An Irish Vet in Kentucky
Autor:in
Susan Carlisle
Gelesen
17,3K
Kapitel
12
When an Irish vet moves across the pond for the Kentucky Derby and into her home, an equine trainer finds herself with more than just a roommate in the second installment of the Kentucky Derby Medics duet by Susan Carlisle. A PULSE-RACING ENCOUNTER… Vet Conor lost everything when his wife and unborn child died. Now, working in Kentucky with a horse entered in the famous derby is the ideal distraction. He just didn't expect to be in such close quarters with beautiful equine trainer Christina… After her ex destroyed her professional reputation, Christina is firmly off men. Until the Irishman moves into the room next door! Soon, their chemistry can't be reined in. But as the finish line approaches, can they move on from their heartache and bet that this time they'll win?
CHAPTER ONE
CONOR O’BRIAN STEPPED into the dim stable hall to a view of a female behind encased in dusty jeans, raised in the air and swinging back and forth. For the first time in a long time, he took a moment to admire the well-developed lines of a woman’s firm bottom.
He cleared his throat to gain her attention and adjusted his focus. “Excuse me, but I’m looking for the owner.”
The woman straightened then shoved the pitchfork she held into a pile of loose hay. With a swift practiced move, she flipped it off the fork over a stall wall. Dust floated around her in the stream of light coming in through the doors.
“Hello,” he said louder.
She whirled, making her rust-colored ponytail whip round her head, the pitchfork held like a weapon. With a slim build, the plaid shirt, jeans and boots covered the curves he’d admired earlier. What caught his attention was the sparkle in her brilliant green eyes. Ones that reminded him of the countryside at home after a rain.
“Ho. Ho.” He threw up his hands and stepped back. She stood almost as tall as he did. “I’m just looking for the person who owns the stables.”
“What?” She leaned the handle of the pitchfork against the wall then pulled white speaker buds from her ears. “Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for the owner.” How long was this non-conversation going to go on? He was tired, having traveled all day.
She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. “You found her.”
His step faltered. This woman he hadn’t anticipated. She looked more like a farmhand than the veterinarian he had been told she was. “I’m Conor O’Brian. I understood you would be expecting me.”
Her eyes narrowed and her brow wrinkled. In a sweet Southern drawl she said, “I’m sorry. I don’t recognize that name.”
Had he been sent on a wild-goose chase? He had no desire to make this trip to begin with, but William Guinness, Liquid Gold’s owner, had insisted Conor come with the horse. Someone who knew the animal well enough to see about him in the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Conor’s siblings had encouraged him to make the trip as well. Now this.
“I was told that Gold would be stabled here for two weeks before moving to the racetrack barns.”
The woman’s face brightened. Her body relaxed. “Liquid Gold. Yes, the horse from Ireland. I wasn’t expecting him until day after tomorrow. I should’ve guessed from your accent who you might be.” At least she had expected the horse if not him.
She stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Christina Mobbs. Welcome to Seven Miles Farm and Stables.”
He liked the name Christina. But they were not friends, so he settled on calling her by a more formal name. “Dr. Mobbs, I would really like to get Gold settled. It’s been a long trip. The flight, then three days in quarantine in Indianapolis, then the three-hour drive here. I think he needs something stable under his feet.”
“Certainly. I have a stall ready.” She walked farther down the hall and opened a stall door wide, then returned to him and moved beyond.
Conor stepped outside just behind her. He glanced at the countryside. It reminded him of home with its green trees and grass-covered rolling hills. At least that much he could appreciate about being here. Except he’d rather be in Ireland in his own home, being left alone.
Conor had pushed back about coming here but the knowledge that his brother and sister were worried about him had made him agree. They feared he had become too insulated and removed from life because of his loneliness and anger over losing Louisa and his unborn child. They had said they even feared for his mental health. Their idea was that with a change of scenery he might snap out of his depression. He didn’t share the idea that a trip to the United States would change his mindset, but he had been left with little choice but to make the trip. After all, it was only for three weeks. What could happen in that amount of time?
Christina put out a hand as if to touch the large white truck and kept it there as she walked beside the matching horse trailer. “Nice rig.”
