MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance (13 page)

Where no one could see her, Cassie thought. Although obviously Grace didn’t worry about riding in front of her dad.

Cassie glanced over her shoulder. Alex sat with her grandfather on the porch, within view of the round pen but thankfully not too close. Even from this distance though she was acutely aware of his presence. Could catch the rich timbre of his voice. She’d always loved that voice, how he could keep it level in any situation. She’d only seen him truly upset twice. The first when his parents died and the second when he came to her house to tell her about Rachel…

She turned her back to the verandah. She and Gramps were being paid top dollar for these lessons, and Grace deserved the full deal. Certainly not an instructor who was distracted by a man’s voice—the girl’s father, no less.

“Are there any other kids who ride at your stable?” Cassie asked. Sometimes the mere presence of boys caused girls to worry about trivial things. She remembered complaining to Alex about not being invited to a classmate’s party because the invites only went out to girls with big boobs. The very next day her red-faced grandfather had driven her into town to buy her first bra.

“No other kids,” Grace said. “Just Mom and Santiago and the grooms. But they’re all old. And I don’t like to ride in front of them. So I’m not going to. Ever.” Her voice quivered and Digger tossed his head, picking up on her agitation.

“I understand,” Cassie said quickly. But she didn’t. The Sutherland Estate was a horse lovers’ paradise with two riding arenas, a gallop track and a polo field along with miles of private trails. The tack and viewing room resembled a penthouse suite with air conditioning, hot and cold drinks, and fresh fruit delivered daily. Not to mention a beautiful barn filled with top-notch horses. Although it was unlikely any of the Sutherland polo ponies would be a good mount for a beginner.

Grace was comfortable with walk, trot and canter but only if Digger didn’t make any sudden moves. And she wanted to swing a mallet but not worry about her horse taking off at an aggressive gallop. She needed a sound, level-minded animal that wouldn’t be confused by a rider’s mistakes. But one who was trained for polo. And a horse like that was hard to find. People rarely sold them. They placed them with trusted friends or, if they were lucky enough to have the resources, kept them as a cherished member of the family.

“It’s really hot,” Grace said. “Can we go down to the brook before lunch? I know the way. Maybe I can ride Digger by myself?”

Cassie swiped at her forehead and reached for the lead line. She was hot and hungry and needed to make Gramps lunch, but there was no way Grace could ride Digger alone down that path. “No, I’ll lead you,” she said. “Digger can move fast. He wouldn’t even know he was doing anything wrong.”

“But I didn’t fall off once today,” Grace said. “I thought we were doing great.”

“You are,” Cassie said. “Both of you. But he’s not a child’s horse. I think your dad is looking for something more suitable.”

It would take a while to find an appropriate horse though, even with Alex’s money. Especially since Grace wanted to meander down to the brook, then turn around and hit a ball in an unfenced field. Polo ponies weren’t lazy. Or slow. And a swinging mallet would only fire them up. It was like putting a racehorse in a starting gate and expecting them to come out at a sedate walk.

If Gramps were healthier, he could train a horse for Grace. Matching horses with riders had always been his specialty. Or maybe she could do it…

But this was crazy. She gave her head a shake. Rachel employed Santiago, a six-goal handicap player from Argentina. She hadn’t hired him only for his looks; the man was truly a wizard on a horse. Surely he could teach a quiet horse to accept a swinging mallet? It sure seemed Grace was long overdue for a horse of her own.

“Have you ever played polo?” Cassie asked curiously. “With your mom or dad?”

“With Dad, a long time ago when I had a pony. It was fun too. But Mom thought it best if I quit, you know. It was only wasting his time since I can’t ever play on a real team.”

She spoke so matter-of-factly Cassie could only stare in confusion. There were always youth teams, family teams and mixed teams. Players’ handicaps were added together so everyone could compete. Riders were restricted only by time and money, and clearly Grace wouldn’t have that problem.

“Why can’t you play on a team?”

“I’m left-handed,” Grace said. “So Mom and I decided it was best that I stop riding. But we can’t tell Dad.” Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “He gets mad easy, and we don’t want him to make Mom move out.”

Cassie just gaped in disbelief, then realized she’d stopped breathing. And that she was staring too hard at Grace who, of course, looked away and quit talking.

