MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance (23 page)

“Of course.” Cassie fingered the handle of the bucket, afraid Grace had caught something in her expression. “Your mom is definitely a hard-working polo player,” she added, reaching for something positive to say. “Very committed. I worked as a groom at your stable when she was in college. Your dad brought her back to play sometimes. She practiced all day.”

“In New York she never had good horses to ride,” Grace said. “But after she met Dad, she was able to ride on better teams. And have better polo ponies. It’s important to play to win. Especially when people are watching.”

Grace bent and plucked a daisy. She rolled the stem between her fingers then slowly pulled off each pedal. She didn’t say anything else and the only sound was of Freckles chomping grass.

Grace stared a long moment at her hand. Then she abruptly opened her fingers, dropping the mutilated flower fall to the ground. “That’s why she doesn’t want me to ride,” she said tonelessly. “Because I’m fat. And people will see. She’s embarrassed I’m not very good. And that I’ll take up too much of Dad’s time.”

Cassie gaped, swept with anger and an aching empathy.
Rachel didn’t want Grace to ride?
And Grace knew it?

“But it’ll be different with Freckles,” Grace went on. “She’ll finally be proud of me. And maybe it’ll even be fun again.”

Cassie jerked to her feet so fast she knocked over the bucket of balls. This was definitely abuse, emotional abuse of the worst kind. “You should talk to your dad about this.”

“No! He’ll just get angry at Mom. And I don’t want him to leave.”

“Your dad won’t leave you,” Cassie said, blinking in dismay.

“Yes, he will. And then I’ll have to move to Argentina with Mom and Santiago, and I’ll never see him again.”

“So you’d rather live with your dad?”

“I want to live with them both.” Grace twisted at her hands, her face flushed with emotion. “I want everything to stay exactly like it is now,” she said. “And I want to talk about a different subject, please.”

“Okay,” Cassie said, her heart aching for the young girl. “How about I get a horse and we pass the ball back and forth? See how Freckles behaves in a game situation.”

“That will be nice. But please don’t tell Mom I was talking about her. Or Santiago when he comes.”

“Santiago?” Cassie asked, her head still spinning from Grace’s revelation. “Is he coming here?”

“Yes,” Grace said. “I heard Dad tell him to drive over here and check out your horses today. They were talking low though, so I couldn’t hear everything.”

Probably whispering so no one would hear. Rachel definitely wouldn’t like the idea of her right-hand man fraternizing with the enemy. No doubt Santiago would be displeased as well—forced to drive to Gramps’ rundown property and evaluate some horses, instead of lounging in an air-conditioned office, flirting with Rachel.

Didn’t matter though, because Alex’s word was law. And with Santiago’s approval, Gramps would have a chance at selling to the collegiate team. Santiago would have to judge the horses as suitable…if he were honest. At least he was coming here to ride and would be removed from Rachel’s influence.

Gramps would be ecstatic with this news. Cassie just hoped Santiago would give them a fair trial. And that she’d have a chance to tell Alex about his daughter’s reluctant disclosure.

Cassie winced as Santiago leaned down and took another belly shot, fearlessly swinging his mallet between Digger’s churning legs. She peeked at her grandfather, checking his reaction. It was great that Santiago had come today, but her grandfather had never condoned high risk shots. And to possibly lame a horse Santiago didn’t own seemed rather irresponsible…unless he was acting on Rachel’s instructions.

However her grandfather didn’t make a sound. He simply crossed his arms and looked stoic. He’d insisted on walking down to the south field to watch, but now she wished he’d remained on the porch. This was simply too important. If Santiago liked the horses, the college would reconsider their purchase. Heck, even if he just liked one of them, it would provide Gramps with some income. It would also be one less horse to feed, one less animal for him to worry about.

“Digger sure looks different with Santiago riding,” Grace said. “I didn’t realize he could run so fast.”

Cassie nodded, deciding she needed to be more grateful. Alex had kindly asked Santiago to come, and the man was here. No doubt about it, Santiago was a superb rider. He was giving quite a show. Digger zipped around the field, responding instantly to his rider’s commands. He wasn’t as fast as Ginger but he was agile and gallant, and not at all intimidated by Santiago’s mallet swinging so close to his fragile legs.

