Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
“Be bold,” he murmured so only I could hear. “But careful at the same time.” A slow smile tugged at his lips. “You’re going to do great.”
I stared at him for a moment, feeling the weight of his words settle into my chest. Rory caught the exchange, and when I glanced his way, I saw a contemplative look pass over his face. It made me wonder if he already knew—if he saw what was happening between Tommy and me before I fully realized it myself.
And what exactly was happening between us?
I looked down at Tommy, at the way he was still holding my calf, as if reluctant to let go, and knew the answer.
Yes.
And if I let it, this thing between us would change everything.
Rory cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “All right then, let’s get ye warmed up.”
I rode Brannagh toward the start of the course, my pulse skittering as I sized up the other riders. Five of them, all men, their expressions ranging from indifference to mild amusement. I knew what they were thinking. I could practically hear their thoughts.
She’s a girl. She won’t last.
I adjusted my grip on the reins and set my jaw.
They were about to be very surprised.
♦
The flag dropped, and Brannagh shot forward, his hooves hammering the turf. The wind ripped past my face as we surged ahead, the pounding of hooves and the heavy breath of the horses filling my ears.
The first few jumps came fast, but Brannagh cleared them with ease, his muscles coiling and stretching beneath me like a tightly wound spring.
I was in fourth place, but I wasn’t worried. Steeplechase wasn’t about being reckless—it was about strategy.
The rider ahead of me was pushing too hard, forcing his horse into jumps without giving him a chance to adjust. I bide my time, letting them burn out.
One by one, I gained ground.
The final stretch loomed ahead, the last jump taller than the rest. My legs tightened, my hands steady on the reins. Just as I pushed Brannagh forward, a sharp cry split the air.
One of the horses balked. The rider was thrown.
I looked back, saw his body hit the ground hard, but there was no time to stop. No time to hesitate.
Brannagh soared over the final fence, his hooves landing cleanly, and I pushed him through the finish line, coming in third.
Standing in my stirrups as Brannagh slowed to a canter, I pumped my fist in the air and screamed out my joy. Another one of the riders came breezing past me, looking over his shoulder with appreciation. “Good run,” he said. “Fancy a pint to celebrate?”
I laughed at the offer, the flirtation, and shook my head. “Sorry.” I patted Brannagh’s neck. “Only guy I’m interested in right now.”
Which was a lie.
“Can’t blame a lad for trying,” he called out.
I was grinning ear to ear when I reached Tommy who stepped up to take Brannagh’s reins, his eyes shining with something between pride and mischief.
“Damn,” he murmured, walking beside me as I caught my breath. “You were incredible.”
A thrill shot through me, but I kept my expression neutral. “Aye, well, third isn’t first.”
“First or not, you rode the hell out of that course.”
I smiled, the heat in my cheeks unrelated to the race. Before I could say more, I noticed Rory by the fallen rider, his face grim as he spoke with the others.
Tommy nodded toward them. “Looks bad.”
I swung down from Brannagh, my legs still shaking slightly as I handed the reins to Tommy. “Aye. Let’s go see.”
When we reached them, Rory turned to us, his expression serious. “Broken collarbone. We’re takin’ him to the hospital.”
Tommy straightened. “You need me to drive the trailer back?”
Rory nodded, tossing him the keys. “Aye. And get Fiona home safely.” Eyeballing Tommy for a beat too long, the warning clear.
Tommy grinned. “Always.”
Then Rory did something unexpected—he looked between the two of us and said, “Come to dinner tonight. Kathleen’ll cook somethin’ up.”
I blinked, surprised, but Tommy recovered first. “We’d love to.”
Rory gave us one last knowing glance before walking off.
I exhaled, turning to Tommy. Was he thinking what I was thinking? That Rory was giving us opportunities to be together? Was he possibly helping me break out from under my father’s thumb?
Tommy smirked, those blue eyes sparkling even though the sky was fully overcast. “Looks like we’ve got a date tonight, darlin’.”
I rolled my eyes but felt a flutter in my chest that had nothing to do with the race.
And everything with the man that was responsible for all sorts of rebellious thoughts running through my mind.
CHAPTER 10
Tommy
Rory and Kathleen’s home was warm in a way that reminded me of Sunday dinners back home. The kind where family packed around a big wooden table—aunts, uncles and cousins. Food was passed hand over hand, and everyone talked so loudly, you really couldn’t hear anything.