Seduction's Stakes

by Claire Ashgrove

  "You don't fake that, Maddie-girl. Though I thought I might interrupt before one or the both of you made a scene."

  Heat poured into her cheeks as she struggled for something to say. “I-I don't ... It wasn't...” She gave up, concluding with a sigh.

  Archie gave her shoulder a fatherly pat. “Time for you to let go of Nate, Maddie. Wake up and see what's right in front of you. Before I get too old to enjoy it."

  She already had. Problem was, she let go for someone who didn't know the meaning of the word faithful. She shook her head. “Let's not talk about this, Archie. You've made your point. Riley has as well. Unfortunately, it just won't work out."

  "Oh, for God's sake, Maddie, give up this ridiculous commitment to not get involved with a man who loves horseracing,” Archie cried in exasperation.

  She frowned. “It has nothing to do with that."

  * * * *

  The afternoon passed in a whirlwind for Riley. As the favored contender, the press dogged him any time he ventured out of the restricted areas. Even just sitting near Mister Spoilsport's stall, Riley had one or two sportscasters hanging around. When he wasn't fending off interviews, he fought off his fellow comrades’ crude remarks. Evidently word spread quickly about his impromptu kiss.

  Maddie hadn't spoken to him since. Although, he admitted, today wasn't the day for socializing. Too caught up in her own whirlwind of similar encounters, she'd been just as busy.

  "Riley!” Ben jogged up to him with a hearty smile. Dressed in Riley's stable colors, green and navy blue, he carried his saddle over his arm and extended the other for a hearty handshake. “Ready, man?"

  "It doesn't get any more ready than this, Ben. Scott's just finishing grooming Spoil. Are you all weighed in?"

  "Naw, I'm on my way up there. Wanted to say hello first. The wife's in the grandstand, right at the line, if you want to say hello.” He flashed Riley a grin. “Say, I heard an interesting piece of news in the jockey's room."

  Riley let out a harassed sigh. “Let me guess. I kissed Maddie McCleery in the clubhouse at breakfast?"

  Ben's smirk deepened. “That'd be the one. How'd you manage that?"

  "That's a long story best served with a stiff drink. Which I'll be more than happy to provide if you win this race for me."

  Scott came out with Mister Spoilsport in tow. Ben shook his hand as well, then clapped the young man on the shoulder. “Ready for this one, Scotty?"

  "Always. How much time we got, boss?"

  "We ought to head up that way. It's almost time for the post parade."

  "I need to get up there. I'll see you in the paddock."

  "Hey, Ben?” Riley called after him.

  "Yeah?"

  "Sam doing okay today?"

  Ben gave him a curious look, accented by a perplexed frown. “Seems to be. Why?"

  Riley shook his head, dismissing the question. “I just know today is important to Maddie too."

  With a confused nod, Ben accepted his explanation and jogged out of sight.

  Riley's gaze pulled down the aisle to Maddie. Like he, she stood outside her stall with Archie, as John hurriedly brushed down Infidelity. He caught the nervous way she chewed on her lower lip and let a little sigh slip out.

  "Wait just a minute, Scott."

  Before he could change his mind, Riley jogged down to the end of the shed row and caught Maddie by the elbow. She spun around with a squeak of surprise.

  "Good luck, Maddie.” He offered her his most sincere smile, hoping she'd take his well wishes as they were intended and not twist them into some arrogant reference to their private wager.

  Her eyes filled with confusion.

  Without giving her opportunity to respond, he brushed a kiss across her cheek and hurried back to his horse. There was plenty of time for explanation later.

  Giving Scott a nod, he took Mister Spoilsport's reins and led the ebony colt down the walk.

  * * * *

  Too preoccupied with worries about Infidelity to focus on Riley's behavior, Maddie dismissed both his good luck wishes and his fleeting kiss. After this morning, she could hardly justify chastising him for that harmless peck.

  "Miss Maddie, anything you want from me before we get started?” John asked. Since last night, he'd been surprisingly respectful and spent all afternoon going out of his way to please her. Whatever Scott had said to him made an impact. She owed Riley for that. John's know-it-all attitude had really started to bother her these last few weeks. Until today, she'd been planning to let him go once the Triple Crown series came to a close.

