Seduction's Stakes

by Claire Ashgrove

  "Come on, boy,” she murmured. “Come on."

  Her eyes glued to her horse, the announcer's voice pounded around her, his pitch rising with excitement.

  "As they make the turn for home, there's Mister Spoilsport kicking it in, barreling past Infidelity and Brimstone to command the field. And it's Mister Spoilsport spoiling away down the stretch, Infidelity and Brimstone battling for second."

  Riley's colt surged forward a good five lengths ahead of the rest of the field, and Maddie's heart sank to her feet. Infidelity didn't have a chance. All she could hope for was second, and at this rate, Brimstone might very well take that away from her.

  Riley's arm tightened around her waist, as every part of him went rigid. She listened to his sharp intake of breath and tried to find a little excitement for him, but her emotions were too wrapped up in Infidelity. Afraid to look, she squinted, praying for the best, expecting the worst.

  "Infidelity surges past Brimstone, chasing Mister Spoilsport, but it's Mister Spoilsport inside the final sixteen, now pounding through the finish, unchallenged on his undefeated race for the Triple Crown. Infidelity comes in strong for second, Brimstone in third."

  With a burst of excitement, Riley threw both hands in the air and cheered. Then, before Maddie could anticipate it, he bent down, swung her around and fastened his mouth against hers. Quick, excited, overjoyed, the kiss ended as quickly as it happened, and Riley was gone, jogging down the stairs, across the dirt track toward his horse and the winner's circle.

  Maddie couldn't move. She stared at Infidelity, watching as he trotted out, cooling off. Second wasn't anything to be ashamed of, not after such a close race. Her mouth slightly agape, it finally hit her. She'd just lost her wager with Riley.

  Someone patted her shoulder and praised her horse's run, pulling her from her stupor. She turned around to acknowledge them, and looked Dirk Bettans straight in the eye. He engulfed her in his lumberjack's arms, spinning her about.

  "Dirk, quit. We didn't win,” she laughed when he set her back down.

  "Second's wonderful, Maddie. Infidelity gave Mister Spoilsport a real run for his money. It's the first time I've seen your boy not get hung up on the rail too. Maybe you can unseat him at Belmont."

  "Let's hope. I'm damn tired of losing to Riley Jennings,” she muttered.

  "But, sweetheart, how can you call that losing if you're sharing the winnings?” He gave her a wink.

  Tipping her head sideways, Maddie squinted at him, not following his question.

  "Jennings, sweetheart. Good catch. I wasn't sure I believed the rumors, but from what I just saw, I guess I can't deny them. He'll take real good care of you, I'm sure."

  Damn, damn, and damn. There wasn't a person here who didn't believe she and Riley were involved. Now how in the hell was she going to explain all this? No one would believe her if she tried to explain she didn't want a damn thing to do with Riley Jennings.

  She could kick him for that godforsaken kiss this morning. Square in the balls where it might actually get through to his mind. Worthless lout.

  Fighting back an annoyed scowl, she pressed a light kiss to Dirk's cheek and excused herself. She followed Riley's path to the infield, spotted Archie and Aaron near the exit, and half—ran, half—walked around the track to join them.

  Later, when Riley was done celebrating, she'd tell him their bet was off. He could keep Ghost. She was too angry to care.

  * * * *

  From her folding chair in front of Infidelity's stall, Maddie stared down the aisle at the two yellow and white wreath's hanging at Riley's end of the barn with envy. The man was too damn lucky. Both horses, both trophies—it was nearly unheard of. And the reporters were having a heyday with it as well.

  Archie walked past her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. He alone understood the depth of her disappointment. Only, if he knew about her other little wager, he'd probably be cheering Riley on.

  At least Sam was all right. He'd broken his collarbone and couldn't ride for the rest of the season, but he would ride again, thank God. He also couldn't explain what happened with Infidelity. However, he did tell her he'd sensed he would come off when he got on in the paddock, so he'd been somewhat prepared. As much as a person could be prepared for a fall like that. He'd asked for Aaron, and with Sam's recommendation, Archie hired Aaron for the Belmont.

