Saratoga Sunrise by Christine Wenger Read Free Book Online Page B

"C'mon, you big ox."
    The horse stood his ground as they walked away. Jack stopped, ready to go back and get him, but Sara looked over her shoulder, clicked her tongue, and the horse trotted to her side.
    "Are you ready to give him his workout?" Jack asked.
    "Indeed I am."
    "I borrowed some clothes for you from Toady."
    "Thank you so very much, Jack."
    "Are you sure you can ride?"
    "Of course, I'm sure."
    "You'll have to change in Seawind's stall. It wouldn't do for you to be seen going into the grooms' quarters. I'll stand guard."
    When they reached the stall, Jack tied Seawind to a wooden post, and put a bucket of water at his feet. Seawind bent over to drink.
    He handed Sara a burlap bag and looked around. "Go ahead and change. There's no one in sight. I'll stay out here." He connected the two half-doors, and shut it after she entered.
    Watching the sleek horse drink, he waited, thinking that he was crazy to let her ride. But it was her horse, and she had looked so sad, so forlorn, when she said that she was forbidden to ride at the Springs. He knew what it was like to want something so bad, and have it just out of reach.
    If they were caught, he would be fired, and that wouldn't do. He had plans that needed to be carried out.
    He heard the door squeak open and Sara emerged. He couldn't believe his eyes. She stood before him dressed in green and white jockey silks and knee high black glossy boots. Her pale blonde hair was stuffed inside a cap, and her violet eyes sparkled with excitement. The silks defined her slim figure, and the slight roundness of her breasts. She was breathtaking.
    He gulped, fighting back a sudden rush of desire. "I-I think you need a jacket,"
    "Whatever for? It's much too hot out."
    "Um...ah..."
    Her eyes followed his, and suddenly she understood. Her face flamed. "I understand, Mr. Summers."
    He looked around, then pulled Toady's jacket off the hook. Toady was just slightly larger than Sara, but it would have to do. As Sara slipped into the jacket, Jack saddled Seawind. He helped her into the saddle–a mere wisp of leather with stirrups attached.
    "All right?" He looked up at her radiant face, and felt a tinge of guilt. He shrugged it off. They were both getting what they wanted, weren't they? He was gaining her trust, and she was riding her horse.
    "I'm fine. Just fine, Mr. Summers."
    "Jack."
    He held the reins and led Seawind to the practice track. He saw that Sara sat a good seat, and he felt a little more confident of her ability. No matter what, he didn't want her to fall and get hurt. That wasn't part of his plan.
    Two horses were working out on the practice track, and Bravo Joe, Fordice's horse, was waiting his turn. Sara must have tensed, because Seawind started to fuss.
    Jack petted the glossy neck of the horse. "Easy boy. Easy now." Looking up at Sara, he saw her eyes widen in panic.
    "Something wrong?"
    "Monty isn't here, is he?"
    Jack quickly skimmed the men at the railing. "Don't see him."
    "Good." She sat back and relaxed.
    The other horses left the track, but Bravo Joe pranced on. The horse fussed until the starter, staring at his stopwatch, discharged a pistol in the air. The jockey struck Bravo Joe on the rump with his whip. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack could see Sara flinch at the sound. Bravo Joe was off and running.
    Jack noticed that the two biggest bookies, Irish John Cavanaugh and Boy Plunger, were surrounded by other bookies along the rail. They all clutched stopwatches and were intently absorbed in Bravo Joe's run. When the horse finished, the watches all clicked at once. They didn't cheer, but only nodded and made notations on pieces of paper.
    Then it was Seawind's turn.
    Jack looked at Sara. She smiled down at him.
    "I can do it, Jack. I've done it before."
    "All right, Sara. He's all yours, but please be careful. I don't want your father coming after me. Or that carriage driver of yours either." Jack chuckled as he unhooked the lead rope. He held the crop out to