MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance (20 page)

“He dotes on his daughter. I’m sure he can’t wait either. This is a special time for all of us. Just a second.” Her grandfather yanked open a drawer and rummaged through the contents, clearly stoked about the idea of anyone getting a new horse.

“Remember this?” he asked, pulling out a blue ribbon with a triumphant flourish. “You kids found it. We can tie it around her horse’s neck. I did that for some clients and they always loved it.”

Cassie shrugged and pushed open the door. Of course, she remembered that ribbon. But she had to stop trying to make Alex and Grace happy. In fact, she wished Grace would quit coming for lessons. Life would be simpler. Last night, when her tears had been soaking into the pillow, she’d resolved to ask Alex to stay away. She loved him but she couldn’t sneak around for nine years.

But now in the daylight, faced with the horrible prospect of never seeing him again, things didn’t seem so black and white. Maybe his plane proposal was workable. Surely they wouldn’t have to spend all their time in the air. Especially if she didn’t return to California.

She could live with Gramps and help him train the tougher horses. And maybe she could teach other children along with Grace. And whenever Alex had time he’d join them and they could all ride together…but only if Rachel didn’t know about it. Because then she’d take out her frustrations on Grace and that’s exactly what Alex was determined to avoid.

She jammed her hands in her pockets and trudged toward the trailer. Sneaking around might work for a while but she wouldn’t be happy for long. It was crazy to even consider it. They’d both end up empty and bitter. And then poor Grace would be soured by three angry adults.

The cheery driver stepped from the cab, a clipboard in his hand. She forced a return smile and initialed the shipping papers, then stood back while he lowered the ramp.

He led Freckles off the trailer and passed her the rope. “Horse traveled like a pro,” the driver said. “I didn’t even know he was back there.”

“Great,” she said, giving Freckles a welcoming pat. He looked around with pricked ears, curious but unafraid.

She waited until the truck and trailer disappeared down the driveway, then led Freckles around the yard, introducing him to his new home and letting him stretch his legs. The horse ambled beside her, as relaxed as he’d been yesterday at the Center.

Gramps stepped down from the verandah, the blue ribbon in his hand. “We’ve had some wild ones here,” he said, studying Freckles with a knowledgeable eye. “That horse is definitely not one of them.”

“He’s used to the commotion of a movie set,” she said. “He’ll be perfect for Grace.”

“I’ll take off his shipping bandages,” Gramps said. He passed her the ribbon and crouched down to remove the wraps. “Tie that ribbon around his neck so it’s on when they get here. I called Alex and they’re on their way.”

Cassie stared at the ribbon clutched in her hand. She’d been hoping for a little more time before she saw him. Panic roiled with her hurt and she didn’t know what to say, or even what to think.

She fastened the cheery ribbon around Freckles’ neck. The color was a bit faded but the words were big and clear: ‘Congrats On Your New Horse!’ The first time she’d seen the ribbon had been when Alex had mischievously wrapped it around an outlaw horse sent for training. She wasn’t sure how he’d even managed to get close enough to fasten it around the crazy animal’s neck.

The stallion had been tearing around the round pen, biting and kicking at the rails, furious at his confinement. It was obvious he was going to be a dangerous ride, the type where your heart jammed in your throat and you prayed you’d be stepping from the saddle under your own steam.

She’d just started playing polo and she didn’t want to break any more bones. And while the ribbon had been a great joke her smile had wobbled. But she didn’t want to swallow her pride and admit to her grandfather that she was a little bit afraid. And she certainly didn’t want Gramps to have to ride a crazy horse like that.

Alex had studied her for a moment. His grin had faded and he’d turned to Gramps. “I’d like to ride this one, sir,” he said. “That horse reminds me of one my dad used to own.”

As if his father had ever allowed rough untrained horses in the fancy Sutherland stables. But Alex had always protected her. Never let anyone, or anything hurt her. Except him.

And she had no defenses against him. She gripped Freckles’ lead rope a little tighter, her palms sweaty. She had to get out of here. Away from Alex and his knowing eyes, and those hands that could sweep away her good intentions and make her burn with longing.

They knew each other too well. She’d probably never love anyone else the way she loved him. But she needed the chance to make a new life. To have a family of her own. That wouldn’t happen if she stayed here, waiting around for him.