“Not my doing but I agree it is nice.”
“I’m going to need to see some papers before I let you unload him. Do you have a health certificate, import permit and blood tests?”
“I have them right here.” He handed her the papers he had pulled out of his back pocket.
She flipped through the sheets, running a finger down each page. “Looks good. The training and racing certificates are even here.” She handed them back to him and continued to the rear of the trailer.
Conor joined her there. Inside, he could hear Gold shifting his weight, making the trailer creak. After opening the back door wide, he pulled the ramp out and stepped inside. “Easy, boy. We’re done traveling for a while. It’s time to rest and get ready for the big day.” Conor spoke softly, running his hand across the Thoroughbred’s neck. “You have a nice stall waiting. Just for you.”
Only with his equine patients had Conor felt like himself since his wife had killed herself and their unborn baby. Working with the horses eased his pain, or at least let him forget for a few minutes. With the horses, he dared to care.
“Let’s get you out of here.” He untied the halter rope from the bar in the trailer. Turning Gold, Conor led him out and down the metal ramp. He looked at Dr. Mobbs, who stood beside the driver, to see a look of pure pleasure on her face.
“What a fine-looking horse.” Awe hung in each of her words.
“He is a handsome fellow. And fast, too.” Conor could not help but speak like a proud parent. “I’ve been taking care of him since his birth.”
“I would like to examine him before you put him in the stall.” She stepped toward them.
“Why?”
She looked directly at him. “Because this is my place and if something is wrong with such an expensive piece of horseflesh, I want to know about it. I’m a veterinarian. I know what I’m doing. I also need to know Gold isn’t carrying anything that might make the other horses here ill.”
Conor straightened his shoulders. He wasn’t used to anyone questioning his care of Gold or any other animal for that matter. “I assure you Gold is in fine health.”
“Still, I must insist if he is to stay at Seven Miles.”
She walked to the front of the horse, lifting his head with a hand under the horse’s chin. “You are indeed a handsome fellow.”
Conor watched as Christina looked into Gold’s eyes, pulled up his lips to study his teeth and then ran her hand over his shoulders and back before doing the same to his legs.
She had a gentle but firm touch. Gold didn’t take to just anyone; that was part of why William had wanted Conor with Gold, but the horse seemed content with Christina’s attention. Did she have that effect on all males she touched? He pushed away that uncomfortable idea. What had made such a foreign thought flash through his mind? He hadn’t thought of a woman that way since his wife died. Hadn’t wanted to.
“I understand he was the highest point earner in the Europe seven-race circuit.” She continued around to the other side of the horse.
“That is correct. That’s why he was issued an invitation to the Derby race.”
“You know no visiting horse has ever won the Derby.” She looked at him from under the horse’s neck.
Conor shrugged. “There is always a first time.”
She grinned, taking his breath for a moment.
Christina had to admit the horse was in prime condition. Not unlike the man assigned to handle Gold, despite a sadness that shrouded him. It particularly showed in his blue eyes that held a hollow, haunted look. She had instated a look-but-don’t-touch program after her no-good ex, Nelson had pulled his trick last year. After that horrible experience she didn’t allow herself to trust anyone. She had considered herself a good judge of character until she’d been proven wrong in a very painful way.
When she stepped away from the horse, the Irish man said, “Now it’s my turn.”
She watched as wide, confident fingers repeated what she had just finished.
The horse’s muscles rippled beneath his administrations. The animal stood still, obviously used to the man’s hands.
All the while Conor spoke in a soft, low voice. His deep Irish baritone washed over her.
It made her think of the warmth of a fire on a cold, snowy night, pushing all the drafts away.
She hadn’t had that in her life for too long. What did she have to do to keep him talking so she could bask in that feeling just a little longer?
Instead of finding an answer to her internal question, she stood there looking at him as if she’d never seen a handsome man before. Shaking herself figuratively, she redirected herself to the thoughtfulness he gave the horse’s legs. He spent more time on them than he had other areas of the animal’s body, giving them a thorough assessment. She watched, mesmerized. It always amazed her how so much weight and strength could rest on such thin supports. A racehorse full-out running was pure majesty.
