Animal Heart(10)

“There you go.” Grace wheeled her luggage inside the door for her and closed it as she left with a soft click.

She opened the case and tried to decide what to wear for her first meal at the ranch. In previous places she had stayed, they dressed up, Jade always did regardless. But she felt this place may be rather more low key, based on Grace's black trousers and plain white blouse. But maybe she was a waitress, she thought. She plucked out her above the knee, tight plain black dress which had a low, but not indecent neckline. She put on her black pumps and added some simple jewellery. Giving her hair a quick straighten with her irons to gloss it up, and a smattering of evening make up, she surveyed herself in the mirror.

Not too bad. Sexy, smart, and classic. That'll do.

A quick squirt of perfume later, she set off for her much needed dinner.

Outside her door, the delicious smell of food assailed her nostrils and her mouth watered in anticipation. She hadn't eaten anything all day except the one bite of cheesecake and a packet of potato chips.

I'm starving... No, make that ravenous!

On turning the corner of the main reception area, it was clear she had overdressed for the occasion. A sea of jeans and casual gear was clearly evident. The chatter died down and everyone stared at her. Not that she minded being the center of attraction for once. Jade usually stole the show. Well, her cleavage did.

Lucas stood up and guided her to a spare chair next to him.

“Sleeping Beauty looks pretty good tonight,” he said giving her waist an appreciative squeeze as she sat down.

“I feel way too done up,” she whispered. “You could have said it was super casual here, Lucas,” She admonished.

“Oh no, I love what you're wearing, honey.” He gave her a glowing look that set her on fire. He was more than interested in her and she wasn't exactly immune to his charms either.

She looked up and around the table. A lot of eyes were upon her. One set caught her attention, Aden's blue magnetic gaze.

“Hello again,” she said politely, locking eyes with him. “How was your ride? I saw you leave.”

“Unpredictable, as usual,” he replied with a hint of sarcasm and a blatant, seriously hard stare. He seemed to be staring right inside her head somehow and my God, did she feel uncomfortable and aware of it.

"Let me introduce you to our team," Lucas said, interrupting her disturbed thoughts. He proceeded to work his way around the table, explaining what they all did and then covered the small neighboring table. She found out there were eleven staff, and sometimes up to sixteen guests, although there were only five at this moment. The staff all seemed to be quite young, twenties to thirties.

Suddenly there came a shout from the kitchen.

“Come and get it guys!” And the chef opened the hatch with a pink faced smile.

Two people brought the food over and laid it on the two tables. They all dived in like starving refugees. Chili, Rice, Bread, Salad. Never had a meal tasted so good. Encouraged by a couple of glasses of wine and pleasant flirty chatter with Lucas, she demolished a very large helping. Full to the brim, she looked on as a massive peach sponge cake dessert arrived on the table. She managed to force some down before her stomach began to complain quite badly that it was very full and could not accept another mouthful. She sat back in pleasure watching as the others did the same. How relaxed and pleasant they all were, and how she was enjoying her first night.

Apart from him.

Aden Carr.

He was so serious and had hardly stopped staring at her the entire meal.

“So, have you decided yet, Maddy? A half or a full day in the saddle tomorrow?” Aden suddenly asked.

“I'll jump right in with a full day,” she replied, smiling happily, a little wine induced.

“In that case, I'll take you out,” he said quickly. “Mia is escorting the other four guests on a half day around the lake. It appears I have you all to myself Miss Jones,” he said without any sign of pleasure or humor.

“How wonderful a thought,” she replied, straight-faced, noticing the evil looks being levelled at her from Mia's direction.

“My rides are always wonderful and very enjoyable,” he added. “I make sure they are.” He gave her a long dark look afterwards, which she had no inkling as to the meaning of.

“I just can't wait,” she announced in reply. “There's nothing I'd like more than a whole day of your pleasant, enjoyable, and light-hearted company, Mr Carr.” She couldn't help the slight hard edge to her voice and the sarcastic tone that crept in. His eyes flashed at her angrily and he arose from the table.

“I shall see you at nine at the stables. Goodnight, Maddy,” he growled at her. Then he left, beckoning at Grace, who stood up immediately and followed him out of the room. Mia's eyes burned in hatred as Grace left, and then she turned her head and they burned at her as well. She tried to make conversation with her, to lighten the heavy atmosphere, which had formed like a black cloud above the table.