“Oh Adam, I love horses! They’re so beautiful.” Before he can respond a woman comes over to greet him.
“Good morning Mr. Stone.” She doesn’t yet look in my direction. I think she’s enjoying the view of Adam, and I can’t blame her.
“Hi Jackie, this is Miss Cole.” Why didn’t he introduce me as his girlfriend, especially after last night? I wonder. Am I being too sensitive, too romantic for my own good?
I compose myself, extending my hand out to Jackie. “Hi Jackie, please call me Violet. It’s nice to meet you.” Adam looks at me sideways given my slight contradiction in how I want to be addressed. I’m not the powerful Mr. Stone. I ignore him. She shakes my hand and says hello, not mentioning either Miss Cole or Violet. She’s playing it safe and I don’t blame her.
“I have the two horses you asked for saddled and ready to go. Do you want me to escort you?” As he is walking away he grabs my hand forcing me to follow him. He looks back at Jackie and replies, “No need. Thanks.” I turn back and smile at her. She seems to be feeling embarrassed and clearly wants to please him. Doesn’t everyone want to please Adam? He leads me through a door where we find two beautiful horses waiting for us. The larger one is black and the smaller one is chestnut with warm eyes.
“Have you ridden before?”
“Yes, a little bit.”
“Good,” he says as he helps me to get up on the horse. His hands around my waist feel good, and I’m no longer annoyed at him for not introducing me as his girlfriend. I watch him masterfully jump onto his horse.
“Your horse is called Scarlet and mine is called Storm. Storm is an Arabian. He comes from a great bloodline of strong horses. Scarlet is a delicate and beautiful creature, like you Violet. That’s why I chose her for you. I hope you don’t mind.” How sweet, I think.
“She’s beautiful, thank you. Weren’t Arabian horses used in ancient wars?”
“Yes they were, for their speed and endurance,” he says.
“That makes sense then. You’re a good match for Storm,” I say. Adam looks at me quizzically, then gets it and laughs.
“Follow me. This pasture leads to a trail, which is where we will be most of today. Pay attention to the ground in front of you at all times and be careful of low hanging branches. When the trail widens, we can ride side by side, until then follow me.” He sounds so forthright. I nod and follow him through the pasture leading us to the trail he mentioned. In about ten minutes he slows down waving me up beside him. We ride side my side in silence. I am in awe of my horse, the rider beside me, and the surroundings. All are extremely beautiful.
I ask, “How did you find this place?”
“My family owns the land and the horses.”
Nice life, I think, but say aloud, “Wow, that’s great. Do you ride a lot?”
“Not as much I used to, with work and travel. I try to get out here when I can.”
“How many horses are here?”
“Twenty that belong to my family and another fifteen or so are boarded here.”
“Oh, is this a family business then?”
“Not really. Although the horses boarded here do pay. My family uses that money to fund a horse riding camp for children who wouldn’t normally get to go to camp.”
Can he be any more perfect? “That’s very admirable.”
“There will be a summer overnight camp starting here at the end of June. Over on the north side of the property is the camp and a lake. During the fall and winter it’s used mainly on the weekends.” His family gives back: another star for Adam in my books.
“You must be very proud.”
“It’s a good way to use the land and share the horses. Not many people know about it. I rarely tell anyone. You’re the first in a very long time, Violet.” I’m flattered by his trust and then remember I signed an NDA. That makes me chuckle inside.
“I’m glad you told me.”
“You really are delightful Violet. Scarlet likes you, look how careful she is while you ride her. She’s a good judge of character.”
“Thank you,” I say, and we ride in silence for a while. My heart warms to hear how this man and his family care about others. I know it’s still early days for us, but the more I learn about Adam Stone the more I really like. That much I know for sure.
“Tell me more about your family, Violet.”
“My father and I are fairly close. We’ve become closer since my mother’s passing. There’s really not much more tell.”
“Do you have any other relatives to speak of? Are there any aunts, uncles, or cousins?”
“Yes, there are. I have two uncles and five cousins on my dad’s side that live here and an aunt on my mother’s side who lives in England with my cousin Monica. I’m very close to my aunt. We email and try to speak over the phone when we can. So most of the time, it’s pretty much just my dad and I. We do see my uncle’s family and my aunt visits when she can. What about you?”
“I have a small family as well. The extended family we only see on special occasions. I think that is quite normal nowadays with the busy lives we all lead.” His busy life, he means. I don’t think my life is as busy as his. Although, most of us don’t have a company to run either, so it really is different for him.
“You met Ann, my best friend. She’s like family,” I continue. “We met in university and have been close from the get-go. Do you have a best friend?”
“I don’t really have a best friend. Who knows, you might become my best friend.”
“Yes, who knows?” I reply, unable to think of another answer that wouldn’t make me sound desperate. He looks over at me and when I look into his eyes, I realize he means it as a genuine compliment.
