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Cassie tightened her grip on MacDuff’s lead line. He was still new, still skittish, but she was working with him every single day and he was showing improvement. Every now and then he’d let her father, Damon Barrington, ride him, but he had a touch that every horse seemed to love.
At least MacDuff had quit trying to run from her. Now, if she could just get him to understand her silent commands that he had to mimic her pace and direction when they walked.
Her work with MacDuff and the other horses was just one of the many issues that had ended her marriage. Derek had wanted her to stop spending so much time with the “strays” she brought in. He’d insisted she stop trying to save every animal, especially when she’d become pregnant.
Cassie would never stop trying to save animals...especially since she hadn’t been able to save her marriage. Her husband had obviously loved women and liquor more than her and their baby. His loss, but the pain still cut deep.
She focused on the line, holding it tight and trying to keep up with the routine because she was running a tad behind now.
Of course, she’d been thrown off her game already this morning after falling into the arms of that handsome, bedroom-eyed stranger. For a split second she’d wanted to revel in the strength with which he held her, but then reality had slapped her in the face, reminding her that she’d fallen for a smooth talker once. Married him, had his child and hadn’t seen him since.
Well, except when he’d shown up for the divorce proceedings, mistress in tow. As if that busty bleach blonde would ever play stepmom to Cassie’s precious baby. Hell. No.
Cassie swore she’d never let another man play her for a fool again, and she sure as hell wouldn’t get swept away by another pretty smile and sultry touch.
Unfortunately, when she’d fallen into Ian’s arms, she’d forgotten all about that speech she’d given herself when her husband had left. How could she have a coherent thought when such strong arms were holding her flush against a taut body? No woman would blame her for the lapse in judgment.
But no more. Cassie had her daughter to consider now.
With sweet Emily just turning one, Cassie knew she’d definitely gotten the best part of her marriage, and if Derek didn’t want to see their baby, he was the one missing out.
So, no more sexy men who thought they were God’s magnificent gift to this world. Although Cassie had to admit, even if just to herself, that her insides had tingled at Ian’s touch. He’d been so strong, had smelled so...manly and had looked in her eyes as if she truly was a beautiful, desirable woman.
She hadn’t felt anything but frumpy and still a bit pudgy since having Emily. The extra weight that refused to go away coupled with her husband leaving her for another woman were damaging blows to her self-esteem. Yet, Ian had held her with ease, which wasn’t helping her ignore the potency of the mesmerizing man.
Getting swept away by another handsome man with sultry eyes and a powerful presence wouldn’t do her any good. She had to concentrate on helping her sister, Tessa, win her way to the Triple Crown. They’d worked side by side nearly their entire lives, always with the dream of being Triple Crown winners like their father. And here they were, about to make history, and Cassie couldn’t be more excited.
When Cassie had been too far along with her pregnancy, her father had stepped up to train Tessa. This racing dynasty truly was a family affair.
One race down, two to go.
The fact that the Barrington estate had been turned into a film set was icing on the cake. A script surrounding her father’s legacy, legendary racing and past winning streak had piqued the interest of Hollywood A-listers, and, suddenly, the horse farm was all abuzz with lighting, sound guys, extras and security.
Cassie actually loved seeing her father’s life played out by Max Ford, the handsome, newly married actor. And playing the role of her late mother was beautiful Southern belle and it-girl Lily Beaumont. So far the two were doing an amazing job, and Cassie couldn’t wait to see the final product.
To cap off the racing season, Cassie was moving full throttle toward opening her own riding school for handicapped children. Since having her own child, Cassie wanted to slow down, and she’d always had a soft spot for kids anyway...something she’d thought she and her ex had in common.
Launching the school would be one more step in the healing process. So now she just needed to keep saving up—she wouldn’t dream of asking her father or anyone else for money—to get it off the ground.
“Daydreaming?”