  "No, this is Archie's game from here on out."

  "You got your gear?” Archie turned a sharp frown on his groom.

  John bobbed his head. “Yes, sir."

  "Then let's go. Infidelity is getting antsy standing around. He knows he's gotta run today."

  Maddie glanced at her horse, gnawing on her lip some more. The colt was particularly excited today, and try as she might, she couldn't explain it. The sounds weren't different. The activity, nothing more than what he was used to. Still, for some reason, where Infidelity usually approached race day with calm dignity, today he danced all over the place in anticipation.

  His attitude did nothing to soothe her worries from last night. In fact, it had her so worked up she felt a little sick to her stomach. She needed this win, and not just for her stable's future anymore. She needed it to hold on to her heart.

  Infidelity let out a loud whinny, and Archie gave his lead a sharp jerk. The colt balked, tossing his nose defiantly into the air. But before he could coil his muscles and rear backwards, Archie marched him forward, diverting his energy. Maddie jogged to catch up.

  With a deep breath, she reminded herself this would be over in a matter of minutes. She'd stand in the winner's circle, and the week of chaos would finally come to an end. Belmont loomed ahead, but what happened there didn't matter nearly as much as today's outcome.

  All along the walk to the paddocks, people lined up to see the horses, bid their favored contender hearty words of good luck, and murmured praise to those horses they found beautiful. Infidelity earned more than his fair share of remarks.

  Maddie eyed him with pride. By far the most attractive of the Preakness contenders, he stood out from the field with his blood red coat and pristine white stockings. The deep violet of her stable's silks complimented him too, adding to his breathtaking appearance. The only horse that came close to his dominating presence was Mister Spoilsport. Yet, even his onyx coat and loud white blaze couldn't overshadow Infidelity when it came to physical beauty.

  She loved this horse.

  Inside the grass paddock, Sam rushed over to them, sporting a wide grin. “There's my favorite boy,” he cooed as he extended his hand and ran it along the length of Infidelity's neck. “How's he doing?"

  "Antsy,” Archie answered. “Colt wants to run."

  "Good. I'm ready for a fight out there."

  "How'd you do in your other races today, Sam? I haven't been able to follow,” Maddie asked as her jockey tossed his saddle on Infidelity's back.

  "Took third in one, second in another. Rode in two others with pitiful outcomes."

  "Who were you riding for?"

  "They were all Bettans’ horses."

  Maddie nodded. She really hated the fact Sam rode for other trainers but accepted the common practice, counting herself lucky that if she needed a jockey, Sam always put her above his other clients. Even if he knew she had a horse that couldn't win.

  While they waited on the steward to check their tack, she searched for Riley. But between the infield crowd, the gathered reporters, and the other nearby owners and trainers, she couldn't spot him. Damn, she had hoped to read his expression, find out if she needed to worry about Infidelity, or if Mister Spoilsport wasn't on his game.

  Disappointed, she turned back to her companions and gave her horse an affectionate pat. “You run your heart out for your momma, you hear me?"

  As if he understood, Infide
lity dipped his head, letting out a low nicker that made her chuckle.

  "Good evening, Miss McCleery.” James Newson, the official steward, greeted her as he stepped forward to inspect her horse. He checked Infidelity's bit, bridle, saddle, girth and ran his hand beneath the lightweight silk that displayed his number in deep violet and lavender. Finding nothing inappropriate, he nodded to Sam, signaling he could mount.

  Sam swung himself up into the saddle and picked up Infidelity's reins. At once, the colt began to dance in place. Instead of fighting him, Sam loosened his hold on his reins, urging Infidelity into a small circle around Archie, John, and Maddie. “You're right, he does want to run."

  Archie nodded in agreement as he took a light hold on Maddie's elbow. “We better get on up to the stands."

  She pulled a small pair of binoculars out of her clutch and fell into step beside him. John, however, lingered near the paddocks, waiting to assist Sam should he need something before post time. He'd stay there through the race, ready to collect their horse no matter where he finished.

