Seduction's Stakes

by Claire Ashgrove

  * * * *

  Riley fingered the document one more time before he shoved it in his glove box. It was the hardest thing he'd done, beyond failing to find the words Maddie deserved, and the only way he knew how to tell her he loved her. And he intended on telling her in front of the entire nation on Saturday.

  This morning, while Maddie was mother-henning Infidelity, and while the most important people in the Jockey Club were sitting in the Racing Secretary's office, Riley signed half-ownership on Mister Spoilsport over to Maddie McCleery, filing the necessary paperwork to make the change effective by Saturday. Not something any regular member could accomplish in a day but something that, with the right influence at this level in racing, he was blessed with the opportunity to finalize in a single afternoon.

  Dirk Bettans had overheard the whole transaction too. Although he did it discreetly, Dirk ribbed him about it all afternoon, while simultaneously kicking Riley's ass at golf. He'd had one comment to make after the eighteenth hole, and Riley was still swallowing it.

  "Marry that girl, Riley. She deserves nothing less."

  He'd said it in that fatherly way that made Riley feel like a horny teenager wanting to date his daughter.

  With Maddie now firmly rooted in Spoil's life, he still had the colt to play with, to enjoy their little game with. Ghost didn't seem quite as important anymore. Hell, he'd give her his whole damn stable and never think twice about it. He just wasn't quite ready to propose.

  That felt even more terrifying than those three words that refused to come out of his mouth. He'd tried again on the phone and got stuck after I. Although, all things considered, getting one of the three words out was progress. He had four days to accomplish the rest.

  Four days that loomed over his head like a big dark cloud threatening to strike him down with lightning if he didn't.

  He sensed a small change in her already. Small enough to be his imagination, but he didn't believe it was. She spent more time in her head since they'd been in New York, staring out the window the way she did when something bothered her. When he asked, she played it off.

  She also hadn't mentioned her feelings since.

  Damn it, what was it about the words I love you that made women insane?

  What the hell was the big deal?

  Then, he remembered how he'd felt when Maddie had said it. Like there was nothing in this world he couldn't do, couldn't overcome. As crazy as it sounded, he'd felt needed, treasured, and ... important. His body had fairly hummed with life, and it still did when he let himself stop and think about the weight behind the words. Which he didn't do often, because that only sent him backwards in his quest to overcome the impossible and say them aloud.

  No wonder women held such stock in three small words.

  Not small, he corrected himself. Insurmountably large.

  He cut the ignition on his truck, leaned over and locked his glove box. Stepping outside, he eyed the eighth floor window where their suite was. Maybe tonight he'd succeed.

  Although the step that came after that left him cold.

  He shook his head.

  He didn't need to think about that step. That step would come naturally. As long as he managed to keep her at his side in the meantime, he had as much time as he needed to find that shot of courage.

  Goddamn, who'd have thought he'd ever find one woman so important he'd actually want to marry her? When in the hell had he grown so weak?

  He chuckled.

  When she brought him to his knees with a kiss.

  * * * *

  Maddie pulled the comforter around her, snuggling beneath it as she lay on the sofa and watched the television. She'd finally figured out that if she dragged the comforter out here and lit the gas fireplace, she didn't need to sound like the local idiot and confess to not knowing how to turn the heat up. Plus, she could watch old movies, eat popcorn, and feel more at home in the sitting room than tucked up in the bedroom. It didn't feel as much like a hotel stay this way.

  A rustle at the door announced Riley's return. She turned her head, anxious to see him. He eased the door open and set his keys on the nearby table, not yet aware of her. It gave her a rare opportunity to observe him unnoticed. One of the things that delighted her most.

  He pushed a hand through his hair and slipped out of his shoes. “Maddie?” he called.

  "Right here."

  When he turned and settled his gaze on her, her heart skipped a beat. She'd never get tired of looking at him. Those ale-brown eyes sent shiver after shiver rolling through her each time they fastened on hers. So expressive. So compelling.

  He crossed to her, sitting down on the edge of the sofa to bend over and kiss her cheek. “You didn't call down about the heat?"