Once again, Christina’s consideration fell to the man doing the exam. The thick, dark waves on his head captured her interest.
A tense, blue-eyed look snagged hers, held. “He fared well for such a long trip.”
“I would agree.” She managed not to stammer.
The man squatted beside the horse. He reminded her of a Thoroughbred, slim and moving with slick, easy motions.
The driver of the truck stated he had to go if he was no longer needed. Conor removed his bag from the backseat and shook the man’s hand. Minutes later they watched the truck and trailer rattle down the drive.
“Let’s get Gold in his stall.” She turned and entered the barn.
He followed with Gold on a lead.
A half an hour later they had Gold settled in a stall.
Conor stepped back from the stall gate. “It’s always tough on a horse when it travels.”
“Yes, and horses that are good enough to run the Kentucky Derby tend to be rather high-strung.”
“Exactly. That’s why Mr. Guinness’s trainer wanted Gold to come a few weeks early. It gives him a chance to settle in. He can spend the time acclimating to the weather. Kentucky’s humidity alone is far different from Ireland’s.”
“I imagine it is.” One day she would love the chance to visit Ireland.
Conor continued, “I, on the other hand, am worn out. Could you show me where I will be staying? It’s been a long day and the time change still has me out of sync.”
Her head shifted to the side. What was he talking about? Her mouth twisted in thought. Dr. Dillard, the head veterinarian of the clinic at Churchill Downs, had said nothing about someone staying at her farm. She boarded and cared for horses. Not men she didn’t know. “Uh... You’re expecting to stay here?”
“Yes, I understood I would be staying near Gold.” He looked around. “It doesn’t look like there is a hotel on every corner, so I assume I’m to stay in the house.”
“That isn’t what I understood.” But Dr. Dillard might have failed to tell her.
“I’m afraid that isn’t going to work. I don’t know you and it’s just me here. I wasn’t expecting to board you as well.”
Dr. Dillard had asked if she would be willing to board Gold for two weeks. She needed the money and the doctor’s goodwill since she wanted to work the Derby week at Churchill Downs. After what Nelson had done to her, she needed to prove to her peers she was nothing like Nelson and wasn’t involved in his drug selling. The Derby only took the best veterinarians, and she wanted that seal of approval. She’d been working for the invitation to serve all year long.
“I will pay you twice what a hotel would charge me. Make it three times.”
“You really want to stay here.”
“Gold is my responsibility. I take that seriously. I need to be close by.”
Christina liked a man who felt that kind of concern for those he cared about. Even a horse. She imagined that translated to people as well. Nelson had felt none of that in regard to her, and they had been together for four years. In fact, he had thrown her to the wolves to protect himself.
Along with Nelson had gone her dream of a husband and children as well. He’d destroyed all her business and personal dreams.
She didn’t want it to get back to Dr. Dillard she hadn’t been a team player. Enough that she wouldn’t make any ripples by insisting he stay elsewhere. With her work at the Derby, she could make great contacts that would help her rehabilitation program grow. If Gold won the Derby it would also put her farm on the map just because he had stayed there.
And she could use the money. She was trying to build her business. That money could be put to good use. Part of her rehabilitation program was the water program she had developed and invested in. The heated pool for horses had put her back financially but it would pay for itself in a few years. Or at least that was the plan. She hoped one day Seven Miles Farm and Stables would be synonymous with the best place to take horses for rehabilitation and rest.
“Okay, but only twice the amount. Three times makes me feel dishonest.”
He huffed.
They exited the barn into the afternoon sunlight.
Conor stopped and looked around the area.
She rested her hands on her hips and squinted against the bright spring afternoon sun. Did he see what she did? The beauty of the long tree-lined drive. The emerald green of the grass. The brilliance of the white wood fences. She loved the area around Versailles, Kentucky. For her, there was no other place in the world.
“It is pretty here. More than I imagined it would be.”
Christina heard the sadness in his voice. “But you’re already missing home.”
“Something like that. This wasn’t a trip I wanted to make.” She had the distinct feeling his perceptive look missed very few details.
“You don’t have to be here long. Only three weeks. It will pass fast. Especially Derby week.”
