Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3) by Bev Pettersen Page B

shocked by his admission. She’d trusted him; yet, he’d put her out on a green two-year-old, not knowing if she’d have any control? The side of his mouth twitched, and she realized he was teasing.
    She punched his arm, then dropped her hand, appalled. Good grief. What was she doing? Hitting trainers now? She turned and unbuckled her mother’s old saddle, her fingers fumbling at the buckle.
    “Good thing you didn’t fall off.” Kurt didn’t seem to notice her embarrassment. His deep voice rippled with amusement. “You might have been banged up. And I’m sure you wouldn't forgive me if you missed tonight's race.”
    She nodded, grateful for the diversion. She hadn’t been thinking. Had been way too comfortable. She wouldn’t do that again. Besides, his arm had felt like bedrock. She suppressed a wimpy urge to rub her knuckles.
    “I actually have two races tonight,” she said, pulling off her saddle and edging back a step. “Otto's mare and a classy old sprinter.” It was the first time she’d ever had two rides in one night, so she definitely wouldn’t have welcomed a training spill. Not today, not when she was so close. Just the thought of a fall made her throat tighten.
    His eyes narrowed. “Why aren’t you riding Ace back to the barn?”
    “If you don’t mind, I have some horses to gallop at this end.” She paused, hoping he was still considering her as a jockey, even though Ace’s first break from the gate had been far from stellar. “You’ll watch me tonight?” She moistened her lips. “Watch me ride?”
    “Definitely.” His eyes darkened. “We can meet after the races. Go for a drink.”
    Her palms felt moist as she gripped her saddle like a shield. Part of her wanted to see him, but it could cause all sorts of complications. And though she liked being around him, knew she could learn a lot, she felt much safer when she was mounted. He jumbled her emotions, and she didn’t like it. Didn’t like it one bit.
    “We’ll talk about Lazer,” he added, his face expressionless.
    She swallowed. Then nodded slowly. “All right.” She forced her most businesslike tone, the one she always used when trainers turned too familiar. “We'll meet…have a meeting, later.”
    But her formal attempt only seemed to amuse him because his mouth twitched, and the glint in his eyes didn’t look at all businesslike.

 
     
    Chapter Ten
     
     
    Kurt rubbed his jaw and stared absently through the motel window, imagining Archer’s reaction to his e-mail. A recommendation to claim a racehorse was certain to raise objections; plus, he also wanted a border alert placed on Otto.
    Experience had taught him to make requests in pairs, one as a throwaway so there was room to negotiate what he really wanted. But he needed both these things, and he needed them now.
    His attention drifted over the stained curtain—three cigarette burns and another mark that resembled blood—and he dragged his chair sideways, suddenly resentful of the grungy room. It would be a relief when this sordid chapter of his life was over. One last job. A few more lies.
    Halfway houses and cheap motel rooms had been tolerable with a partner—a partner kept you sane and helped preserve your honest side. Connor had been one of the best, a guy who would go to the wall for you. Kurt had never worried when Connor was behind him.
    Connor .
    He slammed his fist on the desk, uncoiling with such force the chair shot back and cracked against the wall. He pinched the bridge of his nose, using the pressure to steady his anger. Usually he had no trouble keeping his emotions blanketed, and his unexpected weakness surprised him.
    It never helped to brood. Connor was dead.
    The only thing left was to catch his killer. Claiming Otto's mare was a key step but authorization for her purchase required diplomatic wrangling, and Kurt didn't have much wiggle room. The mare had to be claimed tonight.
    He clicked his laptop shut with a streak of defiance. Sometimes