“Don’t worry about it. Half the women on the circuit feel the same way. The other half have already been to bed with him.”
“He’s really a conceited jerk.”
“Clay’s all right, once you get to know him. Believe it or not, deep down he’s got a heart of gold. He’d do damned near anything for somebody he cares about.” Flex lifted her chin with his fingers. “Just don’t sleep with him unless you can do it without getting involved. Somehow I don’t think you’re that liberated.”
Feeling as if she were on her way to making a friend, Ellie smiled. “Thanks for the advice, Flex. Believe me, I couldn’t agree with you more.”
“Looking forward to Europe?”
“I’m nervous, but yes, I really am. I think Rose is mostly ready and Jubilee is always ready.”
There were five riders on the team, but only eight horses. Rose and Jubilee had both been chosen.
“Jube’s one hell of a horse.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ve done a great job training him. Jake’s told me how hard you work.”
“Being on the team is the most important thing in the world. I’ve dreamed of going to the Olympics since I was five years old. I still can’t believe I’m really going, even if it’s as an alternate.”
“Keep riding the way you have been, and Jake may substitute you in.”
“I’d hate to wish anyone else bad luck, but I can’t say I wouldn’t love the chance.”
“By the way, Prissy Knowles is arriving tomorrow. Have you met her?” Prissy was the other female rider on the team.
“A couple of times. I really admire her riding. I hope we can be friends.”
“Prissy’s easy to like. I know she’ll like you.”
“I hope so.” Thinking how easy it was to like Flex, Ellie’s good mood returned. “I’d better get going. I’ve got a couple of things to do, and Jake will be expecting me for my afternoon workout. And you’re right—he is edgy as hell. What do you think is wrong with him?”
“Probably just worried about leaving for Paris. There’s a shit load of last-minute details to handle.”
“That’s probably it.” With all his responsibilities, Jake was bound to be worried. She hoped there was nothing else wrong. “Thanks for the talk, Flex. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. Just remember what I said and keep Clay as a friend. He can be a really good one.”
Flex closed her car door and Ellie started the engine, a little surprised by Flex’s last words. She couldn’t imagine Clay Whitfield being a good friend to anyone but himself.
Then she remembered the poetry he’d been writing that day in the garden. Beautiful words about love and caring about others. Maybe her suspicions were right and there was more to Clay than it seemed.
The thought made her nervous. She’d need all her defenses to stay out of Whitfield’s clutches. She was attracted to him, and every time she saw him, she remembered the way he’d kissed her. Worst of all, she wanted him to do it again.
Ellie sighed. Six weeks with Clayton Whitfield was going to seem like a year.
“Anything else I should know?” Clay asked, his gaze following the little Toyota down the road. Jake had filled him in on the final details of their departure.
“There’s nothing I can think of right now,” Jake said, but his glance followed Clay’s, his expression nothing short of grim.
“She’s a grown woman, Jake,” Clay reminded him.
“She isn’t in your league.”
“Don’t play the outraged parent,” Clay said, beginning to get angry. “It doesn’t suit you. Besides, she’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with me.”
“Fine. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it that way.”
