“A stallion in the sack,” I overheard someone call him once.
Those fingers currently working through Maverick’s mane are the ones that have brought countless women to orgasm. Before I can stop it, the thought of him doing the same to me registers hard between my legs. It’s sufficiently shocking that I let out a tiny gasp.
I didn’t think it was loud enough to hear, but Miles turns around like he senses someone watching him. When his eyes lock into mine, a slow, questioning smile creeps across his face, and I pray to God he can’t read my thoughts—because they’re definitely not for sharing. With him or any living soul ever.
Giving Maverick one more pat, he makes his way over. His stride is somewhere between a strut and a swagger, brimmingwith arrogance. The angle of the sun casts a shadow over the upper half of his face so all I can see is his mouth, and somewhere in the forty or so steps, I make my mind up.
“Well?”
“Yes. I’ll come to work for you.”
CHAPTER 4
Miles
“Arthur, I need you to do something for me.”
There's a rustle of papers, followed by a loud throat clearing. “Good afternoon to you, too, Miles.”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes and check my watch. “Good afternoon, although it's good morning here.”
“And where is here?”
“Aspen. Collecting a couple of ponies.”
“No longer in Argentina, then?”
“Flew here from there on my way home. With any luck, I’ll be back at Burlington in a couple of days.”
There’s no doubt the landscape of Aspen is stunning year-round. The still white-topped peaks of the mountains give way to a blanket of green trees, a fast-flowing river, and bright blue skies. But I maintain it’s nothing compared to Valentine Nook, the place I grew up in, and no matter which exotic location I find myself in, I cannot wait to return.
It’s the most beautiful place on earth.
Peering out of the windows, I can see Ruby working in the outdoor arena with Maverick. Watching her work him around the obstacles she’s set up, I’m equal parts stunned she’s self-taught and beside myself with excitement that she’ll soon be joining my team—the Foxleigh Flyers.
She’s a natural. Sitting with a grace and ease I can’t remember ever witnessing before, even from the high-goal players—maleandfemale. Just like at New Year’s when I spotted her, I’m mesmerized by the rhythm she puts Maverick into—like a dressage horse elongating his gallop down the far side of the field before turning and executing a spin so perfectly it brings tears to my eyes.
It's my lucky day that no one’s noticed her before now.
“Well, Miles?” Arthur questions, interrupting my thoughts. “What is it that I can help you with?”
“Can you get a work visa set for an American I want to employ at Foxleigh?”
“Yes, I can. No problem. The same terms as we’ve had for previous international contracts?”
“Great, yes. And I need it the day after tomorrow.”
Arthur's braying, crusty laugh echoes down the phone, and I’m immediately annoyed.
“Miles,” he begins in his usual patronizing tone, “even I can't work magic that quickly.”
I bet if Lando asked him, he’d do it, such a fucking kiss arse.
“Okay. Then how long does it take?”
“Well, I mean, at a push, I suppose I could get it done in eight weeks. There's a lot of paperwork and red tape to be moved through. Visas are at a premium right now.”
Eight weeks. No, that won’t do. I’m not waiting eight weeks when the season begins properly before the month ends. Ruby might have talent, but her style needs refining. Therefore, we have a lot of work to get done before then. I’d like to see her playing before the end of the season, but at the very least, I want her as a sub for the Flyers.
