Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (37 page)

“Good. He’ll have plenty of incentive to run faster.” Thinking of all he’d achieved in ten years, Colin’s grin spread. His dream was coming to fruition. It really was too damned bad that Abby couldn’t be here to experience his small gains.

At this point, they neared the stall Libby and Nathan were cleaning. Colin ignored the same sense of protectiveness that crept over him every time he came close. A few feet away, he stopped to observe the lad.

Gus looked at him with questioning eyes.

His nod indicated Libby. “He looks so young.” And scrawny, he thought. A stiff wind could easily blow him over. “But he seems to be pulling his weight.”

Gus
grunted an assent. “Actually he’s pulling a hell of a lot more than his weight and shows promise. He’s worked wonders with Nathan. I only hope he’s as good with horses as he claims. It sure would be nice to have a decent hand who understands equines.”

Colin sighed. “His small size will be an asset for training, but I’m just not sure how effective he’ll be if one of the stallions acts up.”

“Don’t count the lad out yet,” Gus said. “You saw how quickly he eased Smithers’s overridden horse. He’s got a gentle touch. We both know it’s not the size. It’s the heart and spirit of the man that horses respond to.”

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Colin couldn’t argue that point. “Damn, it’s a hot one today,” he said, changing the subject. “What do you say to a quick dip in the spring to cool off?” Most of his men utilized the spring during the summer months.

“You don’t have to ask me twice. Definitely makes working in this heat more bearable.” Gus started toward the stallion’s stall. “I just have to finish with Zeus.”

“I’ll help.” Colin used his thumb to point to the stall behind him. “Those boys have been working like fiends. They could probably use a swim too, don’t you think?”

“
Ja
. They definitely deserve a break.” Gus kept walking. “I’ll tell them on the way out.”

~

“We’re going swimming at the spring.” Gus came up behind Libby and his voice startled her. “You boys can take a break and join us.”

She turned and stared at him as if he’d grown an extra head. “We’re
, um, we’re…almost done.” She glanced down so as not to reveal her rising panic. Libby still wore her vest to aid in her deception, but it was like having a forest fire on her back. Her breasts pretty much disappeared behind it, but the second she took it off, her ruse would be up. There was no possible way she could go swimming. “We’ll finish here and meet you there.”

Gus nodded and then met up with Colin, who waited a few feet away.

The minute the two were out of earshot, Libby turned to Nathan. “What happens if we don’t go swimming at the spring?”

“I
dunno.” The boy shrugged. “I ain’t never been before. But it sounds like fun.”

“We can’t go.”

Nathan scrunched up his nose. “Why not?”

“
’Cuz we were supposed to go fishing, remember?”

Nathan nodded.
“Oh, yeah.” A sly grin made an appearance.

Libby returned his smile. “And while we’re fishing, we can take our own swim.” She’d just keep her clothes on. Nathan would understand. Then at least she could rinse off the stench of the day in order to feel normal again.

As soon as they completed raking the straw, Nathan grabbed her hand. “C’mon. We gotta tell Pa we’re going fishing. I hope he won’t mind.”

As they neared the spring, it was all Libby could do to hold herself back from jumping into the inviting pool of water. The desire to cool off and to rid herself of grime and the scent of
eau de
horses was too overwhelming to ignore. Except, that would just raise questions, which would lead to other questions.

Colin stepped onto the bank in all his glory. Water sluiced off his shoulders. Droplets ran down the length of a well-built chest, going lower all the way to… Libby’s breath hitched in her throat and she forced her focus higher. She knew she was practically gawking, but he had a gorgeous body. His muscles bunched as he wiped drips off his face and hair, holding her rapt attention.

“Come join us,” Colin called. Her gaze slid to his eyes and Libby couldn’t look away from that same heart-stopping stare. “The water’s great.”

She was tempted to do exactly as he requested. Thankfully her senses returned just in the nick of time.
Good grief!
Heat engulfed her face.
Remember, Libby, you’re an engaged woman who has no business drooling over some Adonis-like model who lives in the past. Don’t look at him.
She cast her focus at her feet and cleared her throat, struggling for an intelligent reply.

