by Lita Lawson
Breathing deeply, he outlined his plan for Foolish Gamble to Garrison, careful not to reveal too many details about his partnership with Cassi to the jockey. Like he knew he would, Garrison bit. The man desperately needed a job, a way back inside the elite circle, and he knew Garrison would do whatever he asked of him. Working for Austin would make him look more respectable…and then others would look more favorably upon him and possibly begin offering him jobs again.
“How many races will we run? The full summer circuit?”
“Yes,” Austin replied. “We plan on getting him entered into the fall stakes at Keeneland. But there’s a special tactic to handle.” Austin paused before he said the next words…words that couldn’t be taken back once said. “We need him to win enough so my partner isn’t suspicious, but lose enough that the horse isn’t eligible to qualify for the fall stakes race.”
“I never knew you had it in you, Austin. I always pictured you as one of the most straight up horse owners I’d ever met. You’ve got my respect!” Garrison winked at him conspiratorially.
Austin’s stomach turned in revulsion. He was sinking low to have reached a level where a slimy man like Garrison would respect him, consider him an equal, conniving like him. Raking his fingers through his hair, Austin paused a moment to rethink the whole ludicrous proposition. As long as Cassi never found out, it would be like taking candy from a baby. Without a doubt, it made Austin the big bad wolf. It wasn’t a picture he wanted of himself, but he was feeling as desperate as he knew Cassi must. Garrison interrupted Austin’s thoughts.
“When do I start?”
“I’m meeting with my partner later this afternoon to discuss all the details. I imagine in a few days we’ll want you to start working out with the horse. Our first race will probably be in Indiana in a couple of weeks. In the meantime,” Austin paused and scrawled something on a check, then handed it to Garrison, “here’s an initial advance for your work.”
Garrison quickly grabbed the check and whistled after seeing the amount. “I sure like doing business with you, Austin.”
“Remember,” Austin commanded, “this is absolutely secret. If word ever gets out about this, I’ll deny it to the hilt. With your reputation, everyone will believe me and disbelieve you.”
“Anything you say.” The jockey grinned. “I’m your man.” His short legs touched the floor as he got out of the chair. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
“I’ll give you a call.” Austin nodded at the man as he took his leave.
Austin tried to reassure himself that he wasn’t at the same level as Garrison. But he knew he was even lower than the disreputable jockey. At least Garrison didn’t pretend to be anything that he wasn’t. Austin was acting the high and mighty nobleman but, in reality, he was just as devious and underhanded as Garrison had ever been.
Storming over to the credenza, he jerked the heavy glass stopper off the decanter and poured himself a whiskey. Carelessly shoving the lid back in place, Austin silently cursed himself. He wondered why his father had to die so young, why his mother married such a creep, and why she hadn’t let Austin run the family farm. If any of those things had unfolded differently, he wouldn’t be in the position of making unscrupulous deals and cheating Cassi out of her own farm.
Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to block out his thoughts. He belted back the alcohol, welcoming the fire as it burned a liquid trail down his throat. It was early in the day, and he wasn’t a drinking man. But he needed something to numb his mind and ease his conscience. Especially when he would be face to face with Cassi soon. He’d be out and out lying to her. Betraying her. Presenting a false face to her. Somehow, he had to steel himself against those trusting green eyes. But her trust could be an illusion, an act like Annie Mae’s, designed to snare him in her own net of deceit.
He sighed heavily and walked toward one of the twin windows that framed his desk. Looking out, the view allowed him the ability to see the main horse barn, the rolling terrain and the rows of white fences. Soon, he knew, the land within those fences would be up for auction. For sale to the highest bidder. And he knew he would never be able to be part of that bidding. Only a large corporation would be able to afford all his family had built. His stepfather would soon have torn everything to shreds in a fraction of the time it had taken his family to build it.
His stepfather had a penchant for living high on the hog. Everyone knew he had a weakness for the gaming tables in Monte Carlo. He had been poor himself, and had worked as a stable hand for Keller Farms. Austin snorted in derision when he remembered how little time the man had wasted on moving in on his mother after his father had died, preying on her vulnerable state. His good old boy act had easily won her over. He had known all the right things to say to her and he kept her from being lonely for her deceased husband.
Austin propped his arm against the window and leaned against it, continuing to survey his family’s property. He needed land, horses, fields, and fences like humans needed air. But he didn’t have enough money to buy a small farm outright. That’s why he had to go about his plan with Cassi. Betting her farm on Foolish Gamble told Austin her passion matched his. That’s what made it so damned difficult to follow through with what he put into motion with Garrison. Austin intimately knew the same desperation Cassi must feel. Desperate people do desperate things. He also knew she would do anything to save her land, including using Austin’s money and affections to achieve her goal. Perhaps they were more alike than he wanted to admit.
A knock sounded on the door, interrupting his thoughts. Glancing at his watch, it was a few minutes before Cassi would arrive to meet him. “Come in,” Austin yelled. He turned around to face her. “I’ve been expecting—” The words died on his lips when Annie Mae, not Cassi, entered.
“I certainly hope you’ve been expecting me.”
