by Loyd, Sandy
“You’re so sure there will be pleasure after business?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
“No, but I can tell you’re thinking about it.” Her laughter bubbled up, amusement evident in her tone.
“I might be.” Watching her, he brought the cup to his lips for another sip without changing his expression. “And if I am?”
Caroline bit into a powder-sugared scone. When she finished chewing, her tongue grazed the white trail of powder surrounding her lips before licking a thumb and forefinger, sucking each digit carefully, leaving him with little doubt as to what she alluded to. Finally, her eyes locked on Simon’s and she almost purred when she said, “I’m just letting you know I’m available—if you decide to play.”
“I’ve already figured that out.” Simon chuckled. Entertaining lady. He shook his head and countered, his voice just as suggestive, “And I’ll keep it in mind. I haven’t made a decision yet.”
“Oh, such a fickle man.” She kept her eyes squarely on his, her eyelids moving to half-mast. “Don’t be coy, Simon. It isn’t a becoming trait in the male of the species. A simple no will suffice.”
Simon’s bark of laughter rang out. “Well said, Mrs. Hillier. We understand each other now.”
“It’s Caroline. I thought we’d already established the fact. You’re starting to disappoint me.”
“I truly doubt that, Caroline.” He held his hands up in surrender. “I was just trying to back up a little to keep my fingers from getting burned.”
Caroline’s shrill feminine laughter pealed in the air, grating on Simon’s nerves, causing a streak of trepidation to run through his system and putting him on alert.
“Oh, Simon. I’m so glad you stopped by. I really needed such a handsome man to brighten my day. Diversions like this are so rare.”
“Glad to be of service,” he murmured, keeping his smile in place. Simon sat back, eyeing her and wondering what the hell he was doing. Something about her repelled him, holding him back from accepting what she so readily offered. He took another sip, deciding to reserve judgment on whether or not he’d jump on her proposition to ride until later, not that he couldn’t handle her. After all she was just a woman—a beautiful one, at that.
Remembering his purpose, he cleared his throat, then steered their conversation to the business at hand. “So, tell me about the death of your thoroughbred. When did it happen?”
“You’re ruining my first impression of you,” Caroline said, sighing. He remained silent, his focus on her. The seconds ticked by. Finally she snorted. “Oh, all right. If I must talk about that horrid experience, then I will. It happened about two months ago. One of my handlers found my best thoroughbred with a broken leg, out where he shouldn’t have been. I had no recourse but to end his suffering. I’m not sure how it happened, but it was no accident. Someone let him out of his stall. Of course, we have no idea who is responsible. Now that you’re here, maybe you can shed some light on the matter.”
“Is the man who found the horse available? I’d like to question him.”
“Yes, he should be around in the stables somewhere.”
“Good. I’ll talk with him when we’re done. What about new workers? Have you hired any in the last six months?”
“No. My husband was the breeder. I have no interest in it. As a matter of fact, I’ve scaled down the farm’s operation in order to sell. I’ve had to let a few good men go. I’m thankful for the other farms’ owners who have hired them because they’ve been faithful workers at Hillier Meadows for years.”
Simon’s eyebrows rose. After witnessing Caroline’s callous treatment of the two servants earlier, he had trouble believing her claim. She didn’t seem the type to care what happened to loyal workers after their usefulness diminished. Looking at her now, she seemed so innocuous, a totally false notion, he reasoned. The woman definitely had two sides, reminding him of a spider trying to lure an unsuspecting bug into her web. He had no intention of being eaten alive by the woman, no matter how alluring she was, so he’d proceed cautiously.
“Did you notice any unusual activity on the day this happened?” he asked, getting back to the task at hand.
“Unusual in what way?”
Simon shrugged. “Anything out of the ordinary. Were any workers acting strangely? Was anyone around you didn’t recognize?”
