by L. P. Dover
“Colby,” I moan.
He growls low in his chest and holds on tighter, grunting with his forceful thrusts. “Fuck, you’re getting so tight.”
Digging my nails into his back, I scream out my release, and at the same time I can feel him spasm, cock throbbing as it fills me with his desire. Breathing hard, his body continues to jerk over me with aftershocks and I watch him come undone.
Completely spent, Colby kisses my neck and rests his forehead to mine. “I love you so fucking much.”
My eyes burn. “I love you too. From now on, we’re in this together.”
His gaze meets mine. “I can’t believe you gave everything up for me.”
I clasp his face in my hands. “I’d do anything for you. Now all we have to do is win.”
He kisses me and smiles. “I can do that.”
Nine
Colby
It’s race day. Sleep did not come easily for me last night. My whole life rides on this race. I’ve waited a long time to win. Yes, I’m young and I have plenty of chances to win in the future, but I’m ready now. I’ve paid my dues.
I take one last look in the mirror. My eyes are bloodshot from the lack of sleep. The media is going to have a field day when they see me. I can see the headlines now, Lucky Seven Ranch Trainer, Colby Hensley, on Drugs! My fingers pull the handle and wait for the water to turn warm. I wash my face and rinse my mouth out before shutting the tap off. My reflection doesn’t look any different and there isn’t anything I can do about it now. I had no idea I would be this nervous. I’ve been here before. I’ve sat in the box with my dad many times and I’ve been down on the field when the roses were draped over an Armstrong horse, but I’ve always been in the background. Today, I’m in the spotlight. All through media week, I’ve been able to dodge interviews. It’s not uncommon to forgo any interviews. Some trainers don’t want the limelight while others embrace it. As of right now, I have no intentions of being front and center. I’ll leave that job to Baker and Kendrick.
When I open the door, my friends are standing there, all adorned in navy blue and gold—Lucky Seven Ranch’s colors. Brielle is in our colors, with a matching hat. The sight of her makes my heart do a somersault. She chose me, over her father, and over the money and prestige that comes with being an Armstrong.
Brielle steps forward and clasps her hands with mine, looking right into my eyes. “You’ve got this, Colby. You’ve been here before. You know how everything works.”
I nod. “I know. I have to keep reminding myself.”
Baker steps forward and puts a reaffirming hand on my shoulder. “I have all the faith in you, Colby. If I didn’t think you’d get Lucky Seven back into the winner’s circle, I would’ve had you apprentice with another trainer. You have what it takes to be one of the top trainers in the business, and the youngest. I can only hope you don’t decide the leave the ranch for someone bigger.”
“Not a chance, Baker. Lucky Seven is my home.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll see you in the box.”
“Wait up, Baker. I’ll come with you.” Brielle places her hands on my cheeks and gives me a kiss before leaving with Baker.
Kendrick places a hand on my shoulder. “I’m not going to let you down. We got this.”
I take a deep breath. “Yes, we do.”
I nod and we start toward the jockey room where he’ll get checked. We had our last session with Maximus this morning before derby officials took over. I hated leaving him and wished I could be the one walking him out to the gates today, but it doesn’t work that way. I’m with Kendrick until he turns for the locker room and now wishing I had gone with Baker and Brielle to our box.
Every few feet, someone taps me on my back or shoulder and wishes me good luck, and each time I thank them or wish them the same. I’m almost to the Lucky Seven Ranch section when Dad steps in front of me. He’s dressed in a linen colored suit with a yellow tie—the color Armstrong Acres uses.
“Hey,” I say as I stuff my hands into my pockets. There are people brushing past us. They’re laughing, talking, and hugging. My dad stands there, looking at me. I don’t know if he’s waiting for me to apologize or ask him how he’s doing.
“After the Belmont Stakes, I’m leaving Armstrong Acres.”
My mouth drops open, but I quickly close it when someone walks by and says hi. “Why?” I ask my dad.
“Brielle came to visit me and told me I needed to ask you some questions, but I thought I’d ask Butch first, find out what he knows about my son leaving a job his family has worked at for generations. Do you know what he told me?”
I shake my head.
“He said he tried to make a deal on Maximus, you didn’t like it and left.”
“Yeah, something like that.”
“Here’s the thing, Colby. His reasoning was weak, so I paid a visit to Mr. Kelly and I asked him how he acquired Maximus, and he told me everything. As he told me the story, I started thinking back to the day you came to me, to tell me about the colt and how I brushed you aside. As I reflect on that day and everything that has happened since, I wish I could go back and change things because first and foremost I should’ve never put my employer in front of my son. I should’ve been man enough to stand up for you. I’m sorry I let the job and the family’s dedication to Armstrong get in between us.”
My dad pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly. I’m doing everything I can to fight back my tears. He’s uprooting his life because of me and as much as I applicate it, I don’t want my mom to suffer. When we part, we both dab our eyes.
“Have you given Butch your notice?” I ask.
“No, I want to get through the races without any distractions and if I do it now, he’ll tell me to leave and that’s not fair to Voltaire.”
