She'd never seen Riley blush. Never knew he could even be embarrassed about something. Yet, his face filled with hot color, and he looked away from her. He kicked at the dirt absently.
The announcer droned on, “We're waiting on our owners, ladies and gentleman. The review is in, the win confirmed—not that there could be any doubt—Mister Spoilsport, bred by Riley Jennings and owned by McCleery Racing and Jennings Racing, is our victor, and our newest Triple Crown champion."
Her eyes widened. “Riley, what have you done?"
He took a deep breath, held it a moment, then released it slowly. His words came out in a rush. “I signed over half ownership of Mister Spoilsport to you, four days ago."
The air raced from her lungs, and she suddenly felt lightheaded. Riley did ... what? She owned a Triple Crown winner? But that meant he...
He'd meant exactly what he'd said the other night. He considered this a strong, workable, business arrangement. The ache that lingered from Infidelity's death, intensified. She didn't want to own half of Mister Spoilsport—not like this. She'd have rather partnered on the colt, as opposed to his champion.
A wave of heat washed over her as her ears started to ring. Her vision blurred. Oh, dear God, she was going to faint.
He caught her elbow before her knees buckled and steadied her. The darkness fled her vision, and although she still felt hot, the high-pitched tone in her head subsided. Only, as it faded, the tears rolled down her cheeks again.
"Don't cry. They have cameras everywhere.” He propelled her forward.
She took a deep breath, tried to temper her heartache. Although she managed to keep most of her emotions under control, she couldn't stop the slow trickle down her cheeks. Every time she blinked, they spilled.
A business partner.
Bound to him not out of love, but because they worked well together.
It felt like he'd just sent her to the gallows.
She followed him to the winner's circle, somehow managing to find the right responses to the people who offered their congratulations. Plastering a smile on her face, she played the part, acted the role of happy owner as the camera's flashed in her face. Ignored the way she wanted to pitch her silver trophy at his head.
He leaned over, whispering at her ear, “Stop crying, angel. You're supposed to be happy. I didn't mean to upset you further."
Of course he hadn't. He liked their arrangement. It worked exactly how he wanted it. He hadn't made promises he couldn't escape and those he did, didn't involve anything other than a long-term working arrangement.
No wonder he'd spent all day yesterday avoiding her and hadn't tried to touch her. After their argument, he had to have known how she'd react to this. How could he not when she'd made her feelings perfectly clear?
Well, she'd let him know their arrangement was over. She was going home as soon as she managed to get out of here. Damn him and his business arrangement.
* * * *
Riley kept her hand fastened in his, sensing her unspoken anger. Half of him feared what she might do to him, physically, if he dared let go. Although tears glistened on her cheeks, her shoulders had gone rigid the instant he explained, and her eyes glimmered with fury. She was just too much a lady to unfurl on him in public.
Smiling automatically for the cameras, and stumbling through automatic responses to the press, his mind whirled. She didn't understand. Didn't grasp the meaning in what he'd done. And he was in a world of trouble. Trouble he didn't know how to get out of.
His insides churned with dread throughout the awards ceremony. He didn't dare look at her—the one time he had, the accusation in her eyes pierced his heart. So far, today had turned into one big nightmare that made Maddie's reoccurring dream feel like a trip to the local fun house.
As the officials shook his hand for the last time and thanked him for attending, the buglers started their grand finale fanfare, signaling the main event had come to a close. Riley turned Mister Spoilsport's reins over to Scott. His grip on Maddie's hand tightened, and he tried to ignore the way she shook her wrist. He would not turn her loose. Not until she understood.
Beneath the bright floodlights, the crowd cheered as they started back to the barn. Out of sight, behind the exterior rail, Maddie's tears flowed more freely. Still, she kept her head high, assuming the role of overjoyed owner, as she retreated toward the stable.
The alarm bells ringing in his head warned him once they got there, she wouldn't hesitate to unleash her temper.
