Page 15 of A Billionaire's Secret

I liked solace and quiet before a race. It was the only way to ground myself, normalize my breathing, pray for my horse, straighten my posture, breathe confidence in, and exhale doubt. I had become so good at blocking the world out during those brief moments before the race that even if the room were buzzing with people and conversations, I wouldn’t know it.

And then, as if wearing blinkers, I would walk to the arena through an imaginary tunnel where only I and my horse existed, oblivious to any people or sounds.

In the end, I would find myself right next to my horse. I’d smile and stroke it gently, worshiping and admiring its strength and acknowledging the moments of pain and discomfort that might follow.

We’d hear the orders, I’d jump on top of my horse, get in position, and open my eyes to the world for the first time since the beginning of my meditation in the locker room. I’d examine my opponents and their horses, the lay of the land, and everyone’s vibrations. I’d stiffen my posture and wait for the whistle.

We’re ready, I’d confirm internally.

But this time, right before my tunnel vision ended, I saw him. Christian Forbes. My nerves tensed up, and my insides tied up in knots at the sight of his eyes piercing mine with a proud smirk.

I looked around frantically to see if Diana had been entered into the race last minute. I didn’t see her. Was he there for me?

I shook my head in denial and shifted my gaze to Serenity, desperately searching for comfort and hoping to center myself. She projected confidence and grandeur. I petted her and normalized my breathing. I jumped on her, the whistle blew, and we sped away, blurring out the crowd and Christian’s handsome face in the background, the determination to show him what I’m made of, fueling my body.

“You’ve got this, Serenity!” I encouraged the majestic animal as we galloped among the other horses. I tightened my grip around the reins and nudged her gently in the right direction.

As we rounded the final turn, Serenity broke away from the pack and surged forward, her powerful strides eating up the distance between us and the finish line.

The crowd held their breath as we crossed the finish line and then exploded in cheers. I threw my arms up in triumph, and unintendedly the first eyes I saw were his. He was smiling from ear to ear, vigorously clapping his veined hands.

Adrenaline and pure ecstasy raced through my veins like never before. I had won many races, but this time felt different, and I wondered if Christian’s dominating presence had anything to do with it.

Almost in a daze, we pranced to the winner’s circle, accepted my trophy, and I muttered a few words for the news. With the peripherals of my eyes, I kept track of Christian’s unwavering presence. He was waiting patiently, hands in his pocket, avoiding everyone who came his way for small talk.

I jumped off my horse, wiped my forehead, and let my hair down before heading toward the arena exit. I handed Serenity to a stable hand and grabbed a water bottle from Tony.

“Great job, kiddo! We got them this time!” He exclaimed and gave me a big hug.

I smiled and excused myself. I sat in the changing room for a few moments after changing my clothes and then headed out, my head still pounding with adrenaline and excitement.,

“Congratulations, Victoria,” his deep voice resounded in the hallway as soon as I walked out.

“Thank you.” I nodded, my knees buckling at the closeness of him.

“I came to see you race,” he explained. “And also to ask if you’ll have dinner with me tonight? Before anyone else steals you for a celebratory party.”

“Um,” I froze. “I don’t know. Can I think about it?”

“Of course. You can think about the restaurant choice.” He joked, and his genuine smile sent shivers down my spine.

“I’m a bit startled right now,” I responded honestly. “Maybe you can call me later, and I’ll confirm?”

“That means I’ll need your number,” he smiled and handed me his phone. “I mean, I could always find it, but it’s more validating if you give it to me willingly.”

I paused, smirked, and accepted his phone. I typed up my number and handed it back. At the exchange, his fingers gently caressed mine. Memories of his hands on my body flashed before me, and electricity jolted through my body.

“Thank you for coming, Christian,” I pulled away. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“It was my pleasure. You were great.” He assured me again and made way for me.

I slipped away shakily, but I knew his determined eyes were following me every step of the way.

“My Goodness, who was that handsome man you were talking to?” My mother startled me with the most uncomfortable question as soon as we shut the car doors. “If I weren’t happily married, I’d ask for his number,” she joked.

“Mom! Gross!” I let out a nervous shriek. “He’s a rich snob. His daughter won the Kentucky Club Stakes.”

“Oh, I see,” my mother nodded and gazed out the window, confused. “Well, what does he want with you?”

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