Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3) (98 page)

“I suppose,” Dino said slowly, not liking how the two had aligned against him. He also didn’t like the idea that he was the selfish one. “Is your horse groomed?” he asked abruptly, resigned to the fact that no one else would ever know why Hunter ran so badly.

“I’m going to brush her now.” Becky lowered her arms, peering up at him with grateful eyes. “And I really appreciate you not saying anything to Martha. That’s big of you.”

He gave a rueful shrug—he didn’t feel big at all—and he wasn’t sure if he was keeping his mouth shut for Martha. Or for Becky.

***

A grin split Becky’s face. She stared between Lyric’s ears, trying to follow every one of Dino’s instructions.
Sit up. Heels down. Shoulders back. Don’t hang on her mouth
. The Western saddle felt bulky compared to an English saddle, but it was amazing how the mare moved forward with little leg pressure. It would be much easier to ride in a more familiar English saddle though.

“There’s an English saddle kicking around in the tack room,” Dino said, as though reading her thoughts. “I’ll dig it out for next time.”

His hip was propped against the rail, cowboy hat pulled low. He looked like her private Marlborough man, chewing on a piece of hay instead of a cigarette. And he was the nicest, easiest-going person she’d ever met. Amazing that only a week ago, she’d thought him intimidating.

“This saddle is okay,” she said, unable to stop smiling. “Everything’s perfect.”

“Must be boring though, going around in circles.” His grin was slightly wicked. “And you’re doing great. Time for a real ride.” He tossed away his piece of grass and headed for the barn. “I’ll grab Hank. Your smile tells me you have a need for speed.”

“No,” she called quickly. “I don’t have that need.”

But he’d already vanished into the barn.

Her fingers tightened around the reins. She was confident riding in the paddock, but those open fields looked scary. The only trail riding she’d ever done was on an ancient gelding, and Lyric was a totally different animal than the bombproof camp horses.

Minutes later, Dino led a rangy chestnut from the barn and smoothly stepped into the saddle. “Let’s go,” he said.

“How do I get out?” she asked.

“Either jump the fence or lean down and open the gate.”

She eyed the imposing white fence. “Does this horse know how to jump?”

“Probably not.” He chuckled. “The racetrack is pretty flat.”

Becky tightened her mouth and guided Lyric to the gate then reached for the latch. But Lyric sidled away, and she only grabbed air. She turned Lyric and tried again. This time she touched the latch but couldn’t keep the mare from moving forward.

“Use your leg to push her over and check her with the bit,” Dino said, still grinning but making no move to help.

Gritting her teeth, Becky tightened the reins and bumped the mare with her leg. Lyric edged sideways. “Please don’t move,” she whispered, aware Dino was laughing and probably had never been entertained by such an inept rider. Even Slim hovered by the barn door, a half smile on his face. She stretched, lifted the latch and the gate suddenly swung open.

“Yay!” Flushed with triumph, she waved an arm. The sudden gesture spooked Lyric who leaped forward, bouncing her from the saddle. She grabbed the mare’s mane and desperately hung on, frozen with fear. Then somehow Dino was beside her. He snagged a rein and brought Lyric to a plunging halt.

“Good job with the gate,” he said, his eyes twinkling, “but best not to make sudden moves around horses, especially racehorses. Now get your butt back in the saddle, tighten that helmet and sit up.”

He sounded so bossy, she considered giving him a salute but was rather grateful for his deft snag. Besides it seemed unwise to wave her arm again. “Isn’t it against the rules for you to ride without a helmet?” She raised an eyebrow at his cowboy hat.

“I only take my hat off for special occasions,” he said. His deep smile was so intimate, heat rushed to her cheeks and it had little to do with the hot sun. She dipped her head, adjusting her reins, not sure if he was teasing or flirting. Men like Dino didn’t flirt—not with her—but there was definitely an undercurrent. Besides, she hadn’t asked him to hang around and go on a trail ride. He’d offered all by himself, and that fact alone left her buoyant.

“There are some oak trees on that hill,” he added. “We’ll ride to the top. The view reminds me of my ranch.”

He was clearly an accomplished rider and looked like an extension of his horse, completely relaxed even though Hank was obviously keen to run. She hoped he didn’t expect her to go too fast. Lyric was definitely happy to be out—the mare pulled impatiently at the bit, as though afraid Dino’s horse would get in front. Both horses flattened their ears, with Lyric even reaching over and trying to bite Hank, warning him not to pass.

