Thoroughbreds and Trailer Trash Page 18

  She slipped past him into the car, slightly embarrassed.

  He didn’t say much while they drove, just held her hand, dragging his thumb over her palm and releasing it only when they pulled in front of the hotel.

  “Fill me in on your research before I go in. Anything important I should know about these two?”

  She groaned. Of course. He’d asked her to do that when he gave her the phone. “I forgot,” she admitted. “I’m so sorry.”

  He gave her a long look and released her hand. “Don’t worry. David will probably stare at you and Lorna will natter at me. We’ll eat fast and escape, okay? Be right back.”

  He left the car slanted in front of the hotel, two feet from the curb, completely disregarding the ‘no parking’ sign. However, no one seemed to bother the nice vehicles. Or maybe the car had simply absorbed some of his natural assurance.

  The hotel door closed behind him. Five minutes later, he strode from the lobby with Lorna Ridgeman clinging to his arm and David sauntering behind them.

  “I’m starving,” Lorna said, as she slid into the car. “Wasn’t sure if we’d walk or drive. Oh, hello, Janet,” she said, sounding less than pleased that there was another woman in the front seat.

  “Jenna. Her name is Jenna,” Burke said, closing Lorna’s door and slipping back behind the wheel. He glanced at Jenna. “Did you bring a jacket, honey?”

  Honey? Jenna’s eyes widened in confusion, and she shook her head. He’d been totally professional this afternoon, always contained in the office. Now though, he stretched his ridged arm across the back of the seat, his fingers stroking her shoulder.

  Lorna turned remarkably silent.

  “The Hunt Club’s not far.” Burke glanced at Lorna in the rearview mirror. “Four minutes. We could walk, Lorna, if you prefer.”

  Still exceedingly polite, Jenna thought. Lorna could find no fault with Burke’s manners although he’d certainly made it clear he wasn’t available.

  “I walked enough this afternoon,” Lorna said. “So you’re employed at the Center, Jenna? Is that your job, giving little tours?”

  “I massage the horses too.” She turned politely in her seat but Lorna’s frown seemed locked on the back of Burke’s arm and the way it rested on Jenna’s shoulder.

  “Massage,” Lorna said, with a pointed laugh. “How…interesting. Do you do people too, or just horses? I’ve had a sore neck for ages.”

  “Here we are,” Burke said, pulling into a prime parking spot by the door. He stepped back and opened Lorna’s door.

  “Looks wonderful.” She tucked her arm around Burke’s as she admired the grandiose entrance. “I was rather afraid there wouldn’t be any suitable place to eat. You should have seen what the hotel served for lunch.”

  “Really,” Burke said. “I stayed there my first night in town and had an excellent meal.” He turned and looped his right arm around Jenna’s waist. “Watch the step, ladies.” He disengaged Lorna’s hand to open the door, nodding for the Ridgemans to precede him, but kept Jenna at his side, his hand splayed around her waist.

  If she were supposed to be an employee, he was really overdoing it. She hoped no one from work was here. Burke certainly didn’t act like this in the office, and Lorna didn’t seem at all pleased.

  Clearly the Ridgeman contract was signed or he wouldn’t have risked losing Nifty. Still, it was reassuring to have his protection.

  “Good evening, Mr. Burke,” the hostess chirped brightly. “We have your window table ready. Follow me, please.”

  Jenna slipped into her chair, smiling at the wiry teenager who rushed to fill her water glass. “Thank you, Brian.”

  She glanced at Burke. “This is Brian, Charlie’s older brother. Brian owned Molly before he gave the horse to his brother.”

  “I remember Molly,” Burke said, with a hint of a smile.

  “I’d prefer my water room temperature with no ice.” Lorna leaned forward, eager to join the conversation. “And two twists of lime.”

  “Certainly, ma’am.” But Brian lingered, bending down between Burke and Jenna. “I’d like to thank you both,” he said. “Sure appreciate how you helped Molly. Three Brooks really made a difference. Charlie is still grinning.”

  Jenna peeked at Burke, hoping he wouldn’t belittle the race or announce that local horses were no longer welcome at the Center. Brian was so proud of his little brother, so proud of Molly. The mare might be homely but she had a huge heart, and regular massage kept her comfortable. It was too bad Burke didn’t understand.

