“Getting awfully cozy with Whitfield, aren’t you?”
“Since when did my love life become your affair?”
Jake seemed surprised by her tone. “Sorry. I guess I deserved that.”
Ellie softened. “I appreciate your concern, Jake. I know you mean well, but I have to do what’s right for me.”
“Believe it or not, I know what it feels like to love someone. When that love is returned, it’s the most wonderful thing in the world. When it isn’t, well... nothing’s more painful.”
“You’re talking about Maggie.”
Jake seemed to collect himself. “I’m talking about you and Clay. I know him better than you do. Clay may not be capable of giving you the kind of love you deserve.”
“But you aren’t sure.”
Jake didn’t answer.
“Look, Jake, I don’t expect Clay to love me. But Iamattracted to him, and it’s clear he’s attracted to me. So far, that’s all it is.”
“Ellie—“
“Leave it alone, Jake. Please?”
Jake touched her cheek the way her father often did. It was a gesture of affection so foreign Ellie glanced up at him in surprise. The only time he’d let down his guard was when he’d been with Maggie.
“Just be careful,” he said.
She smiled. “I will. I promise.”
Jake turned to leave, but Ellie stopped him. “I don’t mean to interfere in your business either, Jake, but I think Maggie still loves you. She’s a great lady. If you two had a fight, maybe you should try and make up.”
Jake’s smile came easy. “I’ll give it some thought.”
Ellie watched him walk away, thinking maybe he already had. Continuing down the long line of stalls, past whinnying horses and bustling grooms, Ellie found Clay brushing Max, smiling and speaking to him quietly, as if he were talking to a friend.
“You have a groom for that,” she teased, repeating his words.
“Sometimes Max gets nervous in a new place. Or maybe there’s been a mare in heat in one of the stalls.”
Ellie flushed. It was ridiculous. She’d been around horses all her life. Now the implication seemed more personal.
“I just want to get him settled,” Clay finished.
“You think of him the way you did Nicky.”
Clay looked surprised. “Yes, I guess I do. He’s the finest animal I’ve ever owned, but he’s more than that. When we ride together, we’re partners. He knows what I want, even before I ask. Usually, it works both ways.”
“But not last week.”
“I think my dismal mood rubbed off on him.” He grinned, flashing his dimples. “This week, I’ll be fine and so will Max.” He threw her a look that said making love to her would solve all his problems.
Ellie hoped it wouldn’t be the beginning of hers.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Since the Hickstead competition didn’t start until Thursday, the riders had been offered the chance to spend a night in the city. The excitement of London was contagious and almost everyone went
The bus was nearly full as it reached the small hotel in Knightsbridge, and they checked into their rooms. Clay took over from there, guiding Ellie into a taxi and heading off toward Claridge’s where he left his bags with a huge black doorman in a long red coat and black silk top hat, telling him he’d be back later to check in.