“I see,” Cassie said, looking down and adjusting the lead line. But her mind whirled. When Grace was relaxed, she let out nuggets of information. It was much like peeling an onion, with Rachel the center of a rather stinky core. But was the woman so self centered that she’d manipulate her own daughter?

Part of Cassie wanted to probe. But it was wrong to pump a kid for information. And it still hurt to hear Alex and Rachel linked in the same sentence. She didn’t want to feel like this, had told herself she was over him. But she’d probably always love Alex.

Despair rose in a wave. More reason not to get too close to Grace who was obviously just desperate for a friend. It would only end badly. But Cassie couldn’t let Grace keep thinking she could never play polo.

“I’m left-handed,” Cassie said quietly. “But I learned to swing the mallet in my other hand. And you’re younger than when I started so it’ll be easier for you to learn.”

“You’re a leftie like me?” Grace’s eyes widened. “But Dad said you’re a good player.”

“I was okay. And you can be even better if that’s what you want.”

Grace’s eyes remained an incredulous blue. “I don’t understand,” she said. “Mom told me I could never play—” Her gaze shot over Digger’s head and she clamped her mouth shut and straightened in the saddle.

“Your grandfather ate his lunch,” Alex said, his voice coming behind them. “And went inside for a nap.”

Cassie glanced over her shoulder. Alex stood by the rail. Today he’d replaced his dress shirt and tailored pants with jeans and a T-shirt, and it was obvious he’d do anything to encourage Grace to ride again. Even if it meant reaching into the back of his closet.

He probably had no idea Rachel had filled Grace’s head with ridiculous ideas. And Grace said she was afraid her dad would get angry. Yet Alex was the most level person Cassie had ever met. She’d always appreciated his composure, especially since Gramps was so gruff.

“I brought sandwiches,” Alex said, holding up a silver thermal bag. “It’s hot so I thought we should walk down to the brook and eat.”

“You two go,” Cassie said. “I’ll grab something inside. Just be sure to keep Digger on a lead line.”

“Okay,” Alex said. “But be careful not to wake your grandfather. He’s lying on the sofa. And we did bring your favorite sandwich.”

“Peanut butter and banana?”

“No, lobster.”

Cassie’s head shot up.

“We have pecan squares too,” he added, his gaze intent on her face. “I recall you once ate an entire tray of those.”

“I don’t remember,” Cassie said. But she did. The Sutherland cook had been cross and Alex had intervened, claiming he’d been the one who ate them all. She’d never tasted anything as good as those squares. Gramps didn’t make desserts and it had been Alex who introduced her to a variety of culinary delights.

“I’ll just take out a sandwich and square,” she added, eyeing the lunch bag. “And eat in the barn.”

“No, sorry,” Alex said. “I’m paying for a full day of lessons. So we need a working lunch.”

“Actually Grace’s lessons stop at one o’clock.”

“But it’s only noon.”

Cassie shoved a tendril of hair off her face, unsure if he was joking. He’d never been a clock watcher but it was true she charged an hourly rate. And eating a peanut butter sandwich alone in the barn wasn’t very appealing. “Do you still have the same cook?” she asked, thinking of all the delicious meals she had in the Sutherland kitchen.

“No,” he said, “but we have the same recipes. I’ve learned old favorites are always the best.” His eyes locked on her mouth, his expression softening. It was clear now he’d been teasing about quitting early. And also that he stood distractingly close.

He’d rolled up his shirt sleeves yesterday, exposing his muscled forearms, but this T-shirt hid even less. And she resented the flutter in her belly, the way her body sparked just being around him.

Behind her, Grace gave a delighted squeal. “A picnic! That will be so much fun. And we can swim too, if Digger doesn’t mind.”

Cassie wet her lips. Digger wouldn’t mind but she definitely would. Because she remembered what Alex looked like without a shirt, and it was obvious he was even more ripped now. The Sutherland state-of-the art gym was clearly getting a lot of use.

“We can all swim,” Alex said. “This is the hottest day so far this summer.”

“I’ll eat lunch with you,” Cassie said, dragging her eyes off his chest and trying to focus on his face. “But I don’t have time to swim. I’m not even that hot.”

