This book is a work of fiction. Any characters, places, locations, incidents, names, scenarios, and references is the result of the imagination of the author Kassandra Klay and is only used in a fictional manner. Reference and resemblance to any place, location, event, any type of establishment being business or personal as well as any living or dead person is done based on pure coincidence. The publisher and author will not and does not take any responsibility of content for any third-party website

Cover Design by: A. N. McPherson

Cover Photograph: A. N. McPherson

This book may not be reproduced, scanned, copied, or distributed as in part or in its entirety in any type of format such as print or electronic format without the sole and written permission of the author and publisher.

This book was created and printed in the United States of America

Chapter One

It is a beautiful warm Saturday in August, the boys are loading up all the polo ponies for the games. I’m in Blue’s stall getting him ready to go. Blue is my world. He is one of the best racing horses in the world. I retired him early because he earned it. He has more wins than any horse owned by Foster Racing.

Blue is so excited. He knows he is going with me. I take him with me anytime I can. I love that horse as if he was my child. I treat him like royalty and so does anyone that is in contact with him. Otherwise, they will have to deal with me. Blue has earned the royal treatment. He has made Foster Racing millions from prize money and studding.

“Avery you in here?” “Yeah Buddy. I was getting Blue ready to go.” “Great, I have his trailer and it’s hooked up to your truck.” “Thanks we will be right there.”

I get Blue loaded up and I leave the ranch. As I’m driving, I think about everything that has happened over the past several years.

I run the best horse ranch and racing team in Kentucky. I expanded Foster Ranch into one of the finest horse trainer facilities in the U.S. The ranch provides all sorts of training for various equestrian sports. Tears begin to fill my eyes. I just wish my parents were alive to see it all. My mom died giving birth to me and I was raised by my father. He was President of Foster, L.L.C. which owns Foster Ranch and Foster Racing.

I lost him two years ago and yet it seems like yesterday. I know Daddy would be proud of what I have accomplished. Daddy was well known in the horse racing industry. When my time came, he started turning the reigns over to me. I took it all in stride. I just never thought I would be running it all on my own without him so soon.

As I pull up to the polo grounds, a few of the ranch hands are already here. Buddy is giving them their instructions. Buddy is my cousin and one of my best friends. He’s my operations manager and makes sure everything runs accordingly.

I park and unload Blue. He is so excited. “Calm down boy. I know there are some mares you are interested in. You can only look.”

Buddy and I are at the far end of the fields watching as the polo matches get underway. “Are you nervous about your speech tonight?” “Buddy don’t remind me, of course I am.” I have to give a small speech tonight at the Riding Along benefit. It’s a charity started by my father. He always said a few words at the benefit dinner. Now I’m responsible for giving the speeches. “It’s not like I haven’t spoken at the benefit before. I started giving the speeches two years ago.” “I know Avery but it is obvious you’re nervous.”

I turn my attention back to the games. I notice down on field one that Tulip seems ancy and off balance. “Buddy does Tulip seem to be favoring her front left leg?” Buddy looks down the field. “You are right Avery. She hasn’t given any indication before now she had an injury. She must have done it on the field.”

“Buddy look at her polo player. Look how he is holding the reigns. Does he even know what he is doing?” Tulip gets off balance. As the player is swinging his mallet he hits her in the leg she is favoring. Tulip comes up on her back legs, throwing the player to the ground, and then takes off. “Damn it! She is going to break her leg. We need to stop her Avery.” “I am on it.”

I jump on Blue. Thank goodness I saddled him before we left. “Blue and I take off in a flash.” Blue heads straight toward Tulip. “Tulip sees us coming her way. She changes course and heads toward the crowd. She is trying to avoid the other polo players and their horses as they try to grab her. Blue picks up his speed as people are starting to scatter.

I see three gentlemen in business suits standing on the sideline oblivious as to what his happening and Tulip is heading right for them. Blue kicks it in high gear and I manage stop Blue right in front of them. Startled they all jump back. I quickly jump off and grab Tulip reigns. I dig my heels into the ground to stop her from trying to raise up on to her back legs “Its ok girl. Calm down Tulip. I got you.” Finally Tulip settles down.

Buddy and some of the ranch hands make their way over to us.” I hand the reigns to Buddy and I lean over to look at her leg. Without hesitation Tulip lets me examine her. “Buddy where is Doc?” “He’s on the way. He was on one of the other fields.” I turn to see the three men standing there in shock at what just happened. I realize one of them is Senator Dobson.

Bob and my dad went way back. “Bob, I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you” I reach over and give him a hug. “Avery, you definitely don’t owe me an apology. You saved me and guest from getting trampled. Where are my manners?” Bob laughs. “Avery, this is Grant Harrison and his associate Lance Parker. Gentlemen, this is Avery Foster. Avery is the owner of one of the finest horse ranches and racing teams in the U.S.” Bob smiles as I blush.

“Hi there! “I’m Lance.” He says as he reaches out to shake my hand. I glace over to Grant and I can’t take my eyes off him. He looks like incredible. He is tall, has light brown hair and the most gorgeous green eyes. I feel drawn to him. Grant walks up to me and I reach out my hand to shake his. He takes my hand, brings it up to his mouth, and kisses my knuckles. I feel as if my entire body has just melted in front of him.

“Thank you Ms. Foster. What you did was very brave.” Grant smiles. I’m entranced by his soft sexy voice. “You’re very welcome Mr. Harrison. I’m sorry about what happened.” For a moment I got lost in his eyes. “Now what seems to be the problem here?” I jump at the sound of Doc’s voice.