I nod. “Don’t quit. You’ve made a name for yourself there and mom loves it. It’s her home.”
“You’re more important than a job, son.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Dad. I may not come there to see you, but you’re welcome at Lucky Seven anytime. Besides, there are times when I need to talk to you, and I’d like to be able to do that again.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Me too, and hey, good luck today. Maybe Voltaire is your next winner.”
My dad shakes his head and smiles. “We’ll see. If I’m honest, I’d really like to see my son in the winner’s circle today. Oh, I also wanted to say, you have a good woman in Brielle, and your mom and I would like to do dinner before we leave for Baltimore.” Dad pats me on the arm, winks, and walks away. It takes me a second to get my feet moving but when I finally do, I head toward our booth, without stopping.
I find Brielle, Baker, and his family, along with Kendrick’s family gathering around. When Bri spots me, she holds up her mint julep. “How are you feeling?” she asks as my hand finds the sweet spot on her waist. I kiss her and smile which makes her beam. “I take it you’re feeling great.”
“I am because of you. Why didn’t you tell me you went and saw my dad?” She tries to look away, but I don’t let her. “I’m not mad. Neither is my dad. In fact, he and my mom want us to have dinner this coming week. He’s happy for me and I believe I have you to thank.”
She smiles and looks into my eyes. “I just asked him to not take my dad for his word and reminded him that you were still his son.”
I caress her cheek. “I love you, Brielle.”
Her hand closes over mine. “And I love you, Colby.” She presses her lips to mine.
“Okay, love birds, it’s time.” Baker points toward the track. Immediately my eyes land on Kendrick and Maximus. The colt is trotting next to a crew member and Kendrick’s face is on the jumbo screen with the announcer talking about his family, the ranch, and me. I try not to listen, but when mine and Brielle’s faces are on the screen, I have no choice but to smile. That is, until they pan over to Butch Armstrong and he’s glaring at us. Brielle, not caring, lifts her drink toward her father and takes a sip.
/> “Savage,” I whisper.
“He deserves it,” she says with such snark it reminds me to never get on her bad side. I turn my attention toward the track, watching Maximus the entire time. I look for any signs that he may be in distress or anxious.
He looks perfect.
He looks poised.
He looks like a winner.
Brielle clasps her hand with mine as the horses prepare to enter the gates. I strain to see Kendrick, to see if he’s struggling with Maximus, but everything is a blur. Before I can even register what’s going on the gates are open and the field of twenty-one horses are barreling toward turn one. The crowd roars as the thundering sound of hooves rushes past everyone. Brielle is beside me, jumping up and down, yelling for Maximus, but she’s calling Max and I like it. I can’t bring myself to join in the fun, not until they come around the last turn. Maximus and Voltaire are neck and neck, and I imagine the announcers are going crazy—father and son are in the lead.
My freehand grips the railing and I lean forward, needing to be as close as I can get. I want to be in the infield, timing his run. Coaching him through the turns. I know Kendrick can do it, this what we’ve been training for. All the wins up to this point mean nothing.
And then, they’re there, coming full speed at us. The field turns the last corner and Kendrick pushes Maximus out in front. His arms are pushing and pulling the reins as dirt and clumps of earth spray the jockey’s behind them.
“Faster,” I mutter.
But it’s Brielle’s words that really reach me. “Oh, my God, he’s going to do it.”
I don’t know what she means until everyone around me erupts. Baker’s arms are around me and Brielle is kissing me. The people in front of us are touching my hand, my arm, whatever they can, and my horse, the colt I helped birth is on the jumbo screen, trotting with an official while Kendrick pats him on his neck.
“What just happened?”
“Oh, sweetie, you just won the Kentucky Derby! Come on, we gotta go.” Brielle takes my hand and follows behind Baker. He’s the true winner, along with Maximus’ owner. I’m just the guy who showed him how to be his best.
When we reach the infield, microphones are thrust into my face. I have to say something, but I don’t know what.
“How do you feel, Colby?” one of the reporters asks.
“Holy shit,” I say and quickly cover my mouth. Guess that will be bleeped out when it hits the news. Before I can answer any more questions, my parents are busting through the crowd to get to me. My dad envelopes me in his strong hold.
“I’m so damn proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I say as he hands me off to my mom.
“You did it, Colby.”
I did, didn’t I?
The frenzy is crazy. I’m pulled in every direction until I’m close enough to Kendrick. We hug awkwardly since he’s still mounted. “Thanks for giving me a chance,” he says in my ear.
“There isn’t any other man out there more perfect than you to ride this horse.” The blanket of roses is laid over Maximus’ saddle, but I’m not there to witness it because I’m standing in front of him. I run my hand over his muzzle and lean my forehead down.
“You did it, boy. You actually fucking did it.”
Ten
Brielle
It’s been seven weeks since Maximus won the Derby, five since he wowed the grandstands with a win at the Preakness, a week since he made history by crossing the finish line first at the Belmont Stakes. Not many ranches and trainers can say they’ve won the Triple Crown, but Lucky Seven Ranch and Colby can. Colby has been nonstop busy with interviews and phone calls. So many people want him to train their horses. This is the break he’s always wanted, but I can tell he’s not used to the attention. For so long, he’s been in the shadows of the racing world. Not anymore. I keep telling him he’ll have to get used to it. I’m so happy for him, especially now that he’s worked everything out with his father. I wish I could say the same for mine.
