As she parked her car, Justin approached and opened the door for her. As she got out she said, “My saddle is in the trunk.” God, he looks fabulous. The tight-fitting, tan riding britches with a full, leather seat, tall, black riding boots, and black turtleneck sweater accentuated his well-muscled physique, while his long, dark hair tied back in a tail accentuated his high, sculpted cheek bones and wide, sensuous mouth.
“No need. The horses are saddled and ready. We’ll have lunch at the pond when we get back.” He gestured to Jester and a small bay mare tied to a hitching post in front of the barn.
“Oh my! He is just gorgeous. Can I say hello?”
“Sure, just move slowly and let him smell your breath,” Justin replied as he walked Kelly over to Jester. He gave her a handful of sugar cubes. “Of course, bribery is always in order as well.”
Kelly cautiously approached the massive Friesian stallion tacked up in a dressage saddle and double bridle. You never know about stallions. They can be nippy. As she tentatively patted his huge neck with her hand and leaned in to blow her breath into his nostrils, he unexpectedly whinnied in her ear with a blast and pushed his muzzle into her breasts. She backed up hurriedly.
“Jester! Be a gentleman.” Justin reprimanded him. “He’s a boob man. I think you must remind him of someone he’s been missing,” he explained, without really explaining at all. He took Kelly over to meet Jezebelle, the mare she would be riding. “Jezzie’s a very gentle girl and well behaved on the trail. She’s hell on wheels on the polo field, though, and she really loves the competition. She’s quick as a snake, turns and changes leads on a dime, and she’s fearless.”
Kelly made friends with the mare, surreptitiously slipping a sugar cube into her mouth under the bit. Kelly had spent her girlhood and teenage years practically living at the barn, taking riding lessons, competing in horse shows, and hanging out with “horse” friends. It was all coming back to her in a rush. She then measured the stirrup leathers against her arm, adjusted the length, gave the bit and bridle a cursory check to be sure they were not pinching the mare’s mouth, and swung into the saddle. Justin held the leather down on the off side of the saddle as she mounted. He then swung easily onto Jester’s back.
* * * *
Justin was glad to see Kelly knew what she was doing around the horses. Just the act of checking the fit of the bridle and bit told him a lot.
He led the way down the driveway into the trees bordering the pastures onto the smooth bridle path the grooms used to exercise the polo ponies. This was familiar territory to the horses and they walked quietly side by side. After walking for a while to warm up their mounts he asked, “Want to pick up the pace a little?” He glanced over to see if she was comfortable on the small mare. “Or do you want to take some time to get your seat back?”
“I’m great! I will probably be crippled tomorrow, but right now, nothing could feel better than this mare under me!”
I might have an alternative suggestion. He had a wicked grin on his face. “Ready for a good run then?”
“Absolutely! I bet that tank you lovingly call a horse can’t get out of his own way,” she said over her shoulder with an impish grin that should have warned him as she dug her heels into the mare’s sides and took off down the bridle path.
“Want to bet?” he shouted as he took off after her with Jester pounding the ground.
“What are the stakes? Make it worth my while,” she yelled back to him with a gleam in her eyes.
“Dinner with me if you lose, riding privileges on Jezzie any time you want if you win,” he called, grinning to himself. Heads I win, Tails I win. I like that! “There’s a nice straightaway around that next bend. Want to see who can get out of whose way?” he challenged.
“Fine with me,” Kelly returned to empty air. Justin had spurred Jester into an extended canter and his long strides were eating up the ground before Kelly could gather herself to follow suit. As Kelly encouraged Jezebelle to give chase, Jester broke into a ground-shaking dead gallop. Jezebelle made a valiant effort to catch up, but Jester’s slight head start combined with his longer stride kept him a few paces ahead. As Jezebelle made an effort to close the gap, Jester deftly shifted his hindquarters from side to side effectively blocking the way, keeping Kelly and Jezebelle just where he wanted them, firmly in second place!
