The Damaged Heroes Collection [Box Set #1: The Damaged Heroes Collection] (BookStrand Publishing Mainstream)

by James, Sandy

  Chris came to stand beside her. He elbowed her and pointed at Seth. “Did you get those for him?”

  Katie shook her head. “No. He got them all by himself. I take it you didn’t know either.”

  “No, I didn’t. But the day I ordered mine, he went back to the shop. Must have ordered his then. Why do you think he chose your colors?”

  She felt a tear spill over onto her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “I don’t know, but I’m happy about it anyway.”

  “Katie, the guy likes you. Hell, I think he even loves you. I’ve seen you guys together, remember? What are you gonna do when he leaves?”

  “I don’t know. That’s a long time away,” Katie answered, shaking her head and waving her hand to dismiss the negative thought. “I don’t want to think about it now.” She wouldn’t let worry spoil such incredible moment in time. No matter what happened in the future, she would never, never forget this night.

  “Gotta run,” Katie called to Chris as she hurried to meet Seth who had finished his two miles.

  As he guided Gold off of the track, she caught the colt’s bridle. “How’d he do?”

  “Smooth as a baby’s bare butt. I think he’ll be good,” Seth replied as he deftly dismounted and walked beside the jog cart.

  “How’d you do?”

  “Got a lot of funny stares. One of the trainers meowed like a cat and snapped his whip when he drove by.”

  Although Katie tried not to smile, it was a difficult task as her mind formed pictures of the encounter. She tried to smooth Seth’s ruffled feathers. “I’m sorry they’re giving you a hard time.”

  “I’m not. I chose these colors. If people want to blow shit my way because I...”

  Katie waited anxiously for Seth to finish the thought, but he never did. “I’ll take care of Gold,” she finally said. “Go relax in the driver’s lounge until the race.”

  “You don’t need me?”

  Katie narrowed her eyes even though the insult was probably not intentional. “Oh, I think I can handle it from here, Rookie. Good God, I knew this would be bad for your ego.”

  Once she had secured her colt in his stall, she paced nervous circles around the paddock, seldom acknowledging the other horsemen. The races progressed at what she thought was an excruciatingly slow pace. She checked her watch more than a dozen times as the minutes seemed to drag into hours. When the official finally called for the race before Gold’s, she returned to her horse to complete the final few tasks that would prepare him for the first leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes.

  Pulling Katie’s green sulky behind him, Seth made his way to Gold’s stall. He leaned the bike up against the wall and appeared to be waiting patiently for his race to be called. If he was nervous, he did a good job of hiding it. She, on the other hand, was pretty sure she would throw up again.

  “It’ll be fine, Boss. You okay with this?” Seth asked. It seemed odd to have him be so reassuring.

  “Just don’t do anything stupid. For the love of God, please don’t be a cowboy.”

  Seth nodded and grabbed the race bike when the officials called them forward. Katie led Gold from his stall and helped Seth attach the bike firmly to the harness. She double and triple checked all the equipment before taking her colt’s bridle and leading the way out of the paddock to the post parade.

  Seth jumped on the race bike, swung his legs to center, and tucked the excess reins under him before donning his glasses. Although Katie knew adrenaline had to be raging through his system with the intensity of a summer thunderstorm, he maintained a cool and calm outward demeanor. He didn’t show an ounce of fear.

  She released the horse to his control, patted his shoulder, and gave him some last minute instructions. “Remember, race him off the pace. Good luck. Be safe.” She almost said “I love you,” almost let it roll off her tongue without a thought, but she caught herself in the nick of time. He sure as hell didn’t need to be worrying about something as bothersome as her unrequited feelings during his first major race.

  With a nod, Seth entered the track as Katie’s eyes tracked him with the precision of radar. She was well aware that she and her driver were the talk of everyone at the track. To use a rookie driver in a race as important as the sire stakes was unheard of and considered by many to be downright stupid. Earlier in the evening, one of the veteran drivers had even called her an “idiot female” right to her face.