Keeping a firm grip on the lead line, Cassie glanced over her shoulder to see Tessa moving toward her in slow, cautious steps. MacDuff really did get treated with kid gloves by everyone until he learned they were his friends.
“Maybe just a little,” Cassie admitted, gently pulling MacDuff into a soft trot. “Give me just a few minutes and we’ll get to work.”
Tessa shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “I’d rather hear what has my big sister so distracted this morning.”
Cassie rolled her eyes at Tessa’s smirk and quirked brow. She led MacDuff forward a few steps, stopped and moved back a few steps, pleased when the stallion kept up with her exact number and didn’t try to fight her.
He was learning. Finally.
“I’m always amazed at how broken they seem to be,” Tessa said softly. “You have this patience and gentleness. It’s almost as if they know you’re determined to help them.”
“That’s because I am.” Cassie reached up to MacDuff’s neck, offering him praise. “He’s just misunderstood and nobody wanted to work properly with him.”
“He was abused.”
Cassie swallowed as she led MacDuff back to the stables. The thought of someone beating him because he hadn’t had the right training sickened her. She’d known he’d been abused on some level, simply because of how he’d arrived all wide-eyed and nervous and then threw Tessa the first time she’d mounted him. But the second any horse, rescued or not, stepped onto Stony Ridge Acres, they were treated like royalty. No matter their heritage. Yes, they bred prizewinning horses and bought from a long lineage of winners, but it wasn’t always about the win.... It was about the love and care of the animal. And since Stony Ridge was a massive farm, they could take in those strays Cassie had a soft spot for.
She’d always loved watching the trainers her father had for his horses. Years ago, female trainers had been frowned upon, but her father had insisted women were more gentle and less competitive by nature than men, thus producing better-tempered horses—and winners.
“You didn’t happen to see a certain new hunk on the set this morning, did you?” Tessa asked as she pulled out the tack box and helped to brush MacDuff.
Cassie eyed her sister over the horse’s back. “Aren’t you engaged?”
“I’m not dead, Cass.” Tessa brushed in large circular strokes. “I’ll take your lack of answering to mean you did see him.”
Saw him, fell into his arms, got lost in those sexy eyes that could make a woman forget she’d been burned...and maybe reveled in that powerful hold a tad too long.
“Even you have to admit he’s one attractive man,” Tessa went on.
“I can admit that, yes.” Cassie switched from the currycomb to the dandy brush. “I may have had an incident this morning involving that loose rung on the ladder to the loft and Mr. Shaffer.”
Tessa stepped around MacDuff’s head, dropped the brush into the tack box and crossed her arms over her chest. “Okay, spill it. You know his name and you said ‘incident.’ I want all the details.”
Cassie laughed. “It’s no big deal, Tess. I fell off the ladder. Ian happened to be there, and he caught me.”
“Oh, so we’ve gone from Mr. Shaffer to Ian.”
“He’s Max’s agent and apparently visits his clients’ film sets. We exchanged names,” Cassie defended herself. “Seemed like the thing to do since he was holding me.”
“I love where this story is going.” Tessa all but beamed as she clasped her hands together.
Laughing, Cassie tossed her brush aside, as well. “No story. That was pretty much it.”
“Honey, you haven’t even mentioned a man’s name since you know who left and—” Tessa held up a hand when Cassie tried to intervene “—your face seemed to brighten up a bit when you said his name.”
“It did not,” Cassie protested.
Tessa’s smile softened. “If you want to argue, that’s fine. But he’s hot, you finally showed a spark of life about a man and I’m clinging to hope that you haven’t given up on finding love. Or, for heaven’s sake, at least allowing yourself a fling.”
Cassie rolled her eyes and patted MacDuff’s side. “Just because this romance business is working for you doesn’t mean it will for me. I tried that once—it didn’t last. Besides, I have no time for love or even a date between training with you and Emily.”