"Riley, can I beg a few minutes with you?” Pete Simmons asked at his opposite elbow.
"No, not right now, Pete. I've got some things to take care of first."
The old man's eyes widened in surprise, and Riley instantly regretted his surly tone. He tried to soften his rudeness with a smile, adding, “I'll be happy to talk to you in a little while. Is there anywhere special I should look for you?"
"I'll, ah, be over by the jockey's locker room, trying to get a word with Ben."
Riley nodded. “I'll wander over that way after a while."
At Mister Spoilsport's stall, Maddie jerked her hand out of his grasp and stalked away.
"Cool him out, wash him down, bandage up the legs, and go do whatever you want,” Riley barked at Scott before he started after her.
When she reached the unoccupied, shadowed portion of the barn, she leaned a shoulder against a white-washed wall and bowed her head. In the dim light he observed her shaking shoulders and clenched his teeth against his own heartache. He hated to see her cry. Never knew what to do about it. This time, however, he held responsibility for those tears, and he'd do anything to make them stop.
"Maddie,” he called out softly.
"Leave me alone, Riley. You've done more than enough."
He flinched at her underlying venom but continued approaching until he was close enough he touched her shoulder. She shrugged his hand away and dropped her trophy on the ground. “Put that in your office. I don't want it,” she managed through her tears.
"Angel, stop. Let me explain.” He grabbed her wrist and spun her about.
"I don't want to hear it, Riley. I'm not your business partner. I don't want to be, and I won't ever be. Understand? Whatever it was we shared—I'm done. I'm going home tonight. I don't want to see you, and I don't want any reminders of all this. They hurt too much."
Something clamped around his heart, and it skidded to a stop. He couldn't let her leave. He'd die without her. “You're right. You aren't my business partner. I don't want that either, Maddie."
His stomach bunched. If he failed to fix this, he'd lose her forever. His hands suddenly felt clammy and damp. He rubbed his free one against his pants to dry it off. “I thought this would make you happy, angel. I hoped you'd hear the things I've tried to tell you by giving you half of what's most important to me."
"The only thing you've tried to tell me, Riley, is how good we work together. Like I'm some logical decision you can just say yes or no to, without anything in between.” Her voice cracked as she cried harder, and she tried to turn away.
"I did say that. At least, something close to that. But angel, I never meant it how you took it. You mean more to me than that."
She gave him a little snort of disbelief. “Right. That's why when I told you to figure it out you avoided me all day and haven't tried to touch me since that night. Let me go, Riley. This is embarrassing enough.” She tugged on her hand as she wiped at her face with her shoulder.
He couldn't take the tears any more. They made it difficult to talk, distracted him from what he was trying to spit out. Frustrated, he grabbed both her shoulders and dipped his head down where she couldn't avoid looking at him. “Damn it, Maddie, stop crying. I can't keep my head straight as it is, and those tears are only making it harder to think. I put them there, and it kills me that you're hurting because of me. I'd do anything to make them stop, anything in this world. Can't you see that? I'm so in love with you, Maddie, I don't know what to say, don't know how to t
ell you. Giving you half of Spoil was the only way I knew how."
Just like that, the words rolled off his tongue. He stopped, blinked, and swallowed, stunned. But, somehow, what he'd just said didn't seem to make a difference. The tears didn't quit flowing. He took a deep breath. He could do this. The worst of it was over.
"Angel, I never meant to hurt you. I can't lose you. You're so much a part of me now I don't know what I'd do. I love you, Maddie. The kind of love that if you were in a wheelchair and didn't show up at the Empire State Building, I'd still want you after years apart. Please, please, stop crying. You're making me babble."
A slow smile spread across her face. “Keep babbling. You're getting everything all right."
He let out a deep sigh and took her into his arms. “Oh, angel, I'm so sorry I hurt you."
