Seduction's Stakes

by Claire Ashgrove

  The Black-Eyed Susan was, to fillies, what the Preakness was to colts, and Jumpin’ Jess ran better than he thought she would, nosing out a win. Although she defied the amazing odds, it left Riley stuck at the track with the press through the late afternoon. It also left him disappointed he couldn't share the celebration with Maddie. He hadn't realized how much he wanted her there, until she wasn't. Her absence spoiled the unexpected victory.

  They'd let Mister Spoilsport run too, and only now finished getting both colt and filly settled down for the night. Finally able to go search out Maddie for himself, he tamped down the rising sense of unease that fingered at the base of his spine. He didn't want to consider that letting her spend the night alone had reminded her of her conviction to not get involved with a racehorse owner.

  Yet, her strange absence couldn't keep the nagging question at bay. He could think of no legitimate reason for her to completely avoid the track unless she was either avoiding him, or she was physically incapable of getting herself here.

  Neither of which sat well with him.

  "I'm out of here, Scott. Call me if anything comes up,” he barked as he tossed his duffel bag over his shoulder and stuffed his smaller, trainer's trophy under his arm. The larger, cut crystal owner's trophy was already packed and locked tightly away. With a final glance behind him, he took in the wreath of white and yellow flowers hanging from Jumpin’ Jess’ stall and let out a sigh.

  Maddie should be here. He should have kissed her in the Winner's Circle.

  He strode to his truck, tossed his belongings inside, and sped out of the lot toward the hotel. Time passed at a crawl. When he finally pulled under the covered front doors, he flipped the keys to the valet and snatched his ticket with what bordered on a snarl.

  Something wasn't right. The closer he got to the hotel, the more the suspicion sunk into his bones. He didn't take time to wait on the elevator. Instead, he went straight for the stairs and jogged the two flights to his room. With his hand on the doorknob he took a deep breath.

  Relax, Riley. She's inside, like she promised. She just took today to relax and get ready for tomorrow.

  He slipped the keycard in the slot and forced himself not to fling open the door. Dark silence greeted him.

  "Maddie?” he called quietly. Perhaps she was taking a nap.

  The hairs on his arms lifted when she didn't answer. With determined steps, he went to the bedroom and closed his eyes against the emptiness. It wasn't just empty—there wasn't a single sign of Maddie anywhere. Her suitcase wasn't in sight, her boots weren't near the door, and the lingering scent of her perfume had vanished with the maid.

  He dropped everything in the middle of his bed and stormed back out into the hall. It seemed like it took an eternity for the elevator to open. Inside, he jammed his thumb at her floor number until the doors closed.

  "C'mon, dammit,” he muttered as he watched the lights ding above his head.

  When the doors opened, he double-stepped a few paces then forced himself to slow down. For God's sake, he was acting like she lay bleeding to death somewhere. Likely, she'd just waited on him instead of taking him up on his open invitation.

  At her heavy door, he rapped sharply and listened. Distantly, he heard voices drone from a television. Scowling, he banged again. What in the hell was wrong with her? Inside, the squeak of a floorboard just behind the door announced her presence. He held his breath, waiting, but the door didn't open.

  He knocked a third time and called out in a firm voice, “Maddie, I know you're in there. If you don't open this damn door I'm going to make a scene in the hall."

  Now that he knew she was avoiding him for some reason, he fully intended to follow through on his threat. The latch clicked, and as he lifted his hand to bang again, the door cracked open.

  "I don't want to see you right now, Riley. Please leave,” Maddie said through the crack.

  "Not so fast, darlin'.” He shook his head. “I've been worried sick about you all day. I'm not disappearing without an explanation. We can talk about this where everyone can hear us, or we can talk about it inside. You pick. Cause I'll talk whether this door is closed or open."

  He heard her sigh, but the door opened wider. Riley shouldered past her and leaned against the minibar, one ankle crossed over the other, assessing her. Her green eyes glittered with something he hadn't seen before—a flash of annoyance, a touch of anger, and something he couldn't identify. She didn't smile, didn't seem at all happy to see him. And damned if those flawless cheeks didn't look a little tear-stained. What the hell happened between last night and tonight.

