by Toni Leland
Samir relaxed and sat back. “Good. It is settled then.”
A string of red beads materialized in his hand, and his fingers moved rhythmically across each one. His dark eyes glittered above a tentative smile.
“How are you feeling?”
Jess felt ill. “I’m fine, thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a very long day.”
He rose and smiled. “Do you need assistance here tomorrow morning? I could come, if you like.”
Her smile felt wooden. “No, that won’t be necessary, but thank you. I’ll see you at the show.”
He bowed politely. “Insha’Allaah.”
Sleep wouldn’t come, despite Jess’s exhaustion. The unsettling conversation with Samir played over and over through her head and, with each repetition, she found different rationales for his comments. Why had he asked her how she felt? Was there a message there? Was she being paranoid? She’d been so distracted for the past few days. Had she been careless with information again? I have to regain control of my life. She squeezed her eyes shut. Assuming I’m going to live.
Chapter 15
On Saturday morning, Jess pulled the plastic film away from the charming dark green dress. The frock had simple lines, a scooped neck, and long fitted sleeves. It looked rather plain on the hanger, but she remembered her stunning reflection in the dressing room mirror. The dress didn’t cling, but touched her in all the right places, making her straight body look mysteriously curvy. The perfect color brightened her hair and drew some of the sallow shades from her skin.
Her gaze drifted down to the black sweater she wore, and followed the contours of the knit as it draped across her breasts, a part of her that might be hiding a horrible secret. Dr. Frame had tried to reassure her that the biggest percentage of breast masses were non-malignant, but she still couldn’t shake the fear. The biopsy on Monday morning would reveal her future. Until then, she had to think about other things to keep her emotions under control.
Her throat tightened. Maybe she’d wake up and find that the past six months had simply been a bad dream. She took a deep breath, willing herself to concentrate on a positive and bright future. Howard’s call had sparked an enthusiasm she hadn’t felt in years. Since the divorce, she’d shied away from any attachments that might derail her goals. Idaho was three thousand miles away–how much safer could she be?
At noon, chores finished and car packed, she picked up the freeway and headed north to Springfield. Once the car slipped into the stream of traffic, her thoughts turned to Samir’s proposition, and his comment about running out of time. He was definitely beginning to make her nervous.
Back in the hubbub of horse show, Jess studied the array of brightly-colored ribbons hanging over the entrance to Easton’s stalls. Faith’s kids were having a great show, the kind of positive publicity that could attract new clients. Jess gazed at the banner across the aisle. “Faith Angelo at Easton Ridge Equestrian Center.” Jess’s own skill as a horse trainer, her good eye for performance prospects, and her excellent business acumen were important, but Faith’s national reputation was the glue that held it all together.
By two o’clock, the Easton students were finished with classes, and Jess headed south, her thoughts centering on the promise of the poker game. Time to get aggressive. Either that, or rob a bank. She chuckled at the ludicrous idea, recalling a news story earlier in the year about some looney-tunes woman who’d managed to pull off three bank robberies in one afternoon. I’m not that desperate. Yet. Her thoughts refocused on Samir. Why was he so interested in helping her? It seemed unlikely that he was so wrapped up in his family’s recreational activities that he’d go to the trouble of trying to help solve someone else’s financial woes. The logical client response would be to move the student to a different stable. And why had he made a point of telling her he knew they had money problems?
Jess laughed at her image in the mirror. “You are so inept!”
She leaned closer, struggling with a mascara wand that had just escaped from her eyelashes. Huffing with exasperation, she snatched up a tissue to capture the brown glob clinging to one eyebrow.
“I can’t believe women do this every day.”
A minute later, she stepped back to check the effect of her efforts. The woman staring back at her didn’t resemble the one who’d inhabited her body for so long. The touch of color on her cheeks and lips defined her features and, even though she’d had a hard time with them, the eye shadow and mascara made her look quite glamorous.