“I’m counting on that.” His face remained a mask, showing none of the emotion his tone indicated.
For some reason his attitude made her sad. But it wasn’t her job to see about him; it was to board Gold. That was what she should focus on. She shouldn’t see much of him. Her job had her keeping early mornings and late evenings. There was also her regular practice to see about. For the trouble there would be great gain. What could go wrong?
Conor watched the expression on Christina’s face change from shock to thoughtful to acceptance.
He had Gold stabled, and he was ready to get some rest as well. All the traveling had left him tired and irritable. “If you don’t mind, I really am exhausted. If you’d just point me in the direction of where I am to stay, I’ll head there.”
That shook her out of whatever was running through her mind and started her toward the barn’s open doors to the outside.
Conor was quickly running out of good humor. He opened his mouth to say he would stay in the barn, but he thought better of it. “I assure you I am not an axe murderer. You are safe with me. I promise. I’m too tired to attack anyone.”
“I wasn’t thinking—”
“Look. I have no car. Until I pick up my rental tomorrow. I don’t know anyone in the US. I don’t know my way around.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not scared of you. I want you to know I’m putting you in the extra room off the kitchen. It’s little more than a storage room.”
“That sounds fine. At this point I don’t care.”
Indecision flickered in her eyes.
What had made this woman so scared of men? “I promise I’m a good guy. I’ll stay out of your way.”
“Then come on up to the house. I’ll show you your room.” She walked in the direction of the one-level sprawling brick house.
A black truck with supply boxes built on both sides of the bed had been parked near the back door. Conor followed her up the two brick steps into the house. They entered a pale green kitchen. There were dishes in the sink of the same color. On the wood table that looked well-worn lay a pile of envelopes. On the green countertops were the usual appliances such as a coffeemaker, mixer and toaster.
Somehow, this retro look suited her. Yet, he had the idea it wasn’t intentional. More like modernizing the kitchen fell low on her to-do list.
She turned down a small hall off the kitchen and entered a room. “This way is your room, or that might be an exaggeration. It’s more like a large closet with a bed.”
He joined her.
She was busy stacking boxes against the wall so there was a path to a bed. “Sorry about the mess.”
A small bed of sorts sat in a corner. There was also a desk and chair. The only item that leaned toward modern was a flat-screen TV on a stand.
“I’m sorry there’s not more to it. I just didn’t realize that I was gonna be boarding a horse as well as a man.”
For someone who didn’t want him staying with her, she apologized a lot. The room was so small he could smell the sweetness of hay and lavender on her. The scents of home. “I appreciate it.” Conor dropped his leather bag to the floor. “Thanks. Beggars cannot be choosers. I’m not going to complain.”
“The bed is made but I’ll have to get you some clean towels.” She brushed by him.
His body tensed. The reaction strange yet familiar. It had been a long time since he felt anything for a woman. Conor didn’t want to now. He wouldn’t be unfaithful like his father had been. She needed to leave. He forced out, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Christina grabbed a couple of towels from her bathroom closet and returned to the small room. She slowly approached, listening. “Conor?”
Hearing no sound or movement, she stepped to the door. She found him sprawled on the too-small bed, facedown. A soft snore came from him.
It had been over a year since there had been a man sleeping in the house. Until today, she had intended for it to stay that way forever. Nelson had made her hesitant about trusting anyone. Conor wouldn’t be around long enough for it to matter. His money would be worth the chance.
After placing the towels on the desk, she took a blanket from the end of the bed and draped it over him. Apparently, he had had all he could take for the day.
Christina headed out the back door. There were still chores to do. Feeding the horses and securing the barn for the night must happen no matter what.
Who was this Irish stranger with the sad eyes now staying in her home?
The next morning the house was still quiet when Christina went out the back door at daylight to take care of the horses. Her guest had not arisen yet. She quickly scribbled a note stating, Make yourself at home. Then she left.
A bitterness that hadn’t eased much over the past months filled her. She wouldn’t be in this position of having a houseguest if it hadn’t been for Nelson. Because of him, she was fighting to regain her good reputation and her aspirations and bank account. As if that hadn’t been enough, Nelson had almost been the cause of her losing her veterinarian license.