Caroline was quiet before she cleared her throat. When she spoke, her voice was hesitant. “I’m not sure. I don’t know how to say this without making it seem like I’m oblivious to what’s going on around me, but I simply haven’t been concerned with anything other than how much money this place will bring in when I finally sell.” She fell silent again. Then, shaking her head, she smiled wryly. “I’m sorry I can’t be more help. My foreman might have more information. He’s away today. He should be back on Monday if you’d care to speak with him then.”
“Would there be anyone else I can talk with who was here at the time, besides the handler who found the horse?”
“I have two men left who were present, along with Jimmy, when the incident occurred. Would you like to speak to them?”
“Yes. But before I do that can you give me some background information on the workers you let go?”
“I’m sorry, but again that would be Frank’s domain.”
“Frank?”
“Yes, Frank Miller, my foreman. I can give you our records and you can at least get their names, length of service, and how much money they were paid. Frank is a stickler for details.”
He smiled. “That would be helpful.”
They chatted until Simon decided he’d learn nothing more.
After placing his cup with saucer on the table in front of him, he stood. “If you’d be so kind to get your records for me while I talk with the three who were here on the day it happened, I’d be much obliged, ma’am.”
“Please, Simon,” Caroline chided, offering a pouty smile. “You’ll make me feel old with this ma’am stuff. It’s Caroline. Remember?”
Simon chuckled. “I’d be much obliged, Caroline,” he corrected.
“Much better.” Standing, she laughed. “I’ll show you the way to the stables. While you’re meeting with my men, I’ll get those records.”
Simon met briefly with the three workers. The hand who found the horse was fairly young, more boy than man. Obviously, according to the lad’s accounting, finding the horse had affected him.
The other hands weren’t much help, but they did provide Simon with the name of the person who had been working in the stables on the day of the incident. They also provided him with his current place of employment—Thorpe’s Twin Oaks Farm.
Just as he was about to leave Hillier Meadows, Caroline met him by his horse.
“Here are the records for the past three years.” She handed Simon a package. “They include the men I let go not too long after my horse died. I’ll need those back or Frank will have my head.”
“Thank you.” He took the information and placed it in his saddlebag. “I’ll bring them with me when I stop by to speak with Frank Miller sometime during the week.”
“Hopefully by then you’ll have made up your mind.” Caroline threw out a sultry chuckle as well as a considering look. At Simon’s furrowed brow, she grinned, then said in a voice hot enough to melt tar, “About whether or not you’ll be ready for the pleasure I know we can both give each other.”
She reached up, twined her hand around his neck, and pulled him closer for a scorching kiss, showing him with her mouth how fully prepared she was to play.
Caught off guard, Simon fully responded to her demanding lips. Once the moment ended, he quickly grabbed her wrists and pulled his head free. His voice held warning. “Ah, ah, ah. You’ll have to wait until I make the choice. You can’t make it for me or push it on me.” He hesitated a heartbeat, catching her gaze, using his to emphasize his meaning. “And let me give you a bit of insight. If I do decide to go forward, I like to be the one in control.”
Another throa
ty laugh preceded her whispered, “I’ll keep that in mind.” Smiling slyly, she ran a finger down his cheek before she turned and started for the porch, saying over her shoulder, “Can’t hurt a girl for trying, though.”
Caroline’s soft laughter carried on the morning breeze as Simon stood watching until she was inside her house. Shaking his head at the woman’s boldness, he mounted up and headed out.
He pushed the widow out of his mind, replacing her with his case. He had much to do before making it to Twin Oaks Farm.
Chapter 9
In no hurry to return to Twin Oaks on her way back from Shelbyville, Giselle let the horse amble, remembering the wonderful time she spent with her family, despite all their teasing about her flirting. She’d have to make the trip more frequently, as too much time had passed since her last visit.
A rider approached from the rear, rudely interrupting her thoughts. Pulling on the reins, she turned to see a man advancing at a good clip.
Her jaw dropped when she recognized Simon Harrington racing toward her.
Recognition must have set in for Simon, too, because he stopped short a good distance from where Giselle sat gawking. After returning her stare for too long, he slowly urged his horse closer.