“My work takes up a lot of my time, actually most of it. After law school, things moved very quickly for me. There were not a lot of people my age in my circle at that time. I was always the youngest. I have a university friend I see once in a while. He’s married now so we don’t see each other as much. We weren’t overly close, but I do consider him a friend. I also make time for my parents and my sister. Oh, I do have a few associates I golf with quite regularly and I try to do some sailing and fast driving when I vacation. ” Wow, he actually takes vacations? I guess we all need down time, even the alluring Adam Stone. He is sharing a lot and it occurs to me that maybe he’s trying to sound normal, but is he really a regular guy? I don’t think so. I nod my head at him so he knows I am listening. I remember Paul telling me about Adam’s early success with the fast food merger and how it practically changed his life overnight.
I can’t help myself when I ask, “So are we just friends then?”
“What do you mean by that? I hope I haven’t offended you.”
“No, but you said I could possibly become your best friend?”
“Yes I did. Did I say something wrong?” He really doesn’t have a clue.
After thinking for a moment I tell him. “No, I’m being too sensitive. A best friend means a lot. I’m flattered.”
“I do mean it in a good way Violet. You’re special. I mean that.”
“I know. It’s okay. I guess I was expecting to hear ‘girlfriend’ after what we’ve been doing.”
He sounds so genuine when he says, “I have never brought anyone here with me before you. I usually come here for solitude, yet here you are with me. Does that show you how special you are?”
My heart melts at his honesty. He is doing his best to prove to me I mean something, even if there is an underlying time limit. I look over and smile at him and he smiles back. “I feel flattered Adam. I am so glad to be here with you. Let’s enjoy the rest of day, okay?”
“Okay, Babe.” We’re back on track and both get lost in our thoughts. I would love to know what’s running through his mind. After a while I take the opportunity to ask some more questions. He seems intimidating again when I look over
at him. When you factor in his own natural height, he looks like a giant on top of the horse. I take a deep breath and ask a few questions anyway.
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-eight.” Five years older than me, that’s good.
“When’s your birthday?”
“July 8, but other than for my family’s sake, I’d rather not celebrate it.” Oh, that’s sad, I think. He has no interest in long-term commitment and now I’ve learned he has no interest in celebrating his birthday either. It sounds all so lonely. I squash those feelings too. I calm my mind by enjoying the scenery around us. It’s rejuvenating being out of the city, trading skyscrapers for trees. He doesn’t take the opportunity to ask me my birth date, which I find interesting.
After about an hour of riding, I see we are headed towards a canopied area. When we stop two attendants approach to hold our horses so we can get off of them. Adam looks over at me, “Wait, I’ll help you down.” I really can get down myself, but I don’t want to miss a chance to feel his hands on me. He puts one arm around my waist and lifts me to the ground, putting me down gently. He smells good and I really don’t want him to let go. One of the attendants greets Adam, “Welcome Mr. Stone,” he nods as the man takes the horses away. I am pretty certain this canopied area has been put up just for us. Underneath it is a table set for two. Another attendant comes over to pull out my chair so I can sit down. Adam sits across from me.
He tells me, “Sorry, we’re not having wine with lunch. We don’t want to hurt the horses or ourselves.” He sounds serious again.
“That sounds very responsible, oh great lawyer, thank you.”
He grins, “You have a smart mouth. I might want to delve into that again later tonight.” Oh my goodness, that’s a clear message. One of those deep pulsations shoots through me at the very thought of it. Our banter is interrupted when two salad plates are placed in front of us along with fresh baked bread and butter.
“It’s so beautiful here and peaceful. Thank you Adam for this, I am really enjoying myself.”
“I’m glad. I enjoy your company and find it nicer than riding alone like I’m used to doing.” I smile, feeling hopeful again for a moment. We begin to eat and it’s not long before our salad plates are cleared and the attendant asks Adam if we’re ready for the main course. Adam nods yes. Within a few moments, two plates with chicken breast in a Dijon mustard sauce and asparagus tips are put in front of us. This goes well with the setting, I think.
I look over at the man seated across from me. If we were alone I really would jump his bones right now. As that thought trickles out of my mind, Adam gets up, pulls me from my chair, and kisses me passionately. I am oblivious to the attendant waiting on us. My head is spinning. Yet again, I feel emotions I have never experienced in my life. It has nothing to do with who he is but how he is. He’s so strong and confident one moment, and then soft and sultry the next. He is the man of my dreams for real! He lifts me a little off the ground before putting me down again. We sit back down to finish eating. My heart is racing again. I guess I should get used to that.
After lunch he tells me, “It’s time to get back on our horses. Come on.” As we step out of the canopied area I turn back and thank the attendant. Adam waves to bring the horses and helps me onto mine. He jumps onto his and we ride off. The atmosphere is happy, light, pretty relaxing and all positive. But all good things come to an end, and eventually Adam says, “We should head back, Babe, but before we do, want to give the horses a run?” I love it when he calls me Babe and, yes! I want to run the horses.
“Yes, let’s run them!” I know I sound gleeful.
“Okay, when we get into the pasture over there.” I look and see the opening approaching. “We can speed up. Only go as fast as you are comfortable with, okay? You will know, your body will tell you.” He grins when he says “body” and so do I.
