Join the Dance (Dancing With Horses Book 2)

by Toni Mari

  “We’ll put him in a stall for now. Once he has had a chance to rest, Joe will put him in a paddock by himself. Michelle, take off Windsong’s shipping boots, please. Where’s the rest of your tack?”

  “Umm, in the back of my car.” My head was buzzing. Joe, a gray-haired man in his fifties, was heading for the tailgate. “Wait! Let me unload him. He’s not very well behaved.”

  Joe stopped and looked at Erica, who laughed. “I think Joe can handle him, he’s been my barn manager for ten years.”

  I bit my lip. “Sorry, I just meant that he usually comes off fast and rears.”

  Joe nodded. “We got it.” Michelle stepped up to the butt bar and Joe climbed in the door to unhook Windsong’s head.

  “Mandy, don’t go back there.” I sucked in a breath when she started toward the back of the trailer.

  “Mandy Girl, stay here until the poor horse has a chance to put his feet on the ground.”

  Mandy clapped her hands. “I am so excited you’re here. You can watch me ride Tucker, and we can listen to music together. You can use my curling iron—I just got one.”

  I squeezed her hand. “Sounds like fun.” I responded, but I was worried about Windsong and glanced around at the barnyard. This was a different trailer, and he didn’t like men that much. The driveway was long, but I didn’t see a gate at the end. Cory wasn’t here to rope him if he got loose. I crossed my fingers, repeating in my head, “Be a good boy, Windsong.”

  “Go ahead,” Joe’s muffled voice came out of the trailer. Michelle released the butt bar and, sure enough, Windsong ran backward off the trailer. When his four feet were off the ramp, he reared and tried to spin away from Joe. Just like Kate the first time it happened with her, Joe didn’t seem to be bothered at all. He chuckled and said, “Easy there, wild man.” He tugged firmly on the lead rope. Windsong landed, jigged sideways, and then yielded to the pressure.

  Windsong stopped in front of me, tugging against Joe’s hand. I patted his neck. “Silly boy, I’m not leaving. Go in the barn.” I gave him a light shove. He followed Joe, and we followed them. Erica and I stood in front of the stall as Joe unbuckled Windsong’s halter. Shawn had disappeared, but Mandy put her face between the bars, calling Windsong. As soon as the halter was off, he stepped over and bumped her head with his nose. He looked at me and nodded.

  “What’s he doing?” Mandy asked.

  “Begging.” I pulled some treats from my pocket and handed them to her. I stepped toward the door. “Let me check his water and give him some hay.”

  Joe looked at me funny and continued to close the door. “Joe has that all done. Show him and Michelle where your stuff is and they’ll set it up in the tack room.”

  “Really?” I looked back and forth between Erica and Joe. “Okay. What time do you feed? I’ll come back and help then.”

  “Oh, no, Joe and Michelle take care of that, and they have their routine. Even I stay out of their way. We’ll take your luggage to the house, and I’ll show you your room.” I looked back over my shoulder as I followed Erica. Michelle was laughing at something Joe said as they carried my equipment.

  Erica and Mandy both picked up a bag, even though I insisted I would come back and unload it all myself. I followed them up the path from the barn.

  The house was beautiful, a two-story Victorian with a wraparound porch. We went in a back entrance, where we all kicked off our shoes.

  “We leave our barn shoes here. This is the kitchen, that way is the TV room, and through here are the stairs,” Erica explained.

  We went up the stairs and passed a few doors, and then Erica opened one. “This is your room.”

  Mandy dropped my bag on the floor in front of a white dresser and settled onto the mauve and mint bedspread. Erica put the bags she was carrying next to it. “Feel free to put your things in the dresser and the closet. The bathroom is across the hall. Shawn’s room is next door and you guys will share the bathroom. You’ll have to work that out with him.” She glanced at her watch. “Dinner is in an hour. We all eat together around six-thirty, seven each night. We’ll let you freshen up.” She motioned to Mandy.

  “I’m going to hang out with Jane until dinner.”

  “Mandy, let Jane have a few moments to herself, you’ll see her at dinner.”

