Time Will Tell (Timeless Series) (30 page)

One Month Later:

Libby accepted Colin’s help in dismounting from atop Hercules after barely losing to Fortuna. “I can’t believe how much faster she’s gotten.” 

They’d been working most of the morning and this was their last run before moving on to the stables.

Giselle, having led Fortuna in a walk, stopped to pat the horse’s long neck. “She outdid herself.”

The mare whinnied and shook her head in the air, as if in agreement.

As Giselle headed in Gus’s direction, Colin handed Hercules off to a handler, then wrapped an arm around Libby’s shoulders.

“Are you happy?” He asked the same question at least once a day.

She sighed, looked around, and answered truthfully. “Very.” Her days were full of challenge. Not only with her role as trainer, but with mothering three wonderful children. Sam, Melanie, and baby Rebecca desperately needed her love. How easily they returned it, which made up for ninety percent of her loss.

The other ten percent came from her friendship with Giselle, who’d demonstrated an ability to ride and train Colin’s horses and was now living and working on the farm. They had become fast friends and now worked side by side. Her company eased the heartache of missing Bev.

Libby thought of her friend in the future constantly and continued the daily practice of sharing her life by writing in her journal. She missed her dad too. It would have been nice to say good-bye properly. She’d been in too big a rush to be reunited with Colin, and would always feel a small twinge of regret when she thought of her dad. She hoped that in sharing her life, her father might come to understand her better and be happy for her in what she’d found.

A new family and others
who loved her.

She leaned her head against
Colin’s wide chest and smiled warmly. “Yes. I have exactly what I need to be happy.” She offered one last glance in the direction of the twin oaks, the farm’s new namesake and wondered how they knew. They truly were magical.

~~~THE END~~~

Thank you for reading
Time Will Tell
. If you enjoyed this story, please help others find it by posting a review wherever you bought it—share a link, tweet about it, Facebook it… Everything helps in this new internet world.

The following bonus reads are excerpts from Games, the second story in the Timeless Series and Temptation, the third story in the Timeless Series.

To be apprised on new releases in the Timeless Series, email her at
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. For more information about Sandy visit her website at
www.sandyloyd.com
.

Author’s note:

While I did take quite a few liberties in the telling of this story there are several facts I wanted to make note of in doing my research for this book.

First of all, my characters did not exist in the 1870s, but some of the men mentioned did. Men such as Merriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who was a visionary and a main promoter of the new track.  He spent years researching and promoting his idea.  Three hundred and twenty men invested one hundred dollars each and signed the articles of Incorporation for the Louisville Jockey Club and Riding Park Association on June 22, 1784. That was enough to start the ball rolling for the new grandstand and track.  There are several men who dreamed and their dream is the legacy of the Kentucky Derby.   The first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875. From the very beginning it has been hyped as a big party and has only gotten bigger over time. 

Of course, no Derby would be complete without the horses.
Diomed won the first Epsom Derby in England on May 4, 1780, the same race the Kentucky Derby was fashioned after.  He was later sold to an American and he set the stage for the beginning of the American Thoroughbred.  Lexington (1850 –1875) carried his blood.  Aristide won that first Kentucky Derby back in 1875 and his dam was sired by Lexington.  Lexington is probably one of the most famous thoroughbreds in the history of American thoroughbred racing. In 1866 Woodburn Farms bought him from Richard Ten Broeck for fifteen thousand dollars, an unheard of amount in 1866, but not as much as the millions of dollars Kentucky thoroughbreds sell for today.  Fifty-two of the first sixty-one derby winners carried Lexington’s blood.  The champion sired six-hundred colts or fillies.  Of these, two hundred and sixty were winners.  During his reign, he was dubbed as “the most successful stallion in History.”

Sandy Loyd is a Western girl through and through. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, she's worked and lived in some fabulous places in the US, including South Florida. She now resides in Kentucky and writes full time. As much as she loves her current hometown, she misses the mountains and has to go back to her roots to get her mountain and skiing fix at least once a year.

A
s a sales rep for a major manufacturer, she’s traveled extensively throughout the US, so she has a million stored memories to draw from for her stories. She spent her single years in San Francisco and considers that city one of America's treasures, comparable to no other city in the world. Her California Series, starting out with Winter Interlude, are all set in the Bay Area.

Sandy is now an empty nester.
Time Will Tell is the first in a series of connecting historical romances as well as a couple of contemporary romances. To date, she has published eight books besides Time Will Tell—four contemporary romances and four romantic mystery/suspense /thrillers. She strives to come up with fun characters—people you would love to call friends. And we all know friends have their baggage and when we discover what makes them tick, we come to love them even more. She doesn't skimp on the romance. And because she loves puzzles, she doesn't skimp on intrigue, either. Yet whether romantic suspense or contemporary romance, she always tries to weave a warm love story into her work, while providing enough twists and turns to entertain any reader. 

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.