“Nigel realized early in their working relationship that Lionel intuitively knew what each individual horse needed in the way of rehabilitation, and was highly successful in matching the horses he trained with the right riders so they could both be successful. Due in large part to Lionel’s talents, Nigel’s business thrived.
“Nigel also learned that Lionel was a very good rider. Although Lionel was a very good hunter/jumper rider, Nigel believed Lionel would excel most at dressage. Nigel encouraged Lionel to focus his riding and training in dressage. One of the thoroughbreds Lionel was training showed an incredible talent for dressage. He was a 5-year-old gelding named Accolade.
Lionel and Accolade were a perfect match, and Nigel noticed the affinity the pair had for each other. Accolade would do anything for Lionel, and Lionel’s talented riding brought out the gelding’s best. In appreciation for all that Lionel had done for him, Nigel gave Lionel Accolade for his own, and paid for him to compete at regional, and then national shows. Ultimately, the two were successful in international dressage competitions. In fact, Lionel and Accolade scored in the top three in several European competitions. While competing, Lionel frequently competed against me and Romeo. Ultimately, we found ourselves competing against each other for a spot on the British Olympic team. It was then that our friendship was challenged.”
“What happened?” Michael now had Jessica’s complete attention.
Michael continued, suddenly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken. Although his attention never left the road in front of them, Jessica could tell that he was mentally replaying what had happened, and that he didn’t relish reliving those events, but he told her, with as much detail as he could remember, what happened at the Olympic trials, and about his subsequent confrontation with Lionel at Nigel’s funeral. “I’m surprised Lionel is still speaking to you, let alone maintaining your friendship after what he probably saw as your betrayal at the trials.” Jessica paused then said, “The death of his partner after a very public disgrace at the Trials would have pushed many people over the edge. Yet he seems fine. It was only when Nigel’s name came up in our conversation that he showed any sign of emotion. Do you think he’s really all right?”
Michael had to admit that what Jessica was saying made sense. “I don’t know. Two weeks after Nigel’s funeral, Lionel contacted me out of the blue and told me he had been thinking, and had decided he was willing to forgive and forget. I confess that I was surprised he was so forgiving so soon after the events, but I chalked it up to our long-term friendship, and that he understood that I did what I thought I had to do.”
“Do you think he’s the one behind the attempt to injure Tempest?” Jessica asked. “It would be a sort of revenge if he ruined your chances for success.”
“I honestly don’t think him capable of deliberately injuring a horse,” Michael replied. “It just isn’t in him to go there.”
Jessica sighed. “All right, if you say so. You obviously know him better than I do.”
They approached Michael’s home, and he parked the car. The evening had been so pleasant that Jessica didn’t want to leave Michael yet. Apparently Michael felt the same, because immediately after exiting the car, he quietly suggested that they meet in the hayloft after she’d had a chance to change into more comfortable clothes. Jessica eagerly agreed. It didn’t take long for Jessica to change, and she practically ran to the barn in anticipation of another glorious night in Michael’s arms. He was already waiting for her when she made it to the top of the ladder.
Later that night, as Jessica lay cuddled against Michael after a slow, languorous session of lovemaking that left them both sated and deliciously drowsy, Michael realized that he was falling in love with Jessica and that if he wanted to take their relationship any further, Jessica needed to know about Emma, and his perspective about how their relationship had fallen apart. He mentally braced himself to relive that painful period in his life.
Jessica seemed to sense the change in his mood, because she immediately looked up at him. “What’s wrong, Michael?”
Michael kissed her gently. “Jess, I care about you very much, but it’s really difficult for me to trust my heart to someone after what happened between Emma and me last year. I think it’s necessary to tell you what happened so you can understand where I’m coming from, and I hope you understand that my reluctance about deepening our relationship says more about me than it does about you.”
“Michael, you don’t have to explain if it’s painful for you.”
“Yes, I do.” Michael took a deep breath and started. “Before the Olympic Games, Emma and I believed we were truly in love. We shared the same vision for a future together. For me, a career competing in and training dressage and eventually owning my own training yard. For her, working on the support staff for a major London law firm. It wasn’t until after my success in the Olympic Games that she appeared to change. She loved sharing the spotlight that shone on me as Olympic champion, and she thrived attending all the parties and fetes that resulted from my success. I was actually quite surprised that she loved the limelight so much. I, quite frankly, hated it and longed to be back on the farm I purchased in the country.
“After I lost Romeo and the Olympic glory faded, she became more distant, and started going to parties with some of the people she met during our time in the spotlight. I just wasn’t interested in those things, so I didn’t always accompany her to those events. Then, out of nowhere, Emma started accusing me of cheating on her. I was required to travel extensively to do clinics and training sessions, which paid very well, and Emma was somehow convinced I was using those trips as opportunities to be unfaithful. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. I swore to her that I was faithful to her, and tried a thousand ways to convince her I loved her and only her, but she didn’t believe me. She finally broke off the engagement. Very soon thereafter, she started dating a famous footballer. I see them frequently in the gossip columns and tabloids. I must assume that she preferred to be with someone who was rich and famous than a has-been dressage rider.”