As soon as Justin had an indisputable lead, he began to slow Jester back down to a canter, allowing Jezebelle to catch up, and the two horses began to wind down, finally slowing to a trot and then a walk.
“Well, what do you think about my tank now?” Justin asked with a wide grin.
“That was not fair…we’ll have to try that again…once Jezzie and I get our breath back!”
“Ready for that lunch I promised you?”
“Any time is fine with me,” she replied with a smile.
“Let’s walk back to the barn and cool these guys out. Max will have lunch ready to serve at the pond when we get back.”
“Who is Max?” she asked.
“My houseman, butler, whatever. He practically raised me and my younger brother single-handedly until we were sent off to boarding school. I’ll have to tell you about that sometime. My mother died when I was eight, and my brother, Jamie, and I were mostly raised by servants. My father was too engrossed in business and his other ‘interests’ to pay much attention to us, unless we crossed over the line.”
* * * *
Back at the barn, Justin turned the horses over to waiting grooms and ushered Kelly to the black Range Rover parked in front of the barn. He drove them another half mile further down the tree-lined driveway until they reached what was apparently Justin’s residence. It was a long, low, contemporary house with floor-to-ceiling windows and a dark-blue tile roof that was clearly under construction. It had an oriental feeling without being overtly oriental. He walked her around the house to the back where the windows overlooked a tranquil pond. A small table on the lawn had been set with crisp, white linens and beautiful china and crystal. An arrangement of wild flowers graced the center of the table.
“This is lovely, Justin,” she said. Without warning, Justin turned to Kelly and pulled her into his embrace. Kelly buried her cold cheeks against his corded throat and drank in the intoxicating smell of warm, excited male. He kissed her deeply, giving as much as he took. Kelly fell into the kiss, drowning in the sensual feel of him in her arms. She slowly surfaced and put a slight distance between them. “What’s happening here, Justin? This is not exactly what I had in mind when I came out here today,” she lied to him. But she couldn’t lie to herself. I’ve been watching his morning workouts for weeks. I think this is exactly what I have had in mind for a while but was too afraid to admit it. But besides that, there’s just something about a man who sits a horse well!
“Whatever we want to make of it, Kelly. It’s up to you. I think you already know what my vote will be,” he said as he brushed his lips gently over her temple and down her soft cheek to her jaw. “Let’s sit down to lunch before my good intentions take a powder.” She could see that Justin was out of breath and his heart was beating hard. Kelly was an exceptionally beautiful woman with the air of sweetness and innocence that had been missing in his previous relationship. He could see that she wouldn’t be a pushover, but she lacked the hard shell that had encompassed Alexa. Their shared interest in horses would be a plus as well. He could see himself really falling for this woman hard. “Anyway, since I won the race, you have to have dinner with me. How about tonight? We can eat at the club or go out to dinner somewhere in town. Whatever you would like.”
“Are you going to hold me to that wager?” she asked.
“Absolutely. A bet is a bet,” he said, grinning. “But I can be magnanimous. You can ride Jezzie any time you like regardless.”
Lunch was pleasant and relaxed. Sensing she was still a little uncomfortable in his presence, Justin steered the conversation to their shared interest in horses. “So what time shall I pick you up tonight
?”
She was done kidding herself. It’s obvious I’m warming up to him, and he’s downright hot! She was fascinated by this man. He had a powerful aura and presence. He moved like a panther. She had seen over the past weeks that he had an inner depth and strength of character that was extremely attractive and did not require the trappings of his obvious wealth or social standing to be apparent. Maybe it was his intense devotion to martial arts or his love of horses. She couldn’t exactly put her finger on the cause, but she was feeling a strong connection to him. “Eight would be fine,” she said and smiling, gave him directions to her apartment.