  Archie chose a spot in the VIP section where she could see the best and could remain on her feet. She couldn't sit down on race day, never had been able to, never would be. The rush of adrenaline flat refused to let her.

  One by one, the other owners and trainers filtered into the reserved seating, including Riley. He edged his way closer to them but stopped on Archie's opposite side, strangely remaining silent. A stray glance his way told her his attention was, for once, riveted on his horse. As it should be.

  Her gaze sought out Infidelity, and she couldn't hold back a soft smile. Even from a distance he stood out. Led by a spotted pony horse, he pranced his way around the track, carrying himself with as much pride as she felt. As he, and the others, filtered past the enormous crowd, the spectators roared their appreciation.

  Colorful pairs of riders and horses paraded past the grandstand, making their way toward the green starting gates and the bell that would change someone's future. As they drew nearer, Maddie noted Mister Spoilsport picked up his pace, and the pony rider had to keep a firm hold on the colt's reins. She glanced at Riley, noting he didn't look at all concerned.

  Mister Spoilsport wasn't the only horse who's excitement got the better of them. Brimstone bucked as they loaded him, but the effort was half—hearted. Maddie suspected someone goosed him unexpectedly. Sass For Cass also had a bit of trouble loading into the gates, balking to the point that several attendants had to literally shove him into the tiny stall. Catching the nervous energy, Mister Spoilsport fell out of sorts also. He blew up all together, forty feet away from the gates, nearly unseating Ben.

  Infidelity wasn't immune either, and his abnormal behavior had alarm bells ringing in Maddie's head. The foreboding feeling returned with all the force of a gale wind. She tightened her grip on the iron banister. Looking on, she watched her colt dance in a circle, fighting Sam's insistence to walk forward and step into the chute. He tossed his head with a vengeance, and popped a good six inches off the ground.

  Somehow, Sam righted him and urged him forward. But no more than three steps before Infidelity fell apart again. He balked, scuttled backwards, and let out a loud whinny.

  Maddie's heart rose to her throat, each rebellious step taking her back in time to a different year, a different horse, a different jockey. Fear seized her, rooting her in place. As she looked on, her breath came in short gasps.

  Less than six feet from the gate, Infidelity reared up on his hind legs, pawing at the air. Maddie's world came tumbling around her shoulders.

  To her horror, Sam lost his reins. Infidelity came down hard. Before Sam could grab anything more than his short mane, the horse bucked, then popped immediately up in the air again. Someone grabbed for him, but it was too late.

  Sam careened over the side of Infidelity's neck. Head over heels, he landed face—first in the dirt.

  He didn't move.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Maddie's scream cut through the air in the same instant Archie vaulted over the edge of the rail and onto the track below. Riley whirled around in time to see the color wash from Maddie's face. He rushed to her, barely managing to get his arms around her before her knees crumpled, and she fell limply into his chest.

  Riley needed no one to tell him what Maddie just witnessed. His heart rolled over. Sam's fall, combined with Nate's dreams, culminated into one horror she inevitably couldn't escape. Forgetting his own horse, he swept her up and carried her down the cement stairs to the track floor, anxious to get her away from the curious stares of the other owners.

  He had only a few minutes before they'd start the race, and propping her against the stairwell, he lightly slapped her cheeks. “Maddie, honey, wake up."

  Nothing.

  "Need anything, Riley?” A voice called from above.

  He didn't look to see, merely answered, “Some water."

  In seconds a hand appeared with an icy water bottle. Riley accepted it with a mumbled thanks, and pressed it to Maddie's temple.

  "Aaron Finnins will substitute for jockey Sam Reeves on horse number 4, Infidelity,” the loud speaker announced.

  Riley glanced up, searching for Archie. He found him kneeling over Sam near the side of the track. Stretched out on his back, Sam's hand waved in the air. He was alive. Thank, God.

  "Angel, c'mon, Sam's okay. Wake up, Maddie."

  He shifted the bottle and laid it in her deep v—neck, pressing it into her bare skin where she'd feel the shocking cold the most.