  Of course, the little dog and pony show that Katie and Seth had performed earlier in the paddock would surely be fodder for the gossip mill for weeks to come.

  Gripping the fence, Katie’s knuckles went white as the starter called for the horses. “Keep him safe, God. Please keep him safe.” The animals eased behind the gate as they increased to full pacing speed. The gates folded and the race began.

  Katie chewed nervously on her bottom lip. Seth was starting from one of the outside spots and had to settle for easing Gold into the middle of the pack as they advanced through the first turn. Several horses pushed into the outer flow. Seth couldn’t seem to find a chance to steer Gold away from the rail. Boxed in with nowhere to go, she knew that he’d have to bide his time and hope for a way to get through traffic in the stretch.

  “That’s it, Baby. Be patient,” Katie whispered. “Save it for the stretch.”

  As the pack entered the last turn, Seth forced Gold to the outer flow, eventually taking the horse wide outside two stalling horses. She could see the colt straining to be let loose to race at his top speed. “Keep a hand on him, Seth.” As if heeding her warning, Seth patiently waited until the top of the stretch to give the horse his head. It was now simply a matter of which of the horses had the most left for the long journey home.

  As soon as the racers passed by the paddock, Katie ran to the TV to stand next to Chris.

  “Ouch! That’ll leave a mark!” Chris pushed her hand away. She hadn’t even realized she punched his arm. Chris pointed to the television. “He found a higher gear, Katie! Look at that colt go!”

  Seth weaved through traffic, moving first left then right before he found an unobstructed path to bring the horse to the wire. She suddenly froze. Her limbs were nothing but dead weight, her mouth dry as cotton. “He’s going to... to... win.”

  Once the way became clear, she saw Seth whistling and hitting his whip against the metal sulky, urging Gold to give one last push. With a surge, Gold crossed the finish line only a head in front of his closest rival.

  Katie was too shocked to even react, too stunned to move. He won. He actually won.

  Chris finally gave a tug on her arm to get her attention. “C’mon. Get in the van.”

  He jarred Katie back to her senses. “Thanks!” she shouted and then ran for the van. As the vehicle buzzed down the track to reach the grandstand, she jerked the door open and jumped out before the van even came to a full stop. She jogged out to meet her horse and driver.

  “How’d I do, Boss?” Seth asked with a haughty grin as he swung his legs to dismount the still moving race bike.

  “Not bad... for a rookie,” Katie teased as she grabbed Gold’s bridle to lead him into the winner’s circle.

  Katie reveled in the moment, wanting to capture the time and suspend all that would come. She could hear the race announcer’s voice commenting on how both Spun Gold and Seth “Crash” Reynolds had broken their “maiden” in the same race. She also caught a mention of Kathleen Murphy being both trainer and owner of the winning colt. Her spirit swelled with pride and satisfaction. This moment should last forever.

  Seth slid back on the race bike and patted the frame next to him. Katie sat down and wrapped her arm around his waist. They returned to the paddock together, listening to the whistles and cheers from the crowd as they passed by. Trainer, driver, and horse victorious.

  There had never been a time in her racing life that Katie was so happy to go to the test barn.

  * * * *

  Having shed his colors and changed into his civvies, Seth caught up with Katie as s
he led Gold from the test barn back to the trailer. “Ready to head home?”

  “I figured you’d want to stay here and celebrate.”

  Oh, yes, he had plans to celebrate. Lots of plans. But they didn’t involve the track. “I’d rather be alone with you,” he said as he took Katie’s hand in his. What a night. What a damn fine night.

  Ross came striding from the paddock toward them. “Damn it.” Seth dropped her hand before he gestured at Ross with his thumb. “Why’s he here?”

  “Oh, I forgot all about him. Can you get Gold in the trailer? Ross needed to talk to me.” She handed Seth the lead rope.

  “Sure. Whatever,” Seth replied, doing nothing to disguise the annoyance he felt. He jerked the rope away from her and ignored her narrowed eyes. “Tell him I’m behaving myself, being a good boy.” This was his night, not Ross Kennedy’s, and Seth resented the lawyer drawing even a moment Katie’s attention.