Chapter Six
The Ming Suite at Le Club Laurel Oak occupied the entire third floor of the original house and contained a master suite, living room, media room, small kitchen, and two other smaller bedrooms. It was surrounded by a screened veranda overlooking the spectacular English gardens of the estate. The suite was decorated in an ornate oriental style with antique, black-lacquer furniture and oriental artwork. It was currently occupied by Justin and his butler, Max, an older man of great dignity who had a vast affection for and understanding of Justin and his younger brother, Jamison, and their extremely unusual childhood. Max was glad to see that Justin had a Friday night date, something that had not happened since Alexa’s death.
“Dinner is ready in the warming oven and can be served any time you and your guest are ready to eat. Don’t let it sit too long or it will dry out,” Max said. “I’m glad to see you seeking some female company, Justin. It’s time to move on with your life. I know, it’s easier said than done. I know how devastated you were by Alexa’s death. I’m just glad to see you show some interest in a woman, that’s all. Besides, I really like Kelly. She’s a lovely young woman.”
“I know you care, Max. Now make yourself scarce, old man, just in case I get lucky!” Justin grinned. “I’m going to pick Kelly up now.”
* * * *
When Justin arrived at Kelly’s apartment promptly at 8:00 that evening, Kelly was ready and waiting, albeit with a slightly queasy feeling in her stomach. After a quick glance around her small apartment which was neat and charming in a shabby chic way, he escorted her down to the Range Rover.
“I thought we would have dinner in the suite. Max took care of everything before he left for the weekend,” he said. Justin thought she looked good enough to eat as he helped her into the car. She was wearing black leggings that outlined her long legs, four-inch, black pumps, and a long, silky jacquard tunic in Chinese red. She knew it would complement the background in the suite and that she looked sleek and sophisticated with her black hair pulled up in a loose knot anchored by black lacquer chopsticks. Her startling, green eyes added an unexpected twist to the look.
Kelly had seen the four corner suites on the second floor of the Estate, but she had never had occasion to see the Ming Suite. It was by far the largest of the private suites and the most elaborately decorated. Oddly enough, it seemed to suit Justin to a tee. He just looks right in this opulent oriental setting. He was dressed in tailored black slacks and a loose, black, silk shirt tucked in and open to midchest. His feet were now bare, and his wavy, dark hair was unbound. The Chinese antiques and art were just the perfect background for his exotic good looks.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asked as he settled her on the low divan in the living room. “We can eat any time.”
“Just iced tea or a soft drink,” she replied. I think I need to keep my wits about me tonight. A shiver went up her spine. This man is unrelentingly seductive. Her fingers ached to run though his silky dark hair. Justin’s powerful masculinity was like a magnet drawing her ever closer to his sphere of influence. She could feel the increasing pull. He was like the sun drawing the planets into its orbit.
“We’ll eat on the veranda. It’s a beautiful night.” Max had organized everything, and all Justin had to do was serve the delicious dinner.
“So what do you do besides ride horses?” she asked.
“My brother and I run the family conglomerate. I mostly handle the real property holdings, the Plantation, this farm, other holdings in Europe and South America, as well as the Devereau Charitable Foundation and my personal financial matters. Jamie handles the businesses, finances, an investment fund for family members and employees, and other assorted personal financial matters. I got my law degree at Harvard with Jason, but I don’t practice law.”
The excellent meal passed pleasantly, and the flow of conversation was easy and interesting. They spoke of current events, politics, matters of local interest, and of course horses. They just fit comfortably and seemed to be sliding into a relationship as the time passed effortlessly.
Over dessert and coffee Justin said, “Would you like to take a walk down to the pond?”
“That would be lovely. One of the best things about working here is the beautiful setting.”
As they strolled down the lawn to the pond she said, “You know, I really enjoy watching your workouts every morning. You move like a jungle cat. All grace and power. It’s rather disturbing,” she admitted.
“The ritual movements are repetitive and very calming,” he explained. “I have really needed that lately. I think you should know that I have not been actively in the dating scene for some time. My fiancée was killed in a car accident eight months ago, and I have been at loose ends since then.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said sympathetically. “Everyone grieves differently, and there is no set timetable. Feelings are unpredictable.”
