Wholehearted

by Ronica Black

  “Apparently not.”

  “You, young man,” Rob shook his hand as Jake neared the bars, “can come to a practice whenever you want and check it out.”

  “There’s really no pads?”

  “No pads. Just meat and bones, buddy. And sweat and grit.”

  “I could tackle other guys and stuff?”

  “Yes, and they can tackle you. You can get hit pretty hard. You sure you’re up for something like that?”

  Jake puffed out his chest. “Yes.”

  “Okay, then. We’ll see you at practice sometime so you can see for yourself.”

  “Sure.”

  Madison piped in. “He’ll have to ask his aunt.”

  Jake didn’t seem to like the sound of that. “She’ll say yes. She better.”

  “Remember what I said, Jake,” Madison said. “About thinking about others.”

  He looked down, spat, and covered the mark with dirt. “Yeah, okay. I’ll ask her if she’ll go with me.”

  “You two could watch the practice together. We always scrimmage,” Rob said.

  “I’ll be sure to give his aunt the info,” Madison said. “Jake, go find Bobby and see if any stalls still need cleaning. I’ll be along shortly to give you a hand.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He walked away slowly, giving Draco a last longing look.

  “He doesn’t seem so tough,” Rob said when he was out of earshot.

  “I don’t think he is. I just think he thinks he is.”

  “I see. Showing some forced machismo, huh?”

  “Yes.”

  “Trying to hide all that anger and insecurity.”

  “Afraid so.”

  “He seems to be doing well, though. He listened to you. And I can’t believe how calm Draco is with him.”

  “You noticed that, did you? Well, you know what they say. Horses can sense those like them.”

  “Boy, if that isn’t true.”

  “Know what I think? I think he’s got something special.” She exited the pen and they headed for the shade of the patio. As Rob sat she poured them both some watered-down iced tea. It tasted crisp and cool with just a hint of the mint she’d placed on the top of their full glasses.

  “Think so?”

  “Mmm-hmm. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. The way he is with Draco…he shows a lot of sensitivity. And there’s something else too. He has a strange calm about him when he’s with the horses. It makes them feel at ease.”

  “Like Marv?”

  “Sort of. But with less hands on.”

  “That’s great. Has he said anything about it yet?”

  “I told him I thought Draco was great around him. That Draco isn’t so at ease with the other boys.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Not much.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t understand how cool that is.”

  “Probably not.”

  Once again, Grace came to her mind. “Thing is, yesterday, I saw his aunt with the colt and it was the same kind of thing. He was so at ease with her. Until…”

  His eyebrow arched and he sat forward with elbows on the table.

  “Well, until I came up on them and scared her.”

  “What happened?”

  “She jumped, the colt kicked her in the knee, and she fell on her butt.”

  He covered his mouth and tried not to laugh. “Madness, that’s terrible.”

  “I didn’t mean to. I saw her with that colt and remembered the way she’d yelled at us over Jake, and I lost it. I wondered what the hell she was doing unsupervised with a horse.”

  “She was in there alone?”

  “Marv was watching.”

  “So she wasn’t alone.”

  “Have you seen that colt? He’s feisty.”

  “Madness, you scared the shit out of her.” He laughed fully. “For no good reason!”

  “She shouldn’t be in there with him! She’s an attorney, for Christ’s sake.”

  “So?”

  “So I’m afraid she’ll get sue happy. She already hates me.”

  “What makes you think that she’s that kind of person?”

  “Because of how she was when Jake took off on Draco. Her first reaction was to blame us.”

  “She’s a mother, Madness. Or like his mother.”

  “Okay, I’ll give you that one, but she’s so rude to me. Yesterday she—”

  “Got kicked after you scared the shit out of her and the colt?”

  “Yes. But she also…”

  His eyebrow arched again. “Yes?”

  “She started in on me about this mark she had on her chest.”

  “What! Oh, this is something I have to hear!”

  “Okay, she had this mark just inside her collar. It looked like a hickey and she caught me looking at it.”

  “Okaaay.”

  “She said the mark is gone so you don’t need to look for it.”

  “Huh?”

  “She thought I, she thought I saw it that morning.”

  “Did you?”

  “Yes.” Her voice had given her away.

  “And you looked at it.”

  “Well, yes.”

  “And you looked at it again last evening?”

  “It was as plain as day.”

  “Madness.” He folded his hands and rested his chin on them. “Is this woman attractive?”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “I knew it! I so knew it.” He glanced around to make sure they were alone. “Is she gay?”

  “I seriously doubt it.”

  “But she obviously knows you are.”

  “Am I that obvious?”

  “In that attire and with your build? Yes, honey. And she knows. Otherwise, why care if you see her hickey? She must think you’re interested. Or be afraid you’re interested.”

  “Great, wonderful.”

  “Or she’s embarrassed by it. Or…” He wagged a finger at her. “She was ashamed of what you thought. Or—”

  “How many of these ors are there?”

  “One more. She likes you.”

  Madison’s heart careened in excitement and then fell in disappointment. “No way.”

  He studied her for a long moment as if trying to decipher her thoughts. “Could be. Being embarrassed about it is one thing. But confronting you on it is another. Tell me, what did you do when you first saw it?”