“Well, well, well,” he said, riding beside her. “If it isn’t the flirtatious Giselle Franklin.”
“As I live and breathe. Fancy meeting you here, Simon.”
“I could say the same.” His eyebrows rose in question. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Shelbyville with your parents?”
“I was. But my visit is over, so I have come home.”
“Home?”
“Yes, home.” She gave a small laugh at his chagrined expression. “I work and live with the Thorpes.” When he stared at her like she’d grown a second head, her chin lifted an inch. “Obviously you did not know.”
Simon only glared at her, swallowing hard as he absorbed the news. “Obviously not. So you work and live with the Thorpes?” He nudged his horse in the direction of the main house, which was now coming into view.
“Yes, I do.” Giselle’s grin widened. She hurried to catch up to him, sensing somehow her revelation didn’t sit well. “Does my living with the Thorpes bother you, Simon?”
“No.” He shook his head and gave a self-deprecating laugh. “The news just surprised me, is all.”
Keeping a coy smile in place, Giselle met his gaze and let her eyebrows rise. “So, what are you doing so far from Washington?”
He flashed an unconcerned grin. “I’m on a case.” The shock of seeing her had clearly worn off.
“Ah, I see.” Giselle nodded. “And this case brings you way out here?” She hesitated. “I do not understand. Not too much happens in these parts to concern Washington.”
“Enough has happened to bring me.” Simon grunted. “I can’t talk about it yet. Right now, I’m merely asking questions.”
“I hope you get your answers.” She broke off, eyeing him thoughtfully while they rode in silence. Finally she sighed. “If you intended to question Colin and Libby, you are out of luck. The Thorpes are in Louisville. I do not expect them back for several days.”
“I know,” he said. “I met with Colin yesterday and he invited me to stay at the farm to aid in my investigation.”
“You are staying at the farm?” She tried to block the look of horror she felt taking over her face, but could tell from his soft mocking chuckle she hadn’t been successful.
“Does that bother you, Giselle?”
She ignored his amused tone, not missing that he’d pretty much asked her the same question. With head held high, she met his laughing green eyes without letting him see how much this did bother her. She would die first. “Why should I be bothered?” But her answer came out a bit too rushed. She smiled radiantly. “The news just surprised me, is all.”
“Touché, Giselle.”
His genuine smile sent an odd feeling throughout her system as he straddled his horse, dressed casually in clothes accentuating total masculinity. The man was too attractive for his own good. She moved her focus back to the road, and decided to keep it there for the rest of the ride, also trying very hard to pretend the burst of pleasure she’d experienced at recognizing Simon had never happened. Why did it have to be this man eliciting such emotions from her? She still had no clue. Yet she did know his company meant one thing—trouble.
The two riders remained silent until they neared the stables. When they dismounted, Simon’s voice cut through Giselle’s thoughts. “So, how are your parents?”
“My parents?”
“Yes, your parents.” Simon lifted a brow. “You know—Sophie and Marcus Franklin? Weren’t you returning from visiting them?”
She bristled, clenching a fist. “I know their names.” Feeling her nails dig into her palm, she relaxed her fingers and took a deep, steadying breath. “Why do you want to know?”
“Just curious.” He chuckled. “It’s been awhile since I’ve heard anything about your father. I’m genuinely interested in how he’s doing. He was a legend among his peers back in his day.”
“Oui, I have heard all about his many exploits. I am sure yours are just as notable.” Giselle sighed. “My parents are both very well, thank you. You should take the time for a visit. Papa seems to think highly of you, so I am sure he would love to see you.”
“I just might take your advice.”
Jake, Twin Oaks’ head handler, walked out of the stables and Giselle handed the reins of her horse to him.
“I see you’re riding one of Twin Oaks’ mounts.” Jake nodded to Simon’s horse. “Here, give him to me and I’ll make sure he’s taken care of.”
