by Toni Leland
The bed jiggled and Julia’s eyes flew open.
Stephen’s face was inches from hers, his mouth curled in a half smile.
“There’s my sleeping beauty.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead, then wrinkled his nose. “You’re sticky.”
She rolled away and sat up, suddenly irritated. “Yes, it was a difficult trip and I’m exhausted. I needed some sleep more than a shower.”
Stephen removed his suit jacket and hung it up. “Well, go get cleaned up and let’s get some dinner.”
Julia grabbed her toiletry kit and entered the bathroom, her irritation threatening to start trouble. This was the one thing she hated about Stephen’s presence at horse shows—he always wanted to treat them as vacations. He had no concept of how important it was for her to focus on the reason for her presence. She shuddered. After a long day and evening of showing horses, Stephen would expect her to be fresh and willing in bed. She wouldn’t mind so much if he came to the shows because he wanted to support her and had some interest in her riding career, but she knew better. He was there only to keep track of her.
Julia wasn’t hungry, but the enticing aroma of pizza changed that.
Stephen took a sip of wine, then set the glass down. “When is your first class?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. Actually, I have two classes, but they are spaced far apart.”
“Good. We can do a little sight-seeing in the morning.”
Julia shook her head. “No, I can’t. I need to work with Coquette and, besides, the schedule isn’t firm. Classes could be cancelled, and that would move up my timeslot. If I’m not there, I’m disqualified and I’ve made the trip for nothing.”
Stephen’s eyes narrowed and his tone became menacing. “Are you saying that this show is more important than me?”
“No, of course not. I—”
His hand snaked across the table and grabbed her wrist. “Or maybe he has stolen you away from me. Is that it?”
Julia tried to free herself. “Stephen, you’re hurting me,” she whispered.
He squeezed harder. “You haven’t answered my question.”
Her eyes burned and her chin quivered. “There is nothing going on between me and anyone. You’re my husband and I love you.” The words scraped through her throat and a queasiness began in the pit of her stomach. This would not end well.
Stephen released his grip and sat back, his expression dark and brooding. “Then it’s settled. We’ll go to the land rush museum, have lunch, and I’ll get you back in plenty of time for your precious class.”
Julia woke at six and tiptoed into the bathroom, taking her phone with her.
She tried to keep her voice low. “Chet? How is everything?”
“Good. The stalls are set up, and the mare is feeling her oats this morning. I sorta thought you’d come down here last night after you arrived.”
So did I. “I fell asleep, then my husband arrived and, well, it just didn’t happen. Sorry.”
“Not a problem. See you shortly.”
“Ah, Chet, I won’t be there until around noon. I have some things to do with Stephen.”
A long silence on the other end, then, “If you miss your class—”
“I know, but I’ll be there in plenty of time.”
The bathroom door opened and Stephen charged in, his face contorted with rage.
“You lying bitch!”
Instinctively, Julia raised her arm and stepped back to avoid the blow, but her heel bumped against the bathtub and she lost her balance. Stephen’s hand smashed across her cheek. Her phone flew out of her hand and clattered onto the floor as she tumbled backward into the tub, cracking her head on the shower handle. The room began to spin, but the last thing she saw was Stephen crushing the phone beneath his heel. In the echoing recesses of her brain, a door slammed.
Her eyelids drifted open and the harsh fluorescent lights sent a stab of pain through her head. She took a deep breath and tried to sit up. Her head pounded and she reached back to touch the spot that hurt the most. Her fingers came away sticky with congealed blood. Slowly and carefully, she climbed out of the tub. Feeling dizzy, she lurched toward the sink and leaned on the counter. The woman in the mirror was no stranger, but now that woman had a steely glint in her eye. Enough was enough. She would contact The Refuge as soon as she returned home.
Loud pounding on the motel door sent a shiver over her shoulders. He was back. Taking a deep breath, she moved across the room and peered through the peephole, then opened the door.
Chet’s face was ashen. “Miz Dorsey, are you okay? I heard the whole thing through your phone.”