“Aw, hell.” Dino shook his head. “They’re warmed up and you look comfortable. Let’s just let them run.”

“What do you mean?” Her voice rose an octave.

He just grinned and eased into a canter. Lyric stopped fighting the bit and smoothly moved alongside Hank. And suddenly they were galloping.

Becky’s heart shot into her throat but Dino was beside her, looking in complete control, and she remembered how easily he’d snagged Lyric. Besides, it all felt perfect. Wind whipped her face as the horses galloped up the hill, and her worries about falling off blew away.

The hill was long and smooth and eventually Lyric’s stride slowed. Dino checked Hank so she tightened her own reins, and soon both horses were trotting and blowing with distinct satisfaction.

“There. They’ll walk nice, now that they rid themselves of some energy,” he said.

“You mean we can’t gallop anymore?”

He chuckled. “I knew there was a wild woman hiding under there. No wonder Martha said to take you up here.”

“She asked that?”

“Gave me specific instructions. As long as you checked out okay in the paddock.”

Becky straightened Lyric’s mane, her fingers clumsy with embarrassment. Dino had been
ordered
to take her riding. No doubt he’d prefer to be with Stephanie. She’d heard them talking outside the barn about meeting later. “I’m fine now,” she said. “And this horse seems well behaved. No need for you to stay.”

“And let you have all the fun? I don’t think so.” His smile was so genuine, she didn’t feel quite so badly. “Look at that.” He gestured beyond the ridge. “Nothing prettier than Texas land. Last time Malcolm and I rode up here, a bunch of turkeys flew out and scared my horse.”

“Did you fall off?”

“Nope.” He looked so amused by her question, she had to laugh. But she checked over her shoulder, not quite as confident of staying on if Lyric shied from any noisy birds.

“Where exactly were those turkeys?” she asked, tempted to grab the saddle horn. However, he seemed to think she was braver than she was, and she didn’t want to hold the horn and show she really was a chicken.

“Over by the cottonwoods,” he said. “We won’t ride down there. The river bed’s too rocky.”

“It’s beautiful.” She looked away from the river, studying the ridged hills. “Is your ranch like this?”

“Mine is drier, more rugged. And it’s not mine yet. My ex got it in the settlement.”

“What did you get?”

“A nice colt. But he broke down in his second race.” His face shuttered, and it was clear he wasn’t going to speak anymore about the subject. “Time to turn around,” he said. “You’re welcome to ride Lyric any time, but don’t leave the paddock unless Slim or I are with you. You can lead her out for walks though. She’d love the chance to graze.”

Becky gave Lyric’s neck another exuberant pat. What freedom. She could saddle up and ride in the paddock and even lead Lyric out to nibble clover. Almost like having her own horse, something she’d dreamed about when she was a kid but always knew was an absolute impossibility.

“Thanks,” she said, but her throat seemed thick and she didn’t think he’d heard. “Thank you very much, Dino,” she repeated, making sure she enunciated clearly. Martha would be proud.

“No need to thank me. And it might make Lyric happy. Improve her disposition.” He frowned. “That mare seems to have fallen through the cracks. Don’t think she ever made it to the broodmare barn. Or maybe they bred her a few times and it didn’t take.”

“Take?”

“Get pregnant,” he said. “Maybe she’s barren. I don’t know why Malcolm kept her in the race barn.”

“Maybe Lyric didn’t like the stud? Or the stud didn’t like her?”

“Studs aren’t usually fussy, Becky,” he said.

His lips twitched and it was clear he was trying not to grin. Beneath her, Lyric pranced, obviously sensing her embarrassment, and she tightened the reins. “Can we go a little faster?” she muttered.

“Nope. We need to cool them down. We shouldn’t teach a horse to gallop home either, especially a racehorse. Besides,” his grin escaped then, a high wattage smile that made her heart leap, “Martha would fire me if you were hurt…I wouldn’t want to see you hurt either.”

He was staring at her, his brown eyes oddly serious. His beautiful stud eyes, she reminded herself.

“So the race is on Saturday?” she asked, reaching for something to change the subject. “And Slim will haul Echo in early?”

“Yeah. You can drive along with him. Make sure the filly arrives ready to win.”

“What time will Slim leave?”

“Five-thirty. But I’ll take you for breakfast once you arrive. You can have all the coffee and bacon you want.” His slow smile made her heart flutter. “And I promise not to tell Martha.”

