Love All Out - The Complete Series (A Stepbrother Romance) (24 page)

I doubt anyone is watching us. This is probably overkill. But at least he’s being too nice again, instead of a royal jackass.

Bradley opened my door and offered me his hand. I accepted it and stepped out of the car.

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” he asked with exaggerated sweetness.

“As I’ll ever be, honey doodle,” I replied. I gave him my best fake smile, took his arm, and we walked into the restaurant.

***

“So Willow, Bradley here tells us that you think your horse has a chance at the Crown. Tell me, how much equity do you still own in him?” Charles McMullen, the elder of the McMullen brothers, asked me. Charles looked to be in his late fifties or early sixties. He had pale skin, grey eyes, and ash blonde hair that was gray at the temples.

“Just five percent,” I said with a modest smile. “Mondo was born at my ranch. I couldn’t bear to part with him completely.”

“I hear that five percent equity is a standard clause when you sell a horse or a stud service,” Wyatt McMullen, the younger brother added. I only knew he was the younger brother because that’s how he introduced himself. His features were nearly identical to Charles’s.

I nodded. “I take pride in what I produce. A lot of time, effort, and thought go into putting together a perfect breeding pair. I think that’s worth five percent of whatever the foal turns in to.”

Bradley nudged me under the table and I realized he thought I’d spent too much time talking about myself. We’d been at the restaurant for twenty minutes, and this was the first time I’d spoken other than saying a brief, near silent hello.

“That shows good business sense,” Wyatt told me. “I wish my wife could find a hobby like that. It would kill two birds with one stone: she’d be out of my hair for a few hours a day and she’d be contributing a little money to the household.”

Hobby? Did he really just call my work a fucking hobby?

I took a long sip of my wine and steadied my rapidly fraying nerves. “Yes, it is nice to have something to occupy myself with while Bradley works all day,” I said, my voice sugary sweet. “He’s been working so hard since Mr. Miller decided to retire. I’m so proud of him.” I put my hand over Bradley’s and stared at him with adoration. He smiled back at me.

“Thank you, sweetheart. It’s so nice to know you appreciate everything I’ve been doing lately.”

Wyatt grabbed a stuffed mushroom from our appetizer tray and popped it into his mouth. “She’s a smart girl, Bradley. She knows the harder you work, the better off she’ll be.”

Great. I have to keep a dumb smile on my face and mind my manners like a lady while this guy talks with food in his mouth.

Charles nodded. “You definitely have a keeper here, kid. Not only is she a looker, but she also knows just how to bump up against the line without crossing it.”

I probably don’t want to know what he’s talking about.

I knew I should let his comment pass without clarification, but curiosity got the better of me.

“You’re both very kind,” I told the brothers. “But which line exactly are you talking about?” I was careful to keep my tone amused instead of defensive.

“The man woman gender role line, of course,” Charles explained. “You want to be a part of the racing world, but you know your place. You breed the horses and then sell them to men who are capable of turning them into champions. I think your independent streak is just the right size, Willow.”

I took another long drink of my wine, still determined to keep my cool.

I can do this. It’s just one night, and then I’ll never have to see these pigs again. I wonder what their wives are like. Surely they can’t be happy. I hope they don’t have daughters.

I wanted to tell them that I planned on proving myself more than capable of turning my horses into champions. I wanted to tell them that my mother had done the same and that they could kiss my ass. But I realized that Bradley was right. These men didn’t give a damn about anything I had to say. Taking a stand wouldn’t accomplish anything, so kept a smile on my face and pretended to be gracious.

“What a lovely compliment. Like I said, the horses give me something to do while Bradley is running the farm. I keep telling him he should slow down and enjoy life a little, but he’s determined to make his father proud.” I laid the praise on thick and was amazed that the McMullen brothers bought every word. They looked at Bradley with a blend of surprise and admiration.

Charles even smiled at him a little. “It’s good to hear that you’re so motivated. I have to admit, we were a bit hesitant to negotiate with you instead of Dale. But it sounds like you’re really taking your work seriously. Let’s get down to business and talk numbers.”

The men launched into a long conversation and I realized that Bradley was trying to negotiate a better distribution deal for his farm’s soybean crop. The talk was mind numbingly boring, and I soon zoned out. I let myself fantasize about the upcoming horserace and what it could do for my career.

A short, hardy waitress with curly grey hair and a kind smile finally delivered our meals to the table. Charles took a large bite of his ribeye and let out a happy, satisfied groan.

“Great restaurant choice, Bradley,” he said, cutting the rest of his steak into pieces. “This is the best beef I’ve had in a long time.”

