Unbridled by D. Jackson Leigh

Author:D. Jackson Leigh [Leigh, D. Jackson]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781635558487
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-07-01T17:00:48+00:00

* * *

The indoor ring has actual bleachers that are nearly full of people eager to watch the jumping event. I spot a few open seats on the sixth row and climb toward them, but when I get there, I spot a riding helmet and jacket reserving the places for someone else.

“There’s room here.” A woman on the third row a few seats to my left scoots over a bit and indicates the empty space next to her.

“Thank you.” I smile at her and murmur a litany of “excuse me” and “sorry” for the toes I crush and knees that have to move as I make my way to her. Finally, I plop down on the metal bench. “I guess, judging from the crowd, this is the place to be?”

“A couple of Olympic hopefuls are in the class. I imagine that’s what everybody’s here to see.” She hands me a program and points to the section that lists the upcoming class. Then she holds out her hand. “I’m Tallie.” She has a faint European accent I can’t place. Definitely not British, but too fleeting to pinpoint. French, maybe?

“Lauren.” I’m relieved she only wants to swap first names, cursing for the millionth time my lack of foresight in not using a pen name on the books I write. Sometimes I love being recognized, but mostly I just want to be me, not Lauren Everhart the author. “Thanks for the seat.”

“Not a problem. I’m pleased to meet you, Lauren. Do you know somebody showing in the next class?”

“Yes. Jules—” I don’t know Jules’s last name. “Sorry. Friend of a friend. I don’t know her last name.”

“Ah. Jules Ransom. She’s a rising star on the circuit. I understand she’s Marsh Langston’s protégé.”

“You know Marsh?” I hadn’t realized I have a jealous streak, but this woman is an attractive brunette with hazel eyes. Older than I’d picture Marsh with, but judging by the women who’ve been popping up all day to purr in her ear, Marsh doesn’t discriminate on the basis of age. And Tallie has the commanding aura of a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it—just the thing I imagine would attract Marsh.

Tallie shrugs. “The equestrian world is rather small. At the upper level, you keep competing against the same people at different shows, so it’s hard not to at least be acquainted with almost everyone.” She makes a show of looking me over with an appreciative gaze. Oddly, it reminds me of Marsh’s. “But I don’t believe I’ve seen you around. I would have remembered.”

I wave a dismissive hand in front of me. “I’m just a spectator. My niece stayed with me this past summer while her parents were out of the country, and I enrolled her in one of Langston Farms’ pony camps. She loved it so much, I decided to take a few lessons myself.”

She nods knowingly. “It sort of sucks you in, doesn’t it? I think females are most attracted to it for a lot of reasons.

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