  “I’ll only be a few minutes. But you don’t have to wait for me. If you want to go back to the dorm—”

  “You’ll need help with Gold when you get back. I’ll just ride out with you.”

  Katie probably recognized the flimsy excuse, but Seth hoped that her heart dominated her brain on this special night. She cocked her head and watched him for a moment before she finally nodded. “Fine. I’ll be right back.”

  As Katie took Ross’s outstretched hand, Seth seethed as he watched them walk away together. “Did you see that? Can’t keep his hands off her,” he grumbled to Gold. “Touching what isn’t his.” The colt nudged Seth with his nose and was rewarded with a pat on the neck. “Come on. Let’s get in the trailer.”

  * * * *

  Ross finally found one of the few private spots near the paddock and turned to talk to Katie. “We’ve got a big problem. Do you ever watch The Tattler?”

  “That sleazy gossip show? I’d never watch something like that.”

  “They’ve put a bounty on Seth’s head.” The calm look on her face told Ross she didn’t grasp the gravity of the whole situation. “If someone knows where he is, the show will pay ten grand. I don’t think we’re going to be able to keep a lid on this much longer.”

  “Surely no one cares that much about where—”

  Ross shook his head. “I forgot that you don’t watch much TV. Believe me, any of those low life reporters would give his right arm to know where Seth Remington disappeared to.”

  Katie’s face finally registered some alarm. “What happens if they show up here?”

  “Run. Get away from them and protect yourself. If they find out about you two...”

  She went wide-eyed before she regained control. Her words came out slow, measured, clearly sizing up the situation before she’d react again. “What do you mean, Ross?”

  “I was at the farm this afternoon, Katie. I saw you two sleeping together,” Ross calmly replied. He wasn’t about to let her know that she’d broken his heart. That was entirely beside the point. Now they were talking business.

  “We didn’t... You can’t... Seth can’t lose his money.”

  “I’m probably a damn fool for ignoring what’s going on between the two of you, but I’m not going to tell anyone.” A cold fear suddenly gripped him as he allowed himself to view the whole situation with something other than his wounded pride. Katie was too trusting to know the awful things that could happen where that amount of money was concerned, and he realized no one was looking out for her. “Unless Remington is twisting your arm about the inheritance. He’s not, is he? If he’s pushing you...”

  She shook her head and appeared too stunned to utter a reply.

  Ross put his hand on her shoulder. “If he’s not pressuring you to give him the money, I won’t jam him up. But Katie, I’m worried about you.”

  “Why? What are you afraid of?” She either honestly didn’t understand or was simply too deep in denial. He knew he needed to set her straight.

  “You love the guy, but we both know there can’t be any kind of future for you two. He’s going to break your heart.”

  “Seth wouldn’t—”

  “Katie, you’re being naïve. You need to live in the real world for a while. I know you think he’s changed, but do you really think a guy like Seth Remington will give up that much money to live in a barn?” Katie obviously knew the answer, but from the pained expression on her face, he figured that she didn’t want to believe it. Ross pressed the point. “Sure, he’s having fun now. But a guy like that is used to nice things, fast cars, big parties. Nothing in Indiana can compare to Chicago. I don’t want to hurt you, but you need to hear it from someone. No matter which way you look at this, it can’t end well. It just can’t.”

  As tears gathered in her eyes, Ross wondered how many times she might have heard the same warnings from her friends. And how many times had she ignored them? “If the press swarms, I’ll come for Seth. If they get to you, call me. I’ll send some help.”

  “You make it sound like he’ll be in danger.”

  “He might be. You might be. You’ve never dealt with the paparazzi before. They’re vicious. Just call me if they show up. I’ll protect you.”

  Ross noticed Seth taking quick strides toward them. “Congratulations, Crash.”

  “Thanks, Matlock.” Seth turned to Katie. “You guys done?”