  Maddie wondered if the Belmont was even worth their time at this point. Mister Spoilsport deserved the Triple Crown. Frankly, Infidelity was the only horse worthy of challenging him for it. Brimstone came close, but the horse wasn't built for distance, and Belmont was the longest race at a mile and a half. Rival Scout could turn out to be a wild card. She couldn't write him off just yet.

  Right now, however, she had to find a way out of this bet with Riley, without giving up on Ghostly Persuasion. She needed a solution before he came back from his press meeting, and each minute that ticked by only brought that moment nearer. So far, she'd come up with nothing.

  "I'm going to head on back to the hotel, Maddie. John can settle the horses down. Are you going to Bettans’ tonight?” Archie asked as he slung his duffel bag over his shoulder.

  "I have to. Dirk would never forgive me, and if I tried to skip out on it, Daddy would roll over in his grave."

  Archie flashed her a grin. “He sure would. Want to give me a lift there?"

  "Why don't you take the truck, Archie? I'll taxi her back and forth. The lady has a debt to settle with me as it is.” Riley's voice engulfed her.

  She slowly turned around to face him with narrowed eyes.

  "Give Archie the keys, Maddie."

  "Ah...” she faltered, turning to Archie with a pleading look, silently begging him to bail her out of this mess.

  Riley set his hands on her shoulders and leaned down near her ear to murmur, “I'm not asking."

  Her cheeks burned with a rush of anger, and she glowered at him, refusing to move.

  He lifted one eyebrow in silent challenge, daring her to dishonor her end of the agreement.

  She would have if she weren't more afraid of what he might try out of retaliation.

  Rummaging through her small clutch, she found her keys and tossed them to Archie.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Riley waited until Archie disappeared from sight before he broached the subject with Maddie. When he couldn't see him any longer or hear his whistling, he rounded Maddie's chair and dropped down in front of her, blocking her escape by bracing both arms on the chair.

  "So,” he began with an amused smirk. “Time to claim my winnings."

  Maddie grit her teeth and bit out, “I'm not sleeping with you, Riley. Get it out of your head."

  "Okay."

  He wasn't worried about that. That would come. In short time. He had other things in mind first.

  The way Maddie blinked in surprise, however, amused him. She'd actually expected him to demand payment via sex. How very unoriginal of her.

  "What do you want from me?” she asked.

  "Oh, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie. I want a lot of things."

  Suspicious, her green eyes glinted sharp against the setting sun. “Things like?"

  "First, you're going to Bettans’ with me tonight. Not meeting me there. With me. As my date. And, in order to keep Stephanie far from me, you're going to act like you want to be there."

  "What's second?"

  He shrugged. “I haven't decided yet. But we're going to find out just how much Ghost is worth to you, one way or the other."

  He almost laughed at her dark expression. Oh, she wasn't happy. Looked downright pissed off. This was going to be fun, indeed.

  He dropped his eyes to the deep cut in her dress, taking in the swell of her full breasts, and gave in to the urge he'd fought all day. Lifting one finger, he trailed it down between them and swirled a lazy pattern over her sensitive flesh. At the light touch, they tightened, and the hardened peaks of her nipples pressed against the lightweigh
t material. “I'm not so very good at looking without touching,” he murmured. “You're going to have to tolerate a bit of that."

  When he glanced up, her eyes were closed, her lips slightly parted. He smiled inwardly. She could protest all she wanted, but between their earlier kiss and the softness in her current expression, Riley had his answers. She still wanted him.

  Glancing quickly over his shoulder, he insured no one lingered nearby, then bent in closer and settled his mouth over hers. When he nipped at her lower lip, he slipped his hand beneath the loosely gathered material, and cupped her breast. She arched into him, bringing her lips firmly against his. He claimed them with slow deliberateness.

  She didn't fight when he deepened the kiss. As he caressed her taut flesh, he gave the hardened center a sharp twist, then quickly brushed his thumb across it to soothe the bite of pain. She moaned into his mouth.

