by Danni Roan
Ashley slipped into the warm black leather sofa and took the cup from Evelyn’s hand. It was obvious that she had not been completely briefed on what it would be like to participate in the big show here on Prancer Holliday Islands Resort. Mr. Holliday must have some new ideas about getting wealthy patrons to give to the charity event. It might not be an easy thing to do, but if it meant a new hospital wing for children, she was willing to give it a try. A friendly chat with Miss Reese would be a nice bonus. She could always find out the rest of the details from Mrs. Jared or Mr. Holliday himself later.
Chapter 6
Evelyn Reese hustled through the crowd filling the bleachers in the arena as the next horse trotted out through the wide doors. The Prancer Island Resort show was a big hit with many of the guests, and she knew that loads of them had come from other islands to experience the special Thanksgiving charity show.
So far, from what she had seen, the event was going wonderfully, but she couldn’t help worrying about the first meeting between Collin Holliday and Ashley Bowlings. Although they were from two different worlds, she knew that these riders had big hearts and wanted to do their best in everything. The big concern was that Collin would push the pretty Ashley away before they realized they were made for each other.
According to Gordon, Prancer had already tried twice to back out of the event finale where he would ride in and switch horses with Ashley. Gordon had checked with Mrs. Jared and knew that the two riders had never met, and being from two different riding disciplines she knew that they had never crossed paths, before. Today was the perfect setting for two people with just the right chemistry to meet.
“Evelyn,” Gordon called waving from his box as she approached, and she hurried to take the seat next to him. “How is everything going?” the tall man, with the coffee brown hair and dark eyes, smiled expectantly.
Evelyn nodded watching as the last show horse went through an intricate array of steps, then left the ring as grooms hurried to prepare it for the grand finale between two champion riders.
“I think it’s going well,” Evelyn said smiling. Mr. Holliday was a very handsome man with his graying temples and easy manner. “I’m glad you didn’t let Collin off the hook when he tried to back out,” she added. “You put so much faith in me as a matchmaker and True Love Connection. We just have to see this through.”
Gordon grinned. “Prancer always was stubborn,” he said. “He wants perfection in everything he does and works hard to get it. He never even blinked when I told him I wanted him to turn his island into something special. It seemed to make sense, with his love of horses, to go with the Equestrian theme, and when he came back from college, he stepped right in as director. I hope he won’t annoy Miss Bowlings too much?” he finished with a worried frown. “He can be rather sharp when outside his comfort zone.”
“That is the problem with perfectionists,” Evelyn said. “They expect it of everyone and often by expecting too much they end up with nothing at all. We’ll need to stay on top of things and if Collin makes a mess of this, I’ll come up with another plan.” Evelyn added sagely. “Oh, here they come!” she enthused placing her hand on Gordon’s arm squeezing it in her excitement.
Collin pushed Starbright toward the entrance of the arena. The thick dark peat of the arena floor had been raked in preparation for his ride, and he pulled the double reins tight, stiffened his spine and waited for the music to start. As a top rider he was sure that this was a bad idea, but his father had his heart set on it, so he would do his best. He only hoped that the other rider lived up to expectation. He had tried several times to track down the western rider, but always seemed to miss her. Mrs. Jared assured him that she was a stellar rider and competitor.
On the other side of the arena, standing square and straight stood a little red-brown horse at the entrance to the western barn and Collin squinted trying to get a better look at the rider. He couldn’t make her out, but an excitement zinged through him just as the music started, and he pressed Starbright into the ring.
Collin had been through this routine several times in the past few days and knew every beat by heart, even the notes he hated to hear as he would have to ride to the center of the ring, dismount, and take over from another rider. It was a ridiculous idea, but his father was convinced it would be worth it. Still, Collin didn’t like stepping into the unknown, it annoyed him to have to let go of even that bit of control.
Watching the other rider, a woman in a large white Stetson, he resisted the urge to scowl. Not only was he going to have to swap into a western saddle on a horse far too small for him, he also didn’t know if the petite woman would be able to control the feisty Starbright. He should have used Jingles, his old school horse.
The other rider’s horse was so small, and compact in comparison to the tall lithe Starbright, and those ridiculously loose reins made it appear that her horse was simply trotting around the ring on its own.
As he made the first turn, his mahogany mare’s white feet dancing in the bright arena lights, Collin got a better look at the little red roan mare. It was his least favorite coloring on a horse, a mixture of red and white hair that left the animal looking dirty at best. As Collin continued through his routine, keeping an eye on the other rider, he truly dreaded the moment the music would change.
Starbright switched leads out of time, and Collin reined both his horse and his thoughts in as he concentrated on the high prancing dance-like steps of his horse.
The arena was hushed and still as only the music and the even beats of the horses’ hooves filled the air.
Starbright flicked her ears in time with the music and shook her tail as she switched leads and side passed across the ring. Behind him, Collin knew that the young woman was doing the same on her little horse.