By the time she’d fiddled with her uncooperative hair, zipped into the green dress, and slipped into a pair of heels, her palms felt clammy and her breath came in quick little snatches. This is ridiculous! Why am I so nervous? A touch of doubt flickered into her thoughts, and the ever-present black cloud of anxiety fed her sense of impending doom and helplessness.
Jess stepped from the elevator into the cavernous lobby of Seven Rivers Casino, then moved across the marble floor to the center of the large hall, where a magnificent fountain sculpture commanded the entryway. A life-size bronze Indian warrior stood beside a tumbling waterfall, his arms raised to the sky, the serenity of prayer etched into his strong features. The soothing sound of running water enveloped Jess in a quieting sense of solitude.
“Jessica?”
A flutter moved in the pit of her stomach, she turned, and the flutter leaped into a frenzy. Howard was even more attractive than she remembered. A navy blazer hung from his square shoulders, a crisp contrast to his sharply creased chino trousers and pale blue button-down shirt. A red-and-grey striped tie drew attention upward to his tanned face and sparkling blue eyes.
He stepped forward, a wide smile brightening his face. “Man, you look gorgeous!”
She squirmed with embarrassment and pleasure. “Thank you. I, uh, don’t have much occasion to dress up.”
He squeezed her arm. “We should definitely fix that problem! Where shall we eat?”
They strolled leisurely through the beautifully landscaped courtyard in front of the casino and hotel, and a few minutes later, Jess gasped at the breathtaking view from the glassed-in elevator that crawled up the outside of the twenty-story building.
Howard whistled softly. “I can’t believe this place, out here in the middle of nowhere, better than any of the Atlantic City resorts, and it’s a helluva lot classier than most Las Vegas casinos.”
“Do you spend a lot of time gambling? You seem to know all the big names.”
He laughed. “I don’t really come to gamble, more for the resort atmosphere, the pool, different scenery. These places are such a bargain because they offer good prices, nice hotels, cheap meals, etcetera, hoping you’ll spend your money at the tables.”
“Do you gamble at all?”
He grinned. “Yeah, sometimes I play the roulette wheel, and I like blackjack.” His expression sobered. “But I have a pact with myself that I won’t jeopardize my retirement at the gaming tables. I worked too hard to get where I am now.”
Jess swallowed the lump rising in her throat, guilt edging into her chest. In contrast to Howard, she was prepared to literally gamble with the farm, take a chance on everything she’d worked so hard to achieve. But what alternatives did she have?
Howard opened the menu. “This looks as good as my favorite New York City restaurant.”
A few minutes later, he raised his glass. “To a great evening with a beautiful woman.”
Jess blushed and took a sip of wine, and felt the harsh reality of her life ebbing away.
Howard talked about his lodge in Idaho, explaining that during the better part of the year, business was brisk at the fishing and hunting preserve. The winter months were slower, since few tourists cared to brave the harsh winters in the mountains of western Idaho.
“We still get a few die-hard tough-guys that want to hunt for elk, so I stay open year-round.”
Jess set her glass down and leaned forward. “Do you ever miss practicing law?”
“Once in
a while, but not often. It’s a tough job with a lot of stress.” He shook his head. “And I hate to lose a case, but occasionally that goes with the territory.”
His manner was sincere and forthright, so different from the edgy, nervous horse-industry professionals Jess was used to being around. She nodded solemnly. Howard shrugged off the beginnings of a serious mood, and grinned.
“Anyway, I keep my license current, just in case I get tired of good-ol’ boys with guns.” He cocked his head and squinted at her. “So, how come we always talk about me? I want to know more about you.”
“There’s nothing terribly interesting to tell. I just work and keep the place running. We never thought Easton would become so successful, but we aren’t complaining.”
She hoped her bravado sounded convincing.
Howard nodded. “I guess being in the right place at the right time with the right skills is paramount for success. I know I sure lucked out.”
