Making Her Mine: Racing D Ranch Book 3: Mine Forever, page 13
I could've taken him down today, that I’m sure of. I'm sorry I didn't. The only reason I held back is for Race, to spare her any more upset. She has enough to deal with already.
I refuse to let him destroy the unbelievable time we had at the homestead. I tell you, it was pure gold stardust. She has the biggest heart. And if she's not the fucking hottest woman on the planet, I don’t want to know who is. The memory of lying there with her has me on high ground.
Bob hasn't brought up what happened this morning. I'm not sure if I want to, but I do have to talk to him. This isn’t the best time after the bullshit but to wait wouldn’t be smart. Anything can happen — I may be kicking Milt’s ass tonight.
"How do you think the bay is looking today?" I asked him to open conversation.
"A whole lot better than before, let's hope it holds. He has a shifty mindset and it might not ever change. He’ll probably always be hard to handle. The problem is most jockeys don't have the skill Race has. If we sell him to the wrong situation he won't do well. They'll blame the horse instead of the jockey."
"I could see it happening. She has superior ability. I've not seen anyone as good in the saddle as she is, not to mention her knowledge of what to do when these hot horses get out of hand."
"She's a one of a kind in every way all right, she always has been. She cares for people like a woman, but she’ll fight like a man if she needs to. I'm real proud ya’ can see how different she is, Jake." He looks at me with his crooked smile and a bright eye. He’s proud of her, it’s easy to see.
"Which brings me to something I need to talk about. I believe you know how much I love Race. Before I can do anything about it, I need your permission to ask her to be my bride."
Bob doesn't hesitate at all before answering me. He puts his hand out to me and we shake.
"I been hoping the two of ya’ would match up. She needs a strong man such as ya’ self. Oh, I can see ya’ care about her plenty enough and after this morning, ya’ able and willing to take care of her. Not that she can't do a good job of protecting her own self, she can. With havin’ her as my own daughter, I want to see her with a good man. I appreciate ya’ asking me, Jake. Let me tell ya’ something ya’ need to hear. Her mother's wedding rings are locked in the safe — she wanted Race to marry with them. I've kept them all these years waiting for this time. She don’t have no idea beings I didn’t gave them for the short mess she got into. I knew it wouldn’t last. I see ya’ will be together. I won't have to worry a minute about her. Tell me when ya’ want the rings."
I take a few minutes to think about what he said. "Having her mother’s rings will mean the world to that girl. What I can say to you is this, I'll take care of her. I won’t do her wrong, Bob. I won’t be asking her to put me in her will or anything along those lines. The Racing D belongs to her and all you men who raised her. I have my own land with more than enough funds to provide for us."
"I didn’t figure ya’ wanted any of this. But have ya’ thought about where ya’ gonna live after the wedding?"
"Well, I already see she’s not about to leave here. I won’t ask her to either. I’ll live here and manage my ranch by making short trips down there."
"See, right there shows ya’ a smart man when it comes to her. Ya’ able to read her, to know how she feels. Well, we’ll take our crew down to help when ya’ need it. We can make it work."
"I appreciate your willingness." I think what a good man he is — how devoted he is to Race.
"I won't be saying a word about this for a lot of reasons. One reason I think ya’ already know," Bob says.
"I knew straight away what Milt’s problem is. She has no idea and I don’t want her to. It could get her confused because she’s so faithful to him." I take a short time to think about it. "The way I see it, he had years to tell her how he felt. Why he didn't I don’t know, then when I got in the picture, he wants to jump in. He sees her getting away. I feel bad for him, I do but I won’t leave the woman I love so he can have her. I can't."
"If it was me in ya’ boots I wouldn't do it. Like ya’ said, there was time to make his wishes seen an he never did. We can't be held responsible. Don't lose ya’ self an get into a fight. There’d be blood flowing if it comes to that. She’d go to pieces if either one of ya’ got hurt an both of ya’ would be."
"I'm doing my best to put the fire out, but I can't let anyone jerk her around like he did this morning. I'll keep trying to defuse what's going on."
"I see ya’ have been. We'll get it smoothed out."
She’s coming back from the track and I motioned for us to go down to meet her.
I leaned down for a hug. "You were impressive out there, the bay worked nice."
"He did, thank goodness. I like this guy, he's fast, but he's still a handful. My suspicion is he'll stay this way. It’s who he is."
"And what will you do about it?" I ask not to make a show of interest but because I am interested.
"It’s too soon to be sure. I may decide to keep him. I’ll run him myself then put him in our line of studs. If I sell there could be backlash due to the fact, he's a little hard to manage. It would hurt our business reputation. The main thing we’re recognized for is well mannered, fast horses. It’s what all the trainers are looking for."
"I’m not savvy about track sales, but his speed would definitely bring a high price wouldn’t it?"
"Absolutely, but if the jockeys can’t handle him, he can't run at top speed and hit the finish line first. It’d have to be the right situation for me to sell him. I think what I'll do is run him all season then see who has interest. And if any of them would be able to manage him properly."
"Sounds like a good plan, it would definitely cover the issue both ways. You'd probably come out ahead money wise to keep him."
