first she thought maybe she was misreading his signals, but his desire to take off when she mounted him could not have been clearer if he spoke English.

  She thought back to Jake’s teasing her that she was Dr. Doolittle. Maybe I do speak “horse.” And maybe relationships based on trust and communication do work out.

  If it did work out, she would be responsible for two miraculous performances. She had never opened herself up so completely to an animal, let alone a man. Both males had a way of getting under her skin. It felt like the soothing warmth of the sun.