  Katie nodded. “Thanks, Ross. I appreciate you coming to let me know.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Of course, he had to bend down a little to accommodate her. Lord, the woman was tiny.

  Ross didn’t have the courage to tell her that he could have passed the information along in a phone call. He’d made the long trip because he wanted to spend some time with her. After seeing her lying in Seth’s arms, Ross figured he’d lost the war before he even had the opportunity to wage a battle. The notion of losing a woman as special as Katie to a man like Seth Remington, someone who would surely hurt her, was almost unbearable. A hit below the belt. Katie deserved better. Much better. “I’ll be in touch,” he finally said before walking away from the couple.

  “What did he want?” Seth asked.

  “Nothing important,” Katie replied. “Let’s go.” She took his hand to lead him to her truck.

  * * * *

  They arrived at the barn, and Seth tended to Gold while Katie checked water buckets and then made notes on the training board.

  Watching her contemplating the week ahead, Seth remembered Katie’s face when she saw his colors. Her reaction had been more than he’d hoped it would be. He’d ordered them as a way to thank her for mentoring him, for teaching him everything she could about the sport. For making him a man his father would admire. But things had changed when he fell in love with her.

  And God help him, he did love her. When he’d strode into the paddock, those colors became a declaration of that love, the only declaration he could make.

  Despite all that could happen because of it, he loved her anyway. Why couldn’t he just say the words? Three ridiculous little words that wouldn’t really change anything or held the power to change everything.

  Damn you, Pops! Why do I have to choose? Didn’t you ever consider that I might fall for her? Maybe if you’d only made the no-contact rule a year...

  Seth walked up behind Katie and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back against him and closed her eyes. He kissed the top of her head.

  “I’ve been waiting forever for someone like you,” she whispered as she put her hands over his and let her fingers caress his skin.

  Just like I’ve been waiting forever for you.

  But all they’d ever have was now.

  He put his chin on her head, inhaled her scent like a wine’s bouquet. “Aren’t you going to say ‘Seth, we can’t’?”

  “We both know damn well why you came back here tonight.” She tossed the black marker at the board before she turned in his arms, put her hand behind his head, and pulled him into a deep kiss. He responded with enthusiasm.

  Seth kissed her and let his to
ngue claim her mouth with enough passion to make her sag against him. He squeezed her, trying to draw her to him until he finally lifted her off her feet. Katie wrapped her legs around his waist, and he carried her to her room. He didn’t put her down again until he kicked the door shut.

  In a flurry of undressing, clothes flew through the air to land in piles on the floor. He tried to push her onto the bed, wanting her with an intensity that made him close to desperate, but she resisted. Seth suddenly realized that she wanted control, wanted to take the lead, wanted to make love to him this time. The idea of his shy Katie taking charge was more intoxicating than pure alcohol. God, how he burned for her. Burned with a fire that would lay waste to anything separating him from her, to anyone who dared keep them apart.

  Seth stretched out on the small bed as Katie quickly straddled him. The anticipation became blissful torture. She rained kisses on his face and neck, ran her hands down his stomach. She wrapped her fingers around him, and this time, she didn’t immediately let go. Seth wasn’t sure just how long he could handle the torture as she moved her cool fingers over his erection.

  Nothing had ever made Katie feel as free as Seth’s acceptance of her touch, her kiss. He didn’t do anything to stop her. He didn’t make her feel inexperienced or timid. He didn’t tell her she had so very much to learn. He didn’t tell her sex better with other women. He simply responded to her with honesty and passion.

  Katie suddenly released him and rose to settle over him. “Now, Seth. I want you now,” she purred as she eased him inside her. Her fear of losing him gave her desire a hint of desperation. She wanted to reach out and grasp every single moment she had left to savor his touch, to know the feel of him deep inside her. To love him while she still could.

  Their bodies moved together in a frenzy to find release. Higher and higher, reaching for stars just out of their grasp. Katie’s body spasmed in pleasure, and she threw her head back and sang his name like the last, splendid note to a sad song.