Freddie indicated that she would lead. Teegan, Mack, Brock, and several of the boarders moved up and took off at a nice canter. Vicente and Georgie began to ride at a steady trot. Georgie rode by his side. Georgie nervously started to chatter.
“I am so glad that you were here to ride with us today. You’ll love riding on our farm. You’ll like Tandy. He’s going to Florida this week to ride in Wellington. He has power and style. Try him out on the jumps on the downside of the cabin hill. He’ll pulse forward. Quite strong. Are you enjoying your visit?”
He is staring at me. Deep, into my eyes. Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. He’s up on my horse. Black, huge, off the track Thoroughbred. Big, dark man. Big, dark horse. I’m losing my mind. Vicente’s eyes, black and glittering, are piercing into my head. Oh my God. I’m making no sense what so ever. He sits on Tandy like he was born there. No fussing. No wiggle. His ass is deep in the saddle, his hands clad in black leather gloves that had seen many years of reigns. He wears his safety helmet, a small curl of black hair peeking out of the brim. He’s grinning at me! He’s leering at me. I can’t tell the difference. Ride, you idiot. Ride.
“Shall we?”
Tanner picked up a strong canter, moved into a steady gait and settled. It was heaven. It was like sitting in a rocking chair. Vicente and Tandy were keeping right up, stride for stride.
They slowed down and walked in the autumn sunlight, enjoying the colors of the trees. “Miss Georgiana, you look beautiful as you ride. Your leg is strong on the horse.”
Hmmm. My leg looks strong. No shit. Oh. Oops. Compliment, Georgie. Compliment. “Thank you, Vicente. Yes, I teach a strong leg and a quiet hand.” Oh for God’s sake. You sound like a fucking book. Idiot. Say something profound, something strong, something not stupid! “You look like you have ridden lots of mares.” Oh my God. Lots of mares. What kind of idiot are you? “I meant that you seem to have ridden lots of girls. Oh fuck. I mean horses. Crap. Never mind.” He thinks I am a totally stupid woman. Ride and shut up. He’s laughing at me.
They rode in silence for a few minutes. “This is a superior horse. Tandy is a Maryland Thoroughbred? Off the track? I like this horse.”
“Yes, Tandy is five generations from Man o’ War, the famous race horse who was bread by the Belmont family, the ones who named the Belmont Stakes. If you look at pictures of Man o’ War and pictures of Tandy, you’ll see the resemblance. I have a sterling silver statue of Man o’ War in my living room. He is my favorite famous old-style racehorse. Man o’ War spent the last of his years in Maryland, which is why we claim him as our own.
“Tandy raced in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware for three years and won about two hundred thousand dollars for his owners, which, interestingly enough, was just slightly less that Man o’ War won during his racing career, though in today’s dollars, it would be a giant sum. Anyway, that was not enough for Tandy’s owners, so at four years old, they put him to auction, and I bought him for five thousand. I’ve had him for six years. He jumps beautifully. He also lets the youngsters crawl over him. A few of our young girl groomers have taught him many tricks, so he rolls over, juggles carrots, and generally is a ham at the annual summer circus. I love riding him. Are you enjoying his gait and speed? What the hell did that mean? Jerk. Gait and speed. What are you, a judge?
Suddenly, Vicente kicked Tandy, who responded with a leap forward and a snort. They took off with Tandy’s dark tail flying, his ears erect, and his perfect rider urging him forward. Tanner and Georgie took their time, alternately cantering, trotting, and walking. Georgie knew that when they got to the end of the property, all the other riders would be waiting.
Freddie was talking as Georgie and Tanner ambled up to the group.
“For those of you who don’t know, this is our fence line with our friends Sheryl and Clarence Pasture. Great name for sheep ranchers! Sometimes we breed our sheep with theirs. They’re great neighbors, and you may have met them yesterday at the trials. Anyway, this is where we have a drink, let the horses graze, and remount for the return home. The clean stream for the horses is over there, and the mounting block is over there by the big oak. We typically rest for twenty minutes.”
