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Thalia
Excitement courses through me as I spot the imposing sign on the brick wall.
Rhodes Farms.
The place I have wanted to train ever since I watched Mr. Theodore Rhodes, himself, compete at the Global tour in New York a few years back. I was mesmerized by him. The way he rode. The way he was at one with his horse. His riding was an art form. He won the whole competition, and I knew then I wanted to be just like him.
Theodore Rhodes is the number one show jumper in the world and the one person who can help me achieve my show jumping dreams. He won individual and team gold at the last Olympics - his third time competing for Team USA.
After much discussion—and begging on my behalf—my parents agreed to let me train with him, with the stipulation that I finish high school first. Of course, I agreed, and I graduated from St. Constantine’s private all-girls school a couple weeks ago. Now my journey can really start. I will be a showjumper. I will prove to my parents that this is what I want.
We pull through the wrought iron gates. I scan the area through the blacked-out SUV windows, taking in the lush green grass and palm tree lined drive before the barn comes into view. I smile knowing I am going to see my horses in just a couple more minutes.
Zeus and Lolly.
I have had them for a couple years now, competing on the East Coast whenever I had the chance between modelling, filming, and school. I want to take the next step now and that can only happen if I get the right trainer.
Coming to a stop, I open the door before the driver gets the chance to do it for me and hop out. I hear my father’s stern voice but that doesn’t stop me as I race toward the stalls. I have never gone this long without seeing my horses, so the excitement is real. Spotting a woman, I come to a halt.
“Hey, do you know where my horses are? Zeus and Lolly?” Her eyes widen before she composes herself.
“You’re Thalia Maxwell?” I nod in confirmation. It's only when her mouth gapes that I remember what my name means.
Thalia Maxwell, daughterto the owner of the world’s biggest diamond and jewelry corporation, Christian Maxwell III, and America’s sweetheart, movie star, Elena Maxwell. She straightens, clears her throat. I frown. I don’t want to be treated any differently from anyone else here.
“Uhh, yeah. Follow me.” She spins on her heel, and I follow her lead. “I’m Tessa by the way. Barn manager at Rhodes Farms.”
“Hey,” I reply. She glances over her shoulder with a small smile then carries on to my horses’ stalls. She comes to a stop at a door. I peek over, smiling when I see Zeus. He is gray in color and around 16.2 hands, big compared to my five-foot six height. Spotting me, he neighs. I open the door, strolling in and wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Hey boy. Did you miss me?” I ask even though he can’t reply.
“Zeus and Lolly have been very well looked after,” Tessa says. I glance over at her and smile.
“Thank you. This is the longest I have gone without seeing them,” I tell her. Both my horses were transported from New York to Florida over a month ago. I know it sounds cliché, but I have been lost without them.
“Lolly is next door,” Tessa adds. I release Zeus and make my way to Lolly. I grin at my girl. She is around 16 hands and brown in color with a black mane and tail. She is beautiful. Opening the stall door, I walk in and wrap my arms around her just the same as I did with Zeus. I breathe her in, breathe in the smell of horses.
It feels like home.
I hear footsteps approach and I know it is my father. My mom couldn’t make it today, as she is on location for a new movie she is filming.
“Thalia?” I release Lolly, stepping out of the stall to find my father with his cell in hand and a frown marring his face.
“Here, Daddy.” He glances up at me with a smile.
“Come. Mr. Rhodes is in his office.” I swallow down my nerves as I follow my father. I have never met Theodore Rhodes in person, but I have seen pictures. He is known as the hottest guy in show jumping and it is not hard to see why. With his dark hair, striking blue eyes, and chiseled features, he is a god. Beautiful. I have been around good-looking men, worked with them on several modelling campaigns, but Theodore Rhodes beats them all. Unfortunately for all women that covet him, he isn’t single. He has been with his girlfriend for six years and as far as I know, there has never been any rumors of him being unfaithful. Not like you would be if you were dating British socialite, Melody Whitworth. With her blond hair and brown eyes, she is gorgeous and together, they look like the picture-perfect couple.
Coming to a stop at a big oak door, my father knocks. A few seconds later a deep male voice responds, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Come in.” My father pushes the door open before stepping through. I follow behind him only to come to a stop when I spot the man behind the desk. My breath hitches. I swallow.
Hard.
Jesus. Pictures do not do this man justice. In person, he is even more god-like. Noticing my stare, he clears his throat and holds out his hand for me to take. “You must be Thalia?” My cheeks heat in embarrassment at being caught ogling him. I take his hand.
“Yes,” I breathe. He smirks. A smirk I feel right down to my…pussy? I frown, stunned by my reaction. This never happens to me. I have never been interested in men, choosing to focus on my horses, yet for some reason, this stranger has my stomach in knots with lust.
This is bad. Really bad.
