“No, she left about thirty minutes ago. I’ve been thinking about this office situation. There were lots of people here last night that are not usually here. I remember one person who just stood around and did not really seem to be helping anyone in particular. A woman. Maybe nothing, but maybe something. You never know.”
“Good. Thanks so much. Jan can follow up. Okay, I need to get some coffee and a snack and then get back out there. Are you going to come up to watch the last divisions this afternoon?”
“Absolutely! How could I miss Miss Mack, Mister Brock, and the beautiful Olympic rider? See you later.”
Hanging up the phone, Georgie wondered who that stranger was and what could motivate someone to break in, make such a mess, and take only the diagram of the course. Odd. Georgie made a mental note to thoroughly check if something else was missing.
The next two divisions moved along apace, with great riding, exciting finishes, and lots of cheering from the spectators. The weather was perfect for horses and riders—crisp with a slight breeze and everyone was comfortable in riding jackets. It was perfect for the horses while they were running, and cool enough for them to wear light sheets after their runs. The lunch break came and went very quickly. All the riders were thrilled with their deep blue, Honor Creek thermal lunch bags and the apple and mints for their horses. Even the judges and other staff loved the bags. Nice touch, Freddie. Make a mental note to thank her profusely tonight at the dinner.
The last division was ready to go. Mack had won her division and Brock had come in third in his. Georgie stood at the top of the hill and was joined by Freddie, Mack, Brock, Osvaldo, and some of the other barn hands to watch the pros do the course.
Brock, as usual, was the first to talk. “This is a tough division. Many good riders, but my money is on Teegan. There’s just something about her and Bonnie that is unbelievable.”
Everyone nodded. Georgie recognized that everyone could see that Teegan and Bonnie still had a special bond.
“I wonder where all that nonsense from Misty came from, this morning. Boy, she’s a real piece of work.”
Freddie shot her son a sharp look, silently admonishing him to shut up.
The first horse in the division was entering the ring. The crowd grew quiet as the rider began the course. After the first jump, the noise of encouragement from the crowd grew, increasing with each jump. By the end of the run, the spectators were on their feet.
Teegan was the last to ride. When her name was announced, the crowd went wild, acknowledging her Olympic accomplishments and her talent. She saluted the crowd by gently lowering her head in grateful acknowledgment of their cheers. The spectators quieted as she began the course. Again, as with previous riders, they began to cheer louder and louder with each perfect jump. Georgie noticed that the cheering was somehow different.
Brock, yelling along with everyone else, must have read her mind when he said, “Is it just me, or is she truly a million miles ahead of the rest of the pros? She is incredible. And the crowd is really into it—like they are riding right along with her.”
Teegan and Bonnie floated like a feather over each jump and exited the ring. She galloped Bonnie up the hill, her tail flying out straight behind her, ears pushed forward. Bonnie’s one white foot flashed with each stride as she dug into the side of the hill, clods of dirt flying behind her. Both horse and rider looked deep in concentration, focused on the top of the hill. Teegan slowed Bonnie slightly, executing a tight left-hand turn. Hundreds of phones and cameras clicked, and Bonnie whipped her head around, her black mane lifting off her neck, nostrils flared and red. Teegan shifted her small body deeper in the saddle as they attacked the jumps on the downside. Each jump was a miracle of precision. Bonnie’s radar ears were flicking rapidly back and forth, listening to Teegan, listening to the air, ignoring the crowds. One stride before the ditch at number seven, Teegan shifted again, leaning back to balance as Bonnie descended from the high point of the jump, over the water, and downward toward the next jump. With her knees tucked up and her ears twitching, Bonnie cleared it with no faults. The crowd went wild, standing and cheering. The remainder of the ride was flawless, with Teegan and Bonnie posting the best time of the day. At her salute, the spectators gave Teegan a long, loud ovation.
“Hey, Aunt Georgie, maybe next year we have some betting? I would have won a bundle on Teegan.”
Georgie laughed. “Yeah, Brock, you and everyone else here. She was amazing. What a fabulous run to close out the day!”
