“Are you leaving for the track now?” She finally turned and glanced up. Her lower lip was slightly swollen, hair rumpled, not a trace of makeup. She looked beautiful.
“I’m not sure.” He dragged a hand over his jaw. He’d intended to drive up to Lone Star but was now reluctant to rush off. “It’s kind of late. Shane can probably handle it. What time does Martha wake?”
“About seven.”
“So we have a few hours. I don’t have much breakfast food, but I can make coffee.” Picking up his phone, he moved into the kitchen and called Shane. “You’re in charge today. I’m staying at Conrad’s.”
“Sure, boss.” Shane sounded surprised but delighted.
“Remember to put blinkers on the Barkeeper colt,” Dino said as he one-handed the coffee tin from the cupboard, “and the new filly needs a shadow roll. She should jog three laps.”
“Okay,” Shane said. “And that hot-assed reporter called again. Wanted some news on the Conrad filly. Said you promised her an update. She sounded pissed.”
“I’ll look after her.”
“And if you see Becky, say hi,” Shane added. “Is she coming to the races tomorrow?”
Dino stiffened, his gaze drifting to Becky. He had the juvenile urge to tell Shane she was right beside him, fresh from his bed. “Yes. She’ll be driving down with me when I bring Echo. And driving back with me as well,” he added, his voice clipped.
“Slim’s not hauling?”
“Nope.” Dino tossed a spoon in the sink, mentally ticking off his morning. Feed Becky, oversee new exercise rider, pick up broken leather, fire Slim. Find his replacement as quickly as possible. It was unfortunate Stephanie was gone. She knew the animals, and Slim wouldn’t be as missed if she were around.
Or maybe Shane could move to Conrad’s and help out for a few weeks. He’d be the ideal person since he already knew the horses. But the thought made him scowl. “I’ll call you at noon.” He cut the connection and walked back into the living room.
Becky was still watching the screen, smiling at something Lyric did. He bent over and gave her a possessive kiss. Usually women were the ones who wanted to talk relationships, but she hadn’t said a word last night, not even when she cuddled in his arms, sweet and sated.
He’d been relieved; he didn’t do relationships and that direction of talk generally made him sweat. But the sex had been damn good. Too good for them not to continue for a while.
“So we’re still on for dinner tonight, right?” He stared at the computer screen, pretending interest as one of the stable hands plunked a blue wheelbarrow in front of Lyric’s stall.
She glanced up in surprise. “You’re going to stay here? Until we haul out tomorrow?”
It did sound odd, and he crossed his arms, slightly defensive. “Echo’s race is important. I have to win for my bonus to kick in. So I have to stick around.”
“Right.” She nodded and looked back at the screen. “Of course, the race is important to Martha too.”
“Of course.” He shrugged. “Anyway I need to stay here. I got a new girl coming by to fill in for Stephanie. She’s ridden for me before but unfortunately never galloped Echo. So I’ll need to watch her. Got a bunch of other stuff to do here too.”
“You sound busy so I’ll clear out now.” She smiled but didn’t look away from the computer screen. “I appreciate how you helped me, you know, be more…comfortable. It was a lot of fun.”
“Fun?” He stared at the top of her head, thoughts of Slim and Echo sliding right out of his mind. She thought their lovemaking had been fun? Of course, she’d only slept with one other guy before. Maybe she didn’t realize how good the sex was. “I’m not sure if fun is the best description,” he said cautiously.
“Well, I thought it was.” She unfolded her legs and rose from the chair. “You were most impressive and certainly justify all the shampoo. Thanks for everything.” She stood on her tiptoes, brushed his cheek with a cool kiss and headed toward the door.
The reference to shampoo was confusing but it was clear she intended to leave, and since he had a lot to do, that was probably a good thing. But he didn’t want her to go, not yet. The knowledge left him irritated. “But I just made a pot of coffee. Stay and help me drink it.”
She smiled over her shoulder. “But you don’t have any food.”
“I have pizza. It’s delicious cold. And Chinese food, which I can heat.”