“Thank you. Do you know where I might find Gus Gunderson?”
“Last I saw him he was in the stables. He should still be there, right through that door.” Jake grabbed the reins and led the horses in the direction he’d pointed.
Turning to Simon, Giselle smiled sweetly. “I have an engagement, so I will leave you to your investigating.”
“Of course,” Simon replied. “I’m sure I’ll see you later. Enjoy your afternoon.”
She took her time in reaching the front porch, his gaze scorching her back the entire way.
Once inside the house and out of sight of Simon’s prying eyes, Giselle headed up the stairs at a full run. When she got to her room, she slammed the door behind her and plopped on her bed. Putting her arm against her forehead, she tried to block his laughing green gaze from her mind, but that mocking expression wouldn’t budge. She pounded the pillow in frustration. How could the infuriating man be staying here? In the same house?
She lay there awhile formulating a plan to deal with his annoying company. To make matters worse, the thought of riding with Bradford, who was due in less than an hour, now paled in comparison to being around Simon. Yet, spending any time with Simon was not a good idea because she knew the futility of getting involved with him. Once his questions were answered, he’d be on his way, breaking any connection they might make in the process.
What Giselle needed was to figure out a way to keep her distance from the attractive male with the killer smile, whose humor-filled eyes missed nothing. She wasn’t fool enough to believe she could control him any longer. Simon Harrington was unlike any man she’d ever known in that he seemed immune to the ploys that kept all her other beaux in line.
More experienced at the game than she, he molded her to his every whim as if she were soft clay in his hands. Giselle had no intention of giving him another chance to make her appear to be a green, inexperienced girl. True or not, she’d had enough of his insulting ways.
Libby’s comments about the recalcitrant young stallion from the day before flowed back. There is something to behold in the predictability of the male species. Some males just hate to be ignored. They will do anything to keep that from happening.
What would happen if she totally ignored Simon? For that matter, could she? “Humph,” she muttered. “I can certainly try.”<
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Smiling, she hugged herself at the idea of wearing her exquisite dress to dinner on one of those evenings Simon would be sure to attend, ignoring him the entire time, of course.
Having formed the perfect plan, she jumped up to prepare for her visit with Bradford, humming as she did.
When she strode down the stairs forty-five minutes later, her confidence had fully returned.
“Bradford, how nice to see you.” Holding out her hand, she met his smile with an enthusiastic one of her own, happy for the opportunity to ride since the weather was still unseasonably warm.
“The pleasure is truly mine. And might I add, you look beautiful this afternoon.” He took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips.
“Thank you, kind sir.” Giselle beamed, spinning in a full circle to show off her attire. She’d changed into one of her favorite riding habits and was sporting a matching new hat. “Are you ready for our ride?”
“I’ve thought of nothing else since we planned it last week.”
“Then what are we waiting for? Jake should have the horses ready.”
~~
Laughter from the direction of the house drew Simon’s gaze. He stiffened, clenching his jaw. From his spot near the stables where he and Gus stood talking, he watched Giselle head toward two tethered horses. Seeing her so obviously entertained with Bradford Tyler annoyed him. He recognized Tyler from his meeting the day before. Tyler was also the same man Giselle had flirted with that last night in Louisville, and that fact annoyed him further, especially when she appeared far too fetching in a riding habit that enhanced her curvaceous figure.
Earlier, when Simon had spied Giselle ahead of him on the path, he’d thought his eyes had deceived him. Sitting proudly astride her horse, the epitome of innocence and femininity, he’d wanted to jump down and draw her to him. The same feeling came over him now. Though an outrageous flirt, she was such a striking contrast to the Hillier woman, a breath of fresh mountain air, clean and fragrant compared to the baser scents of the inner city.
“Sorry,” Simon said, refocusing on the task at hand when Gus said something he didn’t catch. He shouldn’t care what she did. Should be happy she was so clearly taken with another man. “My attention drifted. What were you saying?” That flirtatious coquette was off-limits.
