by Danni Roan
Adelaide nodded. “You have truly brought that back,” she said, “and as much as I want my daughter to win everything, I still want her to be happy too.” With her final word the woman turned. Her platform heels clicking on the hard walkway that led to the elevator.
Ashley’s heart sang as a slow smile covered her face. Waving her arms wildly she flagged down one of the grooms, her bright smile never dimming.
“Excuse me,” she asked politely as the groom hurried toward her.
“Miss Bowlings,” the man said, “what can I do for you?”
Ashley blinked surprised that the man knew who she was but replied smoothly.
“Do you have any English tack I could use today?” she said. “Whatever you have will do just fine,” she added not wanting to make the man go hunting for spare items.
The bright chirp of laughter from the dark-haired man made Ashley start wondering what she had said that was funny. “Miss Bowlings, we have whatever you might want. Would you like me to sort it out for you or would you like to choose for yourself?”
Ashley smiled, obviously not used to the level of service that was available at the Holliday Islands Resort. “I think I’ll leave it up to you,” she said with a smile. “I’d like to have Soot outfitted for the next lesson,” she added, turning and hurrying toward the exit. “Thank you,” she finished with a backward wave as she charged into the elevator on her own special expedition.
Chapter 21
Collin took the reins from his groom with a soft thank you then stepped into the saddle. Today he had chosen to ride his old champion, Jingles, a calm gray gelding who was sometimes used for schooling.
Straightening his crisp blue coat, he centered himself and let his mount step out into the arena.
Pulling rein in shock, Collin gazed across the ring that was full to capacity with horses and riders. Even his schooling horses were there standing in a neat circle as all eyes focused on the figure in the center of the ring.
Turning his head as he stepped further into the arena Collin stopped, gaping at the buckskin gelding that stood nose tucked and ears forward as Ashley’s voice drifted over loudspeakers through a state-of-the-art microphone headset.
Someone had braided the horse’s long black mane, plaiting it back along his high arched neck in a perfect showman’s knot. The black dressage saddle and bridle matched the horse’s black and tan coloring as if made for it and the animal’s perfect, solid stance, square and straight was a sight to behold. But what nearly floored Collin Prancer Holliday was the woman sitting in the saddle, spine straight and eyes forward.
Ashley was wearing jodhpurs, tall black riding boots, and a black jacket, her golden hair falling over one shoulder in a shimmering braid that sparkled in the glow of the bright lights high above.
Miss Bowlings looked nothing like the relaxed, western rider he had met on that first day and the look rocked him to his heels.
Beneath his knees Jingles pranced, and he steadied the horse absently, letting the tall gelding sidle toward the rest of the students.
“I see Mr. Holliday has joined us,” Ashley’s voice echoed across the arena. “Perhaps he’ll join me here, and together we can show you a few tricks,” she added with a challenging grin. “Remember,” she continued, her eyes meeting Collin’s as he rode toward her, “today we’re focused on the basics. Trust your horse, trust yourself, trust your heart,” she finished.
Collin let out a slow breath as Jingles moved slowly through the ranks of students coming to a stop in front of Ashley. Lifting a gloved hand he touched the edge of his riding helmet in reply.
Ashley was beyond beautiful, and his conscience pricked that she had traded in her western gear, and big saddle to match his own preferred style. Was she trying to make peace? Did she know how crazy she made him? Perhaps after the session, they could spend some time together and remain civil.
“Miss Bowlings,” Collin said, hoping his tone showed her that he wanted to get along. “What can I do to help?”
“Could you mirror me?” Ashley asked. “Just put your horse,” she paused expectantly and he grinned.
“Jingles,” he said his smile bright and warm.
“Jingles into step with Soot?”
Collin nodded again and Ashley’s smile shot to his heart like a ray of sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day.
“If y’all will mirror our steps,” Ashley said gazing out across the vast array of horses and riders. “Hands down, seat relaxed,” she said modeling the stance as Soot crossed his black to the knee legs and sidled to the left.
Collin felt something relax inside him as he eased his spine feeling himself sink into the saddle while Jingles sidled left in step with the smaller buckskin. A soft rhythm seemed to pulse within him, like a tune of an old music box, sparking memories of childhood joy.
Beneath him, he felt his old companion spring to life, a jaunty bounce to each step that flowed like water across the soft footing below.
Smiling Collin cast a glance at Ashley who beamed back at him. This was fun. Not work, but a moment of release and connection that he had been missing for so long. He could understand now, as he pranced to the end of the line, why so many riders had shown up for the lesson today. Ashley Bowlings was not only a talented rider; she was also an accomplished horsewoman with a heart as big as her home state, or maybe even Alaska.
Again, Ashley called out the next moves, and the riders lined out in a wide circle as their horses stretched their limbs in a stiff-legged swinging trot around the arena.
Collin choked back a laugh as he fell in behind Ashley, his taller horse shortening its stride to keep pace. He felt like a child on a magical merry-go-round as the entire array of horses made a smooth circuit of the ring, and his heart soared.