“We’re
goin’ fishin’ instead,” Nathan piped up, saving her from making more of an idiot of herself. “Is that OK, Pa?” He turned to look at Gus. “We’ll cool off at the fishin’ hole.”

“
Ja
.” Gus emerged from the water, drawing Libby’s focus. And even though he was just as well built as Colin, seeing his blue-eyed gaze or watching water sluice off his back did nothing to make her heartbeat falter. “Fishing sounds like a good way to spend the rest of a lazy afternoon.”

Libby glanced from him to Colin.

Colin’s grin widened. “If we didn’t have so much work, we might be inclined to join you.”

“C’mon, Libby.”
Nathan reached for her hand and tugged.

Still red-faced and unable to articulate a decent farewell, Libby offered a quick smile and waved. The entire time they walked away, she felt the heat of the two men’s gazes on her back. But only one gaze concerned her.

Maybe sticking around a day or so wasn’t such a good idea. Unfortunately, the thought of making it home right now was just as unsettling.

Time Will Tell –
http://amzn.to/10zmPM0

Games – Book Two in the Timeless Series

Below is an excerpt of Games, a historical set in Kentucky in the months preceding the first running of the Kentucky Derby.

Simon led Giselle into the library and over to the table with four chairs in one section of the large room.

While walking to the bar, he asked, “What game would you like to play?”

Giselle giggled and Simon grinned. “Maybe I should rephrase my question. Before I do, though, would you like a glass of sherry?”

“
Non
,” she said, bestowing a wide smile and a firm shake of her head. “I want what you are drinking.”

Lifting an eyebrow, Simon met her gaze. “Isn’t that a bit strong?”

“
Non
, you forget I lived in Paris. I have come to love French brandy. Bourbon is not much different.” At his scoff, she countered, “What? You do not believe me?”

“No. It’s not that.” He laughed and poured two stiff drinks. “I believe you. I just wonder how well you hold your liquor.”

“Why not bring the drink over here, Simon, and I will show you. Bring the bottle, too. We may need reinforcements.”

Her comment earned another laugh.
“My, my! I’m learning all kinds of things. Imagine a little French lush. I never would have guessed.”

He placed the drinks along with the bottle on a tray and strode toward her. With a minimum of movement, he put the tray on the table and handed one drink to her while picking his up.

He sat down next to her just as she spoke.

“You know, I should not be in here with you.”

He glanced at her, and took a drink. Then he set his glass on the table and began shuffling the cards. “All right, I’ll bite. Why not?”

Eyeing his actions, she brought her glass to her lips and took a lengthy sip before answering.

“Because you are a bold one, Simon Harrington. And I do not know what to make of you.”

His rich laughter rose up and filled the air. “And you amuse me, Giselle. Why is that? I can’t remember laughing so much or enjoying a woman’s company since the last time I was with you.”

She smiled coyly. “So that is why you ignored me during dinner. Because I amuse you?” she asked, keeping her smile in place while her eyebrows shot up.

“No.” He began dealing the cards. “I ignored you at dinner to have your company after dinner. It appears my ploy worked. Didn’t it?”

Giselle picked up her cards, rearranging them before setting them down and taking another drink. Suddenly she burst into laughter. She shook her head, grinning. “That is simply too devious.”

While arranging his cards, Simon lounged back in his chair, allowing a nonchalant expression to move over his face. “One does what one must,” he said offhandedly.

“No wonder I find you so entertaining.” At his shrug, she asked, “So, what are we playing?”

“I thought we’d play poker, since you seem so familiar with male vices. Five card draw.”

“I have to warn you. I am pretty good at poker,” she countered. Her grin returned, reaching her eyes.

“Naturally,” he murmured, giving in to the urge to curl his lips into a wide grin.

“What are we betting with?” She leaned toward him, clearly getting into the spirit of the game.

“I don’t know. We can use matchsticks if you’d like. Or money?”