  “No, it’s okay. She can stay with me,” I was quick to assure Erica. Mandy was sweet and I didn’t mind her hanging around. I just had to use the bathroom, it wasn’t like I had to change for dinner. Or did I? I glanced down at my tank top and shorts.

  “Okay. Just send her downstairs when you need to.” Erica left the door open when she left.

  I walked over to the window. It looked down on the perfectly manicured front lawn and the long driveway that stretched to the road. No horses in this view, but I would be able to see any vehicle that came down the driveway.

  “Can I see your clothes?” Mandy asked.

  “I only brought t-shirts and riding pants.”

  “Oh, well, we could go shopping. Mom doesn’t really like shopping.” Mandy rolled onto her stomach and put her chin in her hands.

  I opened one of my bags and started stuffing clothes into the drawers of the dresser. “Do I need nice stuff? Do I have to dress up for dinner?”

  Mandy giggled. “No, it’s just dinner. But, you know, maybe we could go out some night. You, me, and Shawn.”

  “Maybe,” I said.

  “Shawn stayed with us last summer, too. He’s a lot of fun and sooo cute.” She giggled again. “He likes miniskirts, and action movies, popcorn with lots of butter, and diving in the pool. I got the cutest suit—you brought your suit, right?”

  “Yeah, I did. But I don’t know how much time I’ll have for swimming. I am here to train.”

  “Oh, I know. But we swim a lot at lunchtime and after dinner. It’s so hot after riding, you’ll want to jump in the pool.”

  “We’ll see. Where’s the bathroom again? I want to put some stuff in there and wash my face.”

  Mandy pointed it out and then said she would meet me downstairs as she skipped out of my room.

  #

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  After I freshened up and placed my shampoo and conditioner in the shower, I stood by the bedroom window looking down the driveway. What a view. I held up my phone and took a picture of the sweeping path lined on both sides by majestic trees. It was an impressive approach. I sent the picture to Megan with the text: “welcome to my humble abode.”

  Her response was immediate and made me laugh: “omg! want to b u.”

  Glamour girl that she was, Megan couldn’t stand the sight of horse manure, nor would she enjoy sweating. I texted back, “seriously?”

  “meant visit u.”

  “can be arranged. luv u.”

  I held my phone, watching the screen, but she did not send me another text. Should I send the pic to Cory? Nah, he wouldn’t be impressed. After all, he was managing a farm just as extraordinary. I dropped the phone when it started playing “Candle in the Wind.” I always said he could read my mind, but I didn’t know he could do it from a distance.

  I scooped it up and swiped it. “Hello, cowboy.”

  “Hi, how did you make out?” All business; I sighed.

  “Great, we hit a little traffic, but got here in good shape.”

  “How’s Windsong? Is he a mess or what?”

  “He seemed fine. We put him in a stall. Joe was going to put him out for a short time before dinner.”

  “Joe? How was he when you put him out?”

  I plopped on the bed. “I don’t know, I was unpacking. You should see this house—my room is great!”

  “You didn’t watch to see if he was lame from the trip or anything?”

  “Well, I had to get ready for dinner. Joe was doing it.”

  “Who is this Joe? Are you there to train your horse or play socialite? You better go check on Windsong. You know he’s a nervous wreck, and he needs to see you.”

  “I will.” My voic
e rose like a whiny teenager’s. I threw myself back on the bed while I tried to control my irritation. With more composure, I said, “I will. Can we talk about something else, please?” Bossy Cory was not my favorite Cory, but maybe I could coax sexy Cory out. “Today was your day off. I hope you didn’t do anything interesting without me?” I let my voice soften, inviting a comment about missing me.

  His voice was flat. “Worked. I had to ride a few horses to make up for taking last weekend off. I have a show this weekend with a couple horses and riders.”

  “Oh. So sorry I caused you to lose your day off.” I sat up, resisting the urge throw the phone.

  A big sigh. “I didn’t mean it like that.” I could picture him looking down at his boots, clenching his jaw, closing his eyes, and trying to think of what he wanted to say. “I can’t stand knowing Shawn is on the same farm as you and I’m not,” he admitted.