She wrinkled her nose, gave a little wave, and walked out. Probably in a hurry to see Martha. Understandable, of course, but he didn’t like to be abandoned. He scooped his boots off the mat and rushed after her.
The sun hadn’t poked over the ridge yet, the vehicles were only a dark shape in the gloom, but a car door clicked. Christ, she was fast. He’d only hauled one boot on, and she was pretty much gone.
He stopped hopping on one leg, yanked the boot off and tossed it aside with a clunk. “If you want to go on a trail ride,” he yelled, “be at the barn by ten.”
“You have time to ride with me?” He caught an indistinct blur of movement as she called out the window, and the delight in her voice was obvious.
“Of course I do.” He grinned foolishly.
And then the car crunched over the gravel. Headlights panned the driveway as it wheeled around and whipped down the road. He propped his hip against the door, watching until it disappeared. She drove faster now, with more confidence. Yes, indeed. Quite a bit had changed about Martha’s meek little nurse.
He closed the door, determined to concentrate on more pressing issues. Echo, Hunter, Slim. Plus call Laura and assure her he’d have the money. He’d hang around Conrad’s for the next twenty-four hours. Ensure nothing went wrong. His ranch was only one win away, and the filly was primed to run.
He grabbed a steaming cup of coffee, considering the competition. Seven furlongs. The horses would start in the chute, a long backstretch run, one turn and then gallop home. The speed horse from California, Country Zip, had drawn the four hole and would no doubt lead the way. Echo liked to stalk and would break from the six hole—perfect for her since she’d have the speed on her inside. She was tractable. Brad could ride a smart race, keeping Country Zip in his sights until it was time to move.
Should be a relatively easy win. Still…he took a quick gulp of coffee, almost burning his mouth. Races were never easy, horses never predictable. On paper it looked like Echo towered over her rivals. She was a stakes winner; this was an allowance race and two horses were still maidens.
If Malcolm were alive, he wouldn’t be thrilled about dropping Echo in class. A loss at this level could erode her breeding value. But the horse needed a race, and a win by a homebred would deliver his bonus. Besides, Echo couldn’t lose—she was training perfectly. Even Stephanie said the filly never felt better. A win at any cost was what Martha needed. A win would keep her interested. No need to second guess.
Besides, he didn’t need to justify his decisions. Echo needed the race, he needed the money, and he was going to make sure that horse crossed the wire first.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Martha’s eyes twinkled, the mischief in her voice reassuring. “I don’t like Ted calling me every day, urging me to move. And pretending I was changing my will was the only way to make him shut up. Now show me the entries for Echo’s race.”
Becky smoothed the crumpled sheet on the table, delighted to see the return of Martha’s gumption. Thanks to Echo’s race, this was definitely going to be a good week.
“Echo will be the favorite. Country Zip is the second favorite.” She leaned forward and adjusted the patio umbrella, shielding Martha’s head from the morning sun. Eight-thirty and already it was warm. She wondered if Echo had finished her gallop yet, wondered if Slim had sobered up, wondered if the new rider would flirt with Dino.
She grabbed a metal chair, dragging it over the patio tiles closer to Martha. Of course the new girl would flirt with Dino. And of course he’d respond. She knew that. Expected it even. She’d se
en the shampoo bottles, knew he liked variety, and that knowledge didn’t bother her. Not a bit.
“Goodness.” Martha winced. “Don’t grate the chair like that. It’s a horrible noise. Very unladylike.”
“Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Becky picked up the chair and dropped it next to Martha.
“I disagree.” Martha gave her hand a comforting squeeze. “Obviously you’re thinking of something. Horses or men?”
“Horses,” Becky said. “Dino wants to win tomorrow. He can buy his ranch from his ex if he earns that bonus.” She swallowed but Martha’s gaze was empathetic. “What was she like?”
“Laura? Never met her. They were divorced long before Dino came to work for us. But rumor is she craved a lot of male attention and that they were both unhappy.” Martha patted her hand. “Sounds like you’re really thinking of a man. I heard your car early this morning. Did you have a fun evening?”