I opened my mouth and Bradley kicked me under the table. Clearly, he felt I’d already dominated enough of the conversation. I took a long drink of my water and ate my meal in silence while the men continued their negotiations. After what seemed like hours, the table was cleared, the contracts were signed, and the McMullen brothers rose to their feet.

“It was nice to meet you, Willow,” Wyatt said. He and his brother took turns shaking Bradley’s hand and promised to talk to him soon.

“Good luck this weekend,” Charles added. He took the check from the table and Bradley didn’t protest.

“Thank you,” I said as I stood. Neither of the brothers tried to shake my hand, which didn’t surprise me in the slightest.

“Hold on a sec,” Bradley said as I moved for the door. “I need to go to the men’s room before we head home.”

I glanced down and saw his cell phone on the table. I slid back into the booth. “Okay, I’ll just wait here for you.”

Bradley disappeared and I glanced around the dining room. Charles paid the check and the brothers stepped out the front door. No one was paying any attention to me, so I grabbed Bradley’s phone. I swiped the screen and a small box popped up, asking for the four-digit unlock code.

Shit, of course the screen is locked... I’ll try his birthday.

I typed in 0218 and, sure enough, the phone unlocked. I went to Bradley’s photo gallery, deleted the pictures of me and James, and returned the phone to the table. Seconds later, Bradley reappeared in the dining room.

“Ready to go?” he asked as he approached me. He grabbed his phone and started tapping the screen.

I wiped my sweaty palms on a napkin and rose to my feet. “It sounded like the negotiations went well,” I said as we walked to the front door.

“Uh huh,” Bradley absentmindedly agreed. His eyes remained fixed to his phone as we stepped out into the parking lot. He paused just outside the door and burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, my eyes narrowed and my nerves frayed. I was afraid I already knew the answer to my question.

Bradley held up his phone, his upper lip curled in an evil grin. “Did you really think I’d make it that easy for you?”

“What… what are you talking about?” I asked, trying to sound innocent.

“I figured you’d delete the pictures if you had the chance. I left my phone on the table on purpose. To be honest, I’d have been a little disappointed in you if you
didn’t
delete them. I admire your gumption, Willow, but I backed the pictures up on my cloud days ago.”

My heart sank. Of course he’d backed up the pictures. I’d been naïve to think that Bradley would be easy to deal with. He was a jackass, but he wasn’t stupid.

I felt my face flush, but I tried to hide my disappointment. I shrugged my shoulders. “You can’t blame a girl for trying. How long do you plan on holding this over my head?”

“For as long as it amuses me,” he said with a wink. He walked to the Mercedes and slid behind the steering wheel.

So much for being polite and opening my door…

I circled the car, opened the passenger door, and settled in for a long, silent ride home.

“Ladies and gentleman, flight 1542 to Baltimore is now boarding priority ticket holders, rows one through eight,” a perky female voice announced over the airport’s intercom system.

Matt jumped up from his chair. “That’s us! This is so exciting! I’ve never flown first class before!”

I grinned at him and pulled my boarding pass from my carryon bag. “It’s not as exciting as it sounds,” I said. “But it’s better than flying coach.”

We filed into line and, one by one, the ticket agent scanned our passes and allowed us onto the jet bridge.

“I can’t wait to get to Baltimore,” Matt continued. “I took a virtual tour of our resort last night, and it looks like heaven.”

“I’m looking forward to the resort myself,” James said under his breath. My pulse raced, but I didn’t comment.

Nine months earlier, I’d booked two suites at the Excelsior Hotel and Spa: one for Daddy, one for myself and Matt. I tried to reserve another room when our plans started to change, but the resort was booked solid. Matt and Lucas would be in one suite, and James and I would have to share the other.

“Good morning,” a red headed flight attendant greeted us with a cheerful smile.

“Good morning,” James replied. He handed her his boarding pass.

“You’re in row 3, seat B, right here up front,” the woman directed.

“Thank you,” James told her. He shuffled down the aisle and the flight attendant turned to me.

“The four of us are together,” I told her, pointing behind me to Matt and Lucas. She nodded and we followed James to the third row.  Matt let out a gasp as we settled into the plush, comfortable seats.

“This is so spacious!” He lifted his bag into the overhead compartment and took his seat next to the window.

Each side of the airplane held two wide, overstuffed leather seats. Matt and Lucas were on one side of the aisle. James and I were directly across from them. I struggled to lift my carryon and James took it from my hands.

“You can have the window if you want,” he offered. He stuffed my bag into the overhead compartment and we settled into our seats.

“We need to talk,” I whispered. “But I don’t want Lucas and Matt to overhear.”

I’d planned on filling James in on my evening with Bradley on our way to pick up Matt and Lucas that morning. But Renee had insisted on driving us to the airport, so we hadn’t had a minute alone together.