So there was really no decision. She’d have to ask Alex and Grace to stay away until she sold the horses. And then she’d convince Gramps to come with her. They could make another home somewhere, and never come back.

Alex wouldn’t pursue her. He’d already demonstrated that. He only cared about keeping his life with Rachel completely tranquil.

Well, he could find another instructor for Grace. Another woman to sneak on his plane. Because it would hurt too much to live off crumbs, content with his padded wallet and leftover affection. But a little sigh escaped and Freckles turned his head, eyeing her with concern.

“Sorry, fellow,” she said. “It’s all right. Everything’s okay.” But her voice cracked and deep down she didn’t think anything would ever be okay again.

Alex eased up on the gas pedal, maneuvering around a beeping yellow paving truck. A crew was already out repairing potholes. Soon this back road would be much smoother, which would cut down his driving time by at least five minutes. Every second with Cassie mattered. They had to grab their time when they could.

She’d been so quiet when he dropped her off last night. Hopefully a good night’s sleep would help. Obviously she hadn’t liked the plane idea but he’d already worked up a new proposal. One he hoped would suit her better.

Grace perched in the passenger’s seat, fiddling with his file folder.

“What’s the surprise, Dad?” She opened the file and stared at the papers on her lap. “Are you buying a new farm?”

“That’s not the surprise,” he said. “Close the file, please.”

“Is this place for sale?” she asked, still flipping through the pictures. “It looks nice. It has a barn and lake and lots of nice places to ride.”

“Put it away, Grace,” he said, more firmly this time.

She gave a long-suffering sigh but closed the folder. “I’m glad Cassie’s back,” she said. “I missed not having my lesson yesterday. Mom asked where you were. And if you two went somewhere together.”

“Did you have fun with her and Santiago?” he asked, keeping his voice light.

“I guess,” Grace said. “But Mom and I are both happier when you’re around. And she was arguing a lot with Santiago. She thinks one of the kittens is sick.”

Dread chilled Alex’s chest. “Which one?” he asked.

“The little kitten that I’m keeping, you know, Socks. I wanted to call the vet but Mom said you’d know how to make her better.”

Alex turned so numb he hit the jagged rut marking the entrance of Jake Edwards’ driveway. The Benz jolted in protest. He bit back his curse, hoping he wouldn’t get a flat. He would have preferred to grab the Volvo for these rough drives but Grace liked the convertible. And fortunately the car continued to move smoothly.

“Is the surprise here?” Grace asked, leaning forward with fresh interest. “Did Mr. Edwards get a new horse I can groom?”

Grace didn’t ask for much, he thought bleakly. Just a horse she could brush…and for him to stick around and keep her safe from her damn mother. Surely Cassie could understand that.

“There is a new horse here,” he said, easing the car to a stop behind the barn. “But you can do more than brush him.”

She stared for a moment, her eyes wide. Then she whipped open the passenger door and scrambled out before he had time to cut the engine.

She bolted into the barn but reappeared in seconds, her face confused. “There’s no horse inside,” she said. “Only Ginger. Are you teasing? What did you mean? Is it my new horse?”

“Let’s walk around the barn,” he said.

They rounded the barn and Grace jerked to a halt. Cassie and Jake stood beside Freckles. Both of them were grinning, and a huge ribbon fluttered around Freckles’ shiny neck. Grace stared at the words on the ribbon, then at the horse, her eyes widening. Then she rushed up, wrapped her arms around Freckles and burst into tears.

Freckles stood stock still, as if accustomed to theatrical young girls crying and hanging onto his neck. And maybe he was.

“Thank you, D-dad,” Grace said. “Is he really mine? Thank you, Cassie and Mr. Edwards.” Her words ran together and she planted ecstatic kisses on Freckles’ nose. “He’s so beautiful. What’s his name? Can I ride him?”

Alex looked at Cassie but she avoided his gaze. She was smiling at Grace, outwardly relaxed. But her mouth was tight, her shoulders a little too straight. She looked the same as she did last night, when she’d brushed off his good-night kiss and bolted from the car.

“What do you think, Cass?” he asked. “Can Grace ride him? Or does Freckles need time to settle?”

Cassie didn’t answer, instead was busy re-coiling the lead rope. However, Jake grinned, oblivious to the tension. Clearly he shared Grace’s sentiments and thought her new horse was the most exciting thing in the world.

