My Forbidden Mentor (19 page)

“What? I’m not hooked.” John’s grin began fading.

Robert spoke as if John hadn’t responded. “Well it’s about time. You are getting on in age.” Robert’s hand patted John’s shoulder as if soothing him.

“Damn it all, I’m not hooked.” John’s narrowing eyes didn’t seem to phase Robert one bit.

Robert carried on like he was having a conversation with himself. “No wonder she had a glow about her this morning, at least until Lindsey showed up.” He looked straight into John’s face as if studying him. “As a matter of fact, you have that same glow.”

John rolled his eyes, a habit he was picking up from Melissa. “Oh, bloody hell, Robert,” he said as he strode to the stables, leaving Robert behind with his teasing words.

“You’re glowing, John. Beaming from a mile away.”

“Sod off,” John said over his shoulder.

“Are those wedding bells I hear in the distance?”

Robert had caught up to him by now. In a lowered voice before approaching the doorway John commented, “You’re insane Robert.”

Their laughing ceased after they entered the stables. Melissa had shifted in their direction when hearing them approach. When John first appeared Melissa was caught by his attractiveness. He always seemed to amaze her with his striking good looks.

Their eyes met and their smiles collided. John strode over toward her, leaning along the metal gates when she commented. “You have beautiful horses John.”

“Thank you,” he told her, trying to concentrate on Melissa’s fascination instead of Robert’s warning. “Have you seen Chief yet?”

“No I haven’t. I was so enthralled with your horses I forgot to track down Simon.” In actuality, though the horses had claimed her attention, her primary focus had been that lecherous woman and her disturbing comments. She tried to appear serene when inside brewed anger, jealousy and sadness.

John took Melissa’s hand in his and led her down another path in the stables. “Over here,” he said.

Robert followed behind, watching them with approval.

When they arrived at Chief’s stall Melissa gasped. Close up Chief was the most stunning stallion she’d ever seen. His coat glistened in its rich array of chestnut coloring. His demeanor was proud, demonstrated by the powerful swish of his tail. He neighed merrily when John approached him. “Let’s get you out of there boy,” John said to Chief as he unlatched the metal gate to release his prospective champion. Chief continued to neigh, his head bouncing with excitement as he followed John’s lead.

Melissa stood before Chief, commenting and stroking his neck with enthusiasm, “John he’s so handsome. Hello Chief. I finally get to meet you,” she said, chuckling after his nose playfully nudged at her cheek, then in her hair.

John took note of her ease with horses, determining she was a natural. “He likes you Melissa. He’s not that way with everyone,” he told her with a soft smile.

She turned toward John and responded, “Really? He’s wonderful.” She smiled toward Chief while stroking his head, adding, “He and Laurel would have had a beautiful baby together, wouldn’t you have, Chief? It’s too bad thoroughbred rules are so strict,” she went on, enlightened by John about how critical the process of breeding was for thoroughbreds, but John no longer listened to Melissa beyond the mention of a baby.

All of a sudden John’s equilibrium came off balance. The keyword, baby, hit him like a ton of bricks, thinking that he must be losing his mind because he hadn’t made sure to use protection during lovemaking, something he was always adamant about. What was I thinking? His brain rattled. That’s the problem, I wasn’t thinking, he answered himself. The truth was that any thoughts beyond the moment hadn’t crossed his mind, at all.

As his gaze skimmed over Melissa’s figure he couldn’t help but think that she could be pregnant right now. The thought of Melissa pregnant with his child held appeal but it would be unfair to put her in a position of being pregnant and unmarried. Was he ready for that kind of commitment? Their relationship was already unusual in itself. What the hell was he going to do? Was he ready for marriage? He was so busy cursing himself he barely heard Melissa’s compliment.

“John you’ve raised a perfect stallion for racing. Not that you don’t have others, but I like him a lot. He’s got a fine temperament,” she told him as her mood was lifting considerably. When a period of time passed and he hadn’t responded, Melissa spoke to get his attention. “John, where are you? Didn’t you hear what I said?”

His thoughts that were dwelling on the chance of her being with child had preoccupied him and although he had heard her, his mind was still debating on how to resolve their current situation. He figured until deciding about marriage they would use protection and somehow he would have to explain that to her. After making a resolution, he returned a reply. “Yes. I thought you would especially like him. Chief is my pride and joy.”

Melissa stared at John, concerned about his sudden change in behavior. It didn’t make sense. Something recent dominated his thoughts. Lindsey Pope maybe? She didn’t want to jump to conclusions again and be wrong. “Are you all right?” she asked instead.

His fingers filtered through her shining hair, pulling her head forward so he could place a kiss on her forehead. “Yes. My thoughts drifted. Forgive me?” While assuring her, his attention shifted above Melissa’s head toward Robert, who tormented John with the devious grin he possessed.

Melissa, reassured, focused on Chief again. She excused herself, stepping away from John when Simon approached to ready Chief. She trailed off with Simon, asking questions that he happily answered.

John looked back to Robert and caught him almost laughing aloud until he quieted him with a penetrating glare.

Robert stepped over to John’s side, asking out of desperate interest, “What the hell were you thinking about?,” taking pleasure in torturing his usually very controlled best friend.

John responded, “I had a realization, that’s all.” Watching Robert’s reaction, he saw the humor in it. If their roles had been reversed, Robert would have received the same treatment.

Robert persisted. “It took that long to sink in that you’re hooked?”