“If nothing else, we can talk when we get to our room,” he whispered back. “Just tell me, is it good news or bad?”

“It’s terrible,” I warned.

A blonde flight attendant pushed a cart out of the galley behind us. “Good morning, and thanks so much for flying with us today,” she greeted us with a syrupy smile. “My name is Susan and I’ll be taking care of you during the flight. Can I offer you refreshments or a hot towel?”

“Is it too early for a mimosa?” Matt asked with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Not at all, sir,” Susan assured him. “I have champagne right here.” She took a large green bottle from the cart, poured a generous portion into a plastic cup, and added a splash of orange juice. Lucas ordered the same and Susan turned to me and James.

“Just coffee, please,” I told her. “Black is fine.”

I hadn’t slept well the night before and I doubted I’d be able to sleep on the plane. In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a peaceful night of rest. So many things were going on all at once, and I was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. I was excited about the race, but I was too terrified of Bradley to relax and enjoy myself. I knew at any given moment, he could release the pictures and ruin my life.

But the emotions stirred up by the race and Bradley’s threats were nothing compared to what I felt when I looked at James. In my head, I knew that James leaving the ranch would be best for both of us. Things between us were too complicated to ever work out. But when I thought about my life without him, a suffocating panic spread through my chest. I didn’t know what the right thing was anymore, and I was beginning to think I’d go crazy before anything was resolved.

“I’ll have the same,” James told Susan as she passed me a cardboard mug. She poured a second coffee, passed it to James, and continued down the aisle. There were only a handful of other passengers in the first class cabin. Soon, Susan had attended to everyone and the captain announced that we’d been cleared for takeoff.

“Look, Willow,” Matt said, pointing at an airline pamphlet. “Secretariat is the in-flight movie. Isn’t that what you watched on your way to Kentucky?”

I nodded and smiled at him. “It sure was.”

“We all have to watch it, for luck,” he insisted.

We taxied down the runway and the airplane lurched forward, its nose lifting off the ground. My heart dropped to my stomach as we soared into the air. A few moments later, the cabin leveled and the captain announced that we’d reached our desired altitude. The fasten seatbelt lights turned off and the opening credits of the movie flashed across the screens mounted to the seatbacks in front of us.

“I’m serious guys, this has to be good luck,” Matt said again, tapping the screen in front of him. Lucas gave him an indulgent smile and put on his headphones. James and I did the same and, satisfied, Matt turned away from us.

I watched the first five minutes of the movie, shot a cautious glance across the aisle, and slipped off my headphones. I nudged James on the arm and he did the same.

“I deleted the pictures from Bradley’s phone.”

“How did you manage that? And how is it terrible news?” he whispered back.

“He went to the bathroom and left his phone on the table. But it was a setup. He expected me to delete them. He checked his gallery as soon as he came back, and cracked up laughing. He’d already back them up on his cloud storage. He said it was hilarious that I thought I could beat him so easily.”

James let out a long sigh. “That’s bad news all right, but nothing I wasn’t expecting.”

“We’ve got to come up with a new plan,” I told him. “Last night was awful. If I have to keep going to events with those types of people, I’ll lose my mind. They were so misogynistic. I nearly bit my tongue off to keep from telling them what I really thought.”

“Willow, you know how I’d like to handle this,” James reminded me softly.

I crossed my arms over my chest and stared out the window. The air around us was thick with white, puffy clouds and it looked as if we were flying through a cotton ball.

“I also know this is a big weekend for you,” he continued patiently. “So I won’t push the subject. I said you could have until after Belmont to make your decision and I intend to keep my word. All that’s important at the moment is that you enjoy your time in the spotlight. Let’s just try to relax and have fun this weekend. All of our problems will be waiting for us when we get home.”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You’re right. I’ve worked hard for this. I should get to enjoy it.”

I hit my call button and Susan appeared almost instantly. “What can I get for you?” she cooed.

“I’ve changed my mind. I’d like a mimosa after all,” I told her.

“Make it two,” James said with a smile.

Susan quickly filled our orders and James and I put our headphones back on before Matt realized we’d taken our eyes off of our good luck charm.

***

“Oh my God, your room is just as gorgeous as ours,” Matt said, pushing his way into the bedroom of my suite. We had keys to each other’s rooms, but I hadn’t heard the front door open and his sudden appearance startled me. “Lucas is in the shower so I thought I’d come check out your place. Also, I need help picking out a tie.” He held up a lavender necktie and an aqua bowtie. Both were silk and either would have looked perfect with his khaki tuxedo.