She snuggled closer, and Riley heard the plastic sack inside his jacket rustle. Strangely, Maddie did nothing except hold on to him. He lifted her chin with two fingers and swept her into a slow, leisurely kiss. At her instant response, a spark of desire arced through him, and he savored it for a moment before he drew the kiss to a close, not wanting it to overcome him.
"You aren't leaving then tonight, I take it?” He grinned down at her.
"Not on your life."
"Then, I have a surprise for you. Shall we leave?"
"You have to talk to Pete."
"I'll phone him on the way. Ben knows how to reach him."
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
As Riley pulled the heavy quilt up over them, Maddie snuggled into his embrace. The salty sea air filled her senses. The tranquil rhythm of the water lapping against the yacht lulled away the torrid emotions of the day.
She twined a bare leg through his and pressed her lips against his chest. Making love to him helped too. Immensely.
"This is beautiful,” she murmured as she lifted her head to gaze out over the harbor. In the distance the Statue of Liberty lit the sky with regal beauty. “Remind me to thank Dirk later, for letting you use his boat."
"Yacht, darlin'."
"Oh, whatever,” she said on a laugh.
His hands trailed up and down her back, the caress as intimate as the release they'd just shared.
Lifting up, she leaned atop his chest, reached for her glass of wine, and took a long sip.
"Are you all right, angel? I mean after everything today?"
She gave him a soft smile and nodded. “My heart still hurts over Infidelity, and I'm still trying to absorb Mister Spoilsport, but you've made everything beautiful."
As she moved to set her glass back on the small tabletop, she spied his suit jacket on the deck peeking out from their tangle of clothes. She stretched a little farther, shivering when the cold air hit her back, and grabbed the sleeve. Ducking back under the quilt, she pulled the jacket up on top of his chest.
"What are you doing, darlin'?” he asked with a laugh.
"Looking for what you've stored away in here. I'd forgotten about it.” She stuffed her hand inside the pocket and grabbed the plastic bag.
His hand fell atop hers, stopping her from removing it. “You weren't supposed to remember."
"Is it for me?"
His chuckle rumbled against her chest. “It is. Although this isn't exactly how I wanted to give it to you."
"I love gifts.” She batted her eyelashes playfully. “What is it?"
"It's why Dirk let us use his yacht.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
Giggling, she asked, “Can I open it?"
His smile stopped her heart. “You may. Though don't hold it against me that my timing isn't ideal."
With a curious frown over his odd remark, she fished the bag out and pushed his coat back to the floor. Prying it open, she discovered a small box tied with a gold ribbon. The same perfume she'd smelled last night drifted out of the bag.
"Is this where you were yesterday?"
He nodded and let out a protesting groan. “All day."
She dropped the bag to the deck and set the box atop his chest to pull on the ribbon. It came apart with ease and that too, she dropped off the side of the upholstered bench. She lifted the cardboard lid and found another box inside. Similar to her earring box.
"You didn't want me getting it open easily, did you?” She looked up to give him a grin, but the dark intensity in his eyes gave her pause. A shiver rolled down her spine.
Taking the velvet-covered box out, she pushed the rest of her trash off his chest and set the box down on him.
"Am I going to like it?"
His eyes flashed darkly. “I hope so."
"Is it sparkly?"
"It might be."
"It took you all day to pick out this little box?"
"Yes."
She tipped her head, eyeing it, half-afraid to open it and end the anticipation of discovery.
"Does it match something I own?"
"A few somethings."
She picked it up and gave it a gentle shake. Nothing rattled inside. Curious.
"And you don't know if I'll like it?"
Riley let out a harassed sigh and took the box from her hands. “For God's sake, Maddie, open the damn thing."
He did it for her, set it back down on his chest, pushed it closer to her chin and turned it around.
Maddie gasped.
A square-cut diamond solitaire, framed by four smaller diamonds that ran down each side of the golden band, sat proudly inside. Against the black velvet interior, the ring sparkled brightly in the moonlight.
"Marry me, Madison McCleery?"