Alex’s gaze dropped, skimming over her neck, her chest, and lower. She could feel the telltale itch of perspiration, the way her shirt clung to her navel, and his slow perusal made her even hotter. And now her nipples hardened against her bra in the most annoying way. She wanted to wipe the sweat off her forehead and at the same time cross her arms, but it was more important to remain unfazed. To appear cool and unaffected, just like him. Even though she was burning up.

“Just lunch then,” Alex said, his voice gruff. His gaze settled back on her face, and thankfully he was too much of a gentleman to say another word about the heat.

Cassie shifted on the shaded bank, inching further away from the splashing water. She didn’t know how much longer Alex and Grace would stay in the brook but one thing for sure, he was a wonderful father. Just like he’d been a wonderful friend.

He held Digger’s dripping lead rope while Grace demonstrated yet another cannonball. He didn’t seem to care that his clothes were soaked. Fortunately he hadn’t taken off his shirt. However, it hadn’t escaped the splashes and now clung to the sculpted outline of his back. He was much bigger than she remembered—she’d think him rather imposing if she didn’t know him so well—and a little sigh escaped.

Seeing him take such loving care of Grace tugged at her heart, yet at the same time filled her with disquiet. He was the same man she remembered…always looking out for the people he cared about. Unfortunately that no longer included her.

“Remember to jump into the drop-off,” he cautioned, for the fifth time.

“I know, Dad.” Grace rolled her eyes. “Cassie already told me. And she doesn’t have to hold Digger. He stands still for her.”

“Well, of course.” Alex looked over his shoulder and shot Cassie a wink. “But what do you expect? She’s a hotshot movie trainer.”

Cassie smiled back. He’d always done that, made sure she felt included even when he and Gramps were occupied with other things. And a warmth spread through her chest, somewhat easing the band of hurt.

He hadn’t contacted her, not once, but it was clear he was still a friend. It was just that his life centered around Grace now while she clung to old memories. And maybe after having this time together, she could finally move on.

“Let’s tie Digger,” he was saying to Grace, “and go eat. Before Cass eats all the food.”

Cass.
The way her heart jumped whenever he used her old nickname proved it might be difficult to move on.

“Okay,” Grace said, turning and wading from the water. “I guess Digger is tired.” She tugged her jeans back on, struggling to pull them over her wet legs. She didn’t appear at all self conscious—definitely not like a girl who was embarrassed to wear tight breeches. “I’m going to pick Digger some grass,” Grace added, “so he has something to eat too.”

Alex tied Digger to a tree and dropped to the grass beside Cassie. “Last week,” he murmured, “she wouldn’t even get on a horse. Now she’s having fun again and brimming with confidence. Thank you.” He reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze.

She’d told herself she was content merely to renew their friendship but her rush of awareness was shocking. Her skin tingled, seeming to memorize the imprint of his hand. Even the pit of her stomach tightened and it wasn’t from hunger.

He’d already turned away and was unzipping the lunch bag, thankfully unaware of her reaction. “I have some feelers out for a quiet horse,” he said. “So far, everything’s too hot.”

Hot.
She stared at his strong, beautifully shaped hands, the blunt curve of his fingernails, the dusting of dark hair on his wrists. She’d seen them do so many things, from soothing her excited horse to wiping away her tears when she fell. They’d tugged her ponytail when she’d been acting stubborn, then patiently taught her how to shift gears so Gramps’ truck wouldn’t stall. They’d punished a boyfriend when she caught him cheating and later demonstrated the real art of making love. She’d never felt so complete with anyone. Before or since.

She jerked her head away, wishing she could control the flood of memories. Those times were in the past. Clearly he and Rachel had figured out some sort of relationship that worked for them. And more importantly, worked for their daughter. There was no doubt Grace was the focal point of his life. Grace was also the only reason he’d renewed his friendship with Gramps.

And with her.

Now it was time to think like an instructor and concentrate on earning her ridiculously high lesson fees. “Grace needs a quiet all-round horse,” she said, reaching down and plucking a blade of grass. “But she wants to play polo too. With all the horses you own, don’t you have something that’s suitable?”

He shook his head. “We had a few good ponies in the barn but Grace had a couple falls and refused to ride again. Her psychologist didn’t want her pressured into riding. Thought the presence of the ponies made her upset.”