Julia looked down, so embarrassed she couldn’t stand it. “I’m fine. Let me get dressed and I’ll ride back with you. I’ll only be a couple of minutes.”
Chet peered past her into the room, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll wait in the truck.”
Julia closed the door and slid the bolt. God only knew where Stephen had gone, but he would be back and she had no intention of waiting for him. She hurriedly put on jeans and a tee shirt, slipped her feet into clogs, and scooped up her shoulder bag. Five minutes later, she climbed into the truck, glancing nervously back at the motel. There’d be hell to pay for this, but if she could stay in public places for a while, Stephen would have to behave.
Chet drove a few blocks, then cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with the awkward situation.
Julia nodded. “It’s okay, Chet. Please don’t worry.”
Julia had been at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds a few times as a spectator, but never as an exhibitor. As the truck approached the gate, her stomach did a little jig. This was her big opportunity and she would not let Stephen ruin it for her.
Chet pulled into the parking area by Barn 7 and stopped next to the six-horse trailer with Julia’s farm name emblazoned on the side.
“You sure you’re okay?” Chet’s tone was sincere, but he frowned. “Let’s go inside and I’ll take a look at that cut.”
Every muscle ached as Julia trudged through the sea of cars, trucks and trailers in the parking lot across from the barns. In this huge place, it would take Stephen quite a while to find her. The sun warmed the air quickly and a flush of perspiration crawled up her neck. She relaxed a bit, then a skip ran through her pulse. She’d stay close to Chet just to be sure.
The big barn was dim and cool, and the air rang with the busyness of exhibitors preparing to show their best horses. Julia gazed around at the people, knowing not a soul and wishing she felt more a part of this scene. Would anyone from her own region be here? She hadn’t thought to ask at the regional show. She snorted. She hadn’t had time to even enjoy her own victory, let alone find out about anyone else’s.
The mare’s head popped over a stall door and she let out a long, loud whinny.
Julia laughed. “Miss Cokie, did you miss me?”
The mare made little huffing noises as she nuzzled Julia’s shoulder and, at that moment, nothing mattered but the joy Julia felt at being with Coquette.
Chet grinned. “She really needs to be ridden this morning, or you’re going to find yourself on the arena floor this afternoon.”
Julia stroked the mare’s neck. “We’ll do that right now.”
“Sit down and let me look at that wound.”
Julia did as she was told, wincing as Chet’s fingers gently parted her hair over the spot where she’d hit the faucet.
“It’s superficial. Already dry. It won’t show under your hat.”
“Thanks. Would you saddle her up for me? I need to hit the restrooms.”
A few minutes later, she stared at her reflection in the mirror and cursed softly. A bruise was forming along her jaw and, in her haste to leave the motel, she hadn’t brought her makeup case. Well, no one here knows me, and my purpose is to do a good job in the ring, so I’m not going to worry about it.
When she returned to the stall area, Coquette was dancing in the aisle, tacked up and ready to roll. Julia loved it when the
mare was animated, although when Julia had first started riding, she’d always been afraid she would slide right off the ultra smooth, tabletop-flat cutback saddle.
She donned her riding helmet, then Chet held the horse’s head while Julia mounted. He stepped back and saluted, and Julia headed out of the barn toward the practice ring. The mare was on springs and it was all Julia could do to keep her headed in the right direction. Though she didn’t want Coquette to lose her animation, she did want her to be responsive and obedient in the class. All thoughts of her problems with Stephen left Julia’s mind and she concentrated on becoming a team with her horse.
Thirty minutes later, she dismounted and began unbuckling the girth strap. Chet was not around, but she didn’t mind. She liked the process of tacking up and cooling down. She had just removed the bridle and replaced it with a halter when Chet came around the corner. His expression was one of concern and Julia’s pulse ticked. Had Stephen shown up?
Chet reached for the mare’s halter. “The last two classes had some riders drop out, so they aren’t taking very long. You’re up in 10 minutes, after the break.”
