Clay tipped her chin up. “You rode brilliantly today. Better than I’ve ever seen you. I still can’t believe you’ve learned to compete like that in just four years.”
Ellie felt a thread of guilt. “That’s the way the newspapers see it. Actually, I started riding when I was three. I just didn’t compete.”
“The truth will out. Now where shall we go for dinner?”
“I’m sorry, Clay. I’ve got too much to do. We’ll be leaving in the morning. I’ve got to pack. Rose’s tack needs mending and—”
“You’ve got a groom for that, or are his services more valuable elsewhere?”
Ellie pressed her lips together. The hard, fast strokes of her brush gave him his answer.
“Damn it, Ellie, you’re driving me crazy. Go out with me.”
“No.”
“Why the hell not?”
Ellie hurled the brush against the wall where it landed with a clatter. “Why not? You ask me that after the way you acted? You have your women—dozens of them—what do you want with me?”
“I didn’t sleep with those two girls. I sent them home.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I’m a bastard, Ellie, not a liar.” Clay didn’t flinch or glance away. “I didn’t sleep with Gabriella either,” he said, suddenly serious. “The truth is, there are far less women than you believe.” A grin dimpled his cheeks. “And I know all about safe sex.”
Ellie flushed and glanced away.
“I was mad because you left with Gerry,” he told her. “I acted abominably, and I apologize. Now how about dinner?”
Barely trusting her voice, Ellie shook her head. “No,” she whispered.
Clay cursed so low it sounded like a growl. “I’m tired of taking no for an answer, Ellie. I know you want me as much as I want you. Tomorrow night we’ll be in London. I’ve taken a suite at Claridge’s. We’ll have supper at Le Caprice, celebrate your win, then go to bed. One way or another, tomorrow night I’m going to make love to you. It’s what I want, it’s what you want—and we both know it!”
Ignoring her stunned expression, Clay slid an arm around her waist, hauled her against him, and kissed her, long and deep. When he let her go, she clutched Jube’s mane of support.
“You can’t just...you can’t just...”
“The way you just kissed me says I can!” His lips covered hers again, and he kissed her even more thoroughly, sending little slivers of warmth down her spine. Ellie clutched his neck, praying he wouldn’t hear her purr.
“I’m a fool not to take you right here,” he whispered against her cheek as he nibbled her ear.
An alarm went off at his words. Ellie broke away and glanced guiltily around to see if anyone could hear.
Clay chuckled softly. “So fiery. So proper. Tomorrow night we’ll see which one you really are.”
“What makes you think I’ll go with you?”
“Because, if I have to, I’ll find you and convince you that’s what you want.”
Ellie moistened her lips. She hated to admit how good that sounded.
“Keep that up, and I won’t wait until tomorrow.” He flashed her a grin that said he was only half teasing. “Don’t worry, love. I want what happens between us to be special.”
Lowering his head, he kissed her again, quick and hard, making her insides melt.
“Maybe you’re right,” she said. “I’ve been trying to convince myself to stay away from you, but we both know that’s not what I really want.”
Clay’s eyebrows arched in disbelief, then he smiled so brightly his whole face lit up. He looked vulnerable, almost boyish.
