Jockeys and Jewels

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Julie felt like a queen, surveying her realm over Lazer’s arched neck. The horse’s power was inspiring. He was built to cover ground, and the idea of galloping over hills and fields and valleys was wonderfully enticing.

She blew out a sigh and peeked at Kurt who trotted beside her on his ugly Appaloosa. Clearly he’d been worried about her ability. But now, after a lap around the track, he seemed reassured. His grip on Lazer's lead had loosened, and a relaxed smile softened his handsome face.

Handsome indeed. She averted her gaze, afraid he might feel her scrutiny and somehow suspect her thoughts. Besides, she never mixed business with pleasure, especially when that business involved an influential trainer from Woodbine. It was totally normal to want to look at him though—totally normal.

Last night she’d searched the Internet and discovered he’d managed a family breeding operation for eight years. There wasn’t much information, but over the past year he’d switched to training and successfully parachuted to the top levels, with stables at Gulfstream, Belmont and Woodbine. He must come from money.

She took another peek at his rugged profile. It really wasn’t fair—good looking, successful, rich. But he was actually here, a top-tier trainer. And she was riding his horse.

This was a rare opportunity, and she wasn’t going to let anything screw it up. Lazer’s caliber was unmistakable. He felt like a Cadillac and so far, they’d only trotted. She loved galloping at the track: the sounds, the camaraderie, even the smells, but it was definitely more enjoyable when she was on a good horse.

She couldn’t resist another glance at Kurt. She liked his voice, smooth, confident, even amused, and she was glad now Chandler’s filly had dumped her. She blew out a sigh then realized Kurt was looking at her.

“This horse sure is smooth,” she said quickly. “Feels like we’re floating.”

“He’s smooth, but the quick acceleration makes him hard to control. You seem comfortable though. Want to try him on your own?”

She nodded, her hands tightening around the reins. Kurt was obviously decisive and wanted to see if she could handle the colt. It was a big opportunity…and a bigger risk. Lazer was strong, bursting with energy after being cooped up in a trailer. She’d never been entrusted with such a pricey horse, and no matter how hard she tried to block the fear, it edged in, knotting her gut and making her feel inept.

Kurt reached over and removed the lead. “Keep him to an easy gallop. I don’t want him doing much today.”

He trotted Cisco to the outside rail. Suddenly she was alone. On Lazer. She gulped—her thoughts ping ponging. The colt was expensive, impeccably bred, probably ridden by famous exercise riders, famous jocks, people she’d only read about or watched on TV.

What if she fell off? He might get loose, like the filly yesterday. Might hurt himself. Just last week a horse had slipped on concrete and broken a leg. Aching regret filled her as she pictured the animal, a lovely chestnut mare, thrashing on the ground then valiantly hopping into the trailer. Then—

Stop. Don’t think of it. Her damp hands clutched the reins. She always daydreamed at the wrong times. Lazer bucked, questioning her control, and she straightened her thoughts, softened her grip. He immediately steadied, and his stride lengthened into a smooth gallop.

Damn. He was magnificent, with an effortless reach. His sheer ability blew away her fears. He cruised around the track, thrilling her with a promise of untapped speed. But when they rounded the backstretch turn he abruptly threw his head and grabbed the bit, almost hauling her from the saddle.