Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3) Read Online Free Page A

kid. Of course she’d worn a helmet and vest, and her face had been covered with straw. “Guess you heard him too,” he said, feeling a twinge of regret for leading the colt so close to the gap. Perhaps his horse had played a part in the filly's meltdown. He hadn’t been thinking, had been too intent on scoping out the track and locating Otto’s trailer.
    “Yup, we heard him,” Sandra said. “Even if Bill Chandler stays, he won’t ask me to pony again. Or Julie to ride again.” She shot Julie a sideways glance. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
    “No big deal,” Julie said. “It's just one horse.”
    But her voice had thickened, and Kurt guessed it was a bigger deal than she pretended. Obviously she didn't have much business which suited him perfectly. He’d already planned to use her for Lazer's morning gallops. It would be a quick way to gain her trust, and she'd be more accessible if she rode for him.
    He turned to her, keeping his voice casual as though the idea had just occurred, as though he hadn’t been planning his strategy over the last two days. “Do you want another gallop job? Lazer needs an exercise rider, and he could replace the filly you lost. We can see how you get along tomorrow.”
    “Yes. Yes, of course.” But she tilted her head and stepped back, studying him with those candid green eyes. “You’re new here,” she added, “so it’s only fair to admit I haven’t been riding here long. And your horse isn't my usual type.”
    His mouth twitched, and he hid his amusement with a quick cough. Her honesty surprised him, although it was irrelevant. Archer had already summarized her background, and Kurt knew she was inexperienced. Soon he’d know much more about her.
    He gave a dismissive shrug. “Lazer's just an expensive loser. He's had five races, all clunkers. This is his last chance to prove he belongs at a track.” Plus, Lazer was his slowest horse and the only animal he could race in Calgary that wouldn't be a standout. But he couldn’t admit that.
    Julie’s head tilted as though absorbing his offer, but hope brightened her eyes. She was almost hooked, he guessed. She’d obviously had a shower since her fall. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but he could smell a hint of shampoo. He edged a step closer, not sure if it was flowers or something peachy.
    “Where did he run?” she asked, staring over the stall door at Lazer.
    Kurt jerked his attention off her hair and back to his horse. “Woodbine,” he said. “But that’s a synthetic surface. I shipped here hoping he’d like a dirt track and some easier competition. He’s agile and should be able to handle the tight turns. His mind is a problem, though.” Kurt glanced back at Julie. “It won’t be an easy job,” he went on, gauging her expression, aware jockeys were intensely competitive. “I need an exercise rider who can turn him into a racehorse. Someone dependable. Someone who isn’t afraid of his immaturity.”
    The challenge drew her in exactly as he anticipated.
    “I’m not afraid,” she said quickly. “I’d love to work with Lazer. And you.”
    She smiled with such gratitude, he grinned back like a fool then clamped his mouth shut, annoyed by his reaction. He was too experienced to be softened by an attractive woman. He’d learned that lesson long ago. Besides, she was one of Archer's murder suspects, a person of interest. At the very least, she could be a link to the murderer.
    And much as he hated the role he'd been thrust into, Machiavellian behavior had always been his strength. If charming Julie was required, that's exactly what he’d do. And God help her if she had anything to do with Connor’s murder.

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    A keyboard clicked, the only sound in the dingy motel room, as Kurt updated his case journal. Contact had been made with the woman on Archer's list, and tonight he’d have a chance to inspect Otto’s trailer.
    Satisfied, he closed the laptop and