  “I don’t know. I think I looked away.”

  “Did you blush?”

  “No—well, I felt my face heat.”

  That brought a knowing smile to his face, so she quickly explained, “But not from embarrassment.”

  The smile remained. “Then from what?”

  “I was—upset.”

  “Aha! Madness, you like her!”

  “No, I don’t. I don’t. I promise you I don’t.” But who was she trying to convince, herself or Rob?

  “Then what?”

  “I think I got upset because she was obviously messing around while Jake was hurt.”

  “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you don’t know her living situation. She may have a lover, a boyfriend, a girlfriend. And none of those suggest she isn’t taking care of her kid. I think you just got jealous.”

  “I’m not jealous.”

  “Are too. You like her.”

  “Rob, I swear to God.” Her resolve was failing, and she knew he could sense it.

  “Okay, so prove it.”

  She stuck out her chin, determined to make the stirring and maddening feelings stop. “How?”

  “Go on that date with me.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I found someone.”

  “Oh, please, not this again.”

  “You promised.”

  “Well, now that you actually expect it to happen, I’m backing out.”

  “No, you’re not. This one’s a real winner. And supposedly quite the stunner. Wanna know more?” His champi
onship rugby ring glinted in the sunlight, along with his dancing eyes.

  “No.” The last thing she needed was another woman thrown into the mix.

  “Okay, your choice. But we’re going. Saturday night at six.”

  She groaned and downed the rest of her iced tea. The day was growing hotter by the second and she needed to get back to Jake. They had fencing to repair, weeds to pull, and more supplies to order.

  “If anything, it will be good to get out. You know, go have a nice dinner.”

  “Sometimes I really hate you.”

  “I know. But only when I make you do things you’re afraid of.”

  She stared at him in disbelief. “Oh, really? Is that what you think?”

  “I just call ’em as I see ’em, Madness.”

  “Well, fine. I’ll go on that damn date. But this means you’ll back off for a while with the whole ‘Madison is so alone’ crap.” It also included talk of Grace, but she was too afraid to bring her up again for fear he’d see right through her.

  “Okay.”

  “I’m talking months. Six at least.”

  “Deal.”

  “Good.” She stood and stretched, placing her hat on her head.

  “Let’s go look at that little boy,” Rob said, standing alongside her, referring to the colt. “How’s he been doing?”

  Madison walked quickly as her mind stumbled over Grace, the blind date, and Jake all at once. At least after Saturday she could put one to rest.

  “He’s doing better than me.”

  Rob laughed.

  Madison wasn’t kidding.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I don’t think I should go,” Grace said as she hurriedly let May inside the front door.

  “Why not?” May scooted in wearing neatly pressed shorts and a soft blouse. Painted toenails showed through her cute leather sandals.

  Grace led her in further where she gestured toward the sofa. May set down her purse but stood with her hands on her hips. “There’s no way you’re not going. You need this, Grace. You need to do something for yourself.”

  “But Jake is here. And he’s hurt.”

  “He’s fine. You said yourself he’s been working hard at the ranch, even with one arm. If he can do that, he can sure as hell sit around with me like a bump on a log.” She held up her large purse. “I even brought scary movies. Five of them. And…” She dug through her bag. “Microwave popcorn. And…” She dug some more. “Milk Duds. What kid doesn’t like Milk Duds?”

  “Kids with braces.”

  “Oh, shit. He doesn’t have braces, right? I don’t remember him having braces.”

  “He doesn’t.”

  She sighed. “Good. So you’re going.”

  “I don’t know anyone, May. Do you know how stressful that is?”

  “You spoke to Juan on the phone. He’s nice. He’ll look out for you.”

  “I’m going to dinner with three complete strangers.” The mere idea nearly cramped her stomach.

  She didn’t seem to have an answer for that one, and Grace was beginning to sweat despite her short, tight dress.

  “You’ll be fine. Just pretend like it’s the courtroom and they’re the jury. Win them over. You’re great at that. And you look gorgeous. Where did you get that dress?”

  “Nieman Marcus.”

  “And the shoes are drop-dead. God, even I want you right now.”

  The dress was a simple sheath with three cutouts in the neckline. Short, black, and extremely fitted. Her heels matched: strappy, high, and black. Shimmering lotion covered her body along with her favorite perfume, Gio. She wore her hair down, and its thick, flowing waves contrasted nicely with the black of her dress. Her smoky eye shadow brought out her eyes and her lipstick was a deep red. For someone who didn’t even really want to go, she was sure going all out.

  “It will probably be a disappointment,” she said, knowing she’d probably got all dressed up for nothing.

  “Most blind dates are. But there is always that one shot. That lightning-strike chance you will find the love of your life.”

  “Right. I’d have a better chance of lightning itself actually hitting me. Do I really have to go?”

  “Yes.”

  She sighed.

  “You’ll be fine. You might even have fun.”

  “Ha.”

  She checked the mirror in the entryway, rubbed her teeth free of lipstick, and took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m going.”

  “We won’t wait up,” May said in a high-pitched playful voice.