Jess enjoyed watching his face as he talked, the way his trim moustache twitched with each word, and the amazing dimple that punctuated one cheek when he grinned.
He gave her a mischievous wink. “How about taking me to see this fancy place of yours?”
She blinked, caught off guard. “Sure, that would be great sometime.”
“No, I mean tomorrow. Sunday’s your day off, isn’t it? I don’t have to leave until about four–it’ll only take me a few hours to get home.”
“To Idaho?”
He grinned. “Yeah, I have my own little plane.”
A jumble of thoughts raced through Jess’s head. Faith and the horses would return sometime late in the morning. It probably wasn’t a good time for a tour, but what the hell.
She smiled. “Okay, it’s a date.”
He rose from the table. “Interest you in a nightcap?”
She glanced at her watch. “It’s way past my bedtime. I’d better say goodnight.” She looked up and smiled, suddenly feeling shy. “But thank you anyway.”
He offered his arm. “I’ll escort you to your room.”
Jess’s fingers slipped over the smooth surface of the gabardine coat sleeve, the simple gesture feeling so intimate. His warmth pervaded the layers, seeping into her skin, and sending her thoughts in a new direction.
They stopped at the door to her room.
Howard’s tone was offhand. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“Good grief, no! I haven’t had time for a social life since Easton opened. “Oh, that sounded great!
Howard lifted her chin and searched her eyes for a moment. “Looks like I have a lot of work to do.” He grinned, then brushed her cheek with a kiss. “’Nite. See you bright and early.”
Jess closed the door behind her and leaned against it, her heart thumping, her head filled with disappointment. She sighed. About what? The fact he was a gentleman? She certainly hadn’t sent any signals telling him she wanted otherwise.
“Fool!”
She pushed away from the door and tossed her handbag on the dresser. In the mirror, a rosy flush colored her cheeks and her usually dull eyes sparkled.
“New game plan. Tomorrow I’ll make sure there’s no doubt in his mind.”
Chapter 16
In the brilliant morning light, Jess’s romantic pie-in-the-sky dreams seemed unrealistic. A twinge of sadness moved through her chest. No matter how much she wanted to follow her yearnings, she couldn’t think about personal involvements until she knew where her life was headed. She sighed and walked outside to wait for Howard. The sun warmed her shoulders and she took a deep breath of fresh air. Maybe she should make up an excuse to cancel his visit to the farm. A minute later, he emerged from the hotel, and a stir of excitement sent the dismal thoughts packing.
His rich baritone thrummed through the cool air. “Good morning! Is this a fabulous day, or what? Are you hungry? There’s a little doughnut shop down the road.”
His obvious pleasure in simply being alive sent a warm flush of optimism through her head. Maybe all her problems would sort themselves out, and she’d have the chance to explore her new feelings.
A few minutes later, Howard beamed across the café table. “I really enjoyed last night.” A small, foolish smile rippled his moustache. “Made me feel young again.”
Jess pushed everything out of her mind but the moment. “I know, me too.”
Howard gaped at the barn. “This is fabulous! I never dreamed a riding stable could be so elegant.”
Pride warmed Jess’s cheeks, and she chuckled. “It’s not that fancy. This place looks like hicksville next to some of the facilities in Westchester County. But we couldn’t afford the rent in that area, so here we are.”
Right. And even in the low-rent district, we got into trouble.
She shook off the negative thought and, giving her best impression of a tour-guide, took Howard through all the various parts of the huge barn. An excited nicker echoed from a nearby stall, and Jess laughed.
“Meet Casey, my very first horse.”
Howard’s hands settled onto Jess’s shoulders, his warmth a startling reminder of her simmering fantasies.
His deep voice whispered close by. “You’re lucky to have such a wonderful life.”
He smoothed one hand over the mare’s back, and Jess’s throat tightened painfully at the gentle gesture. The comforting quiet of the barn formed a cocoon around them, and she felt as though her heart would break for wanting things to be different.
She cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “Okay, next stop on the tour is the brag room.”