  Choking back the urge to hold her, he folded his arms over his chest and asked in a softer tone, “What's going on?"

  Her mouth pulled into a tight line, and she snapped, “You must think I'm stupid if you really need to ask me that."

  Both Riley's eyebrows arched. He blinked at her. What in the devil's name was she talking about? He opened his mouth to say something, then snapped it shut, too surprised to find words. It occurred to him then, Sybil wasn't around either.

  "Where's your friend?"

  "You would want to know. In Kentucky. I'm sure she'll be available when we get back."

  Riley recoiled at the venom in her words, but a light of understanding flipped on with a dim hue. Sybil. Something about him and Sybil. The kiss? Had to be. It was the only thing that had happened she could possibly be upset about.

  He moved to her and caught her hand in his. “Angel, I was going to tell you. But I haven't seen you all day."

  She snatched her hand away. “Gee, I wonder why. Maybe because I don't want to see you? Ever again?"

  Over a kiss? Good Lord, he hadn't believed Maddie was capable of overreacting like this. Although, strangely, a little thrill of excitement made his heart beat a little faster. He rather liked jealous Maddie. It said he meant something to her. Enough that a harmless kiss had her madder than a rabid weasel.

  "Maddie, it was nothing, I swear. Come here, let me hold you. I'll prove to you're the only one that means anything."

  He reached an arm out to her again, but she clamped her jaw tight and shook her head. “No. I'm not stupid. Just go, Riley. Leave me alone."

  "Angel..."

  "Go,” she insisted, flinging her arm at the door. “Get. Out."

  When he refused to move and merely held her gaze, debating which would be the smartest way to handle this, she shouted, “Now!"

  The smartest way was to give her some space, he decided. Let her cool off. Talk to her about it later. A goddamn kiss, for God's sake. If he were smart, he'd write her off right here. The last thing he needed was a jealous woman attached to his hip.

  He frowned at her again, and her emerald gaze shot daggers at him. Jealous Maddie was goddamn sexy. With an annoyed mutter he shoved away from the minibar and stormed outside.

  * * * *

  Long after Riley left, Maddie sat alone in the darkness, trembling. She'd fallen asleep on the sofa after ordering room service, and the dream came back in vivid color. Only, it was different this time. The foreboding stronger, Nate's voice insistent, not filled with the kindness he'd always shown her. What he'd said changed too. Instead of, It will ruin you, Nate warned, It will ruin Infidelity.

  There was something wrong with her horse. She couldn't shake off the feeling. Nate was trying to tell her, and in the back of her mind Maddie knew something she couldn't put her finger on. Archie told her this evening Infidelity breezed sound. There wasn't a thing wrong with him. So what was it? Was she picking up on something else? Someone, perhaps, who intended to harm her horse?

  Riley? She shook her head. Riley might be a womanizer, but he loved horses, and he loved fair odds. He'd never try to hurt a competitor's horse.

  Infidelity was the key to McCleery Racing's future success. She'd told no one except Archie that their costs exceeded their profits by three times for the last two years. Desperate Echo's stud services declined as his offspring failed to win in the same time p
eriod, and while he was proving himself as a phenomenal broodmare sire, he needed colts to win if they intended to see any significant return in the early part of the year.

  As his son, Infidelity promised to bring not only his own significant stud fee, but would also regenerate interest in his sire, even if he didn't win any of the Triple Crown races. If something happened to Infidelity, McCleery Racing would have to start over from the ground up, and Maddie's dreams would shatter. She and her father worked too hard to watch the farm fall to pieces. Infidelity was the only horse she owned capable of turning things around. Unless she got her hands on Ghostly Persuasion. There too, however, the colt would have to prove himself before he could bring in any significant profit.

  She couldn't scratch Infidelity from the Preakness on a gut feeling. Wasn't in the position to do so.

  Frantic, she leapt up and dashed to the desk where she'd thrown her official paperwork and snapped on the small lamp. Papers flew out behind her as she searched for the contact list provided to every owner. Where was that damn number? Had she left it at the barn for John and Archie? Surely not.