  “Shawn means nothing. Please, believe me.” I stressed the last words. Just then, I looked up at a sudden scraping sound. Shawn was standing in my doorway, brows furrowed and mouth open slightly. My eyes locked with his glittering brown ones.

  “I will. I love you, darling.”

  My face was burning. “I love you, too,” I stuttered. “Bye.” I pressed the end button, not waiting for his response. I opened my mouth to say something, but my face flamed hotter. I looked away.

  After a moment, Shawn said tightly, “Dinner.” He didn’t make another sound.

  I waited for him to say something else. I had a boyfriend. Why did he find that so easy to ignore? I stood up and turned to the door. “Shawn?” But he was long gone. This was going to be a lovely dinner.

  The food was amazing. When I complimented Erica, they all laughed.

  “I do not cook. Noreen does. You can tell her how much you liked it.”

  Man, I needed to get a better tan so when I embarrassed myself every two minutes it wouldn’t be so obvious. Rule number two at Erica’s dinner table: speak only when spoken to. Rule number one was obvious and would apply to my whole stay here: never look Shawn in the eyes. If I never looked at him, I could enjoy myself perfectly fine.

  Erica told us how excited she was that Shawn and I were here. She outlined what was expected of us on a daily basis. We were to meet in the basement gym first thing early in the morning. Her indoor riding arena had vents and fans, so was comfortable to be in all day. She would ride her horses first, and then after lunch teach us. I kept waiting for the chore schedule, but it didn’t seem like we were expected to do any chores. She even had someone to do our laundry.

  “I don’t mind doing the stalls and feeding, Erica. I’ll be happy to go help in the barn every morning.” They all laughed at me again, but Erica’s eyes softened.

  “You are such a sweetie. Mark has more money than he knows what to do with.” She shot him a quick look. “We employ many people to do all those things, and they have pride in their jobs. So, I wouldn’t want to interfere with their work.”

  Why did I forget rule number two? Pressing my lips together, I nodded and took a sip of my icy cold water to cool my skin.

  “C’mon, it’s Mandy’s turn to pick out the movie tonight.” Everyone stood and headed to the television room. I picked up my plate and glass but quickly set them back down when I noticed no one else cleared their plates. Good thing I was staying only a month because I could have really gotten spoiled there.

  Shawn completely ignored me and sat in a corner of the couch. Mandy sat next to him, pressing buttons on the remote. I took a bean bag on the floor, leaving the other couch for Erica and Mark. They came in carrying two bowls of popcorn, which we passed around.

  “Finding Nemo. One of the best, even after watching it thirty times.” Mark chuckled as he sat and put an arm over Erica’s shoulders.

  When the movie was over, I toyed with the idea of going to the barn to check on Windsong. Everyone was groggily getting up and going to bed. Remembering rule number two, I was reluctant to ask Erica if I should and I sure wasn’t going to ask Shawn. Joe was a professional and he would have said something by now if he had noticed a problem. I trudged up the stairs.

  #

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  I jogged down the basement stairs to the gym in shorts and a tank top. I had never worked out in a gym, so this would be interesting. I turned into the doorway and stopped dead. Shawn was already there, wearing just shorts, his golden skin glowing in the bright lights. He had his arms stretched out and was gripping a weight bar with both hands. He pulled the bar slowly down, and the muscles of his back rippled. He let the bar back up, which outlined his biceps in the light. I wasn’t breaking rule number one if I let myself look, right? His narrow waist, firm butt, those I expected from seeing his lean body in tight riding breeches. But I didn’t expect him to have such nice legs, bulging with muscles and covered in soft blond hair. This was the first time I ever saw his bare feet, and they were cute. I smiled to myself. I liked his cute feet. He didn’t pull down on the bar again; in fact, he hadn’t moved since I had stopped in the doorway. I looked up and blanched when I realized he was watching me the whole time in the floor-to-ceiling mirrors that lined one wall. I swallowed, flashed a guilty smile, and mounted a stationary bike.

  He didn’t say a word but moved to a different machine. It was impossible to keep my eyes from roaming over his body as he worked out. Each time, he caught me looking—and it was quite a few times—he smirked. Finally, Erica came in and started giving me specific exercises to work on.

