Julia knew that Melanie’s grandfather, Hugh Preston, was a friend and fan of racer Demetri Lucas, so the family tried to watch Formula Gold as often as possible.
“Mom, Dad, Grandpa?” sang Melanie. “Look who’s home?”
Jenna glanced up from where she was chopping vegetables, while Thomas, Jenna’s husband, and Hugh looked up from the race.
Jenna’s smile beamed as she dried her hands on a towel and came around the breakfast bar. “So wonderful to have you home, Julia.”
She gave Julia a quick hug.
“And this is Harrison Rochester,” Melanie continued with the introductions.
Both men came to their feet to shake hands with Harrison and welcome Julia back.
At the same time, Robbie appeared and joined the conversation.
Jenna muted the race, while Thomas offered Kentucky sipping whiskey all around.
There was plenty of comfortable seating, and Julia ended up on a love seat next to Harrison.
“What’s on your hands?” asked Melanie as Thomas handed Julia a drink.
Julia momentarily froze.
“A Middle Eastern tradition,” Harrison put in smoothly. “While we were at Khandi Oasis, some of the women wanted to decorate Julia’s hands.”
“It’s henna,” Julia put in. “It’ll wear off in a couple of weeks.”
“It’s pretty,” Jenna offered.
“Thank you,” said Julia. “I like it, too.”
She caught Harrison’s gaze and had to struggle to keep her features even.
“Can you explain what happened to your horse?” asked Hugh in his usual booming voice.
Harrison set down his drink on the table beside him. “Not yet,” he admitted. “I’ll be back in Dubai in a few days, and I plan to launch an extensive investigation. But I wanted to get Julia out of the country first.”
“Any problems getting out?” asked Melanie.
“We were worried sick,” said Jenna from where she sat next to Thomas on a longer couch. “Imagine, people chasing you like that.”
They’d had to share the fact that both the police and criminals were after Julia, since it could impact on Leopold’s Legacy’s investigation.
“It went surprisingly smoothly,” said Harrison. “Any news here on Leopold’s Legacy?”
“We’re struggling with the registry records,” said Robbie. “A pivotal employee, Ross Ingliss, has suddenly quit, and that’s caused increased technical complications.”
“I assume you’ll check on other Apollo’s Ice foals?” asked Harrison.
“Just as soon as humanly possible,” put in Thomas.
“There’s the checkered flag,” called Hugh, raising his glass to the screen. “Not a win, but he’s in the top five again.”
Melanie’s oldest brother, Andrew, joined them. “Bad news,” he said, taking in the crowd of people, then he noticed Harrison.
Harrison came to his feet and held out his hand to Andrew. “Harrison Rochester.”
“Andrew Preston,” Andrew returned with a shake. “Probably a good thing you’re here.”
“What happened?” asked Hugh.
Andrew eased himself into one of the remaining seats. “We’ve been banned from racing by the International Thoroughbred Racing Federation.”
“In
“How can they do that?” Robbie demanded.
Julia’s heart sank. She knew Melanie and Robbie were counting on international races for Something to Talk About. They were planning a trip to their cousin’s stable in Australia to give the horse an opportunity to race.
Andrew looked to Harrison. “The negative publicity surrounding Leopold’s Legacy now stretches as far as Dubai.”
“They know about Millions to Spare?” asked Thomas.
“I had to disclose it,” said Andrew.
Hugh nodded his concurrence. “We have done
“But how long will it take?” asked Melanie.
“It will take as long as it takes,” said Jenna, her voice calm and steady. She looked to her husband. “We’ll make it through somehow.”
Thomas squeezed her hand, and a look passed between them-one that said they were two people who had weathered storms before and understood each other in a way no one else ever could.
Julia couldn’t help glancing at Harrison. They’d weathered their own storms. And there were things about their time together in Dubai that the world would never discover.
Harrison finished his drink and stood. “I should head back into the city,” he announced, causing Julia’s stomach to contract.
Was this it? Was it all over?
“How can you say that?” asked Jenna, rising from her seat. “Dinner will be ready in half an hour.”
“I don’t want to impose,” said Harrison.
Julia couldn’t take her gaze off him. Was he getting back on his plane tonight? She hadn’t thought about that. She’d promised Melanie she would stay a day or two, but she’d assumed she’d have a chance to say goodbye to Harrison in private.
If he walked out now, all she’d get was a handshake and a polite nod along with everyone else.
“It’s no imposition at all,” Jenna insisted.
“I thought I should find a hotel room before it got too late,” he continued.
“Nonsense,” said Jenna with a dismissive wave of her hand. “You can stay in one of the guest cabins.”
“Julia’s in the magnolia cabin,” said Melanie. “But there are others to choose from. They’re very comfortable.”
Harrison glanced around at the expressions of the other family members. “If you’re sure,” he said.
“Of course we’re sure,” said Hugh. “Don’t know what it’s like over there in the Middle East, but around here we’re hospitable.”
“And I thank you for that,” Harrison said to Hugh, while Julia experienced a wave of relief.
“Can I get some help setting the table?” asked Jenna. “It’s our cook and housekeeper’s night off.”
Andrew and Melanie both got to their feet.
Julia stood, as well, but Jenna waved her back down. “You’re company tonight,” said Jenna.
“I wasn’t company last time I was here.”
“You’re tired from changing time zones,” said Melanie.
That much was true. Julia was definitely feeling tired and disoriented. Maybe that’s why the thought of Harrison leaving had been so painful.
After the Preston house and the surrounding staff cabins went dark and quiet, Harrison crossed the lawn and rapped on Julia’s door.
Soft light shone through the front curtains, and he heard footsteps patter on the floor inside. She opened the door, dressed in a navy T-shirt, a pair of casual, gray sweatpants and bare feet. Her hair was loose and her face was scrubbed free of makeup. But her blue eyes shone bright and beautiful, and he knew he was in way over his head.
“You should tell me to go away.”
“Go away,” she murmured.
“You don’t mean that.”
She didn’t answer. Instead she gave him a resigned smile and stepped out of the way, allowing him entrance to the small, cozy living room.
Her cabin was a mirror image of his next door. It had a combination living room and kitchen across the front, with two small bedrooms and a bathroom in the back. The larger bedroom was furnished with a double bed, colorful comforter and plump pillows, while the smaller one had steel bunks with rolled-up sleeping bags at the foot.