Chapter 6:
Instant Jell-O
It was about nine that night when the dancing started. The tent was bathed in light from candles on the tables and the hundreds of twinkling white bulbs in ficus trees. Freddie had decided to get a couple of propane heaters, and those were very popular as there was a chill in the night air. Still holding her first glass of wine for the evening, Georgie stepped out of the tent to get a bit of air. Osvaldo was walking toward her. A man she did not recognize, fully a foot taller, walked next to him.
Who is that? If I didn’t know better I would say it was a young Omar Sharif, right out of Doctor Zhivago or Funny Girl, with the deep cleft in his strong chin, hooded eyes, dark, wavy hair. Georgie stared. The man was tall, muscled, and broad shouldered. He walked with a masculine grace that made her knees feel like they had turned to Jell-O. His goatee, gently flecked with gray, framed his generous and sensuous mouth. God, he looks as if he just stepped out of that Mercedes commercial, the one where the gorgeous guy pulls up to the perfect barn and the stunning red head in riding clothes runs up with her armload full of ribbons. Oh my, his jeans, and white button-down shirt, his exposed a tuft of dark hair…I’m melting. Something shiny caught her eye. On his belt was a large silver buckle, with a horse head, its mane flying behind it. Georgie was looking right at the belt buckle when they walked up. The man’s lip curled up a tiny bit. Georgie blushed. Oh crap, he thinks I am looking at his crotch. Well, I am …and the belt buckle, damn it.
“Miss Georgie. I want to introduce you to one of my closest friends—Vicente Esteban Asturias. He is from Spain, and I have known him all of my life. He is a famous horse man in Europe and Asia, and he is here to visit with me.”
Georgie put her hand out to shake his. Vicente took Georgie’s hand in both of his, raised it to his lips, and gently planted a kiss above her knuckles. “Valdo has told me much about you. You are as beautiful as he said, and I am delighted to meet the woman he admires so much. Your operation here is quite impressive.”
His voice was like a large cat purring, with a Spanish accent. Georgie felt herself blush like a fifteen-year-old on a first date. She recognized a feeling she had not felt in a long time—immediate sexual attraction—and felt herself start to grow moist between her quivering legs. Even his scent—spicy and leathery with clove—was captivating, intoxicating.
She took a deep breath to still her pulse. Feigning an easy grace she did not feel, Georgie smiled, looking directly into his eyes. “It’s a pleasure, Vicente. Welcome to Honor Creek Farm. As a friend of Osvaldo, you are most welcome here. You certainly picked a good night. We are having a party to celebrate the jumping trials today.”
They locked eyes. “Ah, yes. I am sorry I missed the riding today. I would have loved to see it. But the party looks wonderful.” He gestured toward the tent. “I know that you have many guests, so we will let you return to them. May I come and visit with you a bit more tomorrow? I would love to hear about your farm and all of your work, especially your opinions on safety, turf, and racing.”
Georgie stiffened, expecting more of the same criticism she had gotten from other horse people, especially in the racing industry.
“Ah, do not be surprised. You have something of a reputation for strong opinions on that. I must say that you and I agree. But you must return to your guests and Osvaldo and I need to catch up. I hope to see you tomorrow.” He bowed slightly, his eyes glued to hers, locked in, like a laser verifying its target.
Sh
e breathed out in relief. “Please go enjoy the party. The bar is open, there is food on the buffet, and dancing has started. I will see you tomorrow, definitely.” She put hand out again to shake his, and he again kissed hers. Georgie felt her knees ripple. Get a grip, Georgiana.
“See you later, Miss Georgie. Thanks for inviting me and the guys to the party.”
As Osvaldo and Vicente walked toward the tent Georgie could not help herself. She turned around and looked directly at Vicente’s ass. I need to see if the back is as good as the front. It is. Oh my God. I think I’m in lust.
The rest of the night went as expected. The winners of the divisions were thrilled with their silver platters and the junior riders were ecstatic to be hanging out with the senior riders, pros, and, of course, an Olympian. Georgie watched for Teegan, who, signed autographs for the kids and mingled a bit. Despite her win, Teegan looked subdued and tired. Georgie thought about how she felt about Teegan, allowing herself to really focus on it for a minute.