Damn. He did it again. Sent heat rushing through her and gathered in her belly with a simple question. How did he do that?
"I think I'm going to faint,” she whispered.
He pulled on her hand, took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger. “That means yes?"
"That's a yes."
She scooted up his body, and brought her mouth down against his, nibbling on his lower lip. His strong arms fastened around her, molding her against him. As the tip of his tongue darted out to dance with hers, she felt him stir beneath her thigh. Desire coursed through her veins, pooling between her legs. God, she'd never get enough of him.
"Where's this leave us on Ghost?” she asked with a teasing bite to his shoulder.
"Hm,” he answered as he gave her bottom a squeeze. “For mentioning a damn horse while I'm thinking about losing myself inside you, I think it's only fair to up the ante.” His fingers wiggled between their bodies to stroke her sensitive center, wringing out a low moan from the back of her throat.
"How high?” she asked through a gasp.
"If he wins his maiden run, you give me children. If he loses his maiden run...” He nibbled on her lower lip. “You give me children anyway."
Children. The crowning jewel on her personal triple crown. She shivered. Sliding back down, she pressed her hips into his and looked into his eyes. “I love you, Riley."
His cock stiffened fully, and he shifted her. With one slow thrust he slid inside her moist flesh and murmured, “I love you, Madison McCleery."
[Back to Table of Contents]
A word from the author...
I began writing in my early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. I remember late nights spent with my best girlfriend, staying up and reading to her the zany stories I'd dreamt up. God bless her for endless patience and the toleration required to listen to my, admittedly, terrible creations.
Writing isn't my only career, nor my only passion. When I'm not sitting at the computer and ticking out plotlines, I raise and train Oldenburg, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses. You'll see many of my favorite friends appearing in my contemporary novels. I'm not me without some reference to horses, plain and simple.
I live in Missouri with my husband and two small sons. I owe my family tremendously for their constant support and patience.
Visit Claire at www.
claireashgrove.com
[Back to Table of Contents]
Thank you for purchasing
this Wild Rose Press publication.
For other wonderful stories of romance,
please visit our on-line bookstore at www.thewildrosepress.com.
For questions or more information,
contact us at [email protected].
The Wild Rose Press
www.TheWildRosePress.com
[Back to Table of Contents]
Other Champagne titles to enjoy:
HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO BET? by Melissa Blue. Neil never thought a game of pool could change the course of her life, but against Gib she may lose both the game and her heart.
CATASTROPHE by Sharon Buchbinder. Cats! Twenty-three! Being evicted! Their handsome neighbor doesn't want to lose their curly-haired, curvaceous owner. So what's the rescue plan?
HIBISCUS BAY by Debby Allen. Picture love on a sun-drenched white sand beach surrounded by hibiscus-covered cliffs, with your yacht anchored in a blue Mediterranean Sea.
TASMANIAN RAINBOW by Pinkie Paranya. A concert violinist grapples with remote ranch life, intrigue and the mystery of a missing diary, the peril of a flood in which all could be lost, and the undeniable attraction of the man who would do anything to protect his son.
THREE'S THE CHARM by Ellen Dye. Rachel vowed never to speak to her ex-husband again. When her beloved horse needs a vet and Heath is the only one within three counties of West Virginia mountains, some vows need to be broken.
SEE MEGAN RUN by Melissa Blue. City-successful Megan goes home to the boonies to save her childhood home but finds she must not only agree to stay for her mother's wedding but also deal with the man she left when she hitchhiked out 12 years ago.
A MOTHER'S HEART by Misty Simon. Carrie wants a simple life. Helping Gran with the animal shelter: complication. When the new neighbor with two kids comes in for a dog, life goes out of control.
PIGMALION by Sharon Buchbinder. A dream job is almost within Sam's reach, but only Levisa can teach him to speak so he can win it—perhaps they can each learn something?
Seduction's Stakes Page 30