Ashley had been right, he needed to unwind, let go, and have a bit of faith. Jingles had seen him to glory in the Equestrian World Games, but somewhere along the way, Collin had started to believe his success was all his own. Leaning forward slightly he patted his old friend on the neck.
Ashley could tell there was something different about Collin as he rode his big gray in step with Soot. He was lighter in the saddle, more relaxed, and smiling.
Her heart did a flip in her chest at the bright smile on his face. She could live for that smile. It had taken a huge change to get through to the stubborn man, but she could see something soften in him as he sat back and enjoyed the ride.
An hour of work and she pulled Soot to a stop as the students turned to face her. “You all did a wonderful job,” Ashley said smiling at everyone. “I hope you feel that connection I like to see between horse and rider.” She continued. “I’m always thrilled when any rider wins the prize,” she said. “But prizes and awards aren’t everything. Remember why you decided you wanted to become an equestrian,” she smiled.
As the other riders nodded a tall young man on a dark gray horse called out. “I heard you rode your other horse without a bridle,” he challenged. “Can you do that with this horse as well?”
“I can,” Ashley agreed, meeting the young man’s eyes and surprised when Collin pushed Jingles closer.
“I don’t think Miss Bowlings needs to prove anything to you,” he said his voice carrying across the ring. “I think we’ve all been reminded how a partnership between horse and rider can benefit our performance.”
The young man’s eyebrow rose, and though he didn’t speak, Ashley could see the skepticism on his face.
“Perhaps a demonstration wouldn’t hurt,” she said looking up at Collin who gazed down at her.
“You don’t have to,” he said his voice pitched for her ears alone.
Ashley smiled, her bright eyes twinkling. “But it will be fun,” she said reaching forward and unbuckling Soot’s bridle with one hand.
The rest of the riders spread out moving to the far edges of the ring as Ashley guided the little buckskin through many of the same movements they had just completed under rein. Her subtle body movements and e
asy manner urged the horse to switch from lead to lead as easily as if she had held him tightly under control.
“Control, in the end, was only an illusion,” she thought as her horse trotted across the floor then turned to be joined by Collin and Jingles.
Ashley’s eyes grew wide as she noted that Collin has released his mount from hand restraints and now glided across the ring toward her, both horses sidling smoothing past each other, head and tail high as if skating on the wind.
Collin rode toward Ashley a wicked grin on his face. It had been a long time since he had ridden just for the fun of it. As he crossed the passing point for the second time he called softly to Jingles to stop, watching as Ashley did the same.
“How about we get out of here?” he asked leaning over and whispering in her ear.
“I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day,” Ashley grinned, covering her mic.
“I think that’s enough for today,” Collin called looking around him at the riders who sat comfortably on the outer edge of the ring. “We’ll see you all after the long weekend for the next session from Miss Bowlings. Until then enjoy your stay here at Prancer,” he finished heading toward the exit on the outside of the ring where a groom hurried to open the doors and they stepped out into the frosty air.
Chapter 22
Ashley shivered as the icy air hit her and realized that her velvet riding coat would not be enough to keep her warm.
“Perhaps this wasn’t the best idea,” she said as Soot pranced under her.
“Give me a second,” Collin said pulling his phone from his pocket and speaking into it.
Moments later a warmly garbed stable hand appeared with two heavy parkas and a bright grin.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” Ashley said as the young man settled the bridles back on both mounts.
“What?” Collin asked not sure what she was fussing about.
“All you do is make a call and someone comes running,” she said. “Back home we do most of the work ourselves,” she added with a smile as Collin turned Jingles down the snow-covered lane at a brisk trot.
Collin laughed a bright sound on a frosty day. “It’s what we do,” he chortled. “You know wealth does have its benefits.”
Ashley smiled, letting Soot keep pace with Jingles. The world seemed magical as if she was riding through a sparkling snow globe filled with golden light.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” she said her cheeks glowing. “I shouldn’t have thrown that apple at you.”
Collin reached out taking her hand as he pulled Jingles to a stop. “I’m afraid I deserved it,” he said. “I think I’ve been living in a winter wonderland for so long that I’d lost sight of the joys it offers. I’d grown too serious, too set in my ways, and way too obsessed with control. Thanks for reminding me that not everything has to be a job.”
Ashley stared up into the handsome face of Collin Holliday as his horse pranced sideways. She wanted to run her fingers through his close-cropped beard and taste his lips again. Beneath her Soot pranced softly hoping toward Jingles as an icy blast rolled over the snowy hills.
“I think we’d better get back,” Collin said wanting to lean over and kiss Ashley until the chill was gone.
Reluctantly Ashley released Collin’s hand, turning Soot back toward the stables. With a wicked grin, she leaned over her saddle kicking Soot into a dead run.
Collin laughed as he urged his old horse to catch up with the flying pony before him. His heart soared as both horse and rider let go, joining the joy of the race.
As they reached the barn, each handing their horses off to a groom, Collin caught Ashley’s hand in his; his heartbeat in his chest like the galloping horses that had just delivered them to the warmth of the barn.
“Dinner tonight?” he asked, his dark eyes searching hers hopefully. He wanted to see where this new freedom would lead, and if Ashley could become a part of his world.
