He had been one of the few people not influenced by Skyler’s blacklisting from the circuit. As a trainer, he’d tried to throw a few rides her way, but the owners he worked for had sided with the other gentry and threatened to hire a new trainer if he continued to employ her. That was before they both came under Kate’s protective arm. Only Kate had enough money and influence to stand firm against blacklisting. Her compromise was to employ Skyler as a trainer, not a rider. That had satisfied the angry gentry, since it meant she would be less visible.
The dance floor thinned as couples paused and stepped aside to watch Clint and Skyler. When the band wound up the tune, they were the only couple left on the floor, and the crowd clapped their appreciation. Clint bowed to the crowd, then to Skyler, and they both laughed when she grabbed him and gave him a smacking kiss on the mouth.
Thirsty, she headed to the bar and ordered a Crown Reserve and Coke.
“Don’t forget the cherry, honey,” a familiar throaty voice instructed the bartender, and Skyler turned to find herself nose-to-nose with Alexandra. “Been hiding from me, huh?”
“No, I’ve been right there at Creek Barn, doing what I do every day, working horses and training riders.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Alexandra batted her eyes. “I could use another private lesson.”
“Alex, you know me. I have a short attention span. But you sure were fun, sweetie.” Skyler winked.
“Now, Sky.” The socialite imitated Skyler’s drawl. “I wouldn’t want to have to tell my husband that you seduced me. He would be very upset.”
Think again if you think you can control me, lady.
“Oh, you are so right, you know. You messing around with a lowly horse trainer, a female to boot, wouldn’t impress his business clients. Why, I’ll bet that would give him the ammunition he needs to cut off your shopping money and take up publicly with that secretary he’s screwing.”
Alexandra’s face turned red with anger. “Fuck you, Skyler Reese.”
Skyler raised her drink in salute. “I believe you already did,” she muttered as Alexandra stormed off. Showing her empty glass to the bartender, she said, “How about another of these? A double this time.”
If he’d heard their exchange, he showed no reaction. “Yes, ma’am. Coming right up.”
Skyler leaned against the bar and scanned the crowd, searching for one woman only.
“So, you ride, you train, you dance. Is there anything you can’t do?” The silky voice sent a tingle through Skyler. Jessica’s black hair, usually kept in French braid, fell loose around her shoulders. She wore snug black jeans and a cobalt silk shirt that complemented her iridescent eyes.
“Hey there.” Skyler let her eyes linger on the tempting curves she was not allowed to touch. “Kate puts on quite a shindig, doesn’t she? You having a good time?”
“Better every minute.” Jessica gulped down the last of her drink and signaled the bartender for another. “I saw you dancing with Clint out there. You’re pretty good.”
“Thanks. I’d ask you to dance, but some of this crowd wouldn’t appreciate it and I promised Kate I would be on my best behavior.”
“Oh, that exchange with Alexandra was your best behavior?”
Skyler sighed. Why did Jessica always seem to be around to witness her at her worst?
“Maybe you should slow down on the alcohol a little,” Jessica suggested.
“Don’t worry, I always throw up before I get drunk enough to embarrass myself.”
“Now that sounds attractive.”
They laughed together at Skyler’s sarcasm, but Jessica’s irritation was tangible. Skyler was trying to come up with a smooth compliment when Kate came over and made an excuse to draw Jessica away. Skyler saw straight through the move. Whenever they were at a social event, she always made sure Jessica wasn’t left alone with her for more than a few minutes. Skyler didn’t know whether to feel insulted or flattered that Kate couldn’t trust Jessica to resist her. Was she that irresistible?
She glanced down as a hand slipped into hers and Charlie looked up at her in tears. “What’s wrong, buddy?” she asked