  He shifted his weight, balancing himself better, and set his other hand on her knee as he skimmed his way across her chest to explore her other breast. Her hands found his shoulders, her fingers curled into his shirt, and he summoned his control to keep his desire in check. Slanting his mouth across hers, he deepened their kiss further, sweeping his tongue across hers in a lazy fashion as if he had nothing better to do than kiss her all night long.

  With a deliberate tug on her nipple, he savored her little sound of pleasure, and slid his hand further up the inside of her thigh. Her legs parted ever so slightly, and Riley fought off a fiery burst of need. God, this might yet kill him.

  Inching higher, he swept his thumb across her sensitive center, and dipped into the folds of her moist flesh. Maddie's nails bit into his shoulders, as her knees fell to the side. He lingered only a moment, stroking her until she lifted her hips. Then, he slid his hand away, fastening it once more on her knee.

  Although he wanted nothing more than to haul her into the nearby stall and claim her right there, he pulled his hand away from her breast as he brought the kiss to a leisurely close. Pressing his forehead lightly to hers, he whispered, “Maddie, you're all wet."

  She took a moment to catch her breath, licked her lips and fixed him with a smile before she whispered in return, “And you're an asshole."

  Riley laughed out loud, jumped up, and pulled her to her feet. “Come. We've got a dinner to go to.” He tugged at his trousers to make room, unconcerned about hiding his own arousal, and led her toward his truck.

  "I don't think this is such a good idea, Riley. Surely there's another way we can settle this?” she asked as he opened her door.

  "What's this I hear? Maddie McCleery trying to weasel out of a fair bet? Your daddy would skin you alive, darlin'."

  When she turned three shades of red, Riley knew he'd made his point. She wouldn't try to back out again. He gave her a wink, helped her inside, and went around to let himself in.

  The engine roared to life, and he backed out of the parking space. “Do you need to change?"

  "Just my date,” she grumbled.

  Riley laughed again. “All right, we'll go straight there."

  Poor Maddie, he mused as they drove along in silence. Damn shame this was going to be one of the most enjoyable nights of his adult life. All at her expense.

  * * * *

  At Dirk Bettans', the atmosphere was completely different than Harvey Weatherson's after-race party. For starters, Dirk didn't invite as many people, so the gathering was far more close-knit. Secondly, Dirk's large Maryland estate sat in the heart of his forty acres, and he always opened up his barns to let people come and go as they pleased, creating a more casual environment. Last, this time, all of their friends and associates now believed Riley was involved with Maddie, which gave him the freedom to interact with her as he desired, not cover up his constant need to touch her with polite manners.

  They entered holding hands, and for the first time, Riley experienced what it was like to be at Maddie's side when the entire room stopped functioning and took note of her arrival. It felt a little surreal, frankly. He'd assumed once people believed she was off-limits, their fascination with her would fade.

  Wrong.

  Evidently no one cared, and like vultures waiting to swoop down and devour, their gazes fastened on her—and now him as well—with what Riley felt was the distinct desire for him to fail. As he escorted her across the front foyer to Dirk's cocktail bar, it occurred to him he'd have to battle this for a long time to come if he intended to stay with Maddie for any amount of time. Oddly, it left him a little pleased and more than a little possessive.

  "What would you like, angel?” he asked near her ear, letting his lips linger as he got the distinct impression he needed to mark his territory.

  She nodded at the previously poured, and waiting, glasses of white wine. “Wine's fine."

  He handed her one and took another for himself, then slid his hand to the base of her spine and escorted her into the parlor where they joined Dirk and his wife, Tanya.

  "Maddie,” Tanya cried as she embraced her. “It's always such a treat to see you. Your parents were such good friends of ours. How are things, sweetie? I heard the news, and I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you and Riley are dating. Your daddy once said, if you two ever got together, he'd know integrity would always be at the heart of McCleery Racing."

  Riley gave Maddie credit. For being angry with him, she didn't show it. In fact, she played her part of enthusiastic date to the nines. She leaned into Riley, setting her head on his shoulder in a gesture of affection as she replied, “Daddy always knew the things that pleased me. Even when I didn't."