  As soon as she said I was done, I escaped and raced up the two flights of stairs to my room. I splashed cold water on my face and changed into my riding pants. I redid my pony tail and put sunscreen on my face. Mandy popped her head in the door and said, “Will you help me tack up? I am going to ride Tucker now so I can swim later.”

  “Sure thing. I want to check on Windsong first, okay?”

  It felt funny to have nothing to do, so after checking on Windsong, I hung around watching Erica and Mandy ride. Mandy was a miniature Erica, with the same straight, elastic posture. And Tucker was only a little bit cranky, Mandy handled him well.

  We ate lunch by the pool. I found myself slightly queasy as I prepared for my lesson. I politely refused Michelle’s help and brought Windsong in myself. He stood quietly as I tacked him up, me being the one on edge. I lead him into the indoor, swallowing some of the butterflies that were trying to escape. With a deep breath, I mounted. Shawn was giving me the silent treatment, but quite a few times I caught him watching me from Donner’s back. I didn’t have time to worry about it. Windsong leapt forward when Erica strode into the indoor, so I gathered my reins and settled him.

  “Do your normal thing, Jane. As I learn what Windsong’s normal is, I will start to structure some exercises for you to use in your warm-up. Shawn, you know exactly what I expect from you.” Erica went to sit on a stool in a corner of the arena.

  I began my usual warm-up, wondering if I should add in those few exercises Erica had taught me at the showcase. I didn’t trust my memory, and didn’t want to look like an idiot, so I did it the way Kate taught me to. Cory once told me not to fret about what the trainer expected, but to relax and let her help you as you rode. After all, that was the trainer’s job.

  Erica gave Shawn a few instructions but didn’t say anything to me. I couldn’t help it; I started to fret. Should I go ahead and canter? Or would she think I hadn’t trotted enough? Should I take a walk break first? Windsong decided to do a haunches in since I couldn’t make up my silly mind. Really, his hind end was moving faster than his front end and had jack-knifed like an eighteen wheeler. Mental head slap! I loosened the reins a bit and nudged him forward. He hopped into the canter, and off we went. I did some large loopy circles, changed direction with a flying change, and looped in the other direction.

  I brought him back to the walk and let the reins out. Windsong stretched his head down, swinging his back and tail as he walked. I patted his damp neck.

  �
�Jane, your position and your knowledge of how to let the horse move freely forward are amazing. Whoever taught that to you deserves a medal,” Erica complimented as she walked along the side of me and Windsong.

  “I owe it to Kate.” I paused, biting my lip. “And Jet. Well, and Cory who let me ride Jet. Like gallop. Anyway, thanks.” The dangers of not following rule number two continued to be clear.

  “Well, she did a fantastic job with you. When I was your age, I didn’t have half the training you have. I cleaned stalls and taught beginners to earn money for lessons. But I didn’t have someone like you did, a good teacher and trainer. Then I met Mark.” Her gaze turned internal as she recalled some pleasant memory. “He supported me, with his money. But it wasn’t just the money—he believed in me, and I believe in you, you have great potential and, with the proper support, you will go very far.”

  #

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  I braided my hair in front of the mirror in my room, thinking of Erica’s words. I stared into my own hazel eyes, grinning, “You have great potential. You will go very far.” Did Erica mean she would be my proper support? Because I wouldn’t mind living here and training with her forever. I pulled on my swimsuit and ran down the stairs. Shawn and Mandy were in the pool already, so I slipped through the sliding door, threw my towel on a lounge chair, and plunged into the cool water. When my head popped up, Shawn and Mandy shrieked and splashed me. I climbed out and towel-dried myself, watching Mandy and Shawn take turns doing fancy dives off the diving board. I spread my towel on the lounge chair and laid down on my back. My eyes drifted closed as I floated in contentment.

  “I take it you are pleased with your first lesson?” Shawn said as he stretched his long, sexy legs out on the chaise next to me.

  My eyes jerked open. “You spoke to me!” I teased.

  He grinned. “It’s too hard to give someone you live with the silent treatment.”

  “I was kinda enjoying it.” I gave him a coy look.

  “There are other things I could do that you would enjoy much better.” He purposefully let his eyes roam up and down my bikini-clad body.