HORSES AND HEROIN (Romantic Mystery) (12 page)

However, it might be nice if she brown-nosed a bit. Maybe treat him to a little smile. But when she glanced up, those beautiful eyes looked almost wounded. She murmured good-bye and rushed out the door, obviously keen to escape his company.

What the hell did I say
? He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to remember. Something about the druggie? Or maybe she was in a pissy mood from being stuck inside?

But that didn’t make sense. She’d been happy to see him, glad to be sprung from the week of ground training. He glanced thoughtfully at the Equicizer, but Zenyatta remained regal and unmoving, offering no clues to her rider’s abrupt mood swing.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Megan tightened Jake’s saddle and led him from the barn, relieved she was ready before Scott arrived. Rambo shoved his head over the paddock rail and nickered at his stablemate. He always looked imposing with his high head and pricked ears. The big gelding didn’t care much for people, but he definitely liked Jake.

In the distant field, trotting riders circled around Lydia in her flashy pink blouse. Megan blew out a relieved sigh. If not for Scott, she’d still be stuck in the grooms’ class. She wasn’t sure how he’d managed it, but she was grateful.

However, she wasn’t going to sleep with him, no matter how much he helped. It would be foolish to become involved with an instructor. Besides, his crack about Joey skulking around had dampened her ardor. Well…almost dampened. She wasn’t naive enough to think she would hold out long against his kissing. That quick embrace in the fitness center had left her filled her with an odd restlessness, a yearning to be held. To be touched. And to touch.

She gave her head a shake. This was definitely not the time to be thinking about sex. She needed to concentrate on her riding. After a few lessons, she might be able to move into Ramon’s class. Get close to the students who had known Joey best. The jocks were the only people who were important here.

Hooves thudded from the hilltop, and Scott and Braun jogged over the ridge, an impressive partnership of man and horse. Her sigh of approval leaked out. He was too far away to see, so for a moment she simply admired his deep seat, those long legs, the perfect way he fit his horse. Obviously, her ardor hadn’t been dampened very much.

But he shouldn’t talk about Joey like that.

Her mouth clamped and she stroked Jake’s neck, resenting the attraction and feeling like a traitor.

Scott stopped Braun a few feet away. “Did you check everything?” he asked, his face inscrutable. “Safety vest? Helmet? Girth?”

“Girth is tight. And my helmet and vest are good.”

His gaze narrowed on the bridle. “Your bit is a little low though. Tighten it a hole and lower the noseband an inch.”

“But this bridle is used on him every day. I assume it’s the way Lydia wants it.”

“Don’t assume anything.” The steely rebuke in his voice made her cheeks flush.

“Okay,” she said. “But it’s already late so I’ll do it for the next ride.”

“No. Do it now. I’ll wait.” His strong jaw had turned rigid. He sat unmoving on Braun who seemed as motionless as his rider.

“Right,” she said meekly.

However, it wasn’t easy to make the adjustments. Jake was impatient to go to work, tossing his head and fussing, and the leather was stiff. Scott was no help either, just watching from high on his horse, looking rather formidable and not at all like the smiling man in the exercise room.

She bit her lip, trying to hurry, but it seemed endless minutes before she managed to shove the buckle in its keeper. “There,” she said. “Is it okay to mount now?”

“Yes. But lead him back inside. Always mount in the shedrow at the track.”

“But there’s a mounting block outside.”

“Where does Lydia have you mount?”

“Inside,” she said.

Sighing, she led Jake back into the barn then glanced around in consternation. Lydia always legged them up, and the stirrups on the exercise saddle were too short to reach. It was probably safe to vault up but it wasn’t good for the horse’s back.

Still, she’d done it hundreds of times before. No one was watching and she didn’t want to push Scott’s patience by making him wait any longer. He was already being so generous with his time. She grabbed mane, took a little hop—

“Don’t even think about it.” Scott’s low growl sounded behind her and the authority in his voice was so startling, she stumbled.

“I’ll leg you up,” he added, his voice softening.

She nodded, bending her knee so he could boost her into the saddle. “Where’s your horse,” she asked humbly, once she settled safely in the saddle.

“Ground tied.” He paused, keeping a restraining hand on Jake’s reins. “You have to listen to me, Megan. Or it will be hot dogs for supper tonight.”

