Avery had arranged the meal. An appetizer ofMousse debrouchet,pike mousse with lobster sauce served with a delicate Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile. Maggie just picked at her plate.
“Relax,” Ben whispered in her ear. “You’re doing great.”
She was glad Ben thought so. Her stomach was tied in knots and every time she glanced to her left, she found Jake’s eyes on her, the vivid blue unreadable.
“Are you pleased with the way the team’s shaping up?” Ben asked Jake as the waiters served the soup,crème de legumes.
“They’re some of the best riders in the world. They’ll be competing together for the first time on Tuesday, which will help their confidence and give the horses a chance to get back on their feet.”
Jake flicked another glance at Maggie.
“How’s Caesar?” Flex asked, worried about Prissy’s horse and the trouble he’d had on the plane.
“He looked fine this morning,” Jake said. “Whatever they gave him wasn’t meant to do permanent damage.”
“And Zodiak?” One of Clay’s horses, a big Hanoverian, had cut himself deplaning.
“The wound was minor. He’ll be able to compete on Thursday.” The European horse shows usually lasted from Thursday through Sunday, a little less grueling than the American shows, but no less demanding.
The conversation continued and Maggie forced herself to eat.
Dear Lord, she’d be glad when the evening was over.
“Zodiak’s a great horse,” Ellie said to Flex. “Clay’s done a great job of bringing him along.” The minute she said the words, Ellie wished she hadn’t spoken. She’d caught Clay’s attention, the last thing she wanted to do.
Even in her new two-piece cocktail dress, a pale sea green silk bought hastily that afternoon, she felt shabby in comparison to the woman on Clay’s left.
God, was there no end to his list of beautiful women? Every time Ellie looked at the beautiful New York model she felt like throwing up.
“Thanks for the compliment.” Clay cast her a grin that dimpled his cheeks. “I believe it’s a first.”
“Don’t be silly, darling,” said Gabriella. “There aredozensof things you do well.” There was no mistaking her meaning, or the seductive look she cast Clay.
Stifling the reply Ellie wished she had the courage to make, she was relieved when the waiters arrived with the main course,Grenadine de Veau Normande,sautéed veal medallions with mushrooms and crème fraiche glazed with Calvados and slices of apple. With it, Avery had chosen a Chateau Beychevelle ’76.
Ellie took a courage-boosting sip of the rich red wine, and over the rim of the glass, she watched Clay. Dressed in a black suit with a crisp white shirt that showed off his tan, he looked every bit the sophisticated playboy, his date the epitome of elegant chic.
Thank God, she’d had enough courage to ask Flex to escort her. The man was a gem.
“I don’t want Clay to think I can’t get a date,” she said. “Do you think you could pretend to be interested in me? Just for tonight?”
Flex grinned from ear to ear. “This is rich. I’d love nothing better than to see Clay Whitfield get his comeuppance. I’ll have him convinced we’re red-hot lovers, if that’s what you want.”
“I thought you two were friends.”
“We’re good friends. But we’ve been rat f-ing each other for years. If he thinks I’ve gotten you in bed and he couldn’t, it’ll drive him crazy.”
Ellie hadn’t really intended to carry things that far, but the more she thought about it, the better is sounded.
“That’sexactlywhat I want.” Even with his red hair and freckles, Flex was a good-looking man. He never lacked for female companionship, and his taste in women was impeccable. She’d heard Clay say so more than once.
“This’ll be a gas,” Flex said.
“He probably won’t even notice.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Ellie. You’re one sexy lady. Clay’s got the hots for you, and he’ll damn well notice.” Flex grinned and chucked her under the chin. “It’ll do him good to stew.”
Now, sitting here looking at Clay, she didn’t think their plan had the slightest effect. Not when Clay had walked into the room with the most beautiful woman Ellie had ever seen.
