My Forbidden Mentor (22 page)

Stunned, Melissa didn’t understand his change in attitude. “I’m already dressed, John,” she informed him with a crease beginning in her brows as she watched him tug on each boot.

He looked up and over her form again. “You’re not going to the track in that dress.”

“What!” She was about to explode. If he didn’t like the dress, why not say so.

He leaned over, grabbed her brush and started taming his wild hair. “That dress is far too revealing to wear to the track. It needs to be changed.” He didn’t wait for her response as he set the brush back on the dressing table and stepped over to the closet, sorting through her dresses for an appropriate one.

She stepped over to him and stood behind him with her hands on her hips. She couldn’t believe his actions. He was actually picking out a different dress for her. “It wasn’t too revealing for you the day we had lunch and toasted champagne to our partnership.”

“That was different,” he said in response while continuing to sift through her dresses.

“How?” she asked with arms crossing over her chest and a boot tapping against the hardwood floor.

He didn’t bother to answer. He finally pulled out a dress, an older style, hunter green-colored dress with a high collar, fabric that covered the entire bosom area, long sleeves, and a million buttons made from material as thick as molasses. “Here, this one will do,” he told her as he spun to find her standing right behind him.

Her gaze dropped to the boots she wore. Her eyes lifted again. “It won’t match my boots, and besides, it’s too hot to wear in this weather, John.”

John didn’t care what excuses she had. There was no way in hell she would go out in public in that dress again. The first time he’d seen her wear it the dress had posed a great deal of carnal ideas in his own mind. He didn’t want to imagine the ideas other men would have regarding his woman. “Melissa, I like the dress, but so will every other man at the track. You’re not wearing it.”

“It’s the perfect dress, John. It’s lightweight and sheer, made just for this kind of weather. Let the other men look. They’re not going to touch.” Had she been aware how her words would affect John she probably wouldn’t have said them, but instead her innocence made her unaware.

John’s narrowed gray eyes darkened, his voice unaccountably stern. “Exactly, it’s sheer. That’s my point, Melissa. It’s sheer enough that if other men are looking, they can see the outline of your beautiful breasts that are for my eyes only.” He stood still with the green dress draped over one arm, his opposite hand clenched into a fist at his side. “And you’re right, they’re not going to touch. They’re not even going to look.” His blood pumped faster as the volume of his voice got louder.

Melissa saw how angry he’d become but still thought he was overreacting. “John the dress you’re holding will reveal more of an outline of my breast than this one will. It’s tighter across.” She indicated on herself to prove her point.

He calmed himself with a deep breath, knowing that in the end when they walked into that track, she would be wearing hunter green and not translucent cream. “Melissa, this dress will not reveal the tips of your breasts so readily.” When her eyes got big he turned her away from him and guided her toward the sunlit glare casting on the window. Standing behind her he patiently waited for her to take notice. “As you can see this one does.” There wasn’t any need to point out the obvious to her.

He was right. As she gazed at her own reflection she realized he had reason to be upset. She never imagined how sheer it really was until she stood in broad sunlight. She inched closer to the window and sure enough, it was almost as if she wore nothing at all. Her fancy, silk chemise beneath didn’t help to conceal anything.

She turned back to him, snatched the heavy dress from his arm, laid it on the bed and began undressing. Her look of defeat confirmed that she agreed with his reasoning, even if forced to do so.

“Thank you,” he said, then proceeded to leave the bedroom so she could change in peace. It wouldn’t be fair to gloat about getting his way. That she was changing her clothing without further deliberation confirmed progress regarding her stubborn nature.

The track was swarmed with multitudes of people. Luckily John and Robert, being part owners, had their own private viewing box. After they arrived Robert went his separate way to conduct business. By the time John and Melissa reached their destination they had stopped and conversed with a great number of John’s associates. Seeing him at his own track, in his own element, Melissa knew she’d picked the perfect team partner. Intelligent, talented, fascinated with horses in general, John proved to be the ideal partner for her, in more ways than one, she sighed.

Staring into his profile as he gave his opinion to an interested patron, his handsome features could not be dismissed. By far he easily attracted any status of the female gender and suddenly they seemed to appear in droves. Scanning the crowd of women settling around their viewing box, Melissa’s thoughts ran astray.

When she should be concentrating on her presentation to Lord Ainsworth, instead she was wondering if any of these women floating by them were past lovers of John’s. That thought led to how many lovers he’d had. The glares and whispers of these women promoted her insecurities, making her clasped hands perspire and tighten their grip. Any one of these women could have been a past lover.

She sat when John did, her fingers sliding below the edge of the collar of her dress, her neck feeling constricted from the hot and binding material. Carefully she stretched the collar so she was able to breathe again. Her confidence was plummeting and her imaginations were turning frantic while women pointed and whispered.

Her attention swayed when John asked how she was doing. She replied with a quick, unsuspecting smile and told him she was fine. Before he could comment another person greeted him, raving about Chief’s progress. Usually confident, Melissa was surprised to find how much she was struggling with this situation.