"Jake, you have a good business sense for horse racing, I like it. Want to go into business?" She laughs, puckers her lips after she looks around to see who's watching, she throws me a kiss.
"I hate to be the one to tell you, darlin’ — we’re already in business." I drop my voice down to a whisper. "I talked to Bob while you were out."
She claps her hands jumping up and down with that infectious smile of hers.
"What did he say?"
"I can snap you up any time you’re ready." She throws her arms around my neck jumping up into my arms. I think I can take it that she's happy. Alvaro sees her and gives me a nod of approval. Of course, about then Milt walks in.
"You not even gonna give the man a chance to recover?" he quips. She looks back giving him a smart-ass answer.
"I think he's getting recovered. This can classify as exercise." She laughs, slides down to the floor. He shakes his head walking on down the aisle.
Alvaro ask questions about her next ride and she tells him which horses then looks at Milt, asking if he agrees.
"Girlie I’m going to the house. I need to call clients then check with Sandy. I'll see you later today."
"Don’t forget therapy and Pat has your lunch. I'll eat here at the barn with Milt." She looks at him and he smiles. "Is that right, Milt?"
"It’ll have to be soon. I’m going out to doctor a couple bulls."
"Who’s going with you?"
"Nobody, all the boys are on the far west side."
"You shouldn’t go alone. I’m going with you. Let me change the plans with Alvaro."
Milt's face lights up like the Las Vegas strip.
"I'll see you at supper. Be careful around those bulls." I hug her and start up towards the house with Larry.
I can hear him chattering in the background, he's excited as hell. It's okay, I trust her in every way possible. She loves me and there's not a thing for me to be worried about, as long as Milt keeps his mouth shut. I have to get business in order and get a wedding going.
My first call is for updates on several business projects. Sandy’s distant when we first speak then after a bit she softens.
"You sound great, Jake. Like your old self."
"Progress is going faster than I expected. Why don’t you come up for a few days? Mom and Dad would like to see you."
"What about your girlfriend? I doubt she’d want me there."
"Don’t stir any drama. She’s not one to hold a grudge. She’s far past that kind of immature behavior. Come on up."
"Okay, I will. Can I bring anything?"
"Clothes would be good. A straw and a felt, they’re on the hat rack, boots, belt, wranglers, shirts — a couple dress type things to go out to dinner. Also, aftershave, please. Any business paperwork we need to do. That would be great, sis."
"I’ll come up this afternoon."
"Supper is at 6. It’s easy to find the place, the entrance is large with the name. Push the call box, somebody will open the gate."
Sandy gets to the ranch in time to join me and our parents for a visit before we eat. Her attitude is subdued compared to her usual. No doubt because of what happened at the hospital. I almost have to laugh when I think back to it.
Race and Milt aren’t back yet. They’ll roll in about the time food goes on the table. I'm glad she went out with him to work. It might be just the ticket to get them back on level ground.
"When is she coming back?" Sandy asked.
"They'll get back in time to eat. I think Milt will make sure of it."
"Whose Milt?" she asked.
"Oh, you'll see when he gets here, quite a handsome young cowboy, a big guy, muscles like Jake," Mother chimes in. She's wanted her to find Mr. Right for a long time.
"Really? So, tell me more."
"You'll see. You may not like his looks."
I see them riding in from the back toward the barn. "You won't have long to wait. I see them coming in now." If she gets any ideas about Milt, I’ll feel sorry for him.
"Jake, will you walk me to the barn to introduce me?" she asked.
I see the look in her eyes, and I don't like it. She’s overly aggressive if she has interest in a guy to the point of embarrassment. It didn’t cross my mind at the time I ask her to come up. I hope I won't be sorry.
"Let's wait, they’ll be up shortly." Now I'm getting worried. I don't think he’ll take to her, she’s definitely not his type. While she’s quite attractive, she’s straight city girl.
As they're walking up to the house, I greet them at the door. "There’s my gal." I give her a polite hug. "How did she work for you?" I tease to start the evening with a relaxed air.
"You know how women are, too afraid they'll break a nail." He chuckles, pats her on the shoulder. "Just kidding hotshot."
"I worked well, thank you. How did your afternoon go?" she asked me smiling with her cute dirt streaked face looking up to me.
"Lonely, very quiet without you around. I did get phone calls made, went over a few business things with Sandy when she got here."
"She finally came up, good." Race says. "Excuse me babe, I’ll go wash up, be right out."
Milt excuses himself as well to clean up before supper. By the time they’re back we were gathered to the table at Pat's insistence as he claims those two are always late to the table.
"I'd like you to meet my sister, Sandy Lancer. She's also my business partner, an excellent one I’ll say.
He nods with a smile. "My pleasure. Welcome to the Racing D."
It isn't long until Race comes to the table. "Hi Sandy, I'm glad you came up."
"It's a lovely place here," Sandy says as she gestures with her hand.
"I’ve always enjoyed the change of seasons up this high." Race comments with a smile.
I can see my sister is uncomfortable. My girl is fine. The conversation goes to the field work and on to the horses. These topics leaves her with nothing to say since she's unfamiliar and not interested.
