MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance Read Online Free Page A

back. Our club can’t waste time on inferior animals…or trainers.”
    Cassie jerked forward at the slur, but her grandfather grabbed her arm.
    “Let’s go, Santiago,” Rachel went on, not deigning to look at Cassie. “We have to mount now.”
    She strode away, swinging her mallet like a weapon.
    Cassie’s cheeks felt hot and it hurt to breathe. Her grandfather’s hand was digging into her arm and Santiago just stared, clearly surprised but unwilling to annoy his patron.
    “I’m sorry,” Santiago said slowly. “But it seems best if you take the mare home. We can try out your horses next year.”
    “But the college is buying now,” her grandfather said.
    “There is nothing I can do.” Santiago gave them both a dismissive nod, but his expression remained shuttered, his polite smile not reaching his eyes. He turned and followed Rachel like a pet dog.
    “Don’t let those people bother you,” Cassie said, her voice quivering. “You’re a great trainer. He knows that. Rachel knows it too. We’ll find another rider. Then everyone will see how good Ginger really is.”
    “No,” Gramps said. He still held her forearm. But his grip had weakened and he seemed to be clutching her for balance rather than to restrain. “We need to take Ginger home. Rachel has too much clout. No player would dare give my horses a chance now. And I don’t blame them.”
    “But that’s not fair—” Cassie pulled in a painful gulp and stopped talking. Life wasn’t fair. She knew that as well as Gramps. And she was supposed to be the strong one now. “Of course,” she said, pasting on a reassuring smile. “We’ll take Ginger home and figure out another way. We’ll find a different polo club.”
    She glanced over her shoulder. Rachel was adjusting a knee guard while a groom knelt at her feet, giving her immaculate leather boots one last polish. She looked objective and totally focused on polo. She probably hadn’t intended to insult Gramps like that. Didn’t realize how disastrous it was to have a horse black listed.
    Maybe the situation wasn’t so bad. Santiago could talk to her. Explain that it would be a good move for him to ride Ginger. Everyone wanted the best horses for their team, and clearly the woman didn’t even remember Cassie.
    But as she considered that possibility, Rachel’s head swiveled. Her eyes locked with Cassie’s and her expression turned mocking. Despite the woman’s physical perfection there was nothing beautiful about her now. In fact, she looked downright malicious.
    Cassie stared back, refusing to be the first to look away. But despite the warmth of the sun, her skin felt cold, clammy. Because it was obvious Rachel did remember her. And it was also clear that despite Cassie’s good intentions, her presence hadn’t helped Gramps. Not one bit. In fact, it was apparent that coming home had only helped draw the ire of a very powerful and vindictive woman.

 
     
     
CHAPTER FOUR
     
     
    The clubhouse swelled with applause as Rachel and Santiago cantered their fancy polo ponies back onto the field. A mounted umpire prepared to throw the ball out and start the second half.
    “Let’s go home,” Cassie repeated.
    She wasn’t interested in watching the rest of the game and couldn’t understand why Gramps still lingered by the terrace. Already club members gave them a wide berth, as if aware of the Sutherland black list and loath to fraternize with the enemy.
    “No,” Gramps said, his stubborn gaze locked on the row of tethered horses. “I need to check Ginger before we leave. I couldn’t get close to her before. But she looked lathered so I want to make sure they’re cooling her out okay. After the throw-out, I can slip back and see her.”
    “Okay. But we better not stay long.” She still had to drive her grandfather home, hook up his old trailer then hurry back and pick up Ginger before everyone left. She had the horrible suspicion Rachel was capable of deserting the mare at the polo