“That would be nice,” Ashley said, meeting Collin’s dark gaze. Her heart stuttered, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the outing would end in disaster and arguing, or if it would be something better.
Collin grinned, feeling like an awkward teen on his first date. “I’ll see you later,” he said wanting to kiss her, but worried that if he pushed it their newfound peace might shatter.
“See you later,” Ashley agreed, watching as Collin headed for the elevator marked private on the far side of the barn.
As Collin walked away, Ashley pulled her phone out of her coat pocket and pressed speed dial.
“Dad,” she said as her father picked up the line. “What’s my budget for being here?” she asked, her mind whirring like a top.
“Why, what’s wrong?” Mr. Bowlings asked. “Are you in trouble?”
“No, but I didn’t even think about what I was earning or how you had things set up with Mr. Holliday and the resort.” She paused biting her lower lip. “I, I need to do some shopping,” she finished in a rush.
Her father’s laughter bubbling over the line made Ashley hold the phone away from her, looking down at it as if it might bite her.
“Honey, you go shopping,” Ralph laughed. “Don’t worry about what you spend. I think you’re seriously overdue on that budget.”
“Who’s shopping?” Ashley could hear her mother’s voice chime through the phone. “Ashley, are you shopping?”
“Yes Mom, I’m shopping,” Ashley said trying not to groan. Her mother knew she hated shopping and never bought anything not horse-related. “Oh honey,” her mother gushed. “Don’t worry about the money, just send pictures!”
Ashley stared at the phone for several seconds after the line went dead then headed for the elevator and a ticket to the exclusive shopping island known as Donner Island.
Chapter 23
Ashley tugged at the hem of her new dress; it seemed far too short to someone who was used to wearing jeans most of the time, but the personal shopper she had been given had assured her that it looked wonderful and was the latest in fashion.
The black, three-quarter sleeve, dress came to just below mid-thigh, and she couldn’t help but smile at the line of it on her slim figure. The split v-line neck with floral embroidery seemed to shimmer in the soft light of her apartment, and the black half-boots heels of soft leather molded to her feet perfectly, accentuating her well-shaped legs.
“I hope it was worth it,” Ashley said biting her lip then checking in a side mirror that she hadn’t smudge her lipstick.
To her, the dress had a sophisticated holiday feel, and it seemed to fit the requirements for a first date. She wasn’t even sure where she was going, but it seemed that she had found a dress to fit any situation.
A knock on the door had her hurrying to open it, and she blushed when Collin gasped in surprise.
“You look amazing,” he offered leaning in and placing a kiss on her cheek as he handed her a bouquet.
Ashley soaked in the sweet-sharp scent of his Tom Ford cologne and gazed at his dark gray suit. The man had pulled out all the stops and looked ruggedly handsome as well as sophisticated at the same time.
“I’m glad I did a little shopping this afternoon,” Ashley said with a smile, placing the flowers on the side table then picking up her red pashmina and small handbag. “I might not have been allowed out with someone who looks as good as you,” she added with a grin.
Collin laughed eyeing her hungrily. “I don’t know, I thought you looked pretty good this morning,” he teased, “at least right up to the moment you threw a candy apple at my head.”
Ashley felt her face go scarlet and she ducked her head as he led her from her room. “Please, don’t remind me,” she pleaded following his lead.
Collin’s warm laugh chased the embarrassment away, and Ashley drew in closer to him feeling warmth radiate out that made her tingle all over.
In what seemed like only moments, they were seated at a table in the elegant dining room of the resort, gold-rimmed plates, and flashi
ng crystal shimming on the table.
Ashley didn’t even pretend to be interested in the menu, asking Collin to order for her as fresh bread, was delivered along with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other nibbles. To her the meal was secondary, tonight she hoped to get through dinner without disagreement, and judging by the light in Collin’s eyes, she thought it might even work.
As they enjoyed a delectable dinner, Ashley smiled across the table at Collin, her heart melting at his every glance. “I still can’t believe that you and your brothers are all named after reindeer.” She laughed.
“Yes, for some reason Dad thought it made sense, so our middle names are all reindeer names.”
Ashley grinned wanting to tease him, but not willing to start a fight. “Prancer Island and all the other ones are named after not just reindeer, but each of you as well. I think it’s rather brilliant, really.”
“Yeah, it’s crazy, but honestly it’s kind of fun as well. We always had fun with the names, and you know it’s something special.”
Ashley liked the way Collin had changed, his laid back, relaxed attitude was fun and refreshing, and she realized again just how much she had started to fall for him. She had never had many boyfriends, and her short romances had usually ended amicably.
Her feelings for Collin were very different though. She had been immediately attracted to him, only to feel the sparks fly as tempers rose. His kisses had curled her toes, even as his words had fueled a fire in her belly. Was this love? She wasn’t sure, but something told her that here on Prancer Island, she had met her match.
Dinner moved from quiet conversation to sharing childhood tales, and when the server asked if they wanted dessert, Ashley shook her head, leaning across the table in a conspiratorial stance. “You know what I’d really like?” she said as Collin leaned in, the warm, rich smell of his cologne making her head spin.