Georgie dismounted and began walking toward the creek. Vicente had also dismounted nearby and was walking with Tandy in the same direction. There was a breeze through the trees and the calls of the robins and blue jays could be heard. Tanner’s ears were working overtime, moving back and forth, signaling that he heard the birds. Tandy was quiet as he placed himself next to Tanner in the stream.
Vicente moved to stand next to Georgie. He was holding Tandy, and Tanner moved in to stand closer. They were field buddies and liked being close. Georgie felt Vicente’s energy and was suddenly aware that Teegan was looking at them. Vicente cleared his throat.
“This has been wonderful and I know that the ride back will be the same. May we find time tomorrow or Tuesday to meet and talk about your work? This is something I really feel is important to me.”
Georgie felt Teegan’s eyes burrowing deep into her head. “Of course, that would be perfect. Either day. Your choice. Come by the office.” Georgie lowered her head and bowed at the waist. Shit. I bowed to Vicente. What the fuck was that? I bowed? Oh my God. Idiot!
Vicente clicked his heels together, bowed, and saluted with his right hand to his hat and then to the pin on his chest. His final gesture was to put his right hand out into the gesture of acceptance. Crap. He was soooo smooth. My crotch is wet. He bowed. I bowed. Who bows?
The ride back was as enjoyable as the ride out. The leaves were almost off the trees and the air was crisp and cool. Back at the barn, Teegan was taking care of Bonnie and Georgie could see her watching Vicente. He walked over to Tanner’s stall. “Thank you so much, Miss Georgiana. This was a most pleasant ride. I hope that we have the opportunity to speak about your work and Miss Freddie’s research. I would like to discuss it.”
Teegan turned away in the middle of Vicente’s statement, uninterested in his declaration about technical things like research. Georgie’s knees grew weak at the word research. Yes, please, research all over me.
“Very nice to see you again. Perhaps we can talk sometime this week. I truly hope you enjoyed your ride today.”
“I did. Your farm is beautiful.” He looked deep into her eyes. He whispered, “And, so are you. Good night, Georgiana.”
As he turned and walked away, Georgie almost crumpled, her knees having turned to Jell-O again.
* * * *
Georgie stepped out of the back of the house, and her nose was immediately assaulted by a wonderful smell. In the kitchen, Teegan handed Georgie a glass of wine, and just as she was taking her first sip, Freddie came in through the back door.
“Hello, ladies! Great ride this afternoon. Beautiful sights, especially, Vicente up on Tandy. Wow.”
“Well, Georgie? Tell us.”
“Oh, sorry, I lost my train of thought there for a moment. What was the question?”
“Ha! What did you two talk about on the ride?”
“The farm, his work. His interest in our theory about competition versus training.” She didn’t tell them he said she was beautiful.
Teegan poured Freddie a glass of wine. “He seems to be very interesting. I’ll ask around in Florida and see if anyone knows him.”
Freddie quickly glanced at Georgie and then to Teegan and said, “You’re going to Florida?”
“Didn’t Georgie tell you? Yes, I’m leaving tomorrow and going to Wellington to ride for Anna Lise Beckenbauer. I’ve concluded that I need to get back into the community as quickly as I can. So, that’s what I am going to do.”
Relief spread across Freddie’s face, though Georgie didn’t think Teegan read her expression the same way she did.
Freddie smiled and said, “Well, good for you. I know you’ll have great success.”
The atmosphere in the room became calmer somehow. The tension between Teegan and Freddie dissipated, and all thr
ee felt a sense of relief that decisions had been made and that life was moving forward. They drank wine, and had Teegan’s leftover prime rib stroganoff over noodles, which was pronounced delicious.
“Good night, ladies. Get some sleep. It has been a very big weekend.” And with that, Freddie left.
Georgie took the dogs out and encouraged them to do their thing. I wonder where Teegan is going to sleep tonight. I’m not feeling very sexy. In fact I am exhausted. Plus, my mind keeps seeing Vicente, imagining him in my bed, stroking my breasts, and kissing me all over. Ah, Teegan and our two nights of passion. They were necessary releases for both of us, but for very different reasons. I guess Teegan needed to prove to herself that she could be with another woman, not Celeste, again. I needed sexual release with a human. Not that Officer Victor isn’t fun. He’s just not a big cuddler. This is way too deep for my exhausted brain to deal with. “Come on, boys. You’ve had enough time out here.” My life is definitely weird.