  She gasped, squeezed her eyes shut tight and shook her head.

  Riley tossed the water bottle onto a step and cradled her closer to his chest. “Angel, Sam's alive. Open your eyes."

  "Is he on the horse?” she asked, fluttering her lashes up to look at him.

  "No, he's hurt, but he's alive. Look for yourself if you want."

  She shook her head more fiercely and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. “Riley scratch the horse. Something's not right."

  Instinctively, he pressed his lips against the top of her head, holding her tight. “Maddie, don't be foolish. You know these things happen. Sam's okay. Your horse has settled down."

  "Scratch him,” she insisted.

  "I can't do that. Archie's down there. They've already got the sub on his back. Let it ride, angel. Come on. If you don't want to watch, I'll take you back to the barns. Tell me what you want, darlin'."

  She closed her eyes with a pained expression. “Just take me up to the stands. I'll be all right."

  He tucked a tendril of her hair behind her ear. “Are you sure?"

  Nodding, she struggled to push away from him, and he let her go, rising to help her to her feet.

  He stopped her on the first step. “Maddie, are you okay?"

  Her brow tugged into a sharp line, and she gnawed on her lower lip. “It happened all over again. It was...” She trailed away, clenching her jaw.

  "Nate?” he asked.

  She answered with a curt nod. Tugging her arm free of his, she turned around and ascended the stairs, clutching the railing with white knuckles.

  Riley looked after her and let out a heavy sigh. He'd give up anything to erase her pain. If only she'd let him.

  He followed her back to the rail. Standing behind her, he braced his hands on both sides of the railing framing her between his arms. “Lean back, Maddie. You're trembling,” he murmured near her ear. “I'm right here."

  When she did, he slid an arm around her waist and held her in place, desperately trying to convince himself that although she allowed it, to Maddie it meant nothing. He was simple support. This wasn't an intimate embrace produced from something deeper that ran between them.

  He looked for his horse. The gates shut on Infidelity, and in seconds the bell rang. The horses shot out of the gate, flinging clods of dirt everywhere.

  * * * *

  Maddie chewed on her thumbnail as the horses bunched together, vying for
the initial lead. As the dust settled, Brimstone bolted out ahead of the field, leaving Infidelity and Mister Spoilsport to duke it out four lengths off the leader. Neck and neck, they challenged. Infidelity on the rail, and Mister Spoilsport hanging in on the outside.

  The announcer's voice droned into her head, his excitement fueling hers, kick—starting her heart into high gear.

  "Coming in to the first turn, it's Brimstone up front. Outside, Mister Spoilsport is second, and Infidelity is third off the fence, followed by Rival Scout."

  Maddie held her breath, murmuring a silent prayer, willing her horse forward. This early, anything could happen, and the jock on Infidelity's back didn't know his strengths or weaknesses. It was up to her colt now. He pushed on, surging forward, cutting Mister Spoilsport off and crossing over to move off the rail.

  Behind her, Riley tensed, his biceps bunching against her side where he held her. He wasn't happy. Nor should he be. But Maddie smiled, tightening her grip on the rail and cheering.

  "What a huge move for Infidelity with Aaron Finnins guiding him on that second turn, he's a bit rank, wants to go on to lead, but Brimstone is holding on by two lengths. And Mister Spoilsport still hanging in there, now in third."

  He did it! He overtook Mister Spoilsport. Maddie let out a cry of delight, and bounced in place. Hot Damn! They faded out of her line of sight for a moment, and she listened to the announcer, her heart hammering in her ears.

  "Approaching the far turn, and the half, in 45 and 4/5 seconds, Ben Farley is asking Mister Spoilsport to move alongside Infidelity, and Mister Spoilsport is there to challenge! Brimstone hanging on in the lead, by half a length, with Rival Scout trying to knock it out as well in fourth."

  With Mister Spoilsport overtaking Infidelity, the crowd went wild, cheering on their favored contender.

  Oh shit. Maddie stilled, holding her breath. Coming out of the far side of the track, the lead Brimstone held vanished, and the horses bunched together making it anyone's game.