For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself the pleasure of remembering the night he’d seen her at the Helmsley Palace in Manhattan. The loveliest woman in the room, he’d thought that night.
All his life, Jake had avoided attachments, chosen women who wanted nothing more than a comfortable relationship with a man who could satisfy their sexual needs and keep his mouth shut about it. Women who didn’t want marriage any more than he did.
His years in the Soviet Union had left him wary and distrustful, afraid to let his guard down. Better to be a loner, rely on himself, avoid attachments of any kind.
After he’d bought Pleasant Oaks, he’d thought about finding a wife, but until he met Maggie, there was never anyone he considered special enough to share his life.
He wanted a woman he could trust and rely on. Someone who shared the same goals. At forty-six, he’d been ready to take some chances, let go of his well-guarded feelings and reach out for something more.
From the moment he’d spoken to Maggie, Jake knew his life would never be the same.
Though he’d seen her once before, at Les Delaine’s funeral, it wasn’t until a night three years later that he began making inquiries about her. Friends mentioned her daughter, Sarah, and told him Maggie had made charitable contributions and done hours of work in her husband’s name for the U.S. Equestrian Team.
“Beautiful evening,” he’d said as he walked up beside her on the terrace. “I’m Jake Sullivan. I don’t know if you remember me. We met once before.”
She turned away from the view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the distance, toward the lights twinkling in the courtyard below. In profile she had a patrician nose and a delicately sculpted chin. A shaft of moonlight cut through the branches of a potted cypress and touched her honey-blond hair.
“I know who you are,” she said with a hint of amusement, as if the whole world knew him by name. “We met at Les’ funeral.” He caught a flash of pain. “That was a long time ago. I’m glad tonight’s circumstances are more pleasant.”
“Yes.” Jake’s gaze followed hers across the courtyard below the terrace. “I made some inquiries about you. It seems we have a lot in common.”
“Really?”
“That’s right. You like to walk in the moonlight, so do I. You like horses, so do I. You like to dance, so do I.”
She arched a golden eyebrow. “How do you know I like to dance?”
“Because all beautiful women like to dance.”
She laughed at that and smiled.
“Why don’t we go someplace quiet for a drink?” he asked.
Maggie’s easy smile faded. “No. No, I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“It wouldn’t be right.”
“Are you involved with someone? I know you’ve haven’t remarried.”
Maggie glanced away. “I’m not involved with anyone, but.... In a lot of ways, I suppose I still feel obligated to Les.”
Jake caught her chin, turning her to face him, not certain why he felt so sure of her. “It’s been three years, Maggie.”
She didn’t move away. “It has been, hasn’t it?”
“How about that drink?”
Uncertainly shone in her pale blue eyes. “I don’t know, I...”
“You have nothing to fear from me,” he said softly.
Maggie’s smile slowly returned, and she nodded. “All right. I’ll get my wrap.”
It was the beginning he had hoped for. After a few short weeks, Jake never wanted it to end.
Having spent all day Friday with the horses, Ellie had fallen asleep at seven p.m. At five the next morning, she awoke rested and ready to work.