  Relief washed through her when she discovered it, folded in half and stuffed into the thick program book the racing secretary also gave her. Yanking it free, she ran her finger down the column of names and stopped at the equine emergency clinic number. With a deep breath, she picked up the phone and dialed.

  "Camden and Brighton, Equine Surgical Facility, how may I help you?” the receptionist answered.

  "This is Madison McCleery. I've got a colt scheduled to run tomorrow—Infidelity?"

  "Yes, indeed, Miss McCleery. What can we do for you tonight?"

  "I need an immediate set of x-rays all the way around. Cannons and hooves. Do I need to haul him in?"

  "Actually, Miss McCleery, Doctor Brighton is on the track now tending to another horse. I can page him, and have him stop by your barn on his way out, if you'd like."

  "Oh, that'd be wonderful. I'm leaving the hotel now, I'll be there in—well however long it takes to get a cab."

  "Could you tell me what signs of lameness he's showing?"

  Maddie paused. According to Archie the horse wasn't lame at all. With a frown, she answered, “He's just not right."

  "Okay, I'll tell the doctor. Good luck, Miss McCleery."

  "Thanks."

  She hung up, yanked her sweater off the wall and raced for the elevator.

  * * * *

  Through the dim, overhanging lights, Scott observed Doctor Thomas Brighton work with Infidelity while John held the colt in place. Behind the powerful bay horse, Maddie looked on, her features etched with worry.

  He picked up his cell phone and dialed Riley.

  "What's the matter with Spoil?” Riley barked into his ear.

  "Nothing, boss. I just thought you might want to know Maddie's down here."

  A long moment of silence passed before Riley asked, “At eleven o'clock at night? What's she doing?"

  "I'm not real sure. Doc Brighton is running x-rays on Infidelity. Funny thing though, you and I watched him today. There ain't a damn thing wrong with that horse, Riley."

  Riley didn't answer. In fact, the only thing Scott heard was the click on the other end, and then, utter silence.

  He leaned back against the barn wall, pressed one booted foot against the wood, and counted down the minutes before Riley arrived.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Riley didn't think twice before he yanked his clothes on and dashed out to his truck. Maddie might not want him there; but, if there was something wrong with her horse, he had a suspicion eventually she'd be glad he came. Although not a highly religious man, he prayed the entire twelve—mile drive to Pimlico. Any other owner would do the same. While none of them wanted to admit they gave a damn about a competitor's horse, at this level, racehorse owners were more like family than anything else. Sure, everyone wanted to win. But no decent horseman would wish trouble on another.

  He parked at the end of the barn near his stalls, jumped out, and hurried over to Scott.

  "Ten minutes. Not bad,” Scott observed with a smirk. “I had you here five minutes from now."

  Riley shot him a look, warning him to keep his mouth shut. “Any idea why she called out the vet?"

  "Don't have a clue. John didn't either—she woke him up about three minutes before the doc showed up."

  Allowing his gaze to settle on Maddie, Riley took in the way she gnawed on her fingernail, the deeply etched frown set into her features, and the haunted look behind her eyes. Fingernails aside, it was the same look she'd worn when she bolted awake from that damn nightmare. What in the hell was she picking up on?

  "I'll be back."

  "You think that's wise, boss? Way you said it earlier she doesn't want you around right now."

  "Don't remind me,” Riley muttered.

  He raked a hand through his hair and picked his way down the aisle, to stand on the opposite side of the colt, where he could see Maddie.

  She looked up. Her gaze narrowed. Not exactly the welcome he'd hoped for, but she hadn't yet told him to leave. John gave him a curt, acknowledging nod.

  "You sure you want all four, Maddie?” Doctor Brighton asked as he set Infidelity's right foreleg back on the ground.

  "Positive."

  "I think it's a waste of your money—he trotted out sound. But if shooting films makes you feel better..."

  "It does."

  "Oh-kay. John, walk him forward a bit. I need the left hind square."