  “I won’t be gone long,” she replied back in a similar tone. “Bye, Jake!” she yelled toward the hallway.

  “Later!” came the distant reply.

  He was playing video games again, all sprawled out on his bed. When she’d told him about going on a blind date, he’d merely laughed and said good luck. And when she’d reminded him it was with a woman, he’d scoffed and wished her even more luck.

  “He’s playing games,” she said to May. “So you’ll be lucky if you even see those movies.”

  “I have my ways.” She came to the door and placed her hand on Grace’s bare shoulder. “Now run along. I have your number, I won’t have any boys over, and I won’t tie up the phone line.”

  “Good.” She managed to laugh a little. God, she was nervous. “Bye.”

  “Bye!” May shooed her out the door and nearly slammed it in her face.

  “Guess she really does want me to go on this date.” Grace climbed in her Mercedes and drove as slowly as she could to the restaurant. It wasn’t too far and traffic wasn’t bad, but she wanted to put off arriving as long as she could. If she showed up early, she’d look desperate and she would feel exposed standing there alone. If she arrived late, she’d feel embarrassed as everyone watched and waited for her to approach. So the key was to arrive right on time, precisely with the others. A quick glance at her clock told her she was timing her arrival perfectly, but it didn’t help to settle her nerves any. They doubled in ferocity as she pulled into the restaurant and found the lot jammed full of cars. Saturday nights in Phoenix were crazy at popular restaurants, and she both hoped and didn’t hope that Juan had made reservations. If he made them and the woman was nice, then they’d hopefully be seated right away. If he didn’t, well, then she could go home and forget this whole thing, regardless how the woman was. After her brief encounter with Ally she didn’t feel the need to have anyone in her life right now. She was too busy, not to mention Jake.

  “So why am I here?” she groaned after swinging into a rare parking space. “Because I’m a fool and I listen to May, that’s why.” She checked her reflection in her vanity mirror. Luckily, her face didn’t show her nerves. It never did and it had earned her the nickname the “woman of steel” by a few people she worked with, mainly opposing attorneys.

  “Woman of steel, here you go,” she said as she climbed from the vehicle. With a deep breath and a straightening of her spine, she headed for the entrance. The sun had yet to settle, so she kept on her designer sunglasses as she approached. She felt somewhat safe behind them and hoped she could meet her companions with them still on. Woman of steel or not, it would be nice to hide her eyes for a while. But unfortunately and as she’d suspected, they weren’t waiting outside. Slipping off her shades, she walked in as a man held the door for her. He looked at her hungrily, but she was used to that and looked away after a polite thank you. The lobby was full of people and she began scanning faces. More looks came her way, mostly from men. But which one was Juan?

  “Grace?” She turned and found a small Hispanic-looking man smiling at her. He looked friendly and pleasant and he took her hand in his. “Joe said to look for the blond bombshell dressed to the nines.”

  “Hi.” She shook his warm hand.

  “Guess he was right, wow. You look wonderful.” He brought her in for a kiss on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  He looked nice himself in a pressed oxford-style Ralph Lauren shir
t and khaki pants. His loafers gleamed and he smelled nice too. Like papaya lotion of some sort. “You look dashing yourself.”

  “Why, thank you.” He turned slightly and reached for another man, this one taller and thicker with muscle. “Grace, this is Rob. Rob, Grace.”

  “Hello, Grace.” He had a gorgeous smile with a dimple on one side, and his hand was massive as it gently took hers.

  “Rob, it’s a pleasure.” Her pulse raced as she searched for her date.

  Rob caught her glance. “She’s not here quite yet.”

  “Oh.”

  “In fact…” He looked at his watch and his muscles bulged under his tight-fitting short-sleeved collared shirt. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s probably sitting in her car and debating whether or not to come in.”

  “Sounds familiar,” she said.

  “Aw, don’t be nervous,” Juan said, taking her arm. “Rob said she’s one of the most caring people you’ll ever meet. Besides, you have me, and I know I’m nice.”

  She laughed. “Yes, I think you are. Thank you.”

  He winked.

  “Here she is,” Rob said and she and Juan turned to look. Grace’s heart fluttered a little as she watched a strong-looking woman with short dirty blond hair embrace him. When they released and the woman turned to look at her, Grace nearly fell.

  “Madison, this is Grace,” Rob said.

  Madison too appeared to stop in her tracks and stare. The color drained from her face, showing she was just as shocked to see Grace as Grace was to see her.

  Grace kept blinking, making sure it was her. Madison looked so different in a stylish stand-alone white blazer with thick brown buttons and matching bead necklace. Her jeans were dark with a modern cut, low rise on the hips where a hint of a brown belt showed. Her shoes were brown, square toed with a thick heel. So well put together and so casually elegant. She was…absolutely gorgeous.

  “Madison,” Grace whispered. Wait. Her date was Madison? Madison Clark? What the hell—

  “Nice to see you, Grace,” Madison said, shocking her again by coming to take her hand. “You look…” Her eyes twinkled with intensity. “Very nice.”

  “You two know each other?” Now it was Rob’s turn to be shocked.

  “No—yes.” They seemed to answer in unison.

  “We don’t really know each other,” Grace explained.