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He nods, his blue eyes lit in understanding.
“Because I can do better.”
Case grins. “You can.”
“I’ll do better this time.”
“I’ve no doubt,” he says. Then, dryly, “Maria told you to tuck your toes on those turns.”
I narrow my eyes and smack his chest. “Lord, Iknewyou were gonna say that.”
“I’m not done. Did you take deep breaths beforehand?”
“Yes, sir, Life Coach, sir, I did.”
“You sure? You looked a little stiff. Granted, you still looked better than anyone I’ve ever seen on horseback, but…” He trails off and licks his lips, and I follow the movement along with the sudden appearance of his dimple.
I clear my throat, feeling caught. “We both know that’s abig fat lie.” I lower my voice, and he leans closer. “Maria and Duchess are pro level.”
Case pulls back, grinning ear to ear. “And I bet you gave her an eyeful today. Just like you did my dad and your brother and sister and, oh yeah, Camilla, who’s practically floating on cloud nine. Besides, Maria’s been around as long as Walker and I have. That was your very first race ever, and you nearly—”
I cover his mouth again, feeling my cheeks warm. His lips twist under my fingers, and he holds up two hands in surrender.
“Right,” he murmurs against my skin. “Sorry.”
“Did you see who else is here?” I ask, my eyes darting to where Christine is grooming her horse across the way.
He follows my gaze and nods. “Yeah, I saw her.” He’s extremely casual as he asks, “Did she say anything to you?”
I shrug. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
His gaze turns intense. This close, I can smell the leather of his vest and the soap on his tanned skin. “Good.”
“Hey, there’s the power duo!” Camilla says, walking up to us and giving Mab a happy pat on the rump.
Case steps back, mouthing the wordscloud nine. I grin, pleased, and try not to notice the way his absence leaves me feeling cold. Am I cold, or is he just hot?
Heh. Is it okay to think your new best friend is hot? I mean, I thought he was before we became friends, and I like him more now.
“I should leave you to get ready for your second run. I’ll be watching in the stands.” He moves to Mab, caressing her forelock and saying something in a low voice for her ears only. The secrets that horse must hold…
He struts off with a salute over his shoulder and yells, “Sans broncher, Sutton!”
Don’t flinch.
Camilla instructs me to climb back into the saddle and gives a few hands-on instructions on my form. She leaves, and my name is called to line up once more. I start working on my breaths. Mab’s still skipping around, but she feels more in control. She knows what we’re doing now. She’s gotten accustomed to the noise.
“Such a smart girl,” I croon, rubbing her neck. “We can do better this time, can’t we?”
“I hope so,” Christine says, walking past on a gorgeous Thoroughbred. “You embarrassed yourself with that barrel slip.”
“Ignore her,” I say to Mab in a loud voice. “She’s just jealous you’re prettier than she is.”
Christine flutters off, and by the sheer volume and force of the crowd’s reaction approximately thirty seconds later, I know she did well.
But not as well as we’re about to do.
Our names are called and once again, I direct Mab to the long, narrow alleyway leading into the arena. This time, I tune out the noise and distractions. I will away the roaring in my ears and home in on the course in front of us—on the feel of Mab’s muscular frame. I pay attention to the way her sides rise and fall with her breaths, and I slow mine to match. “Just me and you,” I tell her. “Just me and you.” Then I nudge her into movement.
