One Night with His Rival

by Robyn Grady

  “It was a great place to grow up, especially if you love horses.”

  Finding her phone, Lanie logged in to see whether Kade had posted anything since the last time she’d looked.

  “So you’re a Rawson kid?” the driver asked.

  “I am.”

  “Must be hard right now with all those rumors about drugging and race-fixing floating around. Even money laundering. That’s what some Darnel guy was hinting at on the radio this morning.”

  Lanie almost dropped her phone.

  What the hell?

  “Rawson’s is one of the most reputable stables in the state. In the country.”

  The driver shrugged. “I’m sure it is, lady. Just sayin’.”

  Growling under her breath—at the situation, not the driver—Lanie swapped to another social media platform and swiped through the feed. She shouldn’t be surprised that word of those doping allegations had leaked. People loved a scandal. But Hux and Ajax would have it sorted out soon enough. The Rawsons had overcome battles far tougher than this.

  She stopped at a post from Veda. The caption indicated it was a view from Darnel Manor. The last time she and Veda had spoken was the morning after the party. Lanie had been stunned to learn that Ajax had scored that particular notch on his bedpost. Later, Veda had admitted that it hadn’t been the first time.

  Lanie had given her opinion on the subject, after which Veda had claimed that she wouldn’t see Ajax again. Veda was a strong woman, but Ajax was a pro. If her brother set his mind to it, Lanie would bet her lucky saddle that Veda would fold.

  Lanie focused on the photo again. If Veda was in town, they should catch up. Veda might want to talk about Ajax. Lanie could use a sounding board, too. Was it better to file her feelings for Kade away under Obviously Not Happening, or should she be the one to reach out this time?

  Lanie speed-dialed her friend. Veda answered with her usual direct style.

  “Lanie. I’m glad you called.”

  “I’ve just flown in and caught your feed. Are you visiting with your dad?”

  “Kind of. He’s been in a car accident.”

  Lanie gasped. “God. Is he okay?” She didn’t personally know the man, and if she did, she probably wouldn’t like him, but she still felt for her friend.

  “He was lucky,” Veda explained. “He’s in the hospital, though, so I’m house-sitting between visits.”

  Lanie sat forward, peering out the windshield down the road ahead. “I’m not far away. I should drop by.”

  There was a grin in Veda’s voice when she replied, “You definitely should.”

  Ten minutes later, Lanie was out of the cab and enjoying Veda’s welcoming hug. Lanie came right out and said it.

  “I need to unpack about a man.”

  Veda groaned. “Same.”

  * * *

  While they sat out back with a glass of wine and the sun arcing more toward the dark clouds traveling in from the north, Veda and Lanie played rock-paper-scissors to decide who went first.

  Lanie won.

  After listening to the whole gorgeous-but-MIA-man story, Veda wanted to highlight a point.

  “I saw you two on the dance floor the night of your party. You were literally floating on air.”

  Looking off, Lanie swirled her wine in her glass. “I don’t carry on with something if the feelings aren’t right. I was beginning to think I was incapable of going all weak at the knees.”

  Veda raised her glass. “Guess no one is immune.”

  “Which brings us to my brother. He’s the man you want to talk about, right?”

  Veda filled her friend in. She didn’t leave anything out, including playing not hard to get in Barbados, followed by the getting jealous over probably nothing episode at that dinner. She wrapped up with how Ajax had met her at the hospital after her father’s accident and, later, had come back here to keep her company.

  “He stayed over that night, and we’ve spoken on the phone since.”

  Lanie prodded. “But?”

  “We haven’t seen each other since Tuesday morning.” This was Thursday afternoon. “After having a long weekend, I know he’d be busy with work, catching up. And there’s that Booshang thing to deal with. A stewards’ meeting is set for tomorrow. On top of that, some Rawson clients have removed their horses from the stables.”

  Lanie grunted, surprised, and then tossed back her hair. “They’ll be back.”

  When Veda only bit her lip, Lanie frowned and tipped closer.

  “Wait. You don’t think Ajax actually doped that horse, do you?”

  Veda admitted, “I wasn’t sure at the start. I mean that kind of stuff happens all the time.”

  “Not at Rawson’s.”

  “But that’s not technically true. Paul Booshang was working for Ajax when he was caught.”

  Lanie paused before she got to her feet and looked out over the hills like she was daring them to point out the facts, too.

  “Ajax and Jacob will clear our name,” she said. “Dad’ll make sure of it.”

  “Ajax says that Hux is giving him a hard time, too.”

  Lanie swung around. “Well, it seems as if I came home just in time then. Far too much testosterone flying around.”

  When Lanie grinned, Veda smiled, too. “Way too much testosterone,” she agreed before she sobered again. “Maybe I’m being selfish or needy, but I wish Ajax could find a minute to come over and see me.”

  Lowering back down into her seat, Lanie made a suggestion. The most outlandish notion in the history of anything.

  “Why don’t you come over and see him instead?”

  Veda almost spluttered her wine. “That’s such a bad idea.”

  “Veda, it’s my home, too. You’re my friend, and I’m inviting you.”