  "And admit to being stupid? You know me better than that."

  His grin made his eyes dance. “You look cozy, at least."

  "I'm just hibernating. Wanna join me? An Affair To Remember is on."

  Surprising her, his expression filled with interest, and he crawled under the comforter to stretch out behind her. “I didn't know you liked old movies.” He reached across her to grab a handful of her popcorn.

  "I'm never home in the day to watch them,” she answered settling back against his chest. “I'd have never pictured you liked old romances, either."

  "Complete sucker,” he said on a laugh and dropped a kiss against her cheek. Lifting up a little, he frowned at her. “Are you sick?"

  Maddie blinked. “I don't think so."

  Like a concerned parent he set the back of his hand against her forehead. “You're hot."

  "I don't feel sick."

  "Angel, you're going to make me worry about you. You aren't getting enough sleep with that damn dream."

  "Shh, the movie's on."

  Riley let out a harassed sigh but settled back into the couch.

  The dream bothered Riley. He tried not to let it show, but she saw right through his frequent silence when he held her in the middle of the night. She didn't let him know that this week, she woke more frequently. Tried to keep her fears hidden so she wouldn't worry him further.

  He couldn't solve it, and she saw no sense in confiding the number of times Nate had spoken to her lately. She'd accepted there was hidden meaning she'd eventually figure out. Until she did, however, talking about it solved nothing.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Riley rolled out of bed at dawn, careful not to wake Maddie, and headed in for a shower. He smiled to himself as he stepped over the long, white, silk nightgown she'd slipped on after her bath the previous night. He liked her in white. It added an illusion of innocence that he found irresistible. She hadn't worn it long. But then, he didn't suppose she bought it with wearing in mind.

  Spinning the sink faucet on, he pulled out his razor, reached for his shaving cream and knocked the can onto the marbled floor. He winced against the racket, hoping it hadn't disturbed her. He wanted her to rest. Picking it up, he lathered his face and scraped away the morning stubble.

  She had gotten sick last night. Not long after they fell into exhausted sleep, she woke him up by pushing on his shoulder. He'd thought she'd had that damn dream again. Instead, she asked him for a glass of water and claimed she felt dizzy. When he'd touched her shoulder, her fever had so intensified her skin felt like fire.

  He'd dressed her in a pair of his shorts and a t-shirt, and put her back to bed with a couple Tylenol. Her shivering kept him awake until almost three when the medicine took hold and her fever finally subsided.

  Where looking after Sybil annoyed him, he found taking care of Maddie surprisingly pleasant. Now, he just wanted her to sleep while she could, take it easy for the day, so she could enjoy race day if nothing else.

  He showered quickly, then donned a pair of jeans and a white polo shirt in preparation for the live broadcast of the post position draw shortly before noon. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he pulled on his boots then twisted sideways to kiss Maddie'
s cheek.

  She rolled over with a sleepy smile.

  "I'm off to see the horses. I'll call you if you're needed."

  "Come back and get me for the draw."

  With a deep breath, he shook his head, knowing he'd piss her off. “No, angel, I want you to rest today. Archie can handle the draw without you."

  Her brow pulled into a deep frown. “Riley, I need to be there. Come back and get me, please, or I'll come with you now."

  "Would you do me this one favor, Maddie? Please? Stay here and get well, damn it. I'm not going to have you running yourself into the ground, and I don't want to fight with you."

  With a scowl, she rolled away.

  She wasn't happy, but she'd conceded. He counted that as a small blessing. Maddie's tongue could cut like daggers when she was mad.

  "Have Archie call me with my horse's spot."

  Yep. She was pissed. He could make that phone call just as easily.

  "I'll be back this evening.” He stood up and headed out the door.

  "Riley?"

  One hand on the doorknob, he paused and called, “Yeah?"

  "Would you ask room service to bring an omelet?"

  Smirking, he went back to the bedroom and picked up the phone. “That was quick."

  "What was?"

  "Forgiving me already?"

  "Making you repent early,” she grumbled.