Becky studied the garden. A monarch butterfly landed on some white azaleas then fluttered away in search of brighter flowers. “Sure. Dino was very nice but it’s a new day now.” She kept her gaze on the flowers. “Unfortunately it’s hard to pretend not to care.”
“But you don’t want a trainer. Someone who gets up early every morning, won’t take vacations and probably will never be rich.” Martha’s voice filled with repugnance. “You’d be stuck living in a rundown ranch, throwing feed for chickens while Dino gallivants at the track.”
“He wants to stay single anyway.” Becky’s eyes burned, but she blinked away the itch.
Martha made a dismissive noise in her throat. “All men think that. Just remember, he’s a trainer.”
Becky sneaked a quick eye rub then checked Martha’s face. Her color and energy were good, but her words didn’t make sense. “Well, of course I remember he’s a trainer. I can’t imagine him being anything else.”
Martha gave a knowing smile. “I’ve never met a trainer who wasn’t intensely competitive.”
“Yes, he wants to win every time he runs.”
“Well, if you want Dino, think of it like a race. My Malcolm told me he didn’t want to get married too. Always had a different girl hanging on his arm.”
“Really?” Becky leaned forward, forgetting about hiding her watery eyes. “But he was so in love with you.”
“Of course he was. But he didn’t know it. And the most important thing was for me to decide I loved him.”
Becky’s shoulders drooped. Martha liked to give advice, but it wasn’t wise to accept everything she said. Perhaps it was best to be content with simple progress. Two months ago, she wouldn’t have believed Dino would even want to share a coffee with her. Now they’d had some great sex and she hadn’t even been self-conscious; in fact she’d been surprisingly bold. She should be happy with that. He was just so damn nice—
“Are you listening?”
Becky gave a guilty jerk.
“So if you remember life is one big horse race,” Martha continued, “you’ll have all the men you want. Now, for my bets. Fifty dollars on Echo to win, throw in a twenty-dollar exacta with the other favorite and any longshot you like in the paddock. Give all my winnings to Stephanie. When can you visit her?”
“Monday.” Becky grabbed a pen, relieved Martha hadn’t forgotten Stephanie’s plight, and jotted down her instructions. It was hard keeping exotic bets straight but if Shane were around, she’d ask for help. He’d already taught her a lot about watching horses in the paddock. “Think this will be an easy race?”
“I certainly hope so. Echo’s plummeted in class, and Malcolm would roll in his grave if she lost. But trainers make the decisions, and Malcolm always trusted Dino.” Martha yawned. “What about Slim? Is he going to the track with you tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure.” Becky doodled on the paper, reluctant to look at Martha. “Dino hasn’t been happy with Slim lately.”
“I’ve gathered,” Martha said dryly. “But Slim was Malcolm’s first manager. They’ve been through a lot together, including that terrible accident with Jill.” Her voice firmed. “I don’t believe in coddling but even if Slim leaves, he’s welcome to stay in the guesthouse. Remain on salary until he finds another job. Promise you’ll work that out with Dino?”
Becky nodded. She’d been agonizing about Slim and Jill, so it was a relief Martha felt an increasing degree of responsibility. No need to upset her with ugly suspicions. Slim had already been handed a huge chunk of grief. The image of Jill’s body bouncing like a rag doll made her sick. Who knew how it had affected him?
The patio door opened and Jocelyn emerged, balancing glasses and a water pitcher on a small tray. “Nine o’clock. Time for your medication, Mrs. Conrad. And you have a visitor this morning. Should I bring a pot of tea?”
“Depends on the visitor,” Martha said. Her voice trailed off as a smiling Ted appeared in the doorway. His gaze settled on Becky and his smile slipped.
“Hello, Martha.” He strolled over and brushed her cheek with his mouth. “Jocelyn didn’t tell me your nurse was here.”
“I keep telling you, Becky’s much more than a nurse,” Martha said. “And she’s indispensable with the horses.”
“She certainly hasn’t helped them run any faster,” he said. “Or made your operation any safer. It’s a good thing Malcolm isn’t here. I heard another of your riders was hurt yesterday. Such a shame.”
Martha frowned. “What jockey was hurt?”