“Playing for matchsticks sounds rather boring.” Giselle’s smile turned smug when she added, “And I have no need of money. Why not raise the stakes and play for something we both really want from the other?”

Her provocative dare drew his attention. Something about her expression didn’t bode well. He straightened, clearing his throat. He hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“What is the matter, Simon?” she whispered, her voice challenging. Hell, everything about her challenged him. The gleam in her eyes, the secret smile she flashed, even the way she held her head when she goaded, “Are you losing your boldness?”

He shook his head, working to ignore her taunting ways. Trouble was
, he couldn’t ignore her for long. Not the enchanting woman he glimpsed in front of him, dressed so provocatively, throwing out challenges.

His amusement grew. Knowing he only wanted one thing from her right now and also knowing if she knew what it was, she’d run for her life, he grinned. “Are you going to push until I get it back?”

“Of course,” she said slyly, more laughter bubbling up.

The minx was enjoying herself immensely. Watching her, he tamped down a desire to wipe clean the teasing gleam emanating from her eyes, replacing it with one of passion. Not his best idea. Though stuck, he wasn’t sure he wanted to get unstuck. Shrugging, he said, “Very well. I’ll play it your way. What’s your bet?”

“My company after dinner tomorrow night. If I win, you do not have it. If I lose, you have it. Now, what is yours?”

Simon was silent as ten seconds ticked by, then another ten. With his eyes on hers, he mulled over his options for dealing with the chit and wondering at the craziness of actually considering his bet.

“A kiss,” he said, backing down at the last minute.

Her trill of light laughter danced in the air around him, mocking him.

“Oh, Simon, I am disappointed in you. That is hardly worth playing for.”

He held his tongue while discarding three cards, then looked over at her with a raised brow.
“How many?”

“One.
Would you like to raise the bet?” she asked mischievously, her eyes alive with humor, still mocking him.

Biting back his smile, he tried not to be amused. “Not when you only take one card, I don’t.”

“I could be bluffing.”

“Maybe.
But I don’t think so,” he said confidently. “Let’s see your cards.”

“Smart man.”
She turned over two aces and two tens. “What do you have?”

He flipped his cards, showing only a pair of fives. When she started to rise, he put his hand on her arm, effectively stopping her.

“One more and we can raise the stakes,” he goaded, with a closed expression sliding over his face.

“I already have what I want,” she said, shaking her head. “Why should I take a chance on losing again?”

“Same reason I took your first bet. Because you’re a gambler at heart and can’t resist the challenge I’m throwing out.”

She sat back down, considering his claim while meeting his eyes.
“
Oui
. If you lose, you lose not only my company, you will have to spend time with Minnie and Maizie.”

“All right.
I can agree to that.”

When he didn’t say anything further, she prodded, “What is your bet, Simon?”

He shrugged. “I’m going for broke. You may not like it.”

“I will not know until you tell me, will I?” she threw out haughtily. After another long pause, Giselle urged impatiently, “Well?”

“I want a night with you. Not just the evening, but the full night.”

She laughed. When she could speak again, she said, “Let me see if I have this correctly. You want me to bet my company for full night against your spending a little time with Minnie and Maizie? I hardly think the two are comparable.”

“You asked and I bet,” Simon explained, shrugging nonchalantly. “You certainly don’t have to take me up on it. I merely thought to make it more interesting…up the ante, so to speak.”

“Oh, it definitely does that,” she agreed. “I have never done anything so outrageous in my life and I am not sure if I want to, not for one measly evening with Minnie and Maizie. It hardly seems a fair trade.”

“Then think of something so it is fair. That is, if you’re not too afraid to take me up on a real game with real stakes,” he dared, taunting her further, causing her eyes to narrow while her gaze seemed to be searching for some answer in his face.

“Let me think.” Finally, she glanced at him, her expression curious. “If I spend the time with you, what will be expected of me?”

“Nothing but your company. But I reserve the right to change your mind about certain aspects of your visit.”

“You mean you will try to have your way with me?”

He chuckled. “Something like that.”

“And if I do not want to, you will accept my decision?” she asked tentatively, her expression becoming guarded.