As she was lost in thought, one of the guests came up to congratulate her. She turned to say thanks and caught Vicente’s profile across the room. In that instant, he turned his head and locked eyes with hers. Georgie gazed back recognizing something primal and deep in the conversation their eyes were having. She felt intent, desire, and need. Osvaldo moved to introduce someone to Vicente and the lock was broken. Whoa. Something is happening here. How can that be? We just met an hour ago. Oh my.
The DJ announced that it was time for the last dance of the evening. Freddie and Georgie were standing together saying good night to family and friends when Vicente strode in their direction.
“It is the last dance and we have not yet danced together. Please, Miss Georgiana, would you do the honor of dancing with me?”
Freddie had a sudden intake of breath and looked as if she had been hit with a cream pie. A goofy smile spread across her face. Georgie extended her hand. “Of course, Vicente. I would be most delighted.” Her brain was firing at a mile a second, trying to keep her nerves from taking over and her knees from folding. Get a grip, George. Who says that? You sound like a Victorian novel.
The DJ introduced the song. “One of Miss Georgie’s favorite songs, ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life’ from the great movie Dirty Dancing.”
Vicente took Georgie’s arm and steered her to the small dance floor. Pulling her close, he put his hand on the middle of her back and spread his fingers wide against her silk blouse. He took her left hand in his and drew her into the perfect waltz position. Georgie instantly felt comfortable and somehow stable, her initial rush of adrenalin calmed by the strong fingers caressing her back. She wanted to melt into his arms. He moved gracefully to the music, gently guiding her across the floor. Georgie was floating. She felt beautiful, just dancing with this gorgeous man. That deep, purring voice and his dark glittering eyes brought her back to reality.
“I think we dance well together.”
Georgie looked up into his eyes and saw desire. “Yes, we certainly do.” She instantly felt totally stupid. What a stupid thing to say. She tried to recover. “You dance beautifully. Thank you.” Again, inept. Geeze. I am clearly not in control of my brain or my mouth.
He pulled Georgie closer as the song wound down. As it ended, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “They say in Spain if you dance well together, you will love well together. I think this is definitely true.”
Georgie’s body began to burn, but Vicente didn’t give her time to respond. He steered her back to where Freddie was standing, her mouth agape. Vicente extended his hand to Freddie and introduced himself.
“I am Vicente Esteban Asturias, a friend of Osvaldo. I have heard much about you, Miss Fredericka. Osvaldo tells me you are an amazing and generous cook. I hope that while I am here I will be invited to experience your cuisine.”
Freddie’s mouth still had not closed. She was staring at Vicente, no doubt thinking how stunningly sexy he was. She gathered herself as Osvaldo walked up to join them. Freddie recovered.
“Osvaldo just wants more lasagna. But thank you. Yes, absolutely, you must come and have dinner with us. How long will you be here?”
Georgie smiled to herself. Good for her. She’s a natural data gatherer. She is going to get the info I didn’t even think to get.
“Ah, that depends on a number of things. I have some work here in Maryland, but it is a very small project. I have a number of clients around the world, and I currently don’t have a base of operations, so that is a factor for me too. Many things to consider, many options…” He let his thoughts trail off, raising his open hands.
Freddie was relentless. “What kind of projects are you doing?”
“I advise trainers and track owners on a number of aspects of managing their facilities and horses. I specialize in turf, design, and repair of tracks, courses, and training rings.”
Georgie laughed. “Ah, that is why earlier you mentioned my articles and opinions on training versus competition. Very interesting.”
“Wow. Very exciting. Georgie and I have big opinions on that. We definitely need to talk about that over dinner.” Freddie smiled broadly at Vicente and then, looking back and forth between Georgie and Vicente, immediately realized that he and Georgie had locked eyes.
Georgie cut in. “Freddie, we need to go say good night to the rest of these people. If you all will excuse us…”
It was terribly difficult to tear herself away from his presence, but she felt she had to be a good host. He was magnetic. Georgie wanted to continue standing with him, feeling his energy. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Vicente. Good night. Good night, Osvaldo. You were a great help today. Thank the guys for me, too.”