Austin looked at her as she stood there. One of her arms rested against the doorframe, pressed against it for dramatic effect. She looked better than the last time he had seen her in her revealing gown. And he knew that she knew she looked good. He considered the amount of time she had probably spent in picking out the right outfit to wear; every nuance of the ensemble had undoubtedly been well planned. He hated to admit it, but the results were breathtaking.
“Actually, I’m expecting someone else,” Austin said casually. Satisfaction filled him when her eyes narrowed at his cutting remark. He still hadn’t forgiven her for nonchalantly handing over his horse to a complete stranger. Never would.
Annie Mae kept her usual composed demeanor, “I don’t expect this will take long.”
She sashayed over to him, her panther-like walk pure suggestive seduction. Austin admired the gait, but despised the woman who had mastered it so well. Eyeing her warily, he looked over the outfit she had chosen. A leopard blouse with the top three buttons undone, allowing a teasing view of the round swells of her breasts underneath. The revealing top was tucked into a pair of skintight black leather pants, a black chiffon scarf tied at her neck, and stiletto heeled boots completed the picture. Annie Mae’s curly locks were held stiffly in place by gels she used. He preferred how Cassi wore her hair; loose, soft, and free. He longed to touch it.
Annie Mae’s appearance in the past would have pleased him. But that was before she had given away his horse. Now it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Coming back to the situation at hand, Austin replied, “I’m expecting a business appointment any minute now. Whatever you want will have to wait.”
“But darling,” Annie Mae drawled, “I came here to apologize. I know what I did was, well, naughty of me.”
Austin wasn’t taken in by the furious batting of her eyes. “No need for apologies, Annie Mae. The damage has been done.”
“But, I could help you get your horse back.”
“I already have. Cassi willingly signed Bella Donna back over to me.” He glared at her, anger still seething inside him. “Apparently she has a better respect for a man’s horse than you
do.”
“I’m so glad,” Annie Mae purred. “Then there’s not a problem anymore, is there?”
Austin could easily see right through her. How had he been taken in by her before? She was so obviously manipulative and calculating. Austin compared her to Cassi, who appeared warm and innocent. He chided himself for having been taken in by her so quickly. After he’d had his eyes opened by Annie Mae, he knew he shouldn’t trust women at all. They were nothing but trouble, dressed as temptresses.
“If that’s all you wanted, you can leave now.” Austin dismissed her.
“No, honey. It’s not.”
Austin braced himself for the onslaught of her manipulations as she moved toward him. He steeled himself not to react to her seductive moves he knew she would make.
“I feel so bad,” Annie Mae stepped directly in front of him. “I truly am sorry. I was so disappointed that you didn’t want to give me an engagement ring.”
His muscles tensed as she put her hands on her hips, drawing the fabric of her blouse taut and spread the gap of the fabric wider, revealing more of her rounded swells. Despite stepping back from her, Annie Mae placed her hands on his hips and pressed herself against him.
“Please, Austin,” she cooed, “please, can’t you ever forgive me? I’ve missed you terribly. I’m so lonely for you.”
He closed his eyes in disgust at her act, and before he could push her away, he heard another knock at the door.
“Whoever it is, send them away,” Annie Mae whispered to Austin. “Let me show you how much I want you to forgive me.” She started to tug at his belt.
He grabbed her hands. “Stop it, Annie Mae.” Austin growled through gritted teeth. “I’m not interested in what you have to say or what you want to do.” With that, he pushed her away from him. Grabbing her by the forearm, he ushered her ungallantly to the open door and right past Cassi. Belying his anger, Austin greeted her calmly. “Cassi, please come in.” Noticing her looking at Annie Mae, he stated, “she was just leaving.”
“It’s true then, what the blog posted. You truly are slumming.” Annie Mae’s stilettos made her six inches taller and she looked down her nose at Cassi.
Before Austin had a chance to defend Cassi, she retorted, “He’s not slumming, he’s just showing a girl a good time.”
Austin nearly laughed out loud at the look of shock on Annie Mae’s face. He had to admit that Cassi had spunk.
Speechless, Annie Mae huffed out of the den.
“That was priceless,” Austin drawled. He admired Cassi standing up for herself.
“No, it was catty. But she deserved it. I never did anything to her, except be nice to her when she was crying at the racetrack bathroom. And look what that got me!”
“Yes, indeed.” Her presence entranced him. She had her russet hair held back again in the braid she seemed to prefer. Austin couldn’t help but notice her breasts underneath the thin and faded blue work shirt. His pulse quickened at the sight of her. Tight, faded blue jeans molded to her shapely hips. Her jeans were tucked into a pair of well-worn boots—boots that Annie Mae wouldn’t be caught dead in, but they sure looked sexy on Cassi. Since when did broken-in riding boots become a turn-on?
Cassi tried to guard herself against Austin’s spellbinding presence. Tousled dark hair, a hint of five o’clock shadow outlining his square jaw and strong lips tempted her resolve. His golden eyes sparkled as his smile tilted his mouth in a way that made her want to reach out and kiss him. The black polo shirt showed off his deeply tanned, strong arms and hinted at the contours of a washboard chest underneath. Matching black jeans fit snugly to his long, lean legs. His dark hair, combined with the dark shirt and pants, made him look dangerous. Surprising herself, she found a thrill in the hint of that.
