Page 18 of Saddles & Suits

Opening my eyes, I see Jack in the doorway. The lust on his face makes me choke. Fortunately, the chocolate really does melt in my mouth, and I manage to clear my windpipe before I make too big an idiot of myself.

“Christ!” I pick up my beer and take a swig. It tastes weird after the chocolate.

“Are you okay?” Jack comes around to hover beside me, hand half raised as if to smack me on the back.

“Yeah.” I haul in a deep breath and clear my throat again. “I’m fine.” My voice still sounds a little hoarse. “I, uh, was just not expecting you to be there.”Or to be looking at me like that.

“Sorry. That’s twice today I’ve startled you. I won’t let it happen again.”

I ignore the stifled snicker from over by the stove. “Nah, it’s fine. I’m just tired.” Does that make any fucking sense? I hurry on. “Uh, I think I’ll set the table. Do you want a drink?”

“I’ll get it.” Jack turns and heads for the fridge as I haul myself up from my chair. Dave smirks at me behind Jack’s back.

It’s going to be a long night. And probably an even longer weekend.

ChapterEleven

Jack

I’ve been carefully groomingmy horse for the past ten minutes, but only half my mind is on the job. The other half is wondering what the heck is going on with Seb.

Ever since I arrived on Thursday night, Seb’s been acting strange. He’s… edgy. Sometimes it seems as though he doesn’t want to be in my company, and I’m worried that I did or said something to offend him, and then other times, it’s almost as though…

Shaking my head, I give a huge sigh. Seb’s been nothing except friendly and professional until this weekend. The last couple days, I get the feeling that maybe he could feel more, but it’s just a feeling.

Isn’t it?

Whatever it is, I’d forgotten how soothing it can be to be around horses. The decision to work from the Vale for a few days a week is the best one I ever made, and not just because it’s given me the chance to get to know Seb better. I’ve been riding again, which means caring for my mount, because I was taught about horses by Uncle Warwick, and in Uncle Warwick’s stables, one looks after one’s mount and tack or one doesn’t ride. I’ve also used the tennis court a few times since Seb reopened it, dragging Seb or Chris or whoever else was around out with me. I’ve always tried to keep fit and active, but a couple hours a week in the gym isn’t the same—and certainly not as social. Being away from the city and not living alone for four days a week has eased all my stress.

“Lana will stand there all day and let you do that,” a voice says, and Chris comes up beside me. “But then she’ll expect us to groom her all day, too, and we just don’t have the time. Plus, the other horses are starting to look jealous.” He takes the brush from my hand and drops it in the grooming bucket. “Is this really how you want to spend your whole Sunday?”

I laugh. “There are worse ways to spend a day,” I say, “and this lady deserves to be spoiled after you named her Lana Del Neigh.” He’s got a point, though, so I unclip Lana from the crossties and lead her toward her stall, but not before she shoots him a vaguely displeased look. Chris falls into step beside me.

“That was all Seb’s idea. His deep, dark secret is that he loves her music.”

I wouldn’t say I’m a fan myself, but I can see the appeal. “There are worse secrets, I guess.”

“Which is why we let him name a horse after her. What were you thinking about so hard that you lost track of time?”

I shrug. “Nothing. Just distracted.”

Chris makes a disbelieving sound. “I don’t suppose this distraction is about five ten, brown hair, dark eyes, frighteningly efficient, and totally oblivious?”

I miss a step and only narrowly avoid slamming into a wall. Lana stops, and her look this time is utterly contemptuous.

“Ahhhh…” I straighten and pull my composure around me like a cloak—although somewhat tattered. “Hold that thought. I’ll be back.” I leave Chris in the walkway and take Lana back to her stall, making sure she has everything she needs before giving her an affectionate pat and leaving her to it. Chris is waiting patiently when I get back, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “You’re a dick,” I tell him.

“Oh, I know. Come on, let’s go for a walk. We’ll do a circuit of the arenas so I can check on the lessons, and then I need to get back to base before the next lot arrives.” Sunday is a busy day at the riding school, I remember as we head out of the stables, and it’s kind of surprising that Chris took the time to track me down. Although, maybe not so much, since he seems to have something to say.

We wander to the arena where the intermediate class is currently in progress and lean on the fence, watching. I tamp down my impatience for as long as I can.

“Are you going to say something or just stand there looking smug?” I finally burst out. Chris grins, the bastard.

“Are you into Seb?” he asks bluntly.

Fuck. Am I that transparent?Well, obviously.

“Yes.” No point prevaricating, right? Chris isn’t stupid. Maybe he knows something that can help. Maybe he’s going to tell me that Seb isn’t interested and I need to back off.

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