  “Forget about Ajax maybe feeling like we’re treading on his toes. My father was mentioned in connection to those allegations. I’m sure Hux doesn’t want a Darnel shoved in his face any time soon.”

  Or ever.

  “My father is an alpha male who’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right. But Veda, he’s not a tyrant. In fact, he can be a big ol’ pussycat where I’m concerned.” She took Veda’s hand. “I know there’s talk about your father being involved in this somehow. But even if that’s true, it’s no reason to hold it against you.”

  “I’m not so sure.”

  “Spurned by association? My mother dated Drake but Hux didn’t hold it against her, did he?”

  Veda had to think that through. “I guess not...”

  “So it’s settled.” She took Veda’s glass and set it down. “You’re driving me home.”

  Veda’s throat convulsed. “I’m still not sure that’s a good idea. He has that meeting tomorrow, don’t forget.”

  Lanie’s determined expression softened. “From what you told me, you and Ajax are getting over your hurdles. I’m sure he would appreciate the visit. In fact, he’ll probably be blown away.”

  Veda had something else she needed to say. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about me and Ajax after that first time.”

  Lanie waved it off. “We’re friends. Not Siamese twins.”

  “But we’ve always been open with each other.”

  “That hasn’t changed.”

  “I’m just saying...if you ever found anything out about Ajax...something that you might think I ought to know...”

  When Lanie read between the obvious lines, her expression filled with understanding as well as conviction. “No secrets between friends. Promise.”

  Smiling, Veda nodded. “I promise, too.”

  * * *

  After another long day taking care of business, including rolling calls from clients who were growing ever more curious about those pending test results, Ajax was happy to kick back. When Fallon arrived at his offi
ce, saying that she had brought along two saddled horses that were raring to go, Ajax didn’t waste a moment pulling the whistle on quitting time.

  He needed to stop thinking about the stewards’ meeting set for tomorrow. Jacob would be sitting beside him, and Griff was taking a day off work to show his support for the team. Of course, Hux would be there, too. Frankly, Ajax wished he would simply stay the hell away.

  Since their confrontation earlier in the week, Hux’s mood had tanked even more. No one knew what the test results would reveal, or what penalties would be handed down. But, yes, mud tended to stick, particularly when Drake Darnel was slinging it around every opportunity he got, like in that absurd radio interview this morning.

  Money laundering.

  What a crock.

  None of that impacted his feelings for Veda, but it had held him back from seeing more of her these past days. At this point in time, Hux didn’t need the added aggravation of having his son flaunt the fact that he was sleeping with the enemy’s daughter. Hux had never let Drake get under his skin before, either professionally or personally, but this was a whole other ball game.

  The big question was whether Darnel was shoveling his crap onto the Rawsons to divert attention from his own part in this doping episode. If that was the case, when would the truth be revealed?

  Ajax was glad that Fallon had accepted Hux’s invitation to stay on a few days. She understood the industry; whenever he vented about this, she was only ever supportive. And she helped in other ways, Ajax thought as he stepped outside and glanced at the clouds rolling in.

  She came along on his rounds and helped out with track work. Best of all, she managed to bring the occasional smile to Hux’s dour face.

  Once those results were in, Ajax thought as Fallon spurred on her horse through the open paddock gate, everyone would be free to get on with their lives. He could properly pick up with Veda where they had left off. And if Hux wasn’t happy about that state of affairs, too damn bad.

  Ajax would always love and respect his father, but these past weeks had put a different spin on how he viewed their relationship. He’d given his heart, blood and soul to this place. Irrespective of those test results, he needed a partnership contract now. Tomorrow after the meeting, he would give Hux the news.

  “Hey, Jax, I’ll race ya!”

  Fallon, who was handling that chestnut two-year-old like the pro she was, was already springing into a gallop. As she bolted off, throwing a goading look over her shoulder, Ajax swung into his saddle, and Someone’s Prince Charming took off after them. Fallon was such a natural; hanging up her silks seemed a waste. Which brought to mind the other reason he was glad she had stayed. Having her own riding school was cool, but having their horse wear the Kentucky Derby’s rose blanket next year would be monumental. And she, along with the Prince, had the goods to deliver.

  Fallon just beat him to the oak at the top of the next slope. As her horse snorted and lowered his head to tear off some grass, Ajax pulled up, too. Breathing in air scented with approaching rain, he gazed out over the hills he called home.

  “I’m going to miss this place,” Fallon said as the sun disappeared behind the bank of rolling clouds.

  “You don’t have to go,” Ajax said, leaning on his saddle’s horn while she dismounted.

  “I have a life to get back to.”

  “Don’t you miss the one you left behind?”

  Fallon swept up a wildflower and twirled the stem. “We’ve talked about that. I made a decision to move on. I don’t regret it.”

  Climbing down to join her, Ajax asked, “Not even a teensy bit?”

  “I need to do something different. Something for me.”

  “But you loved being a jockey,” he said, stealing the flower and slotting the stem behind her ear.

  “The truth is I did it for my father. It was always his dream.”

  Ajax blinked. “I didn’t know that.”

  “As a boy, Dad dreamed of bringing home a Derby win, but he was never the right build to ride. I was.”