“Honestly, the fact that we had been having some problems prior to her death has made it more difficult for me to deal with my feelings for her. Feeling guilty makes the whole process harder.”
Kelly could see that he was struggling with his emotions. She ached to comfort him. “Sometimes a person just has to work through the process in their own time. You can’t rush it. Hopefully you will know when you’re ready to move on.”
“Jester was Alexa’s dressage horse. I brought him home from Palm Beach after the accident. I think we got each other through the initial stages of grieving. I don’t know what I would have done without him to keep my mind occupied. I think you reminded him of her today,” he said.
“Do I remind you of her?” she asked tentatively.
“Absolutely not. I can’t imagine two women more different in looks and temperament than you and Alexa. Frankly, the last thing I want is another relationship like the one we shared. We both had a lot of baggage, especially Alexa. But that’s her story, and I don’t feel comfortable sharing those intimate details with anyone.”
Holding hands they continued their walk around the pond and finally sat on a cast iron bench overlooking the water.
“I love watching the black swans,” she said. “They’re so elegant.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her gently, exploring the soft place under her ear and along her temple. Slowly the kiss intensified and became more demanding. He definitely isn’t thinking about Alexa now. I have his full and undivided attention. Kelly gasped as his lips became more demanding and plundered hers. Opening her mouth, she invited him in as she leaned into his strong arms. He nipped her upper lip and then her ear. She felt weak-kneed and her pussy gushed hot cream. She was glad she had his wide shoulders for support. She had never had such a strong reaction to a simple kiss before. Justin’s lips cruised down Kelly’s neck and into the vee of her silk top, nudging the lapels apart as he ran his tongue around the top of the lacy, black bra she wore. He took the nipple of her breast into his mouth and sucked it through the lace of her bra. The sensation of his hot mouth on her breast was exquisite.
“This bra has to go,” he whispered against her throat. He ran his hard, strong hands up her arms, down her silk-covered back and over her high, round bottom. “God, you feel good,” he groaned. “Do you want to go back upstairs and make love, or do you want me to take you home? The decision is yours.”
She was having a hard time concentrating. She swallowed
hard and licked her lips. “Justin, I want to make love with you, but I’m concerned about this…you know, the D/s stuff,” she said tentatively. “I don’t know anything about it, and I’m not sure I want to.”
“I can do vanilla when it’s called for. But we might want to open your horizons to some new experiences, when you’re ready, or if you’re ready,” he responded taking her hand and walking back to the house. “Frankly, most of my relationships in the past have been D/s relationships, but few couples can sustain that level of intensity twenty-four seven. It should be a highlight, not the main focus. That was part of the problem with my relationship with Alexa. She had come to depend on the D/s element too heavily.
“Do you think you can adjust to a less intense relationship?” Kelly asked doubtfully.
“I’d certainly like to try. I wasn’t happy the other way. I’ve never been into really heavy BDSM. I’m not interested in extreme bondage or whipping or anything like that. Make your decision now, the suite or the car. I won’t pressure you, and our friendship will continue along just as it is,” he said with a little steel working its way into his voice.
“The suite,” she said smiling. She didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity for a new experience, and she found herself wildly attracted to Justin. Kelly’s sexual experiences to date had been adequate but uninspiring. She just knew there was more, and she was ready to reach out for it. The boys she had dated during her high school years had been just that, boys, and no more ready for a real relationship than she. The young men she had dated in college had not been much more mature than the boys of high school. She had entered into her few sexual encounters more for the experience than for the emotion. She felt that she was now ready for a mature relationship, and she hoped Justin could be the man she was looking for. Although she had not known him long, Kelly felt that Justin had a depth to his character and a wealth of experience that had been lacking in her prior relationships. She was ready for a real man, not a fantasy dream lover. She was ready to trust him with her emotional as well as her physical wellbeing.
Michaels, Skye - Kelly's Challenge [Le Club 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 3