For a moment he wondered if the petite woman would even be able to climb up into the saddle of the seventeen hands tall mare he now rode or if he would have to give her a leg up.
Soon the music’s beat picked up as he made his mount do a tight spin, pivoting on one foot and noted his counterpart, at the other end of the arena, having her horse do the same. The little red and white flecked mare seemed to spin and stop like a Christmas top, and he couldn’t help but be impressed by the horse’s responsiveness.
All too soon he caught the notes of the music change again and Collin urged Starbright toward the center of the arena pulling his horse to a stop and dismounting as the young woman did the same.
As he handed his reins to the other rider, Collin caught a glimpse of golden hair, and bright blue eyes, along with a gorgeous smile that seemed to light him to his toes, sending a shiver along his spine.
Climbing into the saddle of the red-roan mare, Collin lowered the stirrups of the big saddle then turned to watch the young woman spring onto Starbright with ease, changing the delightful tingle he had felt seconds ago to irritation.
The rhythm of the dance grew once more and Collin urged the little mare forward setting her on a right lead as he started his round once more.
Ashley pulled herself into the saddle of the tall leggy mare feeling the horse bunch her muscles under the lighter weight. This horse had spunk, and she could feel it course through the saddle as she pulled the double bridle in and collected the mare.
From the corner of her eye, Ashley watched the tall handsome man she had just handed her horse to, move Nutmeg out into the ring. He was holding the reins too tight, but her little roan knew the steps and would do her best. She hadn’t expected the warm rush of feeling that had raced from head to toe on meeting the man she recognized as Collin Holliday, but put that aside as she concentrated on completing the ride.
Squeezing her knees tight, Ashley focused on getting the most out of the horse under her. She was a beautiful, spirited mare and with just the right pressure on the bit, she could flow from step to step with grace and ease.
The big horse responded tucking her head and flashing the star on her forehead to the audience’s delight, even
as she lifted her feet a little higher in the dressage dance.
Ashley smiled as the big horse seemed to glide from step to step, floating over the soft arena floor as if on wings. She had always loved horses and no matter what mount she was on, Ashley Bowlings wanted to connect with the horse, finding the animal’s natural rhythm, gait, and timing.
As the music picked up, she eased the dark horse into a faster pace then set her into a neat spin, squaring up and heading the opposite direction as a sour-faced Mr. Holliday loped toward her on Nutmeg, who looked bewildered as she tried to ease through the turns as she had been taught.
Perhaps Mr. Holliday was used to keeping a tight rein on his horses, but poor little Nutmeg was perplexed by the constant contact. The man needed to loosen up.
As the notes of the music finally came to an end, both riders stopped, turning to the bleachers where they doffed their hats then galloped out the main entrance of the arena into darkness.
Chapter 7
Collin pulled the little horse to a stop on the other end of the entrance and swung down, annoyance, irritation, and shame coursing through him. The horse had fought him at every step, and he knew that the performance looked stiff and stilted, proving that his father’s idea had been a bad one.
As Starbright came to a smooth stop before him, and a stable hand hurried to take the horses, Collin scowled at the woman who slipped from his horse’s back, her bright smile a jarring contrast to his dark scowl.
“Your mare is too accustomed to a loose rein,” Collin said looking down his straight nose at the young woman. She was beautiful, and he felt a wave of attraction toward her that he shoved away angrily. He was annoyed by the entire ride and frustrated that though he had pulled the little mare in, collected her well, and guided her expertly, she still hadn’t responded as she should have. This is what came of poor planning and exact work.
“Maybe you’re the one who needs to loosen up,” Ashley snapped, feeling protective of the little horse who stepped up pressing her head into Ashley’s chest. “I didn’t seem to have any trouble with your horse, so maybe the issue is the rider,” she finished turning on her booted heel and leading Nutmeg around the outside of the arena toward her stall, her hands prickling with the urge to run her fingers through the man’s short dark beard.
Collin stared after the strikingly beautiful young woman in shock. No one ever spoke to him that way. Only old Mrs. Jared ever criticized his riding. He was precise, controlled, and steady. Who did this woman think she was speaking to him that way? He wanted to call her back; explain her shortcomings and possibly, kiss her senseless. The last thought left Collin flat footed and he stood there stunned.
“Collin, get out there,” Mrs. Jared said shoving into his shoulder. “They loved it. Get out there and show them who you are.”
Collin turned to the loud applause and wild cheers of the event attendees then hurried out to the center of the ring, his highly polished black boots shuffling through the loose earth of the floor.
Raising his hands Collin hammed it up for the guests, a bright smile plastered across his face as he seethed over the debacle that everyone seemed to believe was perfection itself.
This time he was sure his father had gone too far agreeing with Miss Reese on this fundraiser. As soon as he had a minute, he would find his father on his yacht and have a serious talk.
“Stop scowling,” Mrs. Jared snapped as Jared turned from the adoring crowd and headed back into the stable area. “They all loved it even if you thought it was a bust,” she added.