  “Winning the Kentucky Derby...” Ajax playfully punched her arm. “You could still do that. I have the ride right here.”

  While Ajax stroked his horse’s warm, strong neck, Fallon searched his eyes for a long moment.

  “Ajax, are you trying to talk me into staying or you?”

  Muscles in his chest locked before he reevaluated those hills, which were fast becoming covered in shadow rather than sunlight.

  Shaking his head, remembering how it used to be, Ajax growled. “I wish this had never happened.” Booshang’s behavior that day and his ridiculous allegations had turned the world upside down.

  “This all could be a blessing in disguise,” Fallon said. “A new opportunity for you. A new start.”

  If, or rather when, Hux signed that partnership agreement... “Yeah. I suppose it could.”

  “So you’ll consider my suggestion.”

  “What suggestion?”

  “That you help me with my riding school. We spoke about it the other night.”

  Over dinner. But they’d been joking around.

  “I’m not saying give up what you do here, just lend a hand when you can. I think we could have fun.” Fallon’s smile changed as she adjusted the flower in her hair. “I think we could be happy.”

  A lightning bolt ignited the sky, cutting a jagged line through the churning clouds. Seconds later, an almighty clap of thunder split the air. Whinnying, Fallon’s horse reared up, then charged back down the hill toward the safety of its stall. Ajax caught the Prince’s reins as another bolt struck and an even worse clap shook the ground. The next second, hard rain began to fall.

  Ajax jumped up into his saddle then threw out his hand to Fallon. “Want a lift?”

  She caught his hand. “Bless your heart!”

  She swung up behind him and they lit a trail back down the hill.

  With rain hitting his face, Ajax let out a whoop. This was what life was about. Feeling free...even reckless. Like you could do anything when you decided nothing would hold you back.

  Fallon was an amazing woman—beautiful, talented. He’d known that when she’d won the Stakes as well as later, when they had slipped away to be alone. He had loved catching up with her these past days.

  But he had seen the look in her eyes a moment ago. When she’d said they could be happy, she was talking about more than working together on a riding school. If he had stepped into her space...if he’d kissed her...she wouldn’t have pulled away.

  But Fallon wasn’t the one he wanted right now, and when they were under cover, he would be clear in letting her know exactly that.

  * * *

  Veda was driving up the Rawsons’ private road, heading toward that fateful bend, when the heavens opened up and dumped big-time. As the sudden rain smashed against the windshield, Lanie readjusted her seat belt.

  “This is one serious summer shower.”

  Veda switched on the wipers and shifted closer to the wheel. “Reminds me of the rain the night of your party.”

  “When your car spun out.”

  “Right here, actually,” Veda said as the SUV rounded the corner and her stomach lurched.

  “You must’ve been happy to see Ajax charging down to rescue you.”

  Remembering it all very well, Veda wanted to smile. But other older memories made her shudder instead.

  “I wonder what would have happened,” Veda said as the vehicle climbed toward the house, “if it hadn’t rained that night.”

  Lanie shrugged. “What’s meant to be is meant to be.”

  Then the belting rain stopped as quickly as it had started, and the guest parking area appeared before them. As Veda pulled into a spot, she noticed some movement on an adjacent hill. Soaked through, Ajax was riding toward the house on the back of a magnificent-looking steed.
<
br />   With his hair flying back and his shirt wet through, tugging against all those gorgeous muscles, he had never looked so handsome. So capable and in charge. She couldn’t wait to feel those arms around her again.

  Veda was hurrying to shut down the engine and jump out when, beside her, Lanie groaned out an expletive. Her eyes were bulging like she’d swallowed a toad. A chill rippled over Veda’s skin as she reached across to hold her friend’s shoulder.

  “Lanie? God, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Not a thing.”

  Lanie pasted on a limp smile that only made Veda worry more. She looked out through the windshield again as another chill swept over her. Ajax was bringing his horse to a showy stop. Someone was hooked up behind him. As he helped the other rider down, the woman looked up at him as if no one else compared.

  As if he was the best.

  Veda’s scalp started crawling. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, be overdramatic. But come on. She wasn’t a fool.

  Without taking her eyes off the woman, she asked Lanie, “Is it someone from his past or someone new?”

  Lanie exhaled. “You and Ajax should probably talk.”

  Veda clenched her jaw and drew down a big breath. No secrets between friends.

  “If you know anything...”

  Lanie shut her eyes and dropped her chin. “Griff mentioned something last year...”

  Ajax was dismounting. He’d seen her car and was heading over with an uncharacteristically measured stride. She felt strangely hypnotized by the way those wet jeans clung to his thighs and his narrowed gaze held hers.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Fallon Kelly,” Lanie replied. “She’s a jockey. Or was. She’d hung up her whip last I heard.”

  Veda felt as if she was folding in on herself and melting away. The surprise guest had stayed on longer than a night. Longer than Ajax had said she would or had mentioned in his calls.

  By the time Ajax reached the car, the shock was ebbing. In its place, Veda felt those familiar fingers curl around her throat at the same time her brain began to shut down. But she needed to speak with Ajax. No games. No blinders. She simply wanted the truth.