The words were no sooner out of his mouth than the loudspeaker announced the first call for English Pleasure Ladies Amateur. Julia leapt into action, heading for the tack stall where her show clothes hung. Her heart raced. This was it. She was really going to do this. Her fingers shook with excitement as she buttoned her shirt and admired the custom tailored saddleseat outfit she’d ordered just for this show. The luscious deep teal silk-wool fabric complimented her green eyes. She stepped into the form-fitting pants, then rolled up the flared hems to keep them clean until show time. Her feet slid effortlessly into the shiny new brown riding boots.
She opened the tack trunk and stopped for a moment, stunned by the thoughts suddenly racing through her head. She shook them off and picked up a hairbrush, then glared at her image in the mirror. She’d never be able to corral all that spiky hair into a neat bun. Working quickly, she pulled all the stray wisps up and secured them with bobby-pins, wincing as she touched her lacerated scalp. Satisfied the hair would stay in place, she eased the soft brown derby into position. Overhead, the loudspeaker announced the second gate call for her class. She grabbed her coat and dashed out into the aisle where Coquette stood—groomed, saddled, and alert.
Coquette fought the bit and Julia struggled to keep the mare under control. What was the matter with her? Why was she being so resistant? Thirteen other exhibitors flowed around the perimeter of the arena, some having more trouble than Julia, some having a perfect ride. On the out-gate turn, Stephen’s face flashed before her and she gulped. At the same moment, Coquette danced to the side and stopped. Julia glanced at the judges, who were facing away from her. She dug her heels into the mare’s flank and the horse leaped forward, then settled into a good trot. The judges called for a road trot, then a canter, then a walk. Coquette became the picture of obedience. The exhibitors took their places in the line-up and waited. Julia’s heart was no longer in the game—she’d screwed up and wouldn’t be seeing any ribbons today. She furtively looked toward the out-gate where Stephen was still watching. That was what had thrown her ride. The mare was so in tune with Julia’s every emotion that she’d reacted to Julia’s response at the sight of her husband. He had effectively ruined her ride.
The announcer began calling out the places and, to Julia’s surprise, she was pinned fifth. Could she rationalize that it was good, considering she was competing at a national show? No, she could not. Fifth was pretty poor for a talented horse like Coquette.
Julia took the ribbon and thanked the judges, then trotted toward the end of the arena. Stephen was no longer standing at the rail. He would be waiting for her outside and that’s how he would find out where the stalls were located. Anxiety kicked in.
Chet met her at the gate and took hold of the bridle headstall. He kept his voice low. “You want me to stay close?”
Julia looked at his sincere expression and nodded. “Yes, thanks.”
Outside the arena, Stephen walked toward her as she dismounted. “That was a crappy ride. An expensive crappy ride. What the hell were you thinking about out there?”
Julia turned slowly and faced him, surprised at the aggressive thoughts running through her mind. “Just exactly what do you think I was thinking about? What a loving, trusting husband I have?”
Surprise flashed across his features, then he chuckled. “Aw, c’mon honey…you aren’t still mad at me are you?” He stepped up close and slipped an arm across her shoulders. “Love likes a little excitement, don’t you think? After all, if I didn’t love you so much, I wouldn’t be so jealous.”
Julia slithered from beneath his arm, stunned by her own boldness. “You’re overdoing it.”
“You look gorgeous in that color. We’ll have to find a gown in the same shade so I can enjoy it more often than just at horse shows.”
They entered the barn and Stephen exhaled sharply. “Damn, it stinks in here. How do you stand it?” He stopped. “I’ll wait outside. When you’re done with whatever you need to do, meet me. I need to talk to you.” He retreated into the sunshine.
When they arrived at the stalls, Chet began unsaddling the mare. “Do you want me to go out there with you?”
Julia shook her head forlornly. “No, I appreciate your concern, but you can’t be there all the time. I do have to be alone with him at some point.”
“It’s none of my business, but you know, there are places that can help you, if you want it.”
