‘You’re not usually lost for words, Rose,’ he prompted.
‘I’ll blame those six brothers again,’ she admitted on a laugh. ‘Bantering with them tends to hone your conversational skills.’
‘Sofia would agree with you, I’m sure.’
‘Then, you know what to expect from me,’ she stated bluntly.
‘Trouble?’ Raffa proposed.
‘As much as you want,’ she offered wryly.
The hand in his was small, but strong, while the woman beneath the couture dress was as lovely as any here, but Rose had the edge in his eyes, because she was never afraid to speak her mind. His sister’s friends were generally marked out by their manicured appearance, but, even on this most important of days, he could tell Rose’s preparation had been rushed. He could imagine Rose devoting all her time to helping Sofia look perfect and doing little more than pelting in and out of the shower herself, leaving her womanly body smelling of soap. A mere slash of eyeshadow enhanced the emerald in her eyes, while the gloss on her lips begged to be devoured—
‘Do you like the gown?’
‘Do I...?’ He laughed as she sucked in her stomach. ‘You don’t need to do that.’
‘Oh, but I do,’ she insisted. ‘I was the closest to the original bridesmaid in build, but it’s still a dress size too small for me. It’s couture, you know.’ She gave a twirl. ‘And I was determined to get into it. I’ve never worn anything like it before. Talk about silk purse and sow’s ear—’
‘Don’t you dare,’ he warned. ‘The gown looks lovely on you.’ How could it not, when the silk and lace showcased a figure any woman would envy?
‘Sofia said I can keep it,’ Rose confided as they started dancing again. ‘I feel bad, because I’ll never have the chance to wear it again.’
‘You don’t know what life holds.’
This evening had made up his mind. He had a tour of business appointments coming up that required the use of his yacht, thePegasus. It was the easiest way to move around Europe while entertaining in style. Rose would come with him. Her work in the stable was exemplary, leaving only one question: Could she handle the social aspect of the job?
There could be no hiding in the shadows on his yacht. Rose hadn’t held the post of Head Groom for very long, and it called for mixing with royalty and celebrity alike to discuss the merits of his various ponies. What better training ground could there be than a week on thePegasus?
‘It’s time to go,’ Rose announced as the band gave way to a DJ. ‘I’ll check on the ponies first, and then I’m off to bed. My own bed,’ she stressed with a grin. ‘We’ve got an early flight in the morning.’
‘And if we didn’t?’
‘I’d still go to bed on my own.’
He couldn’t help laughing. ‘What about a drink first?’ he suggested, reluctant to let her go. ‘The ponies are safe, and you of all people know how important it is to remain hydrated.’
‘Sensible me?’ Rose suggested dryly, before cheekily adding, ‘Or, capable me?’
‘You got me,’ he admitted wryly, hand to chest.
Not at all offended, she was laughing as they walked to the beachfront where a bar had been set up. A waiter quickly found them some seats.
‘This is nice,’ Rose murmured as she dabbled her feet in the water.
‘You’re a force to be reckoned with, Rose Kelly.’
‘I’m glad you think so.’
‘School, college, equestrian training—top of the class in every arena.’
Every arena except one. The romance she longed for had so far eluded Rose, and she doubted tonight would put that right. It was her own fault. She’d been too busy striving to be the best, to earn enough money to find her father some effective treatment, to spend time on relationships. ‘Forged in steel and horse muck,’ she agreed.
‘And a great deal of hard work,’ Raffa argued.
‘Nice of you to say so...’ Turning her face to the sky, she closed her eyes to drag deep on the scent of ozone, laced with the heady perfume of warm, clean man at her side. ‘And now, look at me, reaping the benefits,’ she teased, sitting up straight to smile into his eyes. ‘Who’d have thought I’d find myself here?’
‘You’ve earned this opportunity,’ Raffa said firmly. ‘Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Your gift with horses is second to none, and you’ve got heart, Rose. The horses know it.’
