Read Online Maybe Baby by Andrea Smith - Free Book Online Page A

explained her racing history along with her strengths and weaknesses. He handed me a DVD of her races from last season to review.
    Andy explained that in the Kick-Off Stakes Saturday, a bonus race was scheduled about forty-five minutes after the last race concluded. This was a special incentive purse that Sinclair Stables had put up. Bottom line was if I won a race, and then the bonus race, I could put a little over sixteen grand in my pocket.
    Game on!
    Andy and I worked with Jezebel for another hour, timing her sprints. She was consistently clocking in at 30 to 33 seconds. I let Andy know that I'd work with her again in the morning after I had a chance to review the DVD. He agreed. I'd not been back at my cottage for more than an hour when Ray was tapping at my door.
    “Hi Ray,” I smiled opening the door for him.
    “How ya feeling?” he asked, concerned. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to stop by. I know Trey will be pissed when he calls later.”
    Then don’t tell him,” I said with a grin. “I’ve been fine. Got my laundry caught up today, cleaned the cottage, and took a walk. Just kind of, hung out, ya know?”
    “So you know that you start Monday at the Belle, right?”
    “Yeah, that's what I hear.”
    “Report at nine a.m. to Mrs. Johnson over in the main office. She'll give you the rundown okay?”
    “Sure enough,” I replied pleasantly.
    “Okay, I won’t keep you then. You take it easy ya’ hear?”
    “You got it. Bye Ray,”
    I left my cottage to visit Derringer, taking some carrots to him at the stables. As I passed Jenna’s cottage, her usual Friday evening lingerie show was in full display on the clothesline on her porch. I could hear some music blasting inside from her stereo. Distracted, I hadn’t noticed someone closing in behind me on the path. Suddenly from behind, a body lunged at me.
    “Gotcha!”
    I nearly had a coronary right then and there. Instinct took over. I whirled around, my right arm rigid and extended and landed my fist across his broad chest.
    “Ummph,” Luke moaned as I knocked the wind out of him.
    “Good Lord, Luke!” I yelled, “What were you thinking coming up on me like that?”
    “Christ, Tylar! You pack a punch for a little gal,” he laughed. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to catch you off guard like that." He was a grinning fool; I knew why.
    “Gonna help Jenna take in her laundry?” I asked nonchalantly, presenting him with a devilish grin.
    “Maybe,” he replied with a guilty smile. “Hey, how ya feeling? Hear they got you scheduled over at the Belle with the old ladies next week. Drag, right?”
    “I’m feeling back to normal and to answer your second question, ‘yes’ and ‘definitely’ on the third one. I’m hoping to shorten that assignment some when Trey gets back.”
    “I wouldn’t count on that too much.”
    “Why?” I asked.
    “He's been a royal pain in our asses ever since what happened last Friday with you and all. That man, for all we’ve seen of him in the last three years, has outdone himself this last week, giving us all extra projects. But, most of his time was spent at the hospital with you. How did he find the time?”
    “Well, you don’t look any worse for the wear."
    “Yeah, I got the stamina,” he grinned, flexing his muscles for me. “I can take anything ol’ rich boy dishes out. Poor Clint though, he has him working 12-hour days between here and the Belle. Clint’s busting his ass getting ready for this weekend. Oh,” he added, “just so you know, his royal highness didn’t permit any of us to go see you in the hospital. He felt it might be upsetting to you. He made that damn clear to all of us.”
    “Yeah? What was that about?” I murmured, clearly puzzled about Trey’s motives.
    “Who knows? We all felt bad and were worried. We wanted to come up.”
    “Don’t worry about it. It’s all good.” I smiled at him.
    “You’re headed to the barn, I see.”
    “I’m late for my date with