“I love them both, but I’d go with the bowtie,” I told him. “I’m glad you’re here. What do you think of my jewelry?” I pulled back my long blonde hair, revealing flashy emerald chandelier earrings.

Matt let out a whistle. “Those are gorgeous. Where did they come from?”

“They were my mother’s,” I said, running my fingers down their length. “I’d never seen them before. Daddy gave them to me after the Derby. He said he’d put them away for a special occasion.”

“Stand up and let me look at you,” Matt directed.

I pushed my chair away from the vanity and stood up. I turned in a full circle, showing off the flowing skirt of my black satin ball gown.

“That dress is perfect, Willow,” he declared. “It hugs just the right places, but still leaves a little to the imagination.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t know how James will keep his hands off of you,” he added, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes. “I think James will manage just fine. He wouldn’t even be here if our parents hadn’t guilted him into it.”

“If you say so,” Matt sang in a tone that said he didn’t believe me for one second. “Where is the handsome bull rider anyway?”

“He’s in the shower too,” I replied. I sat back down at the vanity and started applying my makeup while Matt tied his bowtie.

“Have the two of you discussed your sleeping arrangements since you have to share the room?” Matt pressed.

“If you must know,” I said as haughtily as I could manage. “James volunteered to sleep on a fold out mattress in the living room.”

Matt raised one eyebrow, then wiggled both of them. “You know you could share the bed… for old time’s sake,” he suggested. “This is a huge weekend for you, Willow. I wish you’d just let loose and enjoy yourself.”

“I plan on having the time of my life,” I assured him, trying to act more confident than I felt. “But that doesn’t mean James and I should sleep together. No good could come of it, Matt. He’s made his feelings clear, and I don’t want to toy with them. Not when I don’t even know what I want myself.”

A smile flashed across Matt’s face. “I thought you were absolutely certain you
didn’t
want to be with him. You don’t sound so sure anymore.”

The truth was, I kept going back and forth between being certain that a relationship with James would ruin my life and being just as certain that I couldn’t live without him. When James looked at me, I wanted to fall into his arms. But then I’d think about Bradley, the McMullen brothers, and others of their ilk that would surely insist that our relationship was dirty and immoral. I was tempted to explain that to Matt, but in doing so I’d have to tell him about what had been going on with Bradley.

“Can we just say that I’m conflicted and leave it at that?” I asked. I looked up at Matt with desperate eyes. “Please?”

His face immediately turned serious. “Of course, Willow. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s okay,” I assured him.

The bathroom door opened and James stepped into the room. He was wet and naked, save the towel wrapped around his waist. Beads of water rolled down his firm, muscular chest and I felt my pulse quicken. I looked away quickly, hoping that Matt hadn’t noticed my gawking.

“I’m sorry,” James mumbled, wrapping his towel tighter. “I thought you’d be finished in here by now. Just let me grab my tux.” He crossed the room and grabbed a black garment bag from the closet.

“I’m ready,” I said, applying one last swipe of mascara. “You can have the room. We need to be outside in fifteen minutes. Matt and I will go get Lucas and meet you in the lobby.” The sight of James in his towel had made me wet with desire and I knew if I didn’t leave the room, we’d end up in bed instead of at the Black Eyed Susan Ball.

I’ve got to keep it together. I can’t keep giving in every time he turns me on. I have to base my decision on more than physical attraction. Even if I do decide to be with him and risk telling people about us, this isn’t the time.

“I’ll be down soon,” James said as Matt and I left the room.

Matt turned to me once we were on the other side of the door. He raised a skeptical eyebrow again and stared at me in disbelief. “Seriously, Willow, I don’t know how you could turn that down. I don’t care if he’s going to be your stepbrother. That boy is fucking hot.”

“Believe me, I know,” I agreed with a frustrated sigh. “If he wasn’t, my life would be a lot less complicated.”

***

Our resort was located on the Baltimore coast, within walking distance to the yacht club that held the annual Black Eyed Susan Ball. It wasn’t an official Preakness event, but a local tradition that had been started by one of Maryland’s oldest racing families decades before. James met Matt, Lucas, and I in the lobby and a member of the resort staff shuttled us over to the party in a large golf cart.

“This is amazing,” Matt whispered out of the corner of his mouth as we stepped into the ballroom. “Look at all of these flowers.”

Decades before, someone had brilliantly suggested that Maryland’s state flower be the official bloom of the Preakness Stakes. Unfortunately, Black Eyed Susans don’t bloom until late summer and the race is held in June. Instead of designating a different flower for the race, the good people of Baltimore spent weeks painting black centers onto giant yellow daisies. The result was charming though not at all realistic.

We stepped up to the check in table and I gave my name to the woman sitting behind it.