“The horse’s name is Freckles,” Jake said, his voice booming. “And of course you can ride him. He’s very sensible. Grab your helmet and your dad can boost you up.”

Grace jumped in glee and had her helmet buckled on in seconds. And then Jake was leading Freckles around the barnyard, and Grace was alternating between squeals of joy and leaning forward and hugging her new horse’s neck.

Alex kept his eyes on Grace but every other sense was locked on Cassie. He pulled in a frustrated breath, remembering how good it had felt to be with her again. To hear her little sighs when he was moving deep inside her. The sheer joy of having her back in his life. And he wanted that, permanently. They were too good together to give it up.

He folded his arms over his chest, fighting the urge to drop to his knees and beg. Grace and Jake were so busy with Freckles they probably wouldn’t even notice. But having her last night was like opening a floodgate. He needed her. In his bed, in his day, in his life. Clearly she hadn’t liked the plane idea, but a property would make more sense. He should have known she’d prefer ground beneath her feet.

He’d put the deed in her name, a hundred acres, sixteen-stall barn and, as Grace had noted, it even had a small lake. Cassie and her grandfather could tinker around all they wanted. He’d keep an employee on hand, someone to look after repairs who could double as a watchman…just in case.

With time, Rachel would accept things. She’d have to.

“I need a favor,” Cassie said. She smiled and waved back at Grace who hadn’t stopped beaming and waving every time she and Freckles circled the barn.

“Anything,” he said gruffly.

“The college won’t try out Gramps’ horses unless Santiago approves them. He’s already ridden Ginger but we have three more polo ponies. So it would help if he’d come over here and give them a fair trial.”

“Certainly,” he said. “I’ll talk to Santiago today.”

“Thank you.” She didn’t say anything else but it was a good sign that she was asking something of him, even if it wasn’t much of a favor. Unless it meant that she just wanted to sell the horses and move both her and her grandfather out of state. And his relief fizzled.

“I didn’t mean to offend you with the plane idea,” he said cautiously. “And I apologize. But I talked to my realtor this morning. There are some nice places on the market, within an hour’s drive. One in particular looks perfect. You could do some training there, or teaching. Stay involved with horses, just like you always wanted—”

“Would you live there?” she asked, her voice sad.

“You know I can’t,” he said. “Not unless I have sole custody of Grace.”

“Then why don’t you get it? Can’t you pay off Rachel? You said she only cares about money.”

“I’ve tried, many times.” He clamped his mouth shut. Didn’t want to admit that his elite team of lawyers hadn’t yet been able to entice her. He’d even offered to void the prenup and split all assets. She’d refused, saying emotional turbulence wasn’t good for her…or Grace. Three weeks later, Grace had stopped eating.

“Rachel has issues,” he said, clearing his throat. He didn’t like to talk about this to anyone, even the therapists, but he’d never kept secrets from Cassie. And she needed to know. Needed to understand. “She cut me once,” he muttered, his hand drifting over his rib. “She’s better now, but I don’t trust her with Grace.”

Cassie’s eyes widened. She didn’t speak. She just looked stunned. “Oh,” she said slowly. “That scar?”

He nodded, hating his helplessness.

“But she’s bound to find out about any plane rides or secret acreages on the other side of town,” Cassie said. “And we can’t endanger Grace. Or you.” Her saw her swallow, then raise a brave chin. He knew that look. It meant she’d made a decision and it wasn’t one he’d like.

“Trust me, Cass,” he said, fighting his panic. “I’ll think of something. But I can’t let Rachel twist Grace up, just to get back at me. You have to understand.”

“Oh, I understand,” Cassie said. She crossed her arms and edged a step away, and it was clear she didn’t want him around. Not today. Maybe not tomorrow either. And he couldn’t fault her thinking.

Rachel was a time bomb and the estate, though big, could never hold them all. Rachel presided over it like it was her family property, and then played Grace like a puppet.

She’d never stop. Never change.

And as he stared at Cassie’s stoic face, a calm resignation swept him. And he knew what had to be done. Rachel was too ruthless, too wily and altogether too dangerous. He needed her out of Grace’s life. And Cassie’s. It was regrettable that it had come to this, but Rachel was his mistake to fix. And he couldn’t risk losing the two people he loved most.