“Gosh, you really know the way to a woman’s heart.” She was relieved her voice sounded so flippant.

Chapter Ten

Martha sniffed and pushed her plate away. “I’m tired of fruit and whole wheat bread.”

“Try the cottage cheese. This new brand is very creamy.” Becky forced herself to take another bite, swallowing her guilt along with the truly bland breakfast. Tomorrow she’d be treated to a wonderful meal at the track. Poor Martha would be stuck with cottage cheese and tea.

“What are you smiling about?” Martha clinked her spoon in irritation.

“Nothing really.” Becky gave up pretending the cottage cheese was edible and reached for her water glass. “Thanks for telling Dino I could ride Lyric.”

“His idea, not mine. He always likes my nurses, although he’s never taken any of them riding before.” She tilted her head. “He’s a very kind man. Maybe if you fix your hair, wear a little makeup, different clothes—”

Becky leaned forward and gently squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, Martha. My goals in life don’t include a man.”

“I’ve noticed that. Although I don’t understand why.” She gave a long-suffering sigh. “Malcolm and I were so happy. It would be nice to see you settled before I go. Has there ever been a young man in your life?”

Becky toyed with the glass, her finger leaving a rounded smudge in the condensation. “Just one and it wasn’t serious.” Not on his part anyway, she thought wryly. And she didn’t want to think about Craig and his repulsive hands, the click of the camera, the bright lights. “I’m not keen on men, Martha,” she added quietly. “The foster homes never worked out. There was some trouble. I ran away when I was seventeen.” She glanced up, gauging Martha’s expression. No disgust only genuine concern.

“And then what?” Martha asked.

“I found a job cleaning at a rehab center. Took nursing courses at night. It took a while.” She lightened her words with a forced smile. “But you know all that. You’ve seen my resume. I’m content with my life.”

“Content isn’t the same as happy. You need more than a crotchety old lady. And some men are a lot of fun.”

“I’m sure they are, but that’s not what I want. And thanks to you, horses are back in my life. That’s more than enough fun.”

“Are you planning to ride again today?”

Martha’s voice carried a hint of wistfulness, and Becky paused. The morning was still cool and the thought of riding was tempting, but Martha appreciated her company. Another nurse was on duty but Becky was being paid to be a companion now, not a nurse. She certainly wasn’t going to ride if Martha wanted her around.

“Because I insist you go down to the barn,” Martha added. “I want you to check on Echo, since I’ve promised Ted that filly will win on Saturday.” She waved her hand. “Now run along. I need to nap and I can’t have you bumping around, keeping me awake. Just be back in time for lunch. That other nurse is fine but much too serious.”

Becky stared for a moment, then leaned over and gave Martha an impulsive hug. “You really are the kindest lady.”

“No, I am not,” Martha said. “We both know I’m rather selfish. And why don’t you wear a little lipstick?”

“Dino probably already left for Lone Star,” Becky said, not thinking.

“Ah-ha.” Martha cackled. “I knew it. He’s an impossible man to ignore, even for you.”

Flustered, Becky shook her head. “I’m not ignoring him. But I’m not interested. Not that way. I was only thinking if he wasn’t there, I’d have to ride Lyric in the paddock.”

“Of course.” But Martha’s eyes twinkled and she suddenly looked ten years younger. “Well, maybe Slim or Stephanie will ride with you.”

“Maybe they will.” Becky tried to inject some enthusiasm in her voice. She figured it would be more fun to ride alone than without Dino. It wasn’t that she liked him—she had too much sense to fall for a man like that—but he knew so much about horses and he made her feel special. She wasn’t deluding herself. He’d never be interested in someone as plain as her; he was just naturally nice.

“Wouldn’t hurt to put on a little makeup though,” Martha said. “The horses won’t mind.”

“Maybe some lipstick,” Becky said. Heck, even Stephanie wore some sort of pink lip gloss, and she rode horses all morning.

Martha gave a smug smile.

“To protect me from the sun,” Becky added quickly.

***

Becky parked in the empty visitors’ lot at the side of the barn, not quite ballsy enough to park in front, not without Martha. On the training track, a gray horse trotted along the outside rail. Obviously Stephanie was on the job. Slim wasn’t in sight but his truck was in the staff lot, squeezed between two compact cars. No sign of Dino’s truck. Obviously she’d missed him.