“I’m invited for supper again?”

“Of course. Bring your swimsuit because you’ll need the hot tub.”

“Why will I need that?” She tilted her head in suspicion.

His sudden grin softened the angles of his face, making her breath catch. “Because you’re going to be stiff,” he said.

He was much too confident, assuming she’d be stiff. Assuming she’d even want to have dinner with him. It was probably wise to play a little hard to get, but that was difficult considering the way he smiled. Already her breath quickened. “Why will I be stiff?” she asked.

“You want to join Ramon’s group? That’s your goal?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’re playing catch-up so, yes, you’ll be stiff. And next time adjust your bridle inside. Don’t frustrate your horse. Or me.”

“That was a mistake,” she said. “And I’m sorry to make you wait.”

“I don’t mind waiting.” His expression turned enigmatic. “Take as much time as you need.” He gave her knee a quick squeeze, stepped outside and mounted Braun.

Her emotions felt a little jumbled but at least he wasn’t annoyed. And the thought of a hot tub at the end of the day was rather appealing.

They headed to the far end of the track, away from Ramon’s group that clustered around the starting gate.

Once they moved into a trot, she temporarily forgot her fears about Joey, her guilt at his disappearance, her reservations about Scott. Problems ceased to exist. It was always like that when she was on a horse. And Jake was a pleasure to ride, with a beautiful floating stride, businesslike and eager to move forward but not fighting his rider.

“Keep your weight balanced in the stirrups,” Scott said. “Don’t push on his neck. Save that for when you want speed.”

He was an excellent teacher, patient but firm, and it was difficult to remember that she had ever found this position so hard. A monkey crouch was almost second nature now, easy to do and easy on her horse. She couldn’t contain her smile.

“You’re ready to learn how to switch your whip hand,” Scott said. “But you can practice that while watching TV.”

“I don’t have a TV.”

“I do,” he said.

He spoke so naturally she nodded, somewhat overwhelmed at the easy way he linked them. She didn’t have much time to worry because already they were increasing speed.

“The track is clear so we’re going to gallop around once,” Scott went on, his voice rising so she could hear his instructions over the pounding hooves. “I’ll stay on the rail. Don’t let Jake run off. He’ll be eager, especially going down the lane.”

Jake
was
eager and she didn’t think she’d ever galloped so fast. Tears blurred her eyes, and it was obvious why Ramon’s top students always wore goggles. However, her hands moved automatically with her horse’s stride, her seat was secure and she thanked her time on the mechanical Zenyatta for helping with the rhythm.

She wasn’t so good with her whip though and at the quarter pole, she almost dropped it. Switching hands was a whole new skill set, but Jake galloped straight and she was able to keep the whip clutched in her fist. Still, it took every ounce of her strength to keep him from charging down the stretch.

Scott and Braun were a reassuring presence and she glanced over twice, sharing her exhilaration. She was panting but still grinning when they pulled up, just past the finish line.

“My legs feel like jelly,” she admitted, her breath coming in gasps as they slowed to a bouncy trot. “If there were horses in front of us, the kickback would really sting. But it was great. Absolutely great. Thanks so much.”

“You did well,” Scott said. “Tomorrow you can work with the gate. You might want to use a different horse though. Jake will break like a rocket.”

“He sure can motor.” She gave his sweaty neck an approving pat. “After some gate work, I’ll be caught up to Ramon’s class. Think I’ll be ready to join them soon?”

“Sure,” he said, his expression unreadable, “or you can stay with me.”

She glanced over her shoulder at the group milling around the starting gate. Part of her wanted to stay with Scott, wished they had met under different circumstances, but she’d never meet Joey’s friends that way. “I’d like to join their class as soon as I can,” she said.

He nodded, his eyes hooded. “Certainly. I’ll speak with Ramon. Let’s ride around the grounds and cool out these boys.”

Jake followed Braun off the track, his ears pricking with interest once they turned away from the barn and headed up the ridge. Megan was just as eager, aware she’d never be allowed to ride the trails unchaperoned. Even the cowbarn was forbidden territory.