Jessica’s heart wrenched at the pain Michael must have felt at the callous way Emma had treated him. She reached up and cradled Michael’s jaw in her hand. “I’m so sorry, Michael. You had no way of knowing that Emma was going to change like that. None of this was your fault. Thank you for telling me this. I know it had to be difficult for you.” She gently pulled his head down to her, and brushed her lips over his in a gentle kiss, knowing that just the fact that Michael had trusted her to share his most painful experience with her confirmed that he did, indeed, care for her very much, in fact, she was fairly certain that he loved her.
The realization that Michael might love her frightened Jessica. Her experience with men was limited, certainly, but she knew her feelings for Michael went deeper than just their physical relationship. She was slowly falling in love with him, but she didn’t know for certain that Michael returned her love. He said all the right things, of course, but he had been with many women. Maybe he told them the same things. All she knew was that she ached to be with him when they weren’t together, and she felt herself glow with happiness when they were together. She dreaded the day that the competition would be over, and she would have to go back to Ohio and leave Michael here, an ocean away.
It took all of her strength to force her thoughts back to the present, and she vowed to enjoy every minute of her time with Michael, because it was precious to her. However, the thought that was constantly in the back of her mind, potentially destroying what she had with Michael, persisted. What if he found out about her role in her parents’ death? Would he be able to love her then? Did she have the courage to tell him? She pushed those thoughts from her head. Once the competition for Tempest was over, then she would tell him. Until then, she resolved to enjoy herself and hope their relationship would survive her dangerous secret.
Chapter 18
The day finally arrived for Blake McMillan, Hailey and Liz to arrive from the States. As Jessica understood things, Blake had arranged for a limousine to meet his party at the airport, then transport them to Michael’s training yard. Michael had arranged for two additional bedrooms in the house to be cleaned and aired, and ready for his guests. Liz would be given the room she had occupied originally; Blake would be further down the hall. Michael had arranged for one of the manor house’s former parlor rooms on the ground floor to be converted to a bedroom for Hailey so that she wouldn’t have to negotiate stairs every day and to make it easier for her to get around in general. Jessica was grateful for his consideration, and gratified to know that he had taken the time and effort to make Hailey’s stay as comfortable as possible.
Jessica fought an attack of nerves, as she paced the manor entryway waiting for the limousine to arrive. Michael took note of Jessica’s apparent distress and tried to ease her nerves.
“Calm down, Jess,” Michael soothed. “Blake is just a guy. He may have a very high opinion of himself because he’s worth a lot of money, but ultimately, he’s just like you and me.”
“You don’t understand, Michael,” Jessica responded with a touch of annoyance in her voice. “This ‘guy’ controls my destiny. He holds my future in his hands. If he decides I’m not worthy to receive the gift of Tempest, he can give him to someone else on the US Equestrian Team without a qualm. His commitment is to the Team, not to me personally. While he’s here, I have to impress him enough that he still is willing to buy Tempest for me.”
Michael understood her concern, but there was little he could do to assuage her fears. Blake McMillan was a wild card. He didn’t know the man, and none of his contacts on the British Equestrian Team knew anything about him either. Apparently, he was new to the equestrian world, and an unknown quantity. Michael vowed he would, to the extent he could, as Jessica’s interim trainer, portray Jessica as the talented rider he knew her to be, and hope for the best. He was confident he could do just that, if McMillan was willing to pay attention. In the past two weeks, even with the brief time out required by Tempest’s near-colic episode, Jessica’s riding of Tempest had improved tremendously. She no longer appeared to be intimidated by his sporadic naughtiness, and didn’t let the stallion bully her as he had the first time she rode him. Michael was also interested to see what Liz’s reaction would be to seeing Jessica perform on Tempest in person rather than by video. He expected her to be impressed as well.
Just then, a long, black limousine pulled into the drive. “They’re here,” Jessica said with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She looked to Michael, reached for his hand. “Let’s go out and welcome them.” Michael took her hand, squeezed it, and continued to hold it as they walked out the front door to greet the newest arrivals to Stafford Oaks Farm.
The chauffeur had already exited the limo and was opening the rear door closest to Michael and Jessica. Liz emerged first, smiling, and was quickly followed by Hailey, who struggled a bit with her prosthetic legs as she exited the vehicle, but righted herself quickly and stepped out, also sporting a big smile.
Jessica dropped Michael’s hand and ran to Hailey, embracing her with a big hug. “Hey, sis, I’m so glad to see you. I missed you so much.” Jessica’s voice broke, and she couldn’t stop the tears that had started running down her face upon seeing her beloved sister.
“Don’t cry, Jess.” Hailey was tearing up a bit herself. “Everything’s great. Blake made the trip really easy. He had a car pick Liz and me up at home, then had us driven directly to the tarmac, so all we had to do was climb up the steps into the plane. His assistants took care of our luggage, and any other details. My wheelchair is in the trunk.” Michael had walked up behind Jessica, and extended his hand to Hailey in greeting.
“Hello, Hailey, I’m Michael. It’s great to finally meet you in person.” He smiled and put his other arm around Jessica just as Blake McMillan was exiting the limo on the other side.