  She turned her eyes up to him, and he glanced down. But what was written there surprised him more than her convincing act. She looked like she was actually enjoying standing at his side. His brows puckered with suspicion. Of all the people in this room, he knew first-hand the games she was capable of.

  Surprising him further, she rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, sealing his conviction she was up to something, again.

  "Jennings.” Dirk turned his steady gaze on Riley, his usual amusement behind his blue eyes missing. “I promised her dad I'd look out for her. Let's leave it at that, shall we?"

  Riley felt suddenly like the eighteen-year-old football star taking his date to Prom. He answered with a curt nod, and slid his arm around Maddie's waist, bringing her closer to his side. “I don't think you've got much to worry about there, Dirk. Maddie's a treasure."

  The truth. Damn it felt good to put it out in the open. Although, when he'd quite accepted that he didn't know. Maybe this morning when he'd kissed her in front of everyone. Maybe last night when she refused to see him. He didn't particularly care.

  "Did you see my filly yet?” Dirk changed the subject.

  "No, we haven't. Do you have a special one?"

  Maddie stiffened at his side, and as he stole a glance at her, he read interest in her expression.

  "I sure do. A two-year-old by Maker Mine."

  Maker Mine claimed the last two legs of the Triple Crown four years ago, and his stud fee was over a million dollars. His offspring were making huge marks in the racing industry and the bloodlines were highly sought after.

  "Oooh,” Maddie remarked. She recognized the significance as well.

  "She's out in the paddock behind the barn. Little lass hates to be penned up in a stall. Go have a look-see, she might show off for you a little. She loves attention."

  "We'll do that after a bit. Need to make the rounds and say hello,” Riley replied.

  With that, he excused them and escorted Maddie to a table of brightly colored foods.

  Maddie picked up several pieces of fruit, but when she offered him a strawberry from between thumb and forefinger, Riley's grin turned into a hearty chuckle. He recognized the game instantly—the same one that started all this nonsense.

  He took it between his teeth. Only tonight, instead of just biting off the fruit as he had at Weatherson's, he took her forefinger into his mouth and sucked on the da
inty digit before he let it slide away slowly, nipping her fingertip as it raked over his teeth.

  Maddie's eyes glimmered like emeralds.

  Tonight he wasn't going to lose. The stakes were too high for anything but winning.

  Leaning closer to her, he lowered his voice to an intimate level. “Maybe what comes second is sitting in the tub and feeding each other. I suddenly find that extremely erotic."

  Her cheeks pinkened in that delightful way that made his gut twist, and she gave him a flirty smile. “I said I wasn't sleeping with you, Riley."

  "Darlin', I wasn't thinking about sleeping at all,” he answered with a wink. “But I assure you, there'll be no sex unless you ask for it."

  "Don't hold your hopes too high,” she murmured before she trailed one fingernail down the length of his shirt and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck.

  "Riley, I've been looking for you all day,” a feminine voice called out from behind him.

  Riley stiffened, recognizing it instantly. Stephanie. He shot Maddie a pleading look, then turned around and plastered a polite smile on his face.

  "Good evening, Stephanie. Have you met Maddie?"

  "Maddie and I've known each other a long time.” She turned her forced smile on Maddie. “How do you know Riley? I didn't realize you were seeing anyone, Maddie. Last I'd heard you were still holding on to that jockey who stole your heart years ago."

  Hearing Stephanie's underlying venom, Riley bristled. He held his breath, hoping Maddie wouldn't use the moment to her advantage, and she at least had some compassion buried inside underneath all her anger. He also sent up a silent prayer that she wouldn't retort with a catty remark that fueled Stephanie's need to sink her claws in.

  "Who, Nate?” Maddie asked with false innocence.

  Stephanie nodded, flashing Riley a sideways glance and a private smile. “I know Riley has a way about him that is positively sinful at times, but the way people talked, Maddie, you were the last one I'd imagine falling under his spell. I'd hate to think you went from one broken heart to another. You're too sweet for that."

  Riley's felt the heat fill his face at Stephanie's subtle insinuation, but the way Maddie went rigid next to him made him want to strangle the dark haired witch.