“Got it,” I reply. We approach the pasture and my heart beats faster for a different reason. I watch Adam lean forward on Storm and off they go. I have no intention of lagging behind, so I follow suit and off I go with Scarlett. She is a magnificent horse. She runs steady and straight, which makes it easier for me to handle her. Oh my, this is exhilarating! There are all kinds of exciting feelings inside me as I get closer to Adam and Storm. Adam looks back to check on us and when he sees us catching up he looks straight ahead and keeps going at a fast pace.
“Come on Scarlet my beautiful girl, faster baby, faster baby,” I say to coax her. She hears me and begins to move faster, as if she knows I can handle it. The trail is not too far off which means we will need to slow down soon. I put all my will into getting us as close to Adam as possible or past him. Where did this competitive edge come from? Who cares? I just want to win! We are very close. Adam isn’t looking back now either. We are almost neck and neck now. Adam rides very well and keeps space between the horses to avoid any collisions. I am just riding to win! Adam looks back one more time to check on us, a big mistake as this gives us an edge and we ride past him and Storm. We win! I slow down and can feel a little sweat in the middle of my lower back; my heart is pounding. Adam is just seconds behind me, but that doesn’t matter, we won! He is grinning from ear to ear and he still looks amazing and impressive on top of Storm.
“Well done Violet. I knew there was a lot more to you than you thought. You know if I hadn’t turned around to check on you, I would’ve won. I am not used to losing you know, but it’s okay this time only because it’s you and you’re safe.” He is half joking and half serious, I can tell.
“Oh Adam, that was utterly amazing! And ‘would’ve’ and ‘did’ are two very different things.” We both laugh. I’m excited by the prospect of being alone with him again soon, but also feel so invigorated at beating him, yes I did!
As we arrive at the stables, Jackie comes out to greet us. She approaches Adam’s horse first but he waves his hand towards me, indicating she is to hold my horse and not his. Just as masterfully as he got on the horse, he gets off and comes over to help me down. I remembered to wait as he holds onto my waist a bit longer than needed and then pats both horses. We say goodbye to Jackie and leave her with the horses. Adam takes my hand and walks me back to the car, which has been started and is ready and waiting for us to depart. Wow, they think of everything here. Adam opens my car door and puts me in my seat. When he reaches in this time, he kisses me again and then reaches for my seatbelt and fastens me in. He closes my door, walks around the car, and gets into the driver’s seat. I look over at him with such admiration. He asks, “What are you thinking?”
Should I be completely honest? Yes. I muster up my inner strength and tell him, “I can’t help feeling so lucky to be here with you right now. I’m only starting to admit to myself how attracted to you I was when I locked you between the revolving door. I had no idea who you were then and still have so much more to learn.”
“You’ll learn more about me over time. Feel free to ask any questions, just nothing about work though, okay? Oh, and no bragging about that win now either.” We both laugh.
“So when was your last relationship?” He turns the music down and I see him grin like he was expecting that question to come up. I’m sure all his women ask him that question.
He answers, “I ended one a few months ago.”
“How long were you together?”
“Not quite five months.”
“What did she do for a living?”
“She’s a model.”
This makes me think back to the very attractive, head-turning women he was with when Ann and I were having brunch at the hotel. “The women at the restaurant with you, was she your ex?”
“No. We just had a fling once.” He must notice my body become tense as he says with some impatience. “You want me to be honest with you, right?”
I sigh. “Yes, of course.”
He continues. “It was a couple of weekends, that’s al
l. Very little conversing and it meant nothing and will never happen again. She lives in Spain now anyway.” My inside voice asks, does that make me feel better? Not really.
“Oh, I see.” He must be sensing my insecurity by now.
“I hope we can spend next weekend together Violet. Unless I’m scaring you off? I know I’m not as gushing as you’d hope. I can tell you have a sensitive heart. I really am trying to make you feel good about your decision to spend this weekend with me.” My heart is fluttering now. I know he’s trying to make me feel at ease.
I reply, “I am not going anywhere. I can’t get enough of you. Honestly, Adam. You’re like a chocolate bar to a chocoholic.”
This makes him laugh. “Good, then we’ll get together next weekend too then.” He takes my hand and I relax. That is what I needed to hear. I stop asking questions and turn up the smooth jazz and we drive in silence completely comfortable together again. It’s great.
We get back to the hotel and valet park the car. Adam is waiting by the hotel entrance as the valet opens my door. I thank him and walk over to Adam who takes my hand as we walk into hotel lobby together.
“Do you want a glass of wine in the bar or go upstairs and have some in the room?” Of course I want to be alone with him. Where does he get all this self-control? I know he wants me as much as I want him.
“Let’s go up to the room,” I reply.
“I’m glad you picked that option,” he says with a slight grin on his face. He leads me to the elevator to get up to our suite. As we enter the room I can tell it has been cleaned and refreshed. Seeing it during the day makes me realize what a stunning suite it really is. It must cost a small fortune. Adam interrupts my thoughts when he tells me, “I made dinner reservations for 8 tonight. How much time do you need to get ready?”
Solid Stone: Revolving Door Page 15