Julia stepped over and touched his arm. “I know. Thank you, Chet.”
Stephen was leaning against the wall in a meagerly shaded spot. He’d removed his suit jacket and opened his collar. Julia took a deep breath and walked up to him, trying to read his expression. He didn’t look angry, and that was all she cared about.
He smiled and reached for her hand. “I really am sorry about this morning. Forgive me?”
The same old game. Sure, why not?
“Yes.”
Something flickered in his eyes. He didn’t like short answers. He always wanted long, drawn out declarations of forgiveness. Well, he isn’t getting one this time.
He reached into the pocket of his jacket.
“Here, I got you a new phone. It’s even better than the old one.”
Julia accepted the sleek black instrument, mildly amused that he would spend almost four hundred dollars just to apologize. She murmured her thanks and pocketed the phone.
“Julia, there’s something else. I feel badly about this, but I have to go back today. The new acquisition deal has accelerated and I need to be there.” He looked appropriately disappointed. “I’ll try really hard to be back here tomorrow for your championship class.” He pulled her close to him and kissed her hair. “I’ll make this up to you, I promise.”
He stepped back, his thoughts already on his work. “I’ll call you tonight.”
Her fingers fluttered a limp wave. “Bye.”
She watched him disappear into the sea of cars and trucks glittering in the midday sun. This show as the biggest event in her riding career, and Stephen’s schedule was more important to him than sharing the experience with her. She grimaced. Who was she kidding? He didn’t give two hoots in hell about her show career. She turned on her heel and headed back toward the stalls, glancing around at the bustle of exhibitors and horses. Suddenly, she smiled. The only person who mattered here was her, and Stephen had just given her the opportunity to concentrate on her riding and her next class without his interference. Her step quickened and she waved at Chet, who was brushing Coquette’s legs.
“Don’t put her away yet. I want to take a few turns around the practice ring.”
Chapter 7
Julia guided Coquette around the rail of the outdoor practice ring, the blazing sun bringing a wash of perspiration to her forehead. Two other riders moved through their paces, and a well-dressed man leaned on the rail, watching. Julia focused on Coquette’s bobbing
head. The mare was mature and beautifully bred. Her foal would have brought a good price. Julia’s throat tightened at the memory of the loss. If only she hadn’t… No sense in visiting the past, it held nothing but grief. And the future? Her stomach quickened and a flash of fear raced over her skin. In that moment, she knew the future was hers to control, if she had the courage.
She left the practice ring and dismounted, her thoughts churning with impossible scenarios.
“That’s a beautiful mare.”
Julia turned toward the voice. The man from the rail was four feet away. He stepped forward, extending his hand.
“Cooper Carter.”
The Cooper Carter? Julia shook his hand.
“I’m Julia Dorsey. Nice to meet you. Yes, she is beautiful, isn’t she?”
Carter stroked the mare’s neck, then grinned at Julia. “I’d like to buy her.”
Dumbfounded, Julia could only gape. The biggest Morgan Horse breeder in the country wanted Coquette? She cast a glance at the horse. She was beautiful and had an impressive pedigree, but no show record or breeding history. Why would he take that kind of financial risk?
He chuckled, obviously amused by Julia’s astonishment. “Her bloodlines will meld nicely with one of my crosses. After your classes at the western regional, I looked her up. Great pedigree.” He stepped back. “What do you say?”
Julia found her voice. “Ah, she’s not for sale. She’s my best…”
Her voice trailed off as the smile faded from Carter’s face. He reached into the pocket of his soft leather jacket, then handed her a crisp white business card.
“I’ll give you twenty-five thousand if you’ll sell her to me before the championship class. After that, no deal.” He stepped back. “You can reach me on my cell anytime.”
A few minutes later, Chet looked up from polishing a saddle. His brow immediately furrowed. “What’s wrong? Is she okay?”
Like moving through a dream, Julia slid a halter over Coquette’s ears, then hooked a crosstie.
