Love Takes Time by Adrianne Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

Charlie to step back. “It looks like he missed you.”
    Q ruffled Charlie’s mane. “Well, I don’t make it home too often.” He glanced up at her. “You here for the wedding?”
    â€œWouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
    â€œReally? Are you a friend or family of the bride?”
    Alyssa’s smile vanished as she blinked at him. He doesn’t know who I am. That knowledge, at first, dismayed her, but then slowly her mischievous side took over and her smile returned.
    â€œNo. Actually the groom invited me.”
    â€œAh, Alfred.” Q’s eyes lit up. “He’s a good man, you know. He’s been working here a long time. He’s like family to most of us.”
    â€œYes, he speaks very fondly of the Hintons.”
    Quentin cocked his head. “I heard you tell your friend that you wanted to race. Still game?”
    â€œWhat—you think you can beat me?”
    â€œYou’re not afraid of a challenge, are you?” Excitement crept into his voice. “I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I’m quite an established rider.”
    Alyssa snickered at the outrageous lie. Stories of Quentin’s lackluster riding skills were notorious among the staff, but damn if Alyssa could stop herself from wanting to have a little fun. “All right. You’re on.”
    Q flashed her another smile that caused her heart to race.
    â€œWait right here,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
    â€œYes, sir.” She gave him a faux salute and then watched as he trotted off. Shifting in her saddle, Alyssa took her time to soak in his back profile. Not much had changed over the years. The philandering playboy kept himself in tip-top shape and his effect on her senses was just as strong as it had ever been. Had she really seen lust in his eyes or had she imagined the whole thing? After so many years of hoping and praying for such a miracle, she didn’t quite trust her read on the situation.
    Don’t get your hopes up too high. As soon as he learns who you are that look in his eyes is going to quickly turn into disappointment. Alyssa weighed that information for a moment before her mischievous side spoke up. But until he finds out, there’s no reason why you can’t have a little fun.
    Minutes later, Quentin emerged from the stables with Midnight, a gorgeous black stallion that was clearly a superior horse to playful Charlie, but given that Q was going to be the rider, she still liked her chances of winning a race—provided he managed to remain topside.
    â€œBeautiful, isn’t he?” Q asked, fishing for a compliment for his choice.
    â€œHe’s definitely that,” she admitted. “I’m almost tempted to change my mind.” Quentin’s beautiful smile exploded across his face, causing Alyssa’s Jell-O belly to quiver once again.
    â€œI promise I’ll take it a little easy on you.”
    â€œAre you suggesting that you’ll throw the race?” she asked. “That kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?”
    â€œI’m just trying to be gentlemanly. Say, I give you a ten-second head start?”
    Alyssa shook her head. “That’s all right. I’d rather win fair and square or not at all.” Quentin’s laugh boomed and cloaked Alyssa like a warm blanket. She discreetly pinched her hand to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming.
    â€œYou know what? I think I like you, Ms…?” He cocked his head. “I don’t believe I caught your name.”
    â€œThat’s because I haven’t given it to you yet,” she answered with a teasing smile.
    â€œAh.” Q nodded his approval. “Playing the mysterious card, eh? You know I’ll find out sooner or later.”
    That was what she was afraid of. “I tell you what.
    We’ll race to the estate’s entrance and back. If you win I’ll tell you my