AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He remained silent and issued a tight smile toward the crowd surveying Another Round with admiration.
“If Another Round had a choice,” she asked softly, “what do you think he would choose?”
Brooks glanced back at her, answering immediately. “He’d choose to run.”
“But where?” She gestured toward the walking ring, the crowd, and the track in the distance behind them. “You think he’d prefer to be here or at Lone Oaks Crossing?” She bit her lip, unsure of how much more to say. “I know what I’d prefer. I’d prefer to be back at Lone Oaks Crossing, enjoying a nice view in good company. Having the choice to spend my time the way I wanted each day.” She stared at Another Round, watching his muscular form stride across the walking ring. “I guess what I’m asking is, if this feud between you and Spencer no longer existed, where would you rather be? At tracks like this or back at Lone Oaks, enjoying your estate?”
A muscle clenched in his strong jaw, but he didn’t answer.
Moments later, the jockeys were introduced, and Lee entered the walking ring in his pristine silks and cap, smiling broadly as he joined Jo and Brooks.
“I’d say it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” Lee drawled, glancing around them at the sun-drenched spring day.
Jo laughed. “What makes you so peppy this afternoon? You know something we don’t?”
Lee lifted his chin, a proud look on his face. “Not really. Just looking forward to the ride.” He motioned toward Another Round. “Let’s just hope he brings the same energy to the track that he’s had at Lone Oaks Crossing for the past week.”
“If he’d just run here like he runs back there, he’d take it all,” Brooks said.
Lee sighed. “Yeah. I know. That’s the problem, isn’t it?”
“We were just discussing that,” Jo said. “I was asking Brooks where he thought Another Round preferred to spend his time?”
“I think that’s obvious.” Lee’s smile dimmed just a little as he continued studying Another Round. “He loves to run, only not on the track.”
“And you?” Jo asked. “Do you enjoy racing as much as you used to?”
Lee thought it over, his gaze remaining on Another Round, then shifting to Brooks. “I enjoy racing, but my favorite days are training days.” He shrugged. “I appreciate your letting me work with Jo again, Brooks. I’ve learned a lot from her over the past few months.” He looked at Jo. “Matter of fact, been thinking about training myself at some point.”
Jo smiled, sneaking a glance at Brooks, who continued to watch Another Round silently. “That sounds like a plan,” she said. “If I manage to get Lone Oaks Crossing back into good financial standing and the new business I hope to open on its feet, I’d love to have you back on our team on a permanent basis. I know Earl would love having you around.”
Lee smiled even wider. “I’d like that.”
Jo waited, hoping that Brooks would join the conversation again and possibly commit to working with Jo and Lone Oaks Crossing on a permanent basis rather than a temporary one. That maybe, just maybe, he’d consider a different path that didn’t include racing.
But the moment was gone, the walk was over, and Another Round rejoined them, ready to undergo final preparations for the start of the race.
Brooks wished Lee good luck, patted Another Round’s neck, then walked away.
“Be careful out there,” Jo said, giving Lee a leg up onto Another Round. After Lee was settled in the saddle, she leaned close to Another Round, stroking his neck. “I know you’re nervous,” she whispered to the horse. “But don’t pay any mind to the fanfare or the end result. Just run, handsome. Run your heart out and have fun.”
Lee nodded at Jo, then guided Another Round off to join the pony horse and rider that would escort them to the track.
Jo watched them leave, then rubbed her hands together and began walking toward her viewing position by the track, stopping when a deep voice called her name. She glanced over her shoulder to find Brooks had stopped several feet away, his eyes holding hers, a somber look on his face.
“I enjoy being here,” he said, “because you’re here.” His smile returned, brightening his expression. “Good luck out there. I’ll be watching.”
Jo smiled back, that pleasurable tingle returning, raising goose bumps on her skin. “You better be.”
* * *
Later, Jo stood near the track, watching as the jockeys warmed up their horses near the starting gate. Another Round moved the same as always when he neared the starting gate, his movements showing signs of tension and hesitation. Lee continued warming him up though and Jo could see him leaning close to Another Round’s ear as though giving him a pep talk.
All too soon, the horses were led one by one to their positions at the starting gate. Soon after, the gates were swept open and a bell rang, signaling the race had commenced.
Jo’s hands clenched into fists by her sides as she watched the thoroughbreds race along the track. The afternoon sun was strong, glinting off the stands and the lenses of spectators’ sunglasses. The crowd was on its feet, cheering the horses on, adding to the tension in the air.
Jo searched the racing horses until she managed to catch a glimpse of Another Round and Lee. They were struggling at the back of the pack, keeping pace but behind all the other horses as usual. The announcer blared overhead, calling out the names of horses who’d taken the lead, detailing each thoroughbred’s move.