“There’s always time. And, romance aside, have a good time. A little romp with a sexy stranger might be just what you need,” Tessa said with a naughty smile. “Aren’t you the one who forced me to take a few days off last month? You have to make time for yourself.”
Cassie had conspired with Tessa’s now fiancé, producer Grant Carter, to whisk Tessa away during her training and the filming of the movie. Grant had wanted to get Tessa far from the limelight, the stress and the demands of their busy schedules, and Cassie had been all too happy to help because her sister needed a break.
Tess had found the right man, but Cassie seriously doubted there was a “right man” for her. All she required was someone who loved her and didn’t mind her smelling like horses more often than not, someone who would offer stability in her life, make her feel desirable and love her daughter. Was that too tall of an order?
“I’m not looking for a fling,” Cassie insisted, even though she’d pretty much already envisioned a steamy affair with Ian.
Tessa raised a brow. “Maybe a fling is looking for you.”
“I just met the man. I’m sure he’s not going to be around me that much anyway, so there’s very little chance of seduction. Sorry to burst your bubble.”
“Maybe you should show Ian around the estate,” Tessa suggested as she went to grab a blanket and saddle for her racing horse, Don Pedro.
Cassie sighed, closing the gate to MacDuff’s stall. “I don’t want to show him around. Max is his client—he can do it.”
“Max is going to be busy filming the scene with Lily down by the pond. I want to make sure we’re there to see that taping.”
Cassie smiled and nodded in agreement. She loved watching the two actors get into character, loved watching her father’s reaction to reliving his life through the eyes of a director, and there was no way she’d miss such a monumental scene. This was the scene where Max would propose to Lily. The replay of such a special moment in her parents’ lives was something she had to witness.
“I’ll make sure we’re done here about the time shooting starts,” Cassie assured her sister. “All the more reason I don’t have time to show Ian around.”
“Now, that’s a shame.”
Cassie and Tessa both turned to see the man in question. And just like with their earlier encounter, the mere sight of him caused a flutter to fill her belly. Of course, now she couldn’t blame the sensation on the scare from the fall...only the scare from the enticing man.
“I’d like to have a look around the grounds if you have time,” he said, looking directly into her eyes, seeming to not even notice Tessa.
Cassie settled her hands on her hips, cursing herself when his gaze followed her movements. Great, now she’d drawn his attention to her hips...not an area a woman wanted a man looking.
“I thought you went to see Max,” Cassie said, refusing to acknowledge his request.
“I saw him for a brief moment to let him know I was here. He actually was talking with Grant and Lily.”
Cassie cast a glance at her sister, whose face had split into a very wide grin. Darn her.
With a gracefulness that would’ve pleased their late mother, Tessa turned, extended her hand and smiled. “I’m Tessa Barrington, Cassie’s sister. We’re so glad to have you here at the farm.”
Ian shook Tessa’s hand as the two exchanged pleasantries. He finally settled his gaze back on Cassie. Did those eyes have some magical power? Seriously, why did she have to feel a jolt every single time he looked at her?
“Go ahead and show Ian around, Cassie. I’m fine here.”
If Cassie could’ve reached out and strangled her sister with the lead line she so would have, but then Ian would be a witness.
“It will have to be tomorrow or later this evening.” No, she wasn’t too busy right now, but she wouldn’t allow Mr. Hollywood Hotshot to hold any control over her. “I’ll come find you when I’m ready.”
“Well, I’m going to walk Don Pedro out,” Tessa said. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ian. Cass, I’ll see you later.”
Great, now they were alone. Cassie would definitely kill her sister for that little stunt.
Ian stepped closer, and Cassie held her ground. This was her property and no matter how charming, how sexy and how...
Damn, he smelled good. She lost all train of thought; Ian’s masculine scent was enough to render her mind blank. How long had it been since she’d been with a man, felt his touch?
Too long. So why did this man with an inflated ego turn her on? Could she not attract the right kind of guy just once?