She tore her view from the glaring women and shifted toward John. He didn’t seem bothered one bit by the situation, as if it were a common occurrence. She glanced at the track where preparations were taking place to begin the races. Did John pick and choose among these women when he finished his day? Is that why they waited around?

“Melissa?” John called out to her.

“Yes,” she responded in irritation, not meaning to but her thoughts had led her there.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

She made a quick glance toward the women close by. “I’m sorry. I’m nervous about Lord Ainsworth and it’s quite hot out here,” she told him, fanning herself with one of her hands.

John’s mouth curved into a half grin. Her glance a moment ago had revealed the reason for her irritation. The women. They were indeed a nuisance to both John and Robert, but their husbands and/or male friends were supporters of Robert and John’s endeavors regarding the track so they were tolerated. It seemed Melissa would have to learn to tolerate them as well. “Ignore them,” he advised her.

Melissa looked straight at John. “What? How? They’re, they’re,” She hesitated for lack of a ladylike remark.

John chuckled, which drew the stares of some ladies close by. “Go ahead and say it. Talk to me in your language, sweet, you will not offend me.”

He saw her continuing to struggle so he leaned forward, putting his ear near her mouth. “Whisper it to me.”

“They’re the most bloody, vile creatures I’ve ever seen and their actions disturb me.”

This time he laughed out loud. Melissa tried hushing him but without success. He shifted to whisper in her ear away from ogling inspections. “I agree with you, sweet, so ignore them,” he told her and gave her a love bite on her earlobe. Her shoulder shrugged at the ticklish sensation. “Think about what I’m going to do to you when we get home, what I’m going to do in bed under the covers, like this morning.” He placed a soft kiss upon her cheek before pulling away.

Melissa fidgeted in her seat. Damn him. Her body responded to his words as if he was actually performing the actions he described, but then again, it did take her mind off those bloody vile creatures.

In a matter of minutes Melissa’s newfound peace was destroyed. John had departed in search of Lord Ainsworth and when he left most of the women left as well, all except one, who it seemed had only recently appeared.

Attractive in her own way, the young lady kept checking her surroundings as though she was either looking for someone or making sure she wouldn’t be seen. Melissa focused her attention toward the track, ignoring the blond miss as John suggested.

She liked her life now. Despite losing both parents she was happy. The new companion in her life made moving ahead worthwhile. Would they marry? She had dreams of it happening and she truly believed her father would have approved.

“Pardon me, are you with Lord Blackburn?” The young lady asked, making Melissa jump.

Melissa looked over the blond, petite woman who dressed in rich clothing. She was very exotic looking with her unusual shade of platinum hair, and the blue of her eyes could cut daggers they seemed so cold. She stood out from the rest of the women and now had Melissa curious as to whom she was. “Yes, may I ask why?”

The young lady stood along the outer edge of the viewing box, boasting a spiteful gleam in those icy blue eyes of hers. “I know John personally. I’m Vanessa Walker,” Vanessa relayed, taking note of Melissa’s questioning image. “Oh, so sorry to have startled you by using his first name, but you see John and I are good friends,” Vanessa told her as she poked and prodded.

Holding her tongue, Melissa wasn’t sure of what being a good friend of John’s involved with this forward stranger. “Lord Blackburn should return shortly if you wish to speak to him.”

Quite pretty for a country girl Vanessa thought, making her own evaluation, but what the hell does John see in her? She smiled despite the venom wanting to burst out. “Actually I do, but I also wanted to meet the mysterious woman who’s been occupying so much of his time. And you are?” Vanessa asked, pleased with herself for the way she’d shaken the country lass.

Vanessa had come to confront John about his absence of late and other important matters, hoping she’d find him at the track. Her luck stayed with her when she spotted John in his private viewing box, only to feel dire disappointment when she saw a young lady seated next to him. John never had ladies in the box with him and he never showed open interest as he’d done today. Vanessa didn’t lose hope as she stepped closer to John until she saw him lean over and nuzzle the lass’s ear, then laugh and act playful with her. Fury lit inside Vanessa like never before.

She wanted to kill the wicked woman that had stolen John away from her but instead ordered herself to be patient. Nothing like a slow painful death, Vanessa sneered. Yes, that was the least this country lass could endure.

“Melissa Howard,” Melissa revealed, keeping her answers short and to the point. After all, she hadn’t any clue what this woman meant to John.

Vanessa’s smile turned vicious. “You see, Miss Howard, I used to be the one entertaining John not long ago. I know how impatient he can be so I’m not surprised that he’s found a new diversion, but being his favorite I know he’ll return to me. John and I have a history.”

Melissa was taken aback but she had to believe that John was true to her. Trying not to believe this gossipy woman, Melissa asked while keeping control of her anger, “What is the purpose of this conversation, Miss Walker?”

Still smiling, Vanessa spoke with a warning tone. “It’s a friendly warning, Miss Howard. I hope you don’t think you’re something special to the handsome lord. Believe me, he can be deceiving. His lovemaking is extraordinary and he’s full of charm,” Vanessa paused, watching Melissa’s jaw tighten. Her plan was working. “I know. I’ve known him long enough to see how he operates. He is insistent on you wearing sponges, is he not?” Melissa’s reaction was what she expected. “Even so, Miss Howard, I understand your attraction to him. I feel the same way. I put up with his philandering because I treasure our friendship, among other things.” While Vanessa finished her damaging speech she watched and waited.