However, it doesn't stop her from taking Milt apart with her eyes. If she can actually bang him across the table without touching him, she's doing it. I hope no one's noticing her. What a joke since everyone is watching. I’m surprised at how she’s out of line. Mostly, I’m embarrassed.
Milt gives me a good-natured smile when I shrug my shoulders at him with the ‘I can’t help you’ look that every man understands. He's taking her in stride and appears to be finding it funny which it is, in a certain way, until I notice Race squirm in her seat looking around. After a moment she picks up her conversation again. A few minutes later she jumps, looks around for a minute then leans into Sandy who’s sitting to her left. In a low voice she says.
"I’m not fond of playing footsie with women."
Race stares at Sandy, maybe waiting for her to come back with a smart-ass answer but she doesn’t. What she did do was turn every shade of red there is. I quickly put my hand on her arm backed up by my ‘what the hell are you doing’ look.
Milt’s snickering with his silly grin. That guy lives for trouble and drama.
"Could you please take your feet off the chair rail and put them on the floor for easy access."
"Be happy to," he’s outright laughing.
She glares at him then back to Sandy who apparently got the message as she’s keeping her eyes to herself. Sandy is extremely out of line to pull such a stunt.
Overall the evening went nice other than my sister’s lack of judgment. I see my gal is tired. She’s ready to call it. I’d like to have a little time with her before the night is over.
"I’m giving up folks. See you tomorrow." I announce flashing a wink at her while getting up from the table.
She follows my lead.
"I hate to leave good company but 4 does come early. Night everyone." We take our coffee to her bedroom patio.
"Glad you knew what I wanted. How was your ride out, baby?" I asked her.
"The work went smooth, got the doctoring taken care of. I’ll like it when you’re able to ride out with me."
"If you have a steady ole quarter horse, I’ll climb in the saddle any time you want me to. I haven’t been dizzy for a while. I’d like to see if I can drive. What do you think?"
"We can do it. Let’s ask Larry when you can start lifting weight if you feel ready." She sounds excited at the possibilities.
"Too slow girlie, already asked the doctor and Larry. They both said I can start easy."
We sit in closer together. Her scent is intoxicating. It’s not perfume, only her natural smell. Wish I could describe it, it’s woodsy, sweet with an erotic element. It’s rousing enough to get my cock standing straight up in less than a minute Now she’s tickling my neck teasing me, sliding her tongue along my ear down to my lips.
"You’re about to get this if you keep it up," I put her hand on the bulge in my pants.
"Nothing I’d like better. I missed you today, a lot."
"Let’s plan our trip to my place. Make it soon pretty lady."
"I will. Now kiss me so I can sleep well." She may sleep but I won’t, not with this hard on.
"Enough for you. Get to bed, you’ve got another busy day tomorrow." I pat her cute ass as she leaves my arms.
"Love you so much, Jake," she looks back to tell me. "You understand that, right?" Her eyes sparkle when she says it and the corner of her lips have a tiny curl of a smile.
"Yes ma’am, I understand. I won’t hurt your heart, not ever."
I didn’t see a reason to bring up the show at the table since it didn’t get mentioned which means it’s not important. One thing about my girl, if something is on her mind, she makes it known. I like her upfront honesty. No guessing game with her.
I make a stop in the kitchen for a bottle of water and hear Sandy talking with Milt as they walk toward the barn. He’s a big boy, he can handle whatever comes up.
Chapter 23
Race
With each day Jake is making large improvements. It's a thrill to see him progressing at this speed, he's working out in the gym and helping with work at the barn. The days are going fast and he's talking about going back to work. It’s too soon I think, but his doctor did approve if he is on light duty. We all know there's no such thing as light duty. So, I'm stalling on the work issue.
Our only problem is we have zero personal time together. When we were at the hospital, I thought we’d have all the private time we wanted once we got home. Big time wrong.
Jake's parents are leaving for home tomorrow. Sandy is leaving soon, as well. She’s been here several weeks now. I'm not sure what Milt thinks about it since they've spent a fair amount of time together. It looks to me like he’s been playing the ‘take what’s easy’ game. A few signs I’ve seen say he’s not overly enthralled with Sandy.
As far as the horses go, we’re all fairly well pleased with their performance at this point. We’ll be taking them to the track very soon. That’s when things will get a little bit rodeo around this place.
"Morning boys. Looks like we got another day in paradise." I take the cup of coffee Bob hands me, take a glance around the group.
"Alvaro, I’ll do all the horses logged for races."
"Already have them pulled."
"Let's go with the bay first. We've got him traveling well."
"Same tack?" Alvaro asks.
"We need to leave off the hackamore, let’s see how he does. I don’t have much time left to work with him. What you think, Milt?"
No answer from him. I just saw behind me a few minutes ago. When I turn, he’s down at the end of the barn aisle talking to Sandy who’s showed up in a wisp of a nightgown — which means she has more skin showing than is covered. All the guys are keenly watching her hoping to get more of a look. I’m not sure what else is left to see since she’s mostly naked already. I have to say, predawn is not her best look.