  He choked down a laugh and ordered her meal, then left before she found something else to delay him. He'd suffer for his insistence later, he had no doubt. But judging from her mild retort, she wouldn't hold her grudge long.

  Whistling, he climbed into his rented truck and headed for the track.

  * * * *

  "Ben, he looks damn good. How's he feel?” Riley asked as Ben pulled Mister Spoilsport closer to the rail and walked the colt off the track.

  "He's galloping easy. Doesn't act tired at all."

  Riley grabbed the reins and led the horse while Ben pulled off his helmet and tucked it under his elbow. “I think if you hold him back a little, let him run in the middle through the second turn; then give him his head, he'll have energy to pull ahead."

  "Are you telling me my job again, Riley?” Ben teased.

  "I'm telling you my job. How's Becca and the kids?"

  "The kids stayed with their grandparents this time. Becca's having the time of her life. Although, if she drags me shopping one more time I'm going to find the nearest bar and drink myself into oblivion."

  Riley turned down the barn aisle, stopping in front of Mister Spoilsport's stall where he passed the reins to Scott.

  Ben vaulted off the horse, gave him a pat on the neck, then leaned against a wooden support beam. “It's rather nice to have my wife to myself. Can't remember the last time we went away together."

  Giving him a chuckle, Riley clapped a hand against his shoulder. “Your kids are great, but can't say I don't blame you."

  "I'm going to take Spoil over to the hose, boss,” Scott called.

  Riley acknowledged him with a nod. Then, he turned to Ben with a more serious expression. “We need to talk a bit."

  At Ben's curiously lifted eyebrows, Riley jerked his head, indicating Ben should follow, and started toward the shade of a distant oak. Beneath the lush green boughs, he leaned back against the bark, bracing one foot on the thick trunk.

  "What's on your mind?” Ben dropped to sit in the grass.

  "Tell me what you think of Archie?"

  Ben gave him a nonchalant shrug. “Archie's good. Always has been. Folks like him, and under the McCleery's previous jock, his horses did real well. Why?"

  "Think you could work with him?"

  Suspicious, Ben's features pulled into a slight frown. “Dunno. Never have. Don't see any reason why I couldn't."

  Riley studied his friend, hesitating before he asked, “What about another jock? Can you find someone young and ballsy?"

  "You firing me, Riley?"

  "Hell no,” Riley exclaimed. “But some things are going to change."

  "Change how?"

  Riley swung his foot out and kicked at the grass, watching the way it sprung back into place. He shifted his weight, then fixed his gaze on the barn behind Ben. “I gave Maddie half-ownership in Spoil."

  Ben's mouth fell open in surprise. Incredulous, he gaped speechlessly at Riley. Then, snapping his mouth shut, he worked it, gritting his teeth so loudly Riley could hear them grind together. Finding his tongue, he barked, “What the hell for?"

  Riley slanted his gaze toward Ben, meeting his disbelieving stare. “Maddie doesn't know yet. Dirk does—he was there when I signed the paperwork yesterday. I don't want the press finding out until Saturday. In the meantime, I want you to keep an eye open for someone you want to work with. I'll hire you a second jock, but he's going to be your responsibility, so make sure you pick someone you can tolerate. There's no way you can handle both her horses and mine."

  Ben squinted at him. “What's this got to do with Archie?"

  Taking a deep breath, Riley held it a long moment then let it out slowly. “I think I'm going to step back a bit. There's no one I'd trust more than Archie to step into my shoes."

  Ben held his stare as he chewed on the inside of his cheek. “This mean what I think it does?"

  Riley didn't blink as he answered, “Yeah. I guess it does."

  "Well, shit.” Ben's mouth twisted into a slow grin. “I'll be damned. You're a lucky sonofabitch, Jennings."

  "Nothing's official, and nothing's happening any time soon, Ben. I'd have kept it quiet, except I respect you too much to dump it in your lap by surprise."

  "Think Maddie will have you?"

  Not if he couldn't find the balls to tell her how he felt. Riley didn't feel like having that discussion with Ben, though, and merely answered, “We'll see."