When the last of the guests left, Georgie looked around the tent and saw that Osvaldo and Vicente had also left.
She felt a big surge of disappointment. Her mind was racing. Vicente has ignited something in me I haven’t felt for a long time. No man since Dash has captured me so instantly, so completely, so quickly. Oh God. Then there is the whole Teegan thing. My short, little fling with her. And, of course, the last two nights. But, hey, it’s not like my romantic life was exactly steaming. I have a closer relationship with Officer Victor than anyone else. Vicente has had instant impact on my brain and body that I’m at a total loss to explain.
The caterers were finishing the cleanup and only Freddie, Mack, Brock, and Georgie remained. Going to the bar to get wine, Georgie motioned to her family.
“Come on over, you guys. Let’s have a toast to the very successful twentieth annual Honor Creek Farm Jumper Trials. Without you and your dedication to this event, it wouldn’t have happened. I raise my glass to each of you and especially to you, Freddie. I have no idea how you manage to do all the things you do. I love you all so very much. I know that Dash smiled on us today and I’m so very grateful.”
They clinked glasses and drank the wine in silence, each of them with their own thoughts. They sat in the quiet for a while and finally Mack broke the silence.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but Osvaldo’s friend Vicente is freaking hot.”
Freddie and Georgie looked at each other and cracked up.
“Well, at least I was not the only one with that opinion!” Georgie pretended to fan herself and swoon.
“Hot? Holy crap, he is shockingly hot. My gosh. Who is he? Very interesting, his work. And the fact that he is interested in one of our favorite topics makes him even hotter. I love a gorgeous man with a brain.” Freddie joined Georgie in the swoon. “Hooweee!”
Brock simply could not take any more. “Okay, ladies, I have to go home. I can’t listen to this kind of nonsense from grown women.” He said this smiling. “C’mon, Mom, Sis. Let’s get this show on the road.”
They rose and hugged tightly for a long while, quietly celebrating the day and each other.
Freddie hugged Georgie tightly. “Good night, Georgie. Sleep well. I love you. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Georgie op
ened the back door to the house and called to the dogs. They came trotting out and went right to their spots. “You are exhausted, aren’t you, boys? You got so much attention today! I am sure that you were fed lots of snacks.”
Both dogs knew they were being praised just for being themselves, and they wagged their tails and looked adoringly at Georgie. The dogs did their thing and they all walked back to the house. Georgie was in the kitchen, filling the dogs’ water bowl.
“Georgie?”
She jumped. Oh God, Teegan. I totally forgot that she was here. I was so distracted by the day and Vicente that I really did forget. Oh my. What does that mean?
As Georgia walked slowly over to the couch in the living room, she could see Teegan’s eyes were red-rimmed and bleary. She was curled up in a blanket, with a pile of wet tissues by her side. Georgie sat next to her, putting her arms around her. “You were amazing today. You and Bonnie were simply magnificent. You should be so happy.” She paused. “Are you okay?”
Teegan sniffled and shook her head no. “No, I am miserable. I am sad, angry, and tired. Oh, Georgie, my life is a complete mess. I think I’m going to sleep here on the couch tonight. I need some time alone. I know I haven’t been fair to you—or to myself. I need some time to think about what is happening to me right now and how I respond to it. Do you mind? Are you mad at me?”
“No, no, Teeg. You need to do what’s right for you. You don’t need to sleep on the couch. You can sleep with me, or the room Misty had is now empty so you can have a comfortable bed. Or you can stay here and run the risk of two Goldens sleeping on top of you.”
She smiled ruefully. “Thanks. I think I may take my chances with the Goldens. You’re wonderful, Georgie. Today was amazing. Dash did smile all day, don’t you think?”
“Yes I do. He would have loved every minute of it.” Georgie wanted time alone to think and sleep. “Okay, so can I get you another blanket or anything else?” She was fading fast and just wanted to get into the bed. “Please, come and get me if you need anything. Okay?”
Through the Red Gate [Honor Creek Farm] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 4