There are still articles about me leaving Armstrong Acres for the competition and how tension is on the rise. The media will say anything to get the drama they want. However, it does make it hard when going out in public. So many people walk up to me and ask how things are. What can I say really? The truth is that it breaks my heart. I moved out of my house which is owned by my father. He never said I had to, but I needed to show my independence. For the past week, I’ve been living with Colby at his place. Let’s just say, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Looking at him through the kitchen window, something tells me he has too by the post coital glow on his face.
I pour us both some fresh-squeezed lemonade and a shot of whiskey. It’s the perfect afternoon treat. When I walk outside to the back deck, his smile brightens when he sees what I have.
“You read my mind.”
Winking, I hand him his glass. “Don’t get too relaxed though. You promised me round two.”
Colby chuckles and grabs my wrist, pulling me onto his lap. I squeal and try not to spill the contents in my glass. He kisses my neck and nips me. “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be ready.”
Leaning against his chest, I take a sip of my drink. “Good. Then, afterwards, we can make some dinner. I’m thinking chicken tacos tonight.”
“A woman after my own heart.”
We snuggle together on the lounge chair and I gaze out at the field behind his house. It seems to stretch out for miles. Nothing but green grass and trees in the distance. “You’re not tired of me living here yet?” I ask jokingly.
He holds me tighter. “Hell no.” I look back at him and he winks. “Just try and leave.”
I stare down at his lips and kiss him. “Thank you for everything.”
“No need to thank me, Bri. I love you. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“I love you too,” I say, kissing him again. I start to get up and move to my own lounge chair when the doorbell rings.
Colby stares at me and lifts his brows. “Expecting someone?”
I shake my head. William went back to New York for a few weeks to tie up loose ends before moving down to Kentucky. “It’s probably someone from town bringing you another congratulatory pie.”
That’s one of the things I love about our town. A lot of the older women like to celebrate with food. Colby bursts out laughing and rubs his stomach. “I don’t think I can handle anymore.”
I wave him off. “Nonsense. There’s always room for more pie.” I set my drink down and walk over to the patio door. “I’ll see who it is.”
The doorbell rings again as I make my way through the house. We’ve had so many visitors, there’s no telling who it could be. When I open the door, the man standing on the other side is the last person I expect to see.
Eyes wide, I stare at him in shock. “Dad? What are you doing here?”
He drops his gaze to the ground and sighs. Usually, he’s full of arrogance and gives off that vibe, but today it’s different. I barely recognize the man in front of me, especially when he lifts his eyes to mine.
“I want to talk to you,” he says, his voice low. His attention catches something over my shoulder and when I look back, Colby is there, his jaw tense. My father clears his throat. “Actually, I’d like to talk to both of you.”
Colby glances from him to me and nods. “All right.”
Instead of my father coming inside, Colby takes my hand and we walk out onto the front porch. My dad stares at us both for a few minutes and I can see the pain on his face. The last time I saw him like that was when my mom died.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs. He holds out his hand to Colby. “For everything. I never should’ve done what I did with Maximus and I never should’ve treated you the way I did. I was wrong. You deserved the win.”
Colby stares at him for a few seconds before shaking his hand. “Thank you.”
Then my dad turns to me. “And I never should’ve said what I did to you. You’re all I have left in this world. It’s kille
d me being apart from you the past few weeks.”
Tears fill my eyes and I let them fall. I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tight. “It’s killed me too.”
He cries too which hurts my heart even more. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Please say you can forgive me.”
“Of course, I can,” I whisper, my throat hitching with my cries. Never in my life have I ever heard him apologize for anything.
He lets me go and smiles, his expression genuine. “You’re more than welcome to come back to work for me. I’d love to have you.”
For the past two weeks, I’ve been jobless and I kind of like it. It’s something I needed. Taking a step back, I wrap my arm around Colby’s waist. “Dad, I think I’m going to take more time off. I need it. It’s been good to step away for a while.”
The sadness on his face grows, but he nods in understanding. “Okay. But if you don’t come back to work for me, please say you’ll come and visit.” He turns his sad smile to Colby. “Both of you. I’d love to have you over for dinner. I want us to be able to move forward … together.”
Colby extends his hand. “I’d like that.”
They shake and it warms my heart. My dad kisses the top of my head. “I’m glad you’re happy,” he whispers. Turning on his heel, he heads to his car and drives away, waving at us before leaving the driveway.
Colby blows out a breath. “That went shockingly well.”
Giggling, I turn to him and laugh. “It did. I honestly don’t know what to say. I never thought I’d have my dad back.”
He pulls me in closer. “I know, and I know it hurt you.”
I nod. “It did. Now I truly feel like things are the way they should be.”
Colby bites his lip and smiles. “Maybe now we can make our dreams come true.”
“Which is?” I ask.