  John gave Infidelity's lead a little tug, and the horse took a step forward. Infidelity stood as still as a rock. Impressive without the use of tranquilizers—something forbidden if she intended to run him tomorrow. Riley eyed the colt in appreciation. He sure was a beauty with that blood-bay coat and the tall white stockings on his front legs.

  He felt Maddie's gaze on him and looked down the horse to meet it. Her eyes darted quickly to the side. Riley checked a grin. Angry or not, at least she still found him attractive. That could constitute as progress. Maybe this whole damn one-sided argument would end tonight.

  The veterinarian clicked his button on his portable radiograph machine and marked something on his film cartridge.

  "Step him back a little, John, if you would."

  "Sure thing, Doc."

  The vet repeated the process, then gathered his things together. “Well, Maddie, I'll have these processed when I get back. You need the results tonight, I take it?"

  She gave him a wavering smile. “I'll sleep better."

  "I hear ya. All right, I'll give you a holler when I finish. Go ahead and put him up."

  Maddie nodded to John as Doctor Brighton waved and rounded the corner toward his truck.

  Riley waited. She hadn't sent him off, and he didn't intend on pushing her to do so any faster by speaking.

  "Wrap him up, John, would you?"

  "Maddie, I don't know what you're so worked up about. There ain't nothing wrong with this horse. He's as fit as he's ever been, and you're mother-henning unnecessarily. Archie said leave him unwrapped. I ain't gonna piss him off."

  Riley frowned. John was new, someone Maddie hired just this year. He'd come up from Florida and had actually sought Riley out for employment first. But the boy's attitude didn't sit well with Riley. He'd been too arrogant then—just as he was now.

  "I believe Miss McCleery told you to do something, John. You won't calm her nerves any by arguing with her,” Riley interjected in a calm, but firm, voice.

  From the corner of his eye he caught Maddie's surprised blink, but when he looked her way, those lovely eyes were vacant again.

  John continued to stare at him with an expression that asked Riley who the hell he thought he was. In return, Riley lifted a solitary eyebrow in silent challenge.

  "Listen, you don't have to answer to Archie when he gets here. I do. And it's gonna be my ass in a sling when he walks in here and sees bandages on Infidelity,” John p
rotested.

  Riley could handle his logic, it was the kid's attitude that set his nerves on edge. If he couldn't comprehend how much of an honor it was to look after a Preakness contender, and therefore comprehend his position, John had a lot to learn.

  "Tell you what, John. Why don't you hand me that horse, and you go down there and ask Scott what kind of benefit a groom can see when his name is associated with a Preakness contender. When you think you understand, come on back."

  John spluttered, but he handed Riley Infidelity's lead. Riley didn't particularly care what Maddie might think of the exchange, her groom owed her more respect. He avoided looking at her, and lead the big bay back into his stall where he tied the horse to a steel loop secured in the wall.

  Bending at the knees, he ran his hands down the colt's foreleg, feeling for anything abnormal—a lump, a cut, irregular heat. Then, he picked up the hoof and squeezed the bulb of the heels together, checking for pain. When Infidelity didn't move, he pinched the sole near the tip of the frog. No pain.

  "Got a wrap handy?” he called out.

  Maddie handed him a bright pink stable bandage.

  Starting just below the knee, he wound the bandage down toward the top of the hoof, and then back up, layering it half over the strip he'd just placed. He secured it with the Velcro tab. Meant for light support, more to please Maddie than anything else, he skipped any heavy padding or other materials that might overheat a normal leg.

  He did the same with Infidelity's opposite foreleg and then rocked back on his heels to look up at Maddie. “I don't think you want to wrap his back legs. It'll just piss him off. If you really feel it's necessary, I'll do it. Just tell me what you want."

  She shook her head. “Would you take a peek at them, though?"

  Nodding, he shuffled toward the hind leg closest to him and felt his way along the long bone, checked his hoof, and moved to the opposite leg. Finished, he stood up and dusted his hands off on his jeans.

  Her eyes searched his, the light in them revealing not only her worry, but also a sparkle of hope.