One piece of paper had saved her, or she would have been working elsewhere. Not doing what she loved. That paper had proven she hadn’t been the one stealing the drugs. She had to give Nelson kudos; he had been good at covering his problems. She’d no idea what he had been doing behind her back.
Worse, she’d believed he would be her future. Even the father of her children. Which she desperately wanted.
She had been deeply hurt once, and had no intention of letting that happen to her again on a professional or personal level. She kept any relationships on a superficial plane. She wouldn’t permit another man to crush her like Nelson had. The fact she had managed to salvage her practice and her business was the only thing that had saved her sanity.
Even worse still, when she was down, all her mother could say was how disappointed she had been in Christina’s judgment. Her mother reminded her in detail that Christina didn’t dress like a lady or have a job where she could have pretty nails. That she lived in a man’s world, and the list went on. That if Christina had tried harder, Nelson wouldn’t have had to turn to drugs. All she had wanted from her mother had been her support, and there had been none.
Enough of those thoughts. She needed to get moving, there were chores to finish, then horses to exercise and more horses on her schedule to see. She finished feeding the horses and spoke to Gold on her way out. She would let Conor handle him. He really was a fine-looking horse. She couldn’t afford to have anything go wrong with him in her barn.
Breakfast for her came before exercising the horses. Closing the kitchen door behind her, she inhaled the smell of coffee. She toed off her boots and left them lying beside the door. She padded across the kitchen floor with nothing but thoughts of her morning cup of coffee.
She pulled up short. Conor stood in front of the range with a fork in his hand. His hair looked damp. Apparently, he had found the bathroom. A worn jean shirt covered his wide shoulders, and the same type of jeans his muscular legs. His feet were bare. As enticing as he looked, she didn’t care for how comfortable he appeared in her personal space.
He glanced over his shoulder. “I took you at your word and made myself at home. I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning. I made enough for you as well.”
“I’m surprised you found anything to fix a meal with.” She moved to see what was in the pan.
“It was pretty slim pickings, but I do like a challenge.”
Shame filled her. “I’m not much of a cook but I’ll try to get by the grocery store today, tomorrow at the latest.”
“If you’ll tell me where the store is, I’ll take care of that after I pick up my rental. It’s the least I can do. Especially since you weren’t expecting me.”
Who was this man who just showed up and cooked her a meal then agreed to buy groceries? He wasn’t like anyone else she knew.
“You have about ten minutes before it’s ready. You might like to take a look in the mirror.”
Christina’s hair was a mess. That sounded too much like her mother. “I’ve been working in the barn, and this is my house. I’m sorry I don’t look like I came out of a fashion magazine.”
His hands came up in a defensive measure. “Ho, I didn’t mean to insult you. I just thought you might like to know you have dirt on your face.”
She stomped to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. A large black smear went across her left cheek. Conor’s statement had been a nice way of keeping her from going out on her rounds looking foolish. Most people wouldn’t have been as considerate. She owed him an apology.
Conor looked up from where he was placing a mug of coffee on the table. “You look neat and tidy.”
“I’m sorry I overreacted. Thanks for telling me. I’d have hated to spend all day with dirt on my face.”
“No problem,” he said as if he had already forgotten it happened.
She glanced around the room. “Talk about neat. You’ve made a difference in here in a short amount of time.”
“I hope you don’t mind. I wasn’t always tidy. My wife made me learn.”
Of course, he had a wife. A man who looked as good as he did, liked animals and was kind enough to help someone out and cooked wouldn’t remain unattached for long. A woman would be quick to snatch him up. “I’m sure she misses you.”
Clouds filled his eyes and he looked away. “I’m sure it’s more like I miss her. She died three years ago.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“She was a good woman who died far too early. I miss her every day.”
The pain in his voice said it was more like every minute. What would it be like to have someone care that much about her? To feel that love and connection so deeply it would still bring sadness to his eyes after you had died.
Nelson had professed that love but in the end they were just words. Their relationship had turned one-sided. His largest interest had been himself. Once she would have liked to have an unbreakable connection with someone, but the chances of that happening were gone. Now she didn’t trust her judgment enough to let a man into her life.