“I thought you didn’t allow belly shots on your horses,” Grace said. She lowered her voice even though Santiago was galloping at the far end of the field.

“They’re okay if you’re a pro,” Cassie said, trying to be diplomatic. “And Santiago has excellent timing.”

But Gramps gave a derisive snort. “A millionaire’s shot,” he muttered. “The only people that try those are the rich. Because they don’t care about crippling up their horses.”

“But Mom tries those shots all the time,” Grace said.

“Exactly,” Gramps said.

Cassie gave him a quick nudge, suspecting everything they said would be repeated to Rachel. “Digger and Santiago both look great out there,” she said, changing the subject. “They’re working well together. We should have shaved Digger’s mane first though, like Ginger’s. So it doesn’t tangle up the reins.”

“I suppose,” Gramps said. “But other disciplines prefer a mane. I hate to cut it until I’m positive he’s going to a polo home. Digger does seem to trust Santiago though. And I’m glad he came here because I refuse to let my horses go out on trial again.” His voice darkened. “Not after what happened to Ginger.”

“I’m going back to the barn now,” Grace said.

She turned and retreated up the path, her shoulders hunched.

“Please don’t talk about Rachel when Grace is around,” Cassie said, giving her grandfather a reproachful look. “No one likes to hear negative things about their parents.”

“I’m always upfront with my students,” Gramps said. “With everyone. You know that. Besides, that kid already knows the truth. She’s just not used to hearing it. And I’m not afraid of Rachel.”

Cassie sighed. He should be afraid. Rachel had already damaged his reputation, and the only reason Santiago was here today was because of Alex. Quite likely Santiago hadn’t even told Rachel that he was coming. Which meant the horses had to be approved today, before Grace went home and told her mother about his visit.

Santiago galloped a graceful loop around the goal line then cantered toward them, tall and motionless in the saddle. Usually she could tell when a rider liked a horse but his helmet shaded the top of his face, and his lower jaw was unreadable. She pressed her palms against her jeans. Felt her grandfather stiffen beside her. Despite his brave talk, he knew Santiago’s approval was critical.

Santiago pulled Digger to a halt. He pulled off his helmet, and it was clear now that he was smiling. “I like this horse,” he said. “He’s not as fast as your mare but he’s more tractable. I put him under a lot of pressure and he handled it well. He’d be a solid mount for any college team.”

Cassie didn’t realize she was holding her breath until it escaped in a rush of relief.

“I have two more, about the same level as him,” Gramps said quickly. “I’m sure you’ll like them too. Cassie can tack them up.”

“No,” Santiago said, shaking his head. “I don’t have time to ride any more horses. It’s a busy time with lots going on. Maybe in the fall.”

Cassie met Gramps’ gaze, and the disappointment she saw in his face mirrored her own. September would be too late. The college intended to purchase their horses by the end of the month.

Her eyes narrowed on Santiago. He was the collegiate advisor. Surely he knew their buying plans.

“The committee is in the process of making a short list,” she said, studying his expression. “We’d like our horses to be on that list.”

Santiago shrugged. The smile remained on his face but he adjusted the reins, avoiding her gaze. And then she understood. This was all futile. He’d come today because of Alex. But he worked for Rachel. And he wasn’t about to do anything to jeopardize relations with her—whatever that relationship was.

“We can have the horses ready in minutes,” Gramps said. And the plea in his voice wrenched at Cassie’s chest. “They won’t take long to evaluate. They’re nice horses too, sound and athletic. Tex is a little green but he’s almost as fast as Ginger. We’ll bring them both down at the same time. I’ll hurry.”

He twisted toward the path but Cassie placed a hand on his arm, hating to hear her proud grandfather reduced to begging. “It’s okay,” she said. “Santiago knows they’re nice horses. And that they’d be great for the college. But he works for someone else.”

She couldn’t resist shooting Santiago a hard glare. It wouldn’t affect him—the man was too arrogant—but it made her feel better.

However, his reaction surprised her. He actually looked rather surprised. Then a look of resignation crossed his face. “That’s right,” he admitted, leaning over Digger’s neck. “And the college won’t buy your horses unless my boss wants it to happen. So my opinion is irrelevant. Until I have further direction, we’re all just wasting time. Yours as well as mine.”

His gaze cut over her head, and he straightened in the saddle.