  “It was an entertaining race,” Burke said. “And when Molly needs another massage, I’m sure we can work something out.”

  Lorna gave an impatient sigh and Brian immediately straightened. “I’ll get your special water right away, ma’am.” But he gave Burke a grateful smile before striding away.

  “Derek, what race is that waiter talking about?” Lorna asked.

  “A local turf race, hotly contested,” Burke said. “A most enjoyable day.” He seemed to understand Lorna craved the limelight and smoothly added, “I saw the Derby this year. Two of the entries were sired by your stud. You own a remarkable horse. Who was the genius who crossed Barkeeper with Nifty’s Lass?”

  David puffed out his chest. “That was me. Unusual cross but I liked Lass for her speed, and of course, Barkeeper was bred for the classics. Everyone thought it was my father’s idea, but I knew those two would produce a winner. Nifty is now the leading sire of two-year-olds. We have mares booked for the next three years.”

  Both Lorna and David were delighted to spew endlessly about Ridgeman’s success and whenever their boasting slowed, Burke drew them out with another question.

  Jenna cut another piece of her tender steak, rather surprised the meal had been so enjoyable and that the time had passed so quickly. She only had to smile and occasionally widen her eyes to show her interest. Burke was a master at this game, and it was almost amusing to relax and listen while he controlled the conversation.

  “And after Dad died in the fire,” Lorna was saying, “David took over the entire operation. But I’m sure you’ve heard enough about our tragedy?”

  Burke glanced at Jenna with such disapproval she fumbled with her fork. She’d witnessed his annoyance turned on others, but it was rather disconcerting to have it directed at her.

  “I remember hearing something about a fire,” Burke said, looking back at Lorna.

  “Five years ago. Horrible time,” David said. “We lost our father and seven horses. Ironically, Ridgeman Racing experienced its greatest success over the last few years. With me at the helm.”

  Lorna picked at her plate and said nothing.

  “Indeed, life does go on.” David raised his wine glass. “And now we have a Derby winner who’s a proven sire. What a way to make money. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

  “Well, perhaps Dad and the dead horses wouldn’t agree,” Lorna said, rising and scraping back her chair. “Excuse me. Derek, can you show me where the bathroom is?”

  “Certainly.” Burke rose immediately and escorted her around the corner.

  David shrugged. “Guess it’s just us, Jenna. Here’s to keeping our stud healthy.” He raised his glass, his gaze following Lorna. Red drops splattered over the tablecloth as he clumsily tapped his glass against hers.

  How much wine had David and Lorna consumed, Jenna wondered. Hard to judge as the waiter kept their glasses full after conferring about grapes and vintage. Beer was much simpler. However, David was clearly inebriated.

  “Oops, sorry, my dear,” he said. “I spilled wine on your hand.” His eyes narrowed and he abruptly grabbed her fingers. “My goodness, what happened here?”

  “Just a little burn.” She politely attempted to free her hand.

  “Doesn’t look little.” His grip tightened. “Does it hurt?”

  Jenna yelped at the unexpected pressure.

  “Burns can be so painful,” David added, checking her expression. He twisted her palm,
still gripping her hand. “Imagine how much my father hurt? Burnt to the bone with horses screaming around him. I heard them, you know. Unforgettable. The smell of flesh is like no other.

  “She doesn’t like to talk about it.” His eyes had an faraway glitter now, and he no longer seemed to see her. She tugged at her hand, trying to free his grip but only hurt herself in the attempt.

  “Are you full, Jenna?” Burke asked, materializing by the table. He sat down and David abruptly released her fingers.

  She nodded and jammed her throbbing hand into her lap. She wasn’t full but her appetite had completely disappeared. She glared at David, trying to imitate Burke’s dark scowl. However, the man didn’t even notice. He cut into his barbecued salmon, stabbing at the crispy skin with renewed vigor.

  “I had the trout here last week,” Burke said, glancing curiously from David to Jenna. “Delicious. Freshest fish I’ve ever had. Want to try my bass, honey?”

