3. Leah #2
“No,” he fires back, hands raising in defense.
“I mean, money would be helpful, but what we really need is to prove that we can compete with Hartbrook. I’m not some old-money, pedigreed trainer, nor am I a titled rider who has proven that I know my stuff.
If we all work together to make you and Tally Olympians, it would catapult our reputation and make people more inclined to take a chance on us.
” The tone of his voice is almost sorrowful.
Whatever their reasons, these two do not want to stay here. Meeting Henrietta one time was enough to imagine what it must be like to work for her. The publicity would be a great kickstart for them, especially training a nobody. We all have everything to gain from this. But there’s always a catch.
“So, you want me to make it to the Olympics, that’s it?” I ask, neck tingling from the heat rising.
“Yes, which means we need to talk… if you’re interested in helping.” Parker tentatively places his hand over mine, relaxing when I don’t pull away.
Stupid body, I want to move, but it won’t. His touch is like fresh-baked muffins—warm, fluffy, sweet. There are no edges to this man. Sure, he’s a stranger, but there’s a genuineness in him, almost delicate in a way I’m not accustomed to.
Still, I know better than to let a pretty face pull me into a mess I didn’t sign up for.
I have questions, and he’d better give me the answers I want.
“Why can’t your other trainee help? Why does it have to be me?
” I catch the flash of emotion in his eyes, but I’m not entirely sure what to make of it.
“Well?” I press further. “If I’m going to be on board with this, I need to know why it has to be me. ”
He chews over the thoughts racing in his mind, looking across the table to ask permission to say… whatever it is that’s eating at him. When Grady nods, Parker inhales deeply through his nose.
Squeezing my hand, he lets out a heavy breath. “She’s… Henrietta’s daughter, which would not be conducive to our plan. She—”
“Her daughter?!” I straighten in my seat. “How am I supposed to compete with Bridget Hart?!”
His eyes bulge, painfully large. “You… know who she is?”
“Yes, Parker, of course I do. She’s dressage royalty! I don’t mean this to sound bad, but why are you training her and not one of the seasoned professionals?” I try to keep my tone soft, but I’m still met with a slight pinch in his face.
“Because, even though I’m not proven, Henrietta knows that I’m the best trainer she has.
Bridget needs help, and my methods are her best bet.
She can’t be a proper heir to the empire without proving she deserves it.
That’s why she had Bridget assigned to me as my only trainee.
Then you applied and… things didn’t add up.
” His gaze darts away before reconnecting with mine.
“But, undoubtedly, Henrietta wants your money. So she threw you on my roster and told me to give you the bare minimum. But, I promise you that’s not going to happen.
” He rubs at the back of his neck with his free hand.
“Bridget also wants to marry me. In her mind, we’ll be this power couple and can rule the dressage world together. ”
“She’s pretty.” I shrug. “Could be worse.”
“Yeah, pretty fucking awful. Sleeping my way to the top also isn’t my style. Plus, me getting with Bridget wouldn’t do Grady any good.” Lips curled, he looks across the table.
Grady sits still, with the same empty look on his face, staring at the spot where our hands are locked together. I hadn’t even noticed until just now. Parker’s easy affection feels so natural.
“So, what happens when I make it to the Olympics? You also do realize how crazy it is to think I’ll do it in less than a year, right?
” Surely I sound a bit confused, because I am.
But I’m also a realist and don’t want them putting their futures on the line for something so reckless.
I have nothing to lose here, but they have their livelihoods at stake.
“I don’t know. You can do whatever you want.
I just… I know…” Words laced with confidence in the unspoken truth, he pins me with a look that shoots ice straight into my soul.
“I’ll never tell your secrets, but when you make it to the Olympics…
if you let some specific information come to light.
It could be an amazing endorsement of my abilities and techniques. ”
“So, you’re blackmailing me?” I lurch my head back, tearing my hand from his grasp.
Forget everything I thought I was feeling for him. Manipulation must be his middle name. I like to think I’m a good judge of character, but he’s had me fooled until now.
Grady is already kneeling at my side, blocking my exit from the booth.
My wild eyes scan his face, ready to try and wrestle a bear if I need to.
Instead of malice in his expression, I find a hint of…
apology? Maybe reassurance? I don’t know, but whatever is there calms me enough to give Parker a chance to explain.
Straightening, I peel my glare from Grady’s soft, golden eyes. Twisting to Parker, I bark, “Ten seconds. Make them count.”
“I… I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.
Anything revealed would be at your discretion.
Grady and I are the only two who know. I swear that we’ll never tell a soul.
I’m sorry for being selfish and asking this of you.
I just…” His voice wavers as he looks over my shoulder at his friend, affection glimmering bright in his eyes.
“I want to get us out of here, and I want to help you achieve your dreams, regardless of what Henrietta Hart has to say. Give me the chance, please?” A tear slips down his cheek, lips quivering.
He’s not telling me everything. But, he’s sharing what feels safe. Whatever the reason for his desperation, it’s larger than me. Nobody deserves to feel so hopeless. Having the ability to help and not doing it is heartless. I’m a lot of things, but cold isn’t on the list.
“Okay, I’m in… the ‘reveal’ is up in the air.” I nod, and he returns it without any more mention of the plan.
Grady reclaims his seat, digging into his food. Parker eyes me, like he’s afraid I’m going to get up and run. Maybe I should. But I’ve come this far.
“Once I’m invested, I don’t back down, just be warned,” I mumble around a bite of waffle.
Parker’s hopeful smile sends tingles down to my toes. “That makes you perfect.”
I sure hope I can trust them. My life goals are on the line.