Melissa was infuriated. “How can you say such disturbing things to me? Whether this is true or not Miss Walker, I don’t care to hear about it.”

“Oh, it’s true Miss Howard. Why don’t you ask John if he knows me and how well? He won’t lie to you. He’s the most honest person I’ve ever met.”

Indeed, she was right about him being honest. “Regardless of your past history with John, Miss Walker, I think your intentions are cruel to tell me about it in this manner.”

Vanessa leaned into Melissa, putting pressure on full force. “His life is his thoroughbreds, Miss Howard. You’ll never compete with them, much less the other women in his life. I’m afraid you’re just a temporary plaything to fill his lonely hours away from his horses.”

Melissa didn’t say another word. Self-doubt was creeping in, changing her state of anger into fear, fear that this woman could be telling the truth, fear that if she’d known John longer herself maybe, just maybe, she’d be accurate about his pursuits, but she didn’t want to show Vanessa that she’d gotten to her. What little pride she had left she used to make it through the unbelievable conversation she was having with a lover of John’s. “Miss Walker, I wish to be left alone with my thoughts. You’ve been a wonderful insight.”

Vanessa relished in seeing that she’d said enough to give this country tart some words to think about, and hopefully she’d back away from John, so she granted her wish and bid her goodbyes with some parting words. “Good day Miss Howard. It was nice meeting you, and if you ever need to talk, I live in the town of Richmond.” Her smile became more devious. “You never know, perhaps the three of us can participate in a private, uh, meeting of our own and all become good friends. I’m willing to share if you are?” she extended, feeling satisfied that her visit had proved successful she left.

Melissa was so stunned that she sat there frozen, amazed at the type of women John kept company with, but this one had made some valid points. Why was this happening? The questions were coming back again. Am I just a plaything on the side? Will he tire of me? What exactly do I mean to him? Does he love me, because he hasn’t said so yet? And the sponges? Vanessa had hit that one on the mark. Her glorified daydreams were shattering from the words of a jealous lover. How do I deal with this now? Do I confront him?

In the next moment she was looking for John among the crowd, her worried eyes scanning over and over through the mass of people until she found him. His height made it easier to spot him. He was striding in her direction and he seemed to be on his way back when a familiar platinum-headed female appeared before him. Vanessa, Melissa thought, grinding her teeth. She continued to watch them, curious as to how John would react to her.

They both stopped, facing each other. Melissa could see the front of John from her view. He had a faint smile on his face when Vanessa began talking to him. Then the smile disappeared and a stern, serious look took its place. What was she telling him? Melissa leaned forward in her seat as if trying to hear their conversation but they were more than a hundred yards away, making it impossible.

Suddenly, John took Vanessa by the arm and escorted her in the opposite direction toward the front gates. Melissa stood to get a better view. Her curiosity led her out of the viewing box and through the crowd, following them.

What had Vanessa told him? Melissa wondered as she shoved her way through the massive crowd. Pacing on the tips of her toes hadn’t given much of an advantage. Periodically John’s dark head would appear in the distance and still bobbing beside him was a platinum blond one. Melissa’s brow creased with tension, her breathing came faster, and her heart pounded in anticipation of the results she might find.

Am I just jealous and acting like an outraged lover or is there a reasonable concern here since it was her vicious new acquaintance he was leading out the front gates? Melissa slowed her pace so she wouldn’t be seen. John still had quite a tight grip on Vanessa’s arm as he led her to his carriage. Why the privacy of his carriage? Melissa closed in on them, just slipping out of the front gates herself.

Melissa bounced from carriage to carriage until she reached John’s but by now they were inside. She noticed the curtains closing for privacy. Her heart thudded in her chest, her limbs shook, and her mind was racing with irrational thoughts. He couldn’t possibly be making love to her in his present state. At about that time, with Melissa concealed behind the carriage next to John’s, her eyes attached to the closed curtain, John’s carriage began to rock back and forth.

Melissa’s eyes grew wide, her mouth frowning as she clung between hurt and anger, but as the carriage continued rocking, her anger escalated, subduing her hurt feelings. Tired of being stepped on and made a fool of she marched over to John’s carriage and was about to open the latched door and say a few choice words when John’s words stopped her.

“Damn it, Vanessa, get off of me. Stay on that side of the carriage and tell me what’s so damned important that you had to drag me away from the races?”

She could tell John was holding his temper in check. The carriage stopped rocking and relief came to Melissa in a heartbeat. John’s words consoled her, easing her tension, until Vanessa spoke.

“All right. I’m pregnant, John, and I need your help.”

Melissa gasped for her next breath. It was worse than she had thought. Just then Melissa noticed spectators watching her as she stood before the door of John’s carriage, obviously eavesdropping. Melissa calmed herself enough to change her position so there wouldn’t be any questions about her intentions. As she strolled to the opposite side of the carriage anger struck once again for she was eager to hear John’s response.