Hailey blushed and shook Michael’s hand. “Hi, Michael. I’m glad to meet you in person too. I’ve got to say that you’re even more handsome in person than you are via Skype.”
Michael wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that comment, so he quickly shifted his attention to Liz. “Liz, it’s good to see you again. I trust your legal matters are taken care of, at least for the time being?”
“Yes, Michael,” Liz responded. “Everything seems to be all right. My soon-to be-ex-husband has conveniently withdrawn his custody suit, and Amy is safely ensconced with my sister Cynthia while I’m here working with Jess.” She sighed. “At least for the time being, all is well.” While Liz and Michael were talking, and Jessica and Hailey were catching up, Blake walked around the vehicle and supervised the driver unloading all of their luggage, paid him, including a tip that made the man’s eyes pop wide open, then saw him on his way. He approached Michael, and extended his hand.
“Blake McMillan,” he stated with a definite air of superiority. “You must be Michael Stafford.”
Michael assessed this newcomer with a jaundiced eye. The man knew how to dress, he would give him that. He wore a very expensive navy-blue Armani suit, and a matching tie that probably cost more than any one of Michael’s barn staff made in a month. His perfectly pressed dress shirt complemented the suit perfectly. His shoes were also of the highest quality, most likely also Armani. Michael shook Blake’s hand firmly, and looked him squarely in the eye. He wasn’t going to let this wealthy nabob run roughshod over him on his own property. No, not at all. “Yes, I’m Michael. Welcome to Stafford Oaks Farm, Mr. McMillan.”
“Call me Blake, please.” The blighter even made that assurance sound condescending. Michael knew he and Blake were not going to be fast friends. He hoped the man’s stay would be short. Michael also didn’t like the way Blake was looking at Jessica. It was almost as if he were sizing her up for his next meal. Michael’s stomach clenched, as a wave of possessive anger rolled over him. There was no way this interloper was getting anywhere near Jessica if Michael had his way, and he vowed he would.
Jessica pushed Hailey in her wheelchair into the manor, and showed her where she would be staying. “This house is awesome, Jess,” Hailey exclaimed. “It’s just what I imagined an English manor house to look like.”
“It is beautiful, and I understand Michael spent a lot of money renovating it,” Jessica responded.
“I wasn’t kidding about Michael, Jess. He’s gorgeous. And that accent . . .” She sighed in rapture.
“About Michael,” Jess began, not sure exactly how to tell Hailey about their relationship. She really wasn’t quite sure how to describe it. Were they lovers? The term seemed pretty risqué, but the labels boyfriend and girlfriend seemed to trivialize what they had together in her mind.
“What, Jess?” Hailey said. “What about Michael?”
“Well, our relationship has gone beyond a trainer/student relationship. We’re actually seeing each other romantically. In fact, don’t tell him I said this, but I think I’m falling in love with him.”
Hailey squealed in delight. “Jess! That’s great! I’m so happy for you. I know I kid you about how good looking he is, but he seems like a really good guy. I’m so glad I’m here now to get to know him better. Maybe he’ll be a part of the family soon.”
Jess hugged Hailey and couldn’t help feeling her heart swell with joy. “I hope so, Hails, I really hope so.”
~ ~ ~
While the commotion was going on with the new arrivals at the manor, Lionel was using the round pen to try Monty Roberts’ Join-Up training method with Rocky. Over the last few days, the gelding had been accepting more and more physical contact from Lionel without flinching or shying away, and Lionel was extremely encouraged. Lionel felt the time was right to advance his relationship with Rocky, and Join-Up seemed to be the ideal
way to do that in a cooperative, non-threatening way.
The purpose of Join-Up, as put forward in Monty Roberts’ books and videos and on his website, is for the horse owner/trainer to develop a relationship of mutual concern and respect with the horse using the horse’s own natural language.
The process started with the horse being given free movement in a round pen, with the human trainer creating a somewhat fearful environment for the horse, but allowing the horse to run away from the fearful object within established limits of the round pen.
This was the aspect of the training that Lionel was most apprehensive about. Rocky was already fearful of humans in general because of his past abuse, so encouraging that fear through any action on his part was problematic in Lionel’s mind.
As it turned out, Lionel’s worries were justified. As soon as Rocky realized he was free within the confines of the round pen, any time that Lionel approached him, he fled, galloping at full speed around the perimeter of the round pen, eyes wide open, a panicked expression on his face. Lionel was worried that Rocky might hurt himself running as fast and as mindlessly as he was around the perimeter of the pen, but instinct told him not to interfere, but to let Rocky work this out for himself. Gradually, over a period of several minutes, Rocky tired of running, and slowed his pace to a reasonable canter, then to a slower, more controlled trot. Lionel also noticed that Rocky was licking and chewing, and his ears were pricked toward him. Now that Rocky was aware of his presence and exhibiting interest in a curious rather than fearful way, Lionel implemented the second, most critical part of Join-Up, the invitation to the horse to accept him and trust him as a leader.
Dressage Dreaming (Horses Heal Hearts Book 1) Page 16