  “No, thanks.” She shook her head, keeping her hands buried in the napkin on her lap.

  “Hey,” he murmured. “You’re pale. What’s wrong?”

  “Not a thing.” But your psycho client deliberately manhandled my burn. She knew Burke wouldn’t tolerate abuse. Not to his staff…not to her. He’d have a very strong reaction which would definitely result in David sending Nifty elsewhere. And that would hurt the Center, the employees and the town. Burke needed Nifty. They all did.

  She forced a smile and picked up her water glass.

  “So,” David said, dismissing Jenna and looking at Burke, “I talked to our shipper and Nifty will arrive on Wednesday. I have every confidence Three Brooks will be able to help.” David took a last bite of blackened salmon and tossed his napkin on the table, acting as though the bizarre incident with Jenna had never happened.

  “Now where is my primping sister?” He twisted, peering toward the back of the room. “Women take forever in the bathroom.” He gave a condescending smirk, and even Burke had the gall to nod in agreement.

  Jenna inched her chair further from the table, putting more distance between her and David. She could have been safe at home, relaxing on her swing, watching Peanut graze. Instead she was stuck with these hoity-toity people and their weird hang-ups, forced to act as though every word they uttered was golden. It would have been more fun to share beer and pepperoni with Wally and talk about horses. Even better to be playing cards with Burke and talking about…anything.

  And that was the real problem. She balled her napkin in despair. Lately she hadn’t been thinking of anyone but him. Her loyal pony hadn’t had any light therapy for two days, she’d forgotten about the Ridgeman research and she’d brushed off her troubled sister who clearly needed a good heart-to-heart. She’d dropped everything and everyone for a man, just like her mom. Silly, selfish, stupid.

  She wanted to lean down and bang her forehead on the luxurious tablecloth. And wouldn’t that just shock the hell out of her sophisticated dinner companions.

  Although Burke would probably remain fairly cool. She peered sideways, watching as he enjoyed his bass. He was comfortable with anyone, anything, anywhere. Heck, she’d thought him a construction worker when they’d first met.

  She wished he were a construction worker.

  He must have sensed her scrutiny and slanted a deep smile, the type he seemed to reserve for her, and her frustration fizzled. It wasn’t that bad being here. If she were home before eleven, she’d still have time to call Em, still have time to lead Peanut down the hill, still have time for everything she should be doing. And she was also going to dig out everything she possibly could on the Ridgemans, especially David.

  A halo of perfume announced Lorna’s return. She swept around the table and settled back into her chair. Her eyes and lipstick had brightened, and she spoke animatedly about meeting an Alpha Delta Pi from university days.

  “And who’s your alma mater, Derek?” she asked, briefly pausing for breath.

  “Yale.”

  “And yours?”

  Silence. Jenna jerked her attention back to the conversation, realizing that for the first time that evening, Lorna was addressing her.

  “Riverview College,” Jenna said, scrambling to remember the institution on her certificates. Or was it Riverbend? She hadn’t used the local college, afraid it would be too easy to check.

  “Oh, I’ve heard of Riverview.” Lorna waved a dismissive hand. “That’s good. I suspect some people in this town barely finished high school.”

  “Really?” Jenna gave an exaggerated gasp but at Burke’s warning squeeze she clamped her mouth and concentrated on her wine. The night was almost over. Thank God.

  “Well, maybe not the people in this club.” Lorna glanced around as though suspicious of undereducated patrons. “But I must admit David and I were reassured to learn Three Brooks only hires qualified staff. Nifty is the foundation of Ridgeman. He deserves the best.”

  “Of course,” Burke said, keeping a warning hand on Jenna’s knee. “That’s part of the Center’s mandate. Jenna, do you need to use the phone?”

  “No.” She flashed a brittle smile. “Everything’s just peachy.”

  ***

  Burke initialed the bill and rose. He reached down to pull out Jenna’s chair, but she’d already slid out the other side. It hadn’t been such a bad evening. She’d done her job, smiled and nodded, but at some point over dinner she’d drifted off to another place, completely shutting him out.

  Her eyes suddenly sparked with genuine emotion and he glanced over his shoulder, catching the busboy’s respectful salute. She definitely loved this town. And they loved her.