“Please, sit down,” Austin motioned toward the leather chairs in front of his massive mahogany desk.
Sitting down across from his desk, she observed him from underneath her lashes. The effort of bracing his arms on the desk before he sat down caused his muscles to ripple.
When Austin started the conversation, Cassi pulled out the paper she had brought with her and prepared to take notes. They discussed the races they would enter. Austin pointed to an article in a magazine he had in front of him, she pulled her chair closer to the desk and leaned forward. She asked Austin a question about the article, and when he didn’t reply, looked up at him.
His hooded tiger-eyes stared at her and she saw gold darkened to bronze. “You didn’t answer my question,” she stated.
“I wasn’t listening,” he admitted.
“Well…” His gaze made her nervous.
“Well, what?”
Their arrangement was strictly business and she vowed it would remain that way. “We need to talk about these things, Austin.”
“I know.” He stood up from the desk and pulled her out of her chair and gestured toward the window. “On a beautiful day like this, we could talk about it while we ride.”
“But we need to get this settled. If you don’t feel like talking about it now, we could do it another time.”
“We’ll ride now, and iron out the details tonight, after the sun has gone down.”
“But I have plenty to do back at my farm,” Cassi protested.
“I believe, Cassi, that you need to be less focused on your farm and learn to enjoy life more.” His gaze met hers. “I dare you.”
She grinned, and relented. They certainly could talk about the different races to enter while they rode. Besides, she’d love to have a tour of the famous Keller Farms. Especially riding beside the most handsome man she had ever met.
“Follow me,” Austin said. “Let’s go get saddled up!”
Cassi enjoyed his touch as he splayed his hand against her lower back and propelled her to the door. She knew he didn’t desire her, only the conquest of her, but she could allow herself to enjoy being with him. She wouldn’t let herself get near him…touch him. That would be more foolish than betting her farm. A foolish gamble of the heart.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Always anxious for the thrill of a ride, Austin escorted Cassi to the main horse barn. She followed as he led them to an office inside. A pair of clean riding boots stood next to the desk. Austin pulled them on and sensed Cassi’s gaze. He said nothing, but met her eyes and grinned. Motioning for her to follow, they made their way back to the stable area. He couldn’t help but wonder what part of him her gaze focused on now.
Handing riding equipment to Cassi, he walked her to a stall next to Bella Donna. The dapple-gray stuck her nose out in friendship, as Austin explained, “This is Chief. He’s been retired for several years now.” He turned to Cassi and said, “He should give you a good ride.”
Austin led the horse to crossties and let Cassi saddle Chief while he prepared Bella Donna, the horse Cassi had momentarily owned, for his ride.
Cassi realized the saddles they were using were identical to the ones for racing. Keenly recognizing she didn’t have such equipment to use when training Foolish Gamble. She realized she would need more money from Austin to prepare her horse.
Once the horses were ready, Cassi walked beside Austin as they led their mounts to a regulation-size racetrack, one-mile long. She clenched her teeth to keep her mouth from dropping in awe. A regulation size racetrack right on their farm! Only in her dreams could she imagine such a luxury.
Austin looked at her. “Ready to race?”
“You’re kidding, right? We’re going to race these valuable horses, risking injury?”
“The track’s in good shape and we’re both excellent riders.”
“I imagine so.” Cassi grinned sweetly, warming to the challenge of the race. “But I’m going to beat you.”
“Oh yeah?” he drawled, taking the challenge. “What makes you so sure of that?”
“Because you weigh twice as much as a jockey and I’m the exact size and required weight.”
“Such an insult. I don’t weigh over two-hundred pounds,” Austi
n grinned as his gaze assessed her. “Most jockeys don’t have curves like yours.”
Cassi flushed slightly at his quick perusal. “That does it! I’ll show no mercy now.”
“Let’s go then.”
Cassi slipped her boot into the stirrup and made the leap into the saddle, swinging her leg over the girth of the horse. She watched with admiration as Austin straddled Bella Donna. Together they loped the horses to the makeshift starting line.
Austin didn’t waste any time and cast her a devilish grin. “On your mark, get ready, set, go!” They were off and running.
Chief proved to be a spirited horse and Cassi enjoyed the wind rushing around her as they galloped down the track. Glancing behind her, Austin was falling behind as she knew he would. His size prevented him from truly competing with her.
Crossing the finish line way ahead of Austin, she laughed out loud. She eased Chief to a slow pace and waited for him to catch up with her.
“Good race,” Austin remarked.
“Thanks.” They rode the horses around the track slowly to cool them down, and then entered the barn.
Austin maneuvered his horse next to hers and dismounted. In a few quick steps he was beside Chief and Cassi. He held his hands up to help her down, and she secretly anticipated his touch.
Placing her palms on his strong shoulders, she pulled her leg over the horse and let him assist her dismount. Much to her surprise, he assisted her in slow motion, inch by tantalizing inch. As he leisurely slid her off the saddle, his body brushed against hers. At last, her feet met the ground and she looked up into his sparkling eyes.