Cassie swung around. Alex had stepped from the path in the trees and was striding toward them. “How’s it going?” he asked.

Santiago gave a polite nod. “I like this horse,” he said. “Jake did an excellent job with his training.”

“Did you try the other two yet?” Alex asked.

Santiago shook his head.

“But you’re going to,” Alex said, and it wasn’t a question.

“Yes, of course. If that’s what you want.” Santiago quickly replaced his helmet. “I’ll check out whatever they bring me.”

“It would be easier for you to ride back to the barn,” Alex said, “than for Cassie or Jake to walk. You’re quite capable of tacking up a horse. We’ll wait for you here.”

Santiago looked at Cassie then inclined his head. She nodded back, her mouth twitching. She didn’t dare look at her grandfather for fear she might laugh. And she didn’t want to rouse Santiago’s resentment any further. But it was enjoyable to see the man brought down a peg, even if it wouldn’t help. Obviously, once Santiago reported the day’s events to Rachel, she’d do her best to scuttle any sale.

Gramps seemed to share her concern, remaining silent as Santiago rode Digger up the path to the barn. But worry lines etched his forehead.

“Did Grace have trouble with Freckles?” Alex asked. “I was hoping to arrive in time to see her ride.”

“Oh, no, she did super.” Cassie swung around to look at Alex. She wasn’t sure how she’d feel when she saw him today. The thought of living miles away on another acreage, risking Rachel’s wrath, and then learning that he’d arranged for her job at the Center all those years ago left her conflicted. But there was no doubt his presence lifted her spirits. It always had.

“Freckles was perfectly mellow,” she added. “And very obliging. At the end of the ride Grace was even hitting the ball at a trot. They’re a great team.”

“Then why do you two look so serious?” Alex asked, sweeping them both with a deep grin. He looked surprisingly relaxed considering their tension yesterday, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

They had much to discuss and there was no need to let Rachel darken this moment. He deserved to know the horse he’d bought for his daughter was perfect and no doubt he needed a break from his complicated life, both business and personal. His expression reminded her of simpler times when they were much younger and merely excited about an upcoming show. And it was nice to see.

“It’s just that Cassie and I are worried,” Gramps said darkly. “Because we’re not sure how unbiased Santiago will be.”

Alex’s smile faded and Cassie gave a mental groan.

“He won’t be biased,” Alex said. “At least not against you.”

“What about Rachel?” Gramps asked.

“She doesn’t have anything to do with the college,” Alex said. “Santiago is the advisor. And it’s in his interest that the team be well mounted… You can trust him.”

Alex looked back at Cassie, his smile returning. “Can you tell me about Grace’s ride? I planned to be here but my meeting went longer than planned.”

He was more interested in hearing how his daughter had ridden with a mallet than worried about any college sale. So Cassie obliged, describing every step of Grace’s ride. Gramps grew bored and wandered off to the bottom of the path, but Alex hung on her every word.

“She was really able to hit the ball at a trot?” he asked, splaying his hand around her hip. “That’s wonderful, Cass. You’re a great teacher.”

She blinked, surprised by his casual gesture. It seemed so natural and she liked the feel of his hand. But now she understood a little more about why they needed to be secretive. And Santiago was returning soon with Tex, and Gramps was close by, pacing near the bottom of the path, anxiously awaiting his horse.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

“What I should have done years ago.” Alex’s smile widened. He tugged her closer, so close she could feel the thud of his heart. Sense his elation.

“There’s no need to worry anymore,” he said. “My lawyers are making Rachel a new offer. In exchange she’ll be giving up all parental rights. It’ll be over, Cass.”

She stilled, almost lightheaded with disbelief. So she wouldn’t have to agonize about what to do? What repercussions their being together might have for Grace? She and Alex wouldn’t have to live apart, or fly around in a jet? They could wake up together like normal people. They could laugh and ride and argue over whose turn it was to do the dishes. And Grace would get over her hang-ups once Rachel wasn’t around to strip her self-esteem. Cassie’s chest swelled with hope and even the birds chirped with fresh optimism.

She flung her arms around his neck, no longer caring about Santiago’s return. Rachel would be out of their life. Out of Grace’s life. It didn’t matter what Santiago reported because Alex was going to have sole custody. And he was a wonderful father and Grace would be better off with just her dad anyway.