Teegan was standing in the kitchen finishing her wine. “Hey, you. I was thinking that, if you don’t mind, I would like to sleep with you tonight. Just sleep and be close. I want to hold you close and breathe you in. I know that I’ll miss you terribly when I am in Florida, so…” She let her words tail off.
“Of course, Teegs. That’s what I want too. Sleeping close with you. Perfect.”
Chapter 9:
Sushi and Sensuality
“Good morning, Georgie. How did you sleep? I slept like a rock. Thank you.”
“Good morning. Yes, rocklike. I don’t think either of us moved all night.”
“Well, I need to do a Freddie and get the show on the road. I have to return the rental before I check my bags.”
She leaned over and lightly kissed Georgie, with reverence and love. The kiss was a good-bye. They both knew it in that very minute.
“I’m glad you came here, Teegan. I hope that you have great success in Florida this season. I know you will.” Georgie held Teegan close for a few minutes, not talking, just being. “I’ll go get you coffee while you shower and get organized.” She nodded and got up from the bed.
Something has definitely shifted in my understanding of our relationship. It really is over this time.
Georgie found Osvaldo in the tack room, “I need to go into Annapolis today to visit with my attorney. I’ll be gone most of the afternoon.”
“Everything is under control, Miss Georgie. Horses are turned out, except for the ones the trainer is working today. Sheep are fed and out. All is good.”
“Thanks, Osvaldo. I knew you had everything under control. Umm, is Vicente here with you today? I was thinking that he might like to see Annapolis.” Yes, you have an ulterior motive. I need to know more about him and prime the pump so I can eventually get him into my bed. Holy crap. What has come over me? I just met this man.
Osvaldo was quiet for a minute. “Yes, he is here. Do you want me to ask him?”
“Sure, tell him I am leaving at eleven if he wants to go with me. Thanks.” Be cool Georgie. Not too obvious your pants are on fire. Let Osvaldo do a little of my work on Vicente. I wonder if Osvaldo has figured out that I am hot for this man. I wonder if Vicente has said anything to Osvaldo. I wonder what his cock will feel like in my pussy when it finally happens. Hmmm. I guess I have decided that it will happen. Good for me.
Georgie dressed in black pants, black boots, a gray cashmere sweater, and a gray scarf with sparkles in it. The cashmere clung to her breasts. Okay. Silver hoops and a little makeup, some red lipstick. You clean up good, Georgie.
Right at eleven, she grabbed her purse and laptop and headed for the truck. There he stood in tight black jeans, boots, and a white shirt, unbuttoned to the third button. Holy crap. I can see the outline of his cock, sitting on his left thigh. Is it a bit hard? Stop staring at his crotch, idiot. Georgie looked up at his face. His dark eyes glittered as he bore into the core of her being. There was desire in those eyes, and she returned his gaze with equal intensity. He was holding a black sports coat. Vicente stepped forward and pulled Georgie into an embrace. Oh my. His arms are around me. I feel like I belong here. He kissed her lightly, a kiss filled with suggestion and promise.
Vicente released her from his arms and stepped back. “Georgiana, you look beautiful and elegant. Thank you for this invitation to go with you to Annapolis.” He reached out and took her hands in his. “I want to know you more, and this is a perfect chance to do that. May I drive us in my vehicle? I am afraid the I am a much better driver than passenger.”
“Of course. I can navigate. Shall we go?” Georgie was not surprised when Vicente pulled around the barn, driving a big, shiny black Mercedes. She sank into its luxury as they drove down the hill toward Annapolis. They immediately settled into conversation as if they had been friends for years.
“Osvaldo tells me that you are a widow. Tell me about your husband, if it is not too painful for you.”