“Mrs. Jared,” Collin said prepared to explain exactly why the whole thing was a fiasco, but stopping at the hard light in her eyes. He still respected his old instructor too much to argue.
“This wasn’t about you,” Mrs. Jared said, “and just because that little girl out rode you, doesn’t mean you get to take it out on everyone else. I’ve been telling you for years,”
“I know, I know,” Collin interrupted. “Loosen up!” he shouted throwing his hands in the air as he stormed toward the elevator.
Ashley led her horse to the stall she had been assigned, stripping the saddle and bridle from the little mare and turning Nutmeg into the box.
Picking up a brush from a box outside, she began whisking away the sweat and dust from the speckled horse. “You did great, sweetheart,” Ashley crooned. She was sure the little prize-winning mare was confused by the event. This mare had so much heart that you only needed to point her in the right direction, and she would pull out all stops to give her all.
Ashley was still shocked at the harsh words from her host, and couldn’t help but want to plant her Tony Lama boots on his rather attractive, very trim Jodhpur covered backside.
“I know you did your best,” she continued soothing the horse that had done her best. Ashley had always felt that she and her horses were partners not just a tool in the ride. She wanted them to understand what she was asking and respond smoothly not from force but desire.
As she finished running the brush over the horse’s bright red and white speckled coat, making it glow in the light of the warm overhead lighting she sighed. “We’ll get you out tonight and let you unwind,” Ashley promised. “We might as well enjoy the facilities while we have the chance.”
Outside as a deeper darkness seemed to fall over the whitewashed world, a glimmer of green sparkled into life as the northern lights flickered through the thick glass of the window on the outer wall.
Ashley turned to look out the window her eyes taking in the special sights and delights of the northern realms. Above a starry show of color and light danced like the well-orchestrated steps of a horse in motion. The northern lights flickered magically above, and she smiled as the image of an irritated Collin Holliday swam before her eyes. As infuriating as the man was there was something about him, that made her want to wrap her arms around him and never let go.
Chapter 8
Collin paced the large kitchen in his penthouse suite still annoyed at the debacle of the big event as he fixed himself a sandwich. He had showered and changed trying to settle his jangled nerves, but even hours after the shocking ride, he couldn’t unwind. In the back of his mind, he knew that part of the problem was the woman who had outridden him that evening.
True the event had been a hit, and his brothers had all texted him saying how much their guests enjoyed the performance, especially the horse dance at the end.
Collin sighed trying to let some of the tension roll from his shoulders. Perhaps Mrs. Jared was right, and he needed to let go a little. He couldn’t control everything, and with his father’s new determination to have his sons more involved in the running of the Holliday Islands Resort, he wasn’t even sure any of his brothers were still masters of their own lives.
“Mr. Holliday,” an intercom beeped to life as his night secretary paged him. “Your father’s on line one,” the female voice said.
“No.” Collin barked emphatically, “No, I’m not in.” he added grabbing his gloves and heading for his private elevator. He would escape to the barn and hide out in the tack room for an hour if he had to. In his current state of mind talking to his father was the last thing he needed to do.
As the elevator came to a stop at the bottom of the run, Collin stepped out into the silence of the stable area, breathing in the familiar scent of the place.
For a moment he was surprised not to see Mrs. Jared hurrying toward him, but then remembered that it was nearly midnight, and realized that even the dedicated Mrs. Jared needed rest.
Breathing deeply of the familiar smells of horse, hay, and leather, he felt himself relax a little before heading toward the stalls.
As a boy, Collin had always loved the barn. He didn’t know where it came from, but something about being around horses had always spoken to him. As a child, the mere sight of a horse in motion was exciting, and part of him realized that his competitive nature and need for control may have stolen some of that joy.
Tonight he would walk th
e barn looking in at the horses and trying to recapture the wonder he once felt. It would be a break for him from running the hotel, working on being the best, or driving himself to reach that same standard that had won his precious award years earlier.
Walking through the quiet interior of the stable yard, Collin cocked his head like a curious hound as the sound of drumming hoofbeats reached his ears. Surely no one would be riding at this hour of the night? Heading for the arena and the sound of a horse cantering over the soft peat moss surface of the show and training ring, Collin was truly curious as to who it could be.
Walking through the gate beneath the rows of brightly painted and comfortable bleachers, Collin stopped in his tracks transformed by the vision before him.
Ashley closed her eyes letting her body slip backward, her spine pressed against Nutmeg’s lean back and wide rump, as the horse cantered smoothly around the ring.
She had been working with the horse for the past half hour letting the mare drift from gait to gait in a relaxed manner. Nutmeg, her head low, her back straight, flew along the outer wall and Ashley could feel her moving on the correct lead without prompting.
She knew that many people would think her foolhardy as she dropped her arms along her horse’s flanks finding complete balance in the slow easy movements of the horse’s smooth gait. Ashley had always figured if trick riders could lie down on a horse’s back, there was no reason she shouldn’t be able to as well, and even if she took a tumble on the soft surface of the arena, she was sure she wouldn’t get hurt.
