Read Online Kentucky Groom by Jan Scarbrough - Free Book Online Page A

cocoon of his own making. She knew she responded to his show of love by a glow that seemed to well within her, transforming itself to the dreamy smile on her face.
    “Do you want a corn dog?” he asked somberly.
    “You’ve got to be kidding. Ruin our image?” She glanced down at her own elegant, black cocktail dress and spiky heels.
    Jay shrugged. “Just a suggestion.”
    “I’m sorry. You’re hungry.” She was being selfish because of her enthusiasm about seeing the show.
    “You know us growing boys,” he tossed back.
    “Growing boys, my foot.” Carrie poked him in the arm with her fingertip.
    “Hey, what can I say?” The twinkle in his eye was infectious.
    Carrie sighed. “Okay. I’m not interested in the fine harness horses. Let’s go find something to eat, but not corn dogs.”
    “And this time, I do have money.”
    That grin again. Carrie shook her head pretending to be put out with him. She rose to her feet. What a charmer.
    They excused themselves and left the box seats Mary had given them. Wildwood Stables didn’t have any riders competing at the Lexington show, so not having to work, Jay had surprised Carrie with Mary’s unused tickets. It was a special date. Not only because Carrie had never seen this fine horse show, but because she was alone, once again, with Jay. Jesse was back in Louisville with a babysitter.
    They picked their way up the stairs. Held at the Red Mile, a harness horse track, the area behind the stands was covered with booths displaying every conceivable item guaranteed to attract the attention of wealthy horse lovers. A counter of gold jewelry caught Carrie’s eye, and she glanced up at Jay.
    “Go ahead. I’ll see how long the wait is at the restaurant.”
    Carrie wandered from the cases of earrings to the table full of sweaters and other riding apparel. She lost herself in looking, a pastime she rarely allowed herself, and reflected about how comfortable her relationship with Jay had become. Sometimes she thought it was too good to be true. Sometimes she thought she would wake up and all of the happiness she felt would be a mere dream.
    After fifteen minutes, when Jay didn’t return, she grew anxious. Searching the crowded area for him was like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. With a sigh, she strolled toward the restaurant.
    She saw him from a distance. Who could miss his striking hair? But as she sped up to cross the room to him, she also noticed the woman by his side—a striking blond with a puff of hair the color of champagne. Her heart took a dive. The woman clutched Jay’s arm like a magnet and stared up at him with calf-like eyes. Even from the distance, she recognized the smugness on the woman’s face.
    Stopping, Carrie caught her breath. The woman’s flashy designer dress put her own out-of-date sheathe to shame. With her plain braid and unpolished nails, Carrie suddenly felt dowdy and a bit like the widow she was. Who had she been kidding anyway? Jay was young and single after all. What had made her think he would care about a woman tied down with a child?
    Just as her heart began to rip, the woman turned from Jay toward a balding man old enough to be her father. As Carrie saw the woman clutch this man’s arm possessively, she felt relief. Now she saw it. The massive diamond on the other woman’s finger shouted “married” as clearly as the look in her eyes.
    With another sigh, Carrie focused on the older man. There was something familiar about him. She had seen him somewhere. Curious, she walked nearer, realizing she’d seen his picture several times in Saddlebred magazines. He was a millionaire who had owned a stable of expensive champions, the kind that won the biggest and best shows. He was from California. But that’s all she could remember. She couldn’t think of his name.
    Dismissing him, she turned her attention back to Jay and for the first time noticed the strained look in his eyes and the tense line of his lips. Something