Georgie was silent for a few minutes, trying to maintain control and yet tell the story that has had such impact on her life. “Dash was an equine vet, too. We met in vet school. His real name was Charles Ramsey Faris, but his family nicknamed him Dash when he was a kid because he was always running with the horses on the family farm. They bred and trained Thoroughbreds for racing, and it was a lifelong passion for him. We started our practice together here in southern Maryland. My family owned Honor Creek Farm, and we improved this facility so that we could train horses and riders the way we believed that they should be trained. His private clients included many racehorses here in Maryland and a few in Delaware.
“The Faris family was not only one of the top breeders and trainers here, but they’re a very old Maryland family. Their oldest-known ancestor, William Faris, was a clockmaker and silversmith who lived right where Church Circle is now. I’ll show it to you when we get into town. My favorite story about William Faris that had huge impact on Dash was that he bred tulips and at one point had two thousand three hundred thirty-nine tulips planted in his yard.
“He also had a philosophy about gates and doors. Dash took all of this to heart, so that’s why we have tulips everywhere in the spring—not two thousand three hundred thirty-nine yet, but fifteen hundred so far. It was a goal for Dash to get up to the William Faris magic number. It’s also why the gates to the sheep pens, the garden, and others are painted red. Faris believed that as you pass through a red gate, you become something different. Very interesting.”
She paused. It was easy to talk about those abstract things like horses and William Faris. Georgie took a deep breath, and when she breathed out, it sounded ragged, as if she was about to cry. Vicente reached over, took her hand, and held it. He knew what she was about to tell him.
“Dash was on a call at a race track in Delaware. He and his vet tech had gone up the night before the races and planned to stay two nights. We talked on the phone late on the evening of the first races and agreed to talk again the next evening at the same time. The next morning, I got a call from the tech, who wanted to know where Dash was. He told me that they were supposed to meet at the track at six but that Dash had not shown up. He had knocked on Dash’s hotel room door but had gotten no answer, and he had not answered his phone or the hotel room phone.
“I went into emergency mode and told the tech to go to the hotel desk and call me back when he was there. He did that, and I talked to the manager and asked if he could send security up to unlock the door. They did that, and they found Dash unconscious on the bed. Ultimately, it turned out that he had an aneurysm that burst, crushing his brain stem. He lasted on life support for two horrible days, and I made the decision to let him go. They disconnected the life support and I sat there, holding his hand and talking to him until he breathed his last breath.”
Tears were flowing out of her eyes, and Vicente was silently holding her hand, sending strength and warmth through his strong fingers. “So, that’s the story. I have been alone for five years now. I miss him every day, but I am grateful for o
ur time together, and there are reminders of him on the farm, so I feel like somehow he’s still here.”
“Querida, Georgiana, thank you for sharing that with me. I know it was hard to talk about it. I want to know everything about you that is why I asked. I hope that you do not think I am being too forward asking about all these things. Every facet of you fascinates me. I want to know you as fully as I can.”
Her brain clicked from sad to excited in a matter of seconds as he was talking. She knew right then that they would be lovers. She just didn’t know when it would happen.
“May I ask you a similar question?”
“Of course. Anything. I am an open book for you.”
“Have you ever married?”
He snorted. “Yes, but now divorced. I married the daughter of my father’s business partner. But after we were married for a few years, she became angry at my travel and started making unreasonable demands. She had an affair, became pregnant by that man, and ultimately we divorced. It was very messy. The business was destroyed along with longtime friendships. It was very sad. That is why I started my consulting practice. My family still has the farm and about thirty horses and still breeds. My sister and her husband run the farm. I broker for them sometimes when they want to sell a horse. Otherwise, I travel around the world consulting. And, no, there is no woman in my life right now. Wasn’t that going to be your next question?”
Georgie burst out laughing. “How did you know? Yes, of course that was my next question.”
He squeezed her hand and smiled broadly as he drove into Annapolis. Georgie directed him to the parking garage that was centrally located for the downtown area. He shut down the car and turned in his seat, looking directly at her. Vicente reached out and pulled Georgie’s head toward his and kissed her deeply, tongues probing each other’s mouths. He lowered his hand, running it down her back and to her hip. He moved his hand back up to her breast and rubbed her nipple between his two fingers. Georgie moaned, wanting more, wanting everything.
Through the Red Gate [Honor Creek Farm] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 6