The soft lights in the trophy room illuminated the array of ribbons and awards on display, giving the room the look of an art gallery. Howard whistled under his breath.
“Wow! Are these all yours?”
“Some of them are mine. Most of them belong to Faith, or our star students.”
He moved to the wall of photographs and, a moment later, pointed to the newspaper article.
Jess chuckled. “That was a long time ago. We had some great times.”
“Do you still ride?”
“Almost every day. It keeps me somewhat sane.” She motioned toward the door. “That’s all for the barn. Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the property.”
Howard exhaled sharply as they trudged across the gravel. “Man, you need a golf-cart to get around this place.”
“Nah, we’re tough. Besides. . .” She threw him a sly look. “All this walking helps us keep our youthful figgers.”
Howard’s frank perusal of her body became an instant reminder of her hidden secret. The specter of breast cancer sent a shudder of despair through her heart.
He cocked his head and squinted one eye. “Have you ever been out West?”
She shook her head.
“Well, let me tell you, riding stables out there are really basic. You could teach those folks a thing or two about how to put one of these places together.” He grinned. “Maybe when you’re rich and retired, you could leave all this behind, come out West and start over.”
Another fantasy. Looming death or physical disfigurement, bankruptcy, the shattered dreams. It was all too much, and pain clamped around Jess’s throat. She blinked furiously at the tears suddenly gathering behind her eyelids. Howard moved closer and grasped her shoulders, his eyes dark with concern.
“Jess, I’m here if you need to talk to someone.”
The sincerity in his voice sent the waiting tears over the edge. The urge to step into his arms and feel the solid comfort of his sympathy almost overwhelmed her.
She stepped back and shook her head. “I can’t. But thank you.”
He nodded, disappointment shading his features. “I have to go. I have a take-off slot at four.”
“No time for a tour of Whigville?”
“Not this trip. . .Next time?”
His intense gaze made her stomach jig. Please, let there be a next time. Before she could respond, a truck and horse trailer turned into the driveway. Dammit!
&nbs
p; He turned toward the sound. “Customers?”
“No, it’s Faith. She’s been at a horse show in Springfield.”
The truck rolled to a stop beside them, and Faith jumped out, her face flushed. Jess’s thoughts raced. There’s a real possibility for disaster here.
Faith grinned. “Good morning! Ready to help unload horses?” She faced Howard and stuck out her hand. “Hi, I’m Faith Angelo. I’m sure Jessie has told you all about me.”
“Howard London. Yes, she speaks very highly of you.”
Faith threw Jess a wicked look, then turned her attention back to Howard. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet the mystery man who’s been keeping her so busy.”
Jess nearly fainted. Oh God, Faith. Shut up! A furtive glance at Howard revealed a cool demeanor, as though he thought nothing seemed unusual.
“Yep, that’s me. . .and a tough job it is!”
Jess’s smile felt wooden. “Howard’s in a hurry to get to the airport. I’ll be over to help you in a minute.”
Faith waved and climbed back into the truck. As the rig moved away, Howard took Jess’s hand.
“You gonna tell me what that was about?”
She stared across the pastures, aware of his warm fingers threaded through hers.
“I’m really sorry. That was so embarrassing.”
He squeezed her hand. “Well, I guess if I’m the secret boyfriend, I’d like to know how much fun we’ve been having.”
She turned and searched his face. His gentle expression gave her confidence.
“Faith’s been pestering me about being away overnight that weekend we met. She was sure I had a boyfriend. I didn’t want to tell her where I’d been, so I finally just said my friend’s name was Howard.” She quickly added, “I didn’t elaborate, or make anything up. I just wanted her off my back. . .I’m really sorry.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“I’m flattered. I’m just sorry it isn’t all true.” He opened the car door and climbed in. “I’ll call you next time I’m going to be out this way.” The dimple deepened into his tan cheek. “Or, you could call me the next time you’re in Idaho.”