“Of course. I only want willing women in my bed. There’s no thrill in forcing myself on someone, even though some find the idea sporting.” His gaze pierced hers while he added, “Make no mistake, Giselle. I
do
want you willing in my bed and
that
will be my goal for the night.”

The blush spreading up her face told him she was probably still an innocent. It also made him rethink the craziness of this game. But once he put the offer out on the table, he wasn’t about to back down. He wanted her too much, and his reasoning where Giselle Franklin was concerned had taken a holiday long before this.

Giselle licked her lips in a nervous fashion. “I see. And you would do this, despite what you saw and heard this afternoon.”

“That’s between you and Bradford,” he whispered solemnly, his expression hardening. “This is between you and me. The two have no connection.”

“You are willing to spend the night with me, ply me with sweet words to gain my acceptance, and you are not concerned I may have feelings for someone else?”

“Do you?” he asked a little too quickly.

“Do I what?”

“Have feelings for Bradford,” he clarified, leaning back in his chair, holding her gaze. “I couldn’t quite make that out from your words. It’s obvious he does for you, but are they reciprocated? Are you going to marry him?”

“What if I said yes?” Giselle asked quietly, swallowing hard with a searching expression.

“Then I would fight doubly hard to have you.”

Her eyes narrowed in confusion. “That does not make sense.”

“It does to me,” Simon stated firmly. “I asked a few simple questions. Are you in love with Bradford and are you going to marry him? How hard can they be to answer?” He asked his impatient questions in a curt voice as irritation spread along his spine.

“You do not ask much, yet you ask too much,” came her tormented reply. “I cannot tell you how I feel about Bradford, nor can I say I will ever marry him at this point. But my question for you is why does all this matter if I am but a game to you?”

He gave a self-deprecating laugh and answered honestly. “Who says I have to be rational in my dealings with you? Look at it this way. I’m wagering a night with an inexperienced virgin in the hopes I may sway her into making love with me. I must be mad. How many men have you flirted with over time, Giselle? How many men have tried and failed to woo you?
One hundred? Two hundred? Are you worried that I could succeed where others have failed?”

His words caused her to look closely at his face again, but he still allowed his expression to yield nothing.

“Why are you doing this? I do not understand.”

“Neither do
I,” Simon said, sighing. “Are you going to take the bet or not?”

She remained silent, the entire time Simon held his breath, not totally sure of her answer. He gave a sigh of relief when she said, “I cannot take it for the original bet. You would have to agree to leave me free every evening you are here.”

“Done,” he said quickly, then picked up the cards and hesitated. Snaring her gaze, he asked, “You’re sure you want the bet? I don’t want you to cry foul if you lose.”

She stiffened and threw her shoulders back. Her expression resolute, she took a long swallow of her drink, almost choking on it.

“I will honor my bet, if you will,” she said, once her coughing fit ended. “Now, deal the cards.”

“Anything you say, my dear.” Simon smiled at her confident expression and the bravado voiced in her words. “Good luck.”

He shuffled the cards thoroughly before dealing them. When he was done, he put the deck facedown and picked up his hand, keeping his face blank while arranging his cards.

He took three cards out of his hand and laid them on the table. Glancing at her, he raised a brow.
“How many?”

She closed her eyes and sighed. “Three.”

Simon dealt her three cards as well as himself. He lounged back in a nonchalant pose, his serious gaze meeting her wary brown one.

“What do you have?” he asked, his voice coming out in a whisper.

“Nothing.” She laid her cards facedown, looking at him with a turbulent expression in her eyes.

His breath came out slowly as he laid his cards on the table.
“Looks like a pair of fours beats nothing.”

She stood and said softly, “Can I honor my part tomorrow night? I need some time to come to terms with my folly.”

He nodded and watched her walk proudly from the room, wondering the entire time if he’d gone completely mad. What had possessed him to suggest such a thing? He leaned his head back against the chair and closed his eyes, seeing only her laughing brown-eyed stare dancing around in his brain, mocking him. And he knew nothing short of having her would erase the image from his mind.