“I can wait till tomorrow,” he told her. His eyes searched her face as a hint of a smile played around his lips. “I’m a pretty patient man.”
Placing a hand on his chest to stop him may have been a mistake. A jolt of awareness tingled up her arm. The strength, the chiseled pecs beneath her palm... Yeah, she was very aware of the sexiness that encompassed Ian Shaffer.
“I appreciate the fact you’re taking the time to use your charm on me, but I’m too busy for games. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’m a lot older than you.”
Ian shrugged. “Age hadn’t entered my mind.”
Cassie laughed. “I’m pretty sure I know what entered your mind.”
He stepped forward again, giving her no choice but to back up until the gate to a stall stopped her. Ian put one hand on either side of her head, blocking her.
“Then I’m sure you’re aware I find you attractive.” His eyes dropped to her mouth, then traveled back up. “I can’t wait for that tour, Cassie.”
He pushed off the stall and walked out of the stable. When was the last time a man had caught her attention, inspired her sexual desire so fast? The danger of falling into lust scared her to death.
But she had to be realistic. There was nothing special about her. And if she did allow herself to act on these very new, very powerful emotions, she highly doubted he’d remember her name in a few months.
No way could she succumb to his charms.
Two (#udab38ae7-a8bd-5af6-81af-1c5ee66fcd91)
Cassie’s parents had been married nearly twenty years when her mother was killed suddenly in a car accident. She’d always admired the love her parents had for each other, always wanted a marriage like that for herself.
Unfortunately, a happy, loving marriage wasn’t in the cards for her. And hindsight was a harsh slap in the face because Cassie realized she’d probably married Derek too quickly.
She’d craved the love her parents had had and thought for sure Derek—the Barringtons’ onetime groom—had the same outlook on marriage.... As in, it was long-term and between only two people.
How could she trust her feelings for a man again? Cassie swiped the tear from her cheek as she headed back toward the stable. The sun was slowly sinking behind the hills surrounding the estate. Spring was gradually turning into summer, giving the evenings just a bit more light.
The day’s filming was complete and the scene she’d just witnessed had left her raw and hopeful all at the same time.
Max Ford and Lily Beaumont had beautifully reenacted Cassie’s parents’ proposal. Cassie had heard stories, had seen pictures of her parents’ early love. But to witness that moment in person... Cassie had no words for how precious the experience had been.
She’d stood with Tessa off to the side, and even with the directors and producers stopping and starting and rearranging in the middle of the scene, the moment had captured her heart.
Added to that, each time she’d glanced at Ian, his gaze had been on hers. He hadn’t even bothered trying to hide the heat that lurked in those dark, heavy-lidded eyes. Thankfully, at one point he’d slid on his aviator shades, but his dominating presence still captured her attention...and her hormones.
There went those lustful emotions again. She couldn’t afford to get swept away by a sexy body and killer smile. Lust was the evil that had overtaken her once before and look where that had gotten her. Oh, she didn’t regret her marriage because she had Emily, but the pain from the rejection and having her love blatantly thrown back in her face was humiliating. Who wanted to be rejected?
Cassie reached the stable, intending to work with MacDuff again, but her eyes moved up to the rung of the ladder that still hung vertically.
She’d meant to mention the problem to Nash, the new groom, but between the emotional shoot and a certain hot agent plaguing her mind, she’d simply forgotten. Besides, he’d been so busy today cleaning out all the stalls, she really hated to add to his list.
Her father took pride in his stables, always making sure everything looked pristine and perfect. Cassie would bite the bullet and fix the ladder herself. At least working on something would keep her mind off Ian...hopefully. Her tendency to fix things and have everything in her life make sense would have to be satisfied with just this piece of wood for now. The Ian issue—and she feared he was fast becoming an issue—would have to wait.
She grabbed the hammer and several long nails from the toolbox in the equipment room. She shoved the nails in her back pocket and held on to the hammer as she climbed the ladder that stretched to the loft of the stable.