  “Derek!” Leo pushed past a waiter and rushed to their table. He pumped Burke’s hand, beaming his delight. “What an opportunity you created for Kathryn. Your friends in England offered her the masseuse job. When she returns from such an elite stable, she’ll be able to land a job anywhere in the country.”

  He glanced curiously at Lorna and David. Burke introduced them and they immediately began gabbing like long-lost friends. Except for Jenna who edged toward the door.

  Burke touched her elbow and winked. “A little patience, honey. One more minute.” He stepped back, stunned by her look of utter despair.

  “Kathryn’s going to England?” she whispered brokenly. “Aren’t there better, more deserving employees you could have recommended? What is it with you people?”

  He dropped his arm, fighting his annoyance. It wasn’t his habit to explain business dealings, but this arrangement had fulfilled his agreement to Wally without angering Leo. He certainly hadn’t intended to slight anyone, but frankly he didn’t much care.

  He glanced at the door, his face uncomfortably hot. He hadn’t done anything wrong. At least he’d disposed of Kathryn. Jenna was simply being difficult. He swiped his warm forehead. The hell with waiting for the Ridgemans; he needed air.

  He stalked to the door, paused and glanced over his shoulder just as David helpfully reached out for Jenna’s hand. She swung her arm back in a vicious elbow. Burke jerked in shock. If he hadn’t been watching, he wouldn’t have believed it but aw, hell. The Ridgeman deal would be tits up now.

  But David only smiled, shrugging it off with baffling blandness.

  The drive back to the hotel was weird. David chatted brightly, seemingly energized and in a far more gregarious mood than during the tour. Lorna struggled to calculate the calories in her meal while Jenna sat in rigid silence, left hand balled in a defensive fist.

  Burke stopped in front of the hotel and walked Lorna and David to the lobby. “I’ll let you know when the horse arrives,” he said. “Thanks for entrusting Nifty to us.”

  He slipped back into the car, studying Jenna in the darkness. “Want to tell me what that elbow was about?” he asked, with fake amiability. “I assumed you’d know how to behave with clients.”

  “Guess you assumed wrong.” Her voice sounded weary. “Is that why you won’t give me a reference for a job in England?”

&n
bsp; He jabbed at the ignition button, his jaw clamping. The engine roared to life. “Someone like you wouldn’t want to go to England,” he said.

  “You’re right. People like me should stay and work the rest of their life in a little West Virginia town. I’ve never even been on a plane.”

  He’d only meant it was apparent she loved her home but the raw yearning in her voice yanked at him, and his annoyance dissipated like smoke. “I’ll take you to England whenever you want,” he said quietly. He turned the car in the opposite direction of Three Brooks and headed toward the highway.

  “Where are we going?” She shot him a suspicious look.

  “Just for a drive, some cleansing air.” He swallowed, his breath escaping in a ragged sigh. “I didn’t intend to slight you. I really thought you’d be happy if the Winfield girl were far away.”

  “But she’ll come back in six months, maybe a year. With her new credentials, she’ll land a job at the Center and make everyone miserable. And Colin will be lonely again. Poor Colin.”

  Burke groaned. Gravel rattled against the underside of the car as he swerved onto the shoulder of the road and dropped his forehead against the steering wheel. It was impossible to look after a woman who worried about half the people in town, and it was wearing him down. “I’ve never met a lady so hard to please,” he muttered. Or for whom I’ve tried half as hard. But he didn’t want her to know that.

  “I wanted to pound my head on the table earlier tonight,” she whispered.

  At least she sounded amused now and not filled with that aching hurt that twisted the very center of his chest. “Then let’s console each other,” he said. He unclipped her seatbelt and tugged her close.

  She resisted but only for a moment then rested her head against his shoulder in that trusting way that always turned him to butter. She smelled of flowers and freshness and suddenly everything was simple again. It was much easier to talk like this, when she couldn’t get all remote and huffy.

  “I didn’t think it went all that bad tonight,” he said cautiously. “Getting the Ridgeman horse is exactly what the Center needs…but, honey, we can’t be jabbing owners in the stomach. No matter how irritating they are.”