“Exercise rider,” Becky said. “Stephanie. It’s just her arm though.”
“Just her arm.” Ted’s mouth curled. “You wouldn’t be so dismissive if it happened to you. And it could have been a spine or head injury, just like that other girl. Damaged for life. Horses are dangerous, even on a trail ride.”
“Ted’s right.” Martha turned toward Becky, the color leaching from her face. “Maybe you shouldn’t ride.”
Becky shot a disgusted look at Ted. No wonder Martha avoided his visits. His barbs were unnecessary and he was a selfish, inconsiderate prick. “Ted,” she leaned forward, “for someone who doesn’t like horses, you have an avid interest in what’s going on. How did you find out about Stephanie? It only happened yesterday.”
He was pouring a glass of water but lifted his head, and the resentment on his face shoved her backwards. She straightened in the chair but refused to look away, focusing on the three deep scowl lines on his forehead.
“Jocelyn told me,” Ted finally said. “After all, I’m Martha’s only blood relative.” His voice sounded defensive and Becky calmly picked up her glass. Ted was just another bully, another Craig, and she could handle him.
Martha still looked worried though. She stared at Becky, her eyes thoughtful. “I want to give you Lyric,” she said. “But first the mare should be sent away for training. Make her into a safer riding horse—”
Ted jerked upright, hissing with displeasure. “Give a nurse a horse! That’s nuts. Isn’t Lyric the animal that won so much money?”
“She’s retired now and Malcolm didn’t want her bred,” Martha said. “Becky likes her.”
“I can’t afford to keep a horse.” Becky’s words came out in a rush and she didn’t dare look at Ted. “I do appreciate the thought, really I do, but you know I can’t accept her.”
“Of course she can’t.” Ted paced around the table, shaking his head. “This kind of talk is ridiculous. Makes me question your mental facilities.”
“My facilities are fine,” Martha snapped.
“Doesn’t sound like it,” Ted said. “Giving away an expensive horse. And I think most people—most doctors—would agree with me.”
“I won’t tolerate that sort of rudeness, even from you.” Martha’s voice could have chipped ice. “You may leave now.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“Go away, Ted,” Martha said. “You can call later and apologize.”
Ted crossed his arms. “Now, listen. You must realize the value of the stable, the horses, is falling every week. The time to sell is n
ow. I know someone who will give us a very good price. But he won’t wait much longer.”
“It’s not the value of the horses I’m concerned about,” Martha said. “It’s the reputation. Malcolm wanted to leave something of value. And Dino’s doing a good job, in spite of a run of bad luck. I’ll re-evaluate at the end of the Lone Star meet. But for now, nothing changes.” She leaned back in her chair, a smile curving her lips. “Except, perhaps, the ownership of Lyric.”
Becky peeked at Ted, wondering if he realized his aunt was goading. But his eyes had narrowed, and he obviously found little humor in her words.
Martha, however, was just starting to have fun. She leaned forward, fluttering a solicitous hand at the pitcher of water. “Would you like some more water, Becky dearest?”
Ted’s face turned an unflattering shade of red. He stared at Becky then wheeled and stalked away. The patio door slammed behind him.
Martha shrugged. “I shouldn’t tease. But he’s always been the most irritating little boy. Reminds me of my sister. So easy to push her buttons.”
Becky’s troubled gaze remained on the door, where the blinds still shuddered from the force of Ted’s exit. Martha might consider him a harmless boy, but the comment he’d made about her mental state wasn’t just irritating—it was a threat.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The groom slowed a dripping Echo in front of Becky. “I don’t know where anybody is. Mr. Anders and the new exercise rider might be in the office. Slim was here earlier but didn’t even check Echo.” Cody shrugged, appearing slightly bewildered.
“Thanks,” Becky said, following his gaze to Slim’s house. From this angle, it was impossible to see if Slim’s truck was still parked in the driveway; maybe Dino had already handed him a pink slip. She’d have to tell Slim it wasn’t necessary to move out until he found another job, although Dino wouldn’t be happy about having him around, even with a security cam.
Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3) Page 95