John wasn’t sure he wanted anyone aware of the chance that Melissa could be pregnant. First of all it would prove how irresponsible he’d been, which meant dealing with Robert’s chastising. Second, there was still a chance it wasn’t true. Damn it all, why didn’t I pull out, he questioned. Because it was the last thing on your mind, you bloody idiot. Lord, he was answering himself again, but his thoughts served to remind him to gather necessary means for future protection. I’m literally going crazy, crazy with Melissa. He needed to give Robert a reply that would be sufficient. “Maybe it did finally sink in and maybe I am hooked,” John answered with a grin as his eyes were scanning for Melissa’s whereabouts. He spotted her and Simon preparing Chief at the opposite end of the pathway from where he and Robert stood.

Robert grinned in response to John’s admittance, which coincided with his constant need to observe her every move. He was more than hooked, he was caught and reeled in by Miss Melissa. “Have you talked to Ainsworth yet about Melissa racing at Catterick?”

“No. The injury to her leg has delayed training and I want to be extra careful in approaching Ainsworth. You know what a stickler he can be,” John said as he looked her way again and found her gazing at him in a provocative manner. He gave her a delicious smile and his eyelids became heavy when he returned an examination of sexual intent. With reluctance she turned back to Simon, who was explaining something to her. John switched back to Robert, who didn’t say a word but sent a knowing look. “As I was saying,” John continued, clearing his throat. “I want to be sure she’s ready before I make my intentions known to Ainsworth, and I fear it won’t be long. Just this morning she took the stairs herself.”

“Well good for her. She’s not one to give up, don’t we know that by now,” Robert chuckled and then added, “Of course I agree with your reasons for waiting to approach Ainsworth. At least Paul will be agreeable.”

“No matter. We won’t have to deal with them for a time.” Both of John’s hands slid through his long hair.

“You’re quite right, but once we get Ainsworth’s approval our chance of getting into other tracks may bend easier,” Robert suggested, crossing his arms over his chest.

“True, but if all else fails, before it’s revealed I want her to race at Catterick. I’m part-owner, after all. My weight should carry,” John replied, already feeling the pressure of her gender in regards to racing, but he had expected this and reminded himself he’d be up for the challenge. Ironically, he was treating the situation as if she had an exclusive right to race because she had proved to be a damn good rider to him. Why should her being a female matter? He was sounding like her now. He looked once again in her direction.

“It will John, it will, and I’ll back you, but because we involved ourselves with a more elite track which prides itself on rules and regulations, it’s going to be tough,” Robert reminded him.

“Yes, well, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” John told Robert, distracted by the tempting female they were referencing.

“I agree,” Robert said, shaking his head at John and his infatuation with Melissa.

“Do me a favor and tell Melissa I’ll be right back. I need to finish up with packing,” he asked as he was walking away.

“Of course,” Robert verified.

Melissa returned back to where Robert stood. Simon had finished with Chief and left to return to other work he had. “Where’s John?” she asked, leaning against a gated stall.

Robert leaned against the stall as well. “He had to finish packing. He should return shortly.”

She shifted her body to face him. “I suppose you know John and I talked?”

Robert faced her. “Yes. I asked John and he told me so. I’m glad you did because it seems to have worked out.”

Melissa’s eyes downcast and her cheeks were blushing as she was thinking about how well it did turn out. Robert had to know and was being a gentleman for her benefit. Nevertheless, she appreciated it. “Yes. I’m grateful for your persistence Robert. I can see why John has you for a friend.”

“Thank you, but it goes both ways, and of course I think of you as my friend as well.”

Melissa eyes lifted to find a pair of emerald green eyes staring at her with admiration. Indeed, and what a handsome friend he was. Rose was a very lucky lady. “Robert, I was wondering how long you and John have known each other?”

“Almost eighteen years.”

“Where did you meet?” she asked.

“We met in Catterick village. We had to be around twelve or thirteen. My father was an avid horse trainer and of course I was dragged along when he worked. That way he could keep an eye on his boy,” he chuckled. “Needless to say, there weren’t many boys my age around there, none I took a liking to anyway. Then one day John came walking through the front gates. I spotted him instantly. Even then he stood tall and was so sure of himself.” He laughed again as he was recalling the moment.

Melissa laughed with him. “Really?”

“Oh yes. Anyway, I went up to him, introduced myself, and told him my father was a trainer there. We just took to each other. We had a lot in common and still do,” he told her. He remembered his father’s easy nature, treating John like his own son until his passing about ten years ago. He smiled again at the happy memories. “My father sort of took John in. He doesn’t get along with his own father. He’s really more like a brother to me, especially since he practically lived with us for five years.”

Melissa appreciated what he had told her as it enlightened her to the little boys they once were. “I got that impression about John and his father but he hasn’t talked about it. Where’s your father now?”

“He died about ten years ago.”

“I’m sorry, Robert, I didn’t realize.”

“It’s all right. I know you’ve had your own losses to deal with so you understand.” He smiled in reassurance and his hand went to cover hers that lay atop the gate between them.

“Are we ready, then?” A deep, familiar voice interrupted their like-minded sentiments.

John strode toward them. His inspection of their engrossed conversation became envious when he witnessed his best friend’s hand touching Melissa’s. He couldn’t deny wondering what they were talking about and how personal it was. By the way Robert had touched her it seemed very personal. He tried to keep his gaze from lingering on their hands that were now separating, but he couldn’t help himself and directed a glare toward Robert that sent a warning of possession.

Melissa seemed unaware as she took John’s hand in hers. “Hello. Yes, I’m ready.”

John cast her a warm smile. “Great, let’s go.” He started to turn with Melissa when Robert got his attention.

“John, might I have a word with you?” It came out in a demanding tone, letting John know it was crucial they talk right now.

John asked Melissa to take Chief to the front of the manor to be loaded with supplies. He didn’t want to alarm her of a possible storm that may erupt between him and Robert. After she obliged, he swung back toward Robert.

Both men watched Melissa take Chief by the reins and lead him out of the stables then they switched back to face each other.

“Yes?” John asked with impatience.