When I finally nod he nods with me.
“You’re training with me.” It’s a statement of fact; I hear that in his voice. “I won’t have it any other way. I’m sorry. I don’t know how to explain it, but you are my responsibility, and I take that position seriously. I’ll take care of Travis. I’ll inform him so you don’t have to. From now on, your best interests come first. Do you understand?”
Deep down I had this nagging feeling Travis took me on to get to my parents, and from the way Reed is talking, I know it’s true. I am a top amateur rider, but even I was doubtful I was ready for the International Level. But Travis pushed it, told my parents he would work miracles with me and within a few months, he made a big production at a dinner at the hunt club that he was entering me in the next competition.
He’d even put his arm around me, squeezed me like he had done that all the time.
I also know that when he sold us Ruby, it netted him a good hundred grand in finder’s fee. That’s above and beyond the thirty-thousand plus a month it costs for his training and board and everything else.
That night at the hunt club it felt odd and staged, but I went along with it when I saw the pride in my father’s face. The way he nodded at me with something I’d been longing for. Admiration.
The warmth bathing me from Reed’s eyes right now is something I am not sure what to do with. Reed takes one hand from his cane, tops mine with his, his fingers pressing into my palm and pulling my still clenched fingers from their place next to my hip.
The touch of his skin on mine sends fireworks blasting around in every nerve ending. My ears crackle with static. The spot where our flesh connects is lit with a tension and heat I can’t explain. Like two chemicals reacting with something dangerous and magnificent.
His touch feels like coming home.
Safe. Nurturing. Possessive.
Intoxicating.
Before I know it, I’m squeezing his hand and pulling him closer. I need him near me. If I had my way I’d jump to my knees and throw my arms around those broad shoulders and bury my face into what I imagine are the hard muscles of his shoulder. Something makes me desperate to cling to him, this brooding monster of a man with something in his eyes that tells me he’s here for me.
Like he’s been waiting.
And what girl doesn’t want that? Someone that’s waited just for her.