Knowing Scott certainly simplified her mission, although so far she hadn’t unearthed much about Mexico—only Joey’s iPod and a magazine. She shoved away the depressing thought. Didn’t want to brood now. She wanted to enjoy this ride. And Scott’s easy company.

They passed an ancient starting gate stripped of doors and climbed the steep hill, following an erosion cut lined with balls of sagebrush. At the top of the ridge, the school’s property stretched below in a panoramic view.

“Wow, look at that,” she teased. “Your villa is the second fanciest on the property. And Tami and I are in the smallest dorm.” She sucked in the beauty, the rare freedom and turned back to him, her smile deepening. “It’s nice to have the chance to ride up here. I really appreciate it.”

“It is beautiful,” he said softly, but he wasn’t looking at the view and the way his eyes drank in her face made her melt. He exuded pheromones, drawing her like a magnet. She’d thought her sex drive was safely dormant, but he filled her with an unsettling awareness.

She jerked her eyes away, glad she was sitting on Jake. She was still embarrassed about last night’s embrace in the hall, how she’d wrapped her arms around him as though she’d never let go. “That must be Garrett and Rex,” she said quickly, gesturing at the figures by the cowshed.

Scott had subtly moved his horse closer, his long leg brushing hers, but his attention shifted to the building below. “There’s someone else talking to Garrett,” he said. “Do you know the second man?”

She tilted her helmet, shading her eyes against the sun. “Not sure. Looks like he has dark hair.”

Scott’s gaze remained fixed on the two men but when Rex barked, he reined Braun toward the lower trail. “Let’s ride down there,” he said over his shoulder.

He pushed Braun into a lope, which seemed to defeat the purpose of cooling out the horses, but it was exhilarating to be riding again, not stuck in a field or even circling on a track. She and Jake gleefully followed.

It didn’t take long to reach the back of the arena. A horse nickered a greeting and Braun answered, muffling the low voices in the cowshed.

“Let’s get off and stretch our legs.” Scott dismounted, speaking so loudly it was obvious he wanted the men inside to hear.

“Sure, that’ll be nice.” She followed his lead and answered just as loudly, flushing at his approving wink.

Seconds later, Garrett appeared in the doorway, his hand gripped around Rex’s collar. At least, she assumed it was Rex. The dog looked much different than he had during her interview. His hackles were raised, fangs bared and angry growls rumbled deep in his throat.

She inched closer to Scott, wishing they had remained mounted. Rex looked ferocious, more like a guard dog than a house pet.

“It’s okay,” Garrett said, noticing her movement. “Rex is okay. You’re not the reason he’s upset.”

In fact, Rex stared at Megan and began to wag his tail, his growls subsiding. Garrett glanced back in the barn, then released his grip on the dog’s collar. Rex trotted to her side and shoved his wet nose into her hand.

“Hey, boy,” she murmured, crouching down and scratching the dog in his favorite spot. Jake kept his hooves planted but stretched his neck and gave a cautious sniff.

“Rex is a sucker for a pretty face,” Garrett said, shooting Scott a rueful smile. “How did you meet
her
so quickly?”

“Megan kindly rescued me on the road.” Scott led Braun closer to Garrett. “What was the dog upset about?”

“He wasn’t upset. It was just a visitor.”

“Same visitor as this morning?” Scott’s voice lowered. Megan pretended absorption with Rex who now sprawled at her feet, paws in the air, shamelessly begging for a belly rub.

“Yeah, but it’s no problem.” Garrett glanced over his shoulder at the dark interior of the cowshed. “We sorted it out.”

“Good,” Scott said, but there was something hard in his voice and she peeked at his face, glad he wasn’t looking at her with that unrelenting expression. Sometimes he was so easy—other times, not so much.

“I’m going to ride with Megan back to her barn,” he added. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“It’s fine.” Megan rose, sensing the men had something to discuss. “I can ride back by myself,” she said.

“I’m sure you can.” Scott walked over and legged her into the saddle. “But students aren’t allowed to ride without an instructor. Isn’t that right, Garrett?”

“That’s the rule.” Garrett smiled and signaled Rex back to his side. “Are you two going to be riding around the cowshed a lot? Together like this?”

“Yes, we are,” Scott said, sending Garrett a steely look. He stepped into the longer stirrups of his western saddle and turned Braun. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”