  He glanced down at his watch and pushed away from the tree. “I need to get up to the clubhouse. Draw time. You coming along?"

  Ben shrugged. “Might as well."

  * * * *

  Ben dropped down into a chair along the back wall, close to the sportscasters who anxiously awaited the moment they'd find out where the favored Mister Spoilsport would start, and gain further information to speculate on the Belmont's outcome. He nodded to grey-haired Pete Simmons, ESPN's long—time reporter, and the man moved into the chair next to Ben.

  "How are you doing, Ben? Ready for Saturday?"

  "Yeah. How are you doing? How are your grandkids?"

  Pete moved his expansive belly out of the way and leaned forward on his elbows, watching the board as he answered, “Growing like weeds. This'll be their first Belmont. With a little luck, they'll get to see a Triple Crown champion. Think your boy can pull it off?"

  "He's got the talent. I think he will."

  Across the room, Riley shook hands with Sheikh Ramana, then moved to sit at a table with Archie.

  Pete looked over his shoulder, giving Ben a look of amusement. “Ramana thinks his Rival Scout has a chance. Got any insight on that?"

  "Always looking for a story, aren't ya?” Ben shot back. Pete had been a part of track life for so long Ben couldn't remember when the man hadn't been following the nation's top racehorses. “I think Rival Scout's one to watch. But Spoil's a better horse."

  "Kinda what I thought too."

  "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Belmont Stake's Post Position Draw,” Belmont's Racing Secretary, James Raddison, greeted the gathered crowd.

  Pete took out a small pad and clicked his pen. “Say, Ben, I've been hearing all kinds of rumors about McCleery and your boss."

  Thinking back on Riley's conversation, Ben let out a low laugh. “They're all true and then some."

  Pete's gaze slid back to his, suddenly serious. “Can I print that? You've got no idea how many people are speculating and chomping at the proverbial bit for a conformation McCleery Racing and Jennings Racing are partnering up."

  Ben leaned closer to Pete and let his shoulder brush again
st the older reporter's. Pete was respectable—but then a number of the sportscaster's were compared to the frothing insanity of typical reporters. Ben felt no compulsion to mind his words with Pete. He'd proven himself over the years. “Off the record?"

  Pete nodded.

  "Get your story ready for Saturday. There's a merger all right. Of the permanent kind."

  Pete's eyes grew so wide the whites stood out against his tanned and weathered features. “Why Saturday?” he asked after clearing his voice.

  "I guess that's when Maddie finds out she owns half of Spoil."

  Pete whistled low.

  Papers rustled as the Secretary picked up his bottle of numbered pills and gave it a vigorous shake. He took his time opening it and fishing one pill out, drawing out the suspense. When he produced the numbered round pill that corresponded with the horse's entry number, he passed it to his assistant.

  "In Position One, we have Midnight Ransom,” Raddison announced.

  The spot closest to the inside rail. Ben cut his gaze to the horse's owner, Tom Sparrick. He looked pleased. Riley, however, did not. Mister Spoilsport raced best next to the rail.

  "So where is Maddie?” Pete asked.

  "Think Riley said she's sick. Archie's been handling Infidelity most of this trip. I've hardly seen her."

  The secretary announced the next five positions, none of which included Infidelity or Mister Spoilsport, pushing the favored contender farther away from his best place. Riley's stern expression hardened with each draw. Their horse would have to work for this one.

  "Position Seven, Infidelity."

  As a horse that ran better on the far outside, even Infidelity's draw fell more in his favor than Mister Spoilsport's. Ben leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest.

  "That horse has surprised me this year,” Pete commented.

  "Yeah, she got real lucky with him. I'm certain if Spoil weren't running, this'd be her season, and that bay would take everything."

  "Desperate Echo's her only stud isn't he?"

  Ben nodded, watching as the secretary shook his dark, flask-like, bottle again. “Most of her stock are tied into Echo. She's got some great outside broodies, but all her up and coming racers are Echo's. Not sure how her father tied the farm up in one bloodline, but it's paid off. Could have gone the other direction too easily."