I was so distracted by Grant I didn’t know Doc was here. I turn my attention back to Tulip as Doc starts looking her over. Out of nowhere I hear some guy yelling. “Where is that damn horse? That fucking horse about broke my neck.” Buddy starts to get in his face but I quickly stop him. “Let me handle this.” I approach the angry polo player. “Watch your language! You’re the reason the horse is injured. You have no business riding a horse.” His whole body tenses as he bows his chest. “Look here you bitch. That stupid fucking horse has no business in polo matches!”

As a fire is lit inside of me, I hear buddy say. “It’s ok. She’ll handle this. Trust me, it would be smart to just stay back.” “That stupid fucking horse needs to be put down!” The polo player yells. That is all it took. I ball of my right fist and swing. I punch him directly in the face and he falls flat on his ass. He immediately stands up and wipes the blood from his mouth. “Let me tell you something asshole! I better not ever see you one of my horses again!” I can hear laughter from behind me.” The player mumbles something under his breath and walks off.

Buddy walks over. “Avery, you ok?” “I’m fine. Doc how is our patient?” “Looks like a sprain and some bruising but she should be fine. She will need to take it easy for next few weeks.” “Thanks Doc.” I smile. “Buddy why don’t you go ahead and get her back to the ranch. I won’t be far behind you.” “Ok. You want me to take Blue.” “No. I will keep him with me.”

I walk back over to Bob, Grant and Lance. “I’m sorry about all of that. I’m very protective of my horses.” I smile. “Looks like to me that guy had it coming. Nice right hook Ms. Foster.” Grant laughs. “Thanks Mr. Harrison.” “Please call me Grant.” “As long as you call me Avery.” I smile. Bob walks over and pets Blue. “Avery. I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that. Gentlemen this one magnificent horse. Aren’t you Blue?” Bob smiles as he pets Blue. “Wait, is this Blue Still the horse that won the derby two years ago?” Grant asks. “Yes. This is my pride joy. We just call him Blue now.” Grant walks up and pets him.

“Do you follow horse racing Grant?” I ask. “Yes I do. I love horses. I play polo occasionally back home. “Where are you from Grant?” “New York. I’m a real estate investor. I’m down here looking at property for my next business venture.” “Grant, how are you liking Louisville so far?” “It has some really great scenery Avery.” He stares at me and smiles. My jaw drops and my knees feel week. I quickly have get myself back together. I don’t want Grant to see me flustered.

“Well gentlemen, I think we have all had enough excitement for one day. I need to get back to Lexington so I can get ready for the charity ball.” “Of course Avery, Pamela and I are looking forward to it as always. I’ll see you tonight.” “See you then Bob. It was nice meeting you Grant and Lance. I smile as I climb onto my horse. “Enjoy the rest of your stay.” Blue and I take off.

By the time I get back to the ranch with Blue and check on Tulip, I have to haul ass to the main house to get ready for the ball. As soon as I finish with my shower, my best friend Julie arrives. Julie is a hair dresser and always helps me get ready for big events.

“Avery this dress is amazing. I’m so jealous. You definitely love the color blue.” I smile. For the ball tonight I’m wearing a fitted steel blue satin sleeveless dress with diamonds incrusted on the straps. “Come on girl let’s get your makeup and hair done.”

I sit in a chair as she gets out her makeup kit. My mind wanders to Grant. He is so strikingly handsome and the perfect gentleman. Those emerald green eyes and his rock hard body. I rub my hand where Grant kissed me earlier. My body starts to heat from within. I feel my body begin to tingle just thinking about him. I wonder if he is thinking about me.

What am I doing
?
I’m getting all hot and flustered over a guy I just met.

“Have you talked to him?” Julie asks. “No and I’m not going to. I still can’t believe I went out with him. You know my daddy would have killed me and him for that.” “Would you have blamed him Avery? I mean you dated the son of the owner of a rival racing team. Your daddy was probably rolling over in his grave. Not to mention Buddy and Rex were ready to kill the bastard.”

I dated Coy Walker for three months. He is the son of Reese Walker, who is the owner of Walker Racing and Stables. I broke it off with Coy a few weeks ago. He was getting too overbearing and needy. I have been very lonely since my daddy died. He was the first guy I dated since my daddy passed.

Looking back on it now I think I did it in a way to mend the fences. There has been a rivalry between our two families that has been going on since Daddy and Reese got into horse racing. “I always felt like Coy had an ulterior motive but I never could quite figure out what it was.” “Uh, it was probably to get you in bed.” Julie laughs as I turn bright red.

Julie finishes my hair and makeup and helps me get dressed. “You look amazing Avery.” “Thank you. I’m glad I exercise. I don’t think I could have pulled this off if I didn’t.”

My makeup looks like it was airbrushed on my skin. My brown hair is in loose curls and Julie has pulled the front and sides of my hair back. The rest of my hair falls freely around my back and shoulders. “Well you definitely fill it out in all of the right places.” Julie Michelle Stevens! I gasp at her. “I’m just being honest. I better get going if I am going to be ready on time.” “Thanks Julie. I’ll see you later. I hug her as she leaves.

I finish getting ready and I look in the mirror. I definitely don’t look like a horse rancher. I look elegant and sophisticated. I love wearing jeans and t-shirts but I enjoy dressing up too. I walk down stairs. The house staff is scurrying around. Things are always so hectic around here.

They all stop and watch me walk down the stairs. Buddy greets me at the end of the staircase. “Wow! I’m speechless.” “I’ll take that as a compliment Buddy.” Buddy looked good in a basic black tux.” “You look quite handsome.” “Thanks Avery. Although I think all eyes will be on you tonight.” I smile. “Avery, we better get going.” “Where is Uncle Rex?” I ask. “He is meeting us there. He went early to help Mr. Bowman.

We climb in the limo and head for the hotel in Louisville. Buddy and I don’t say much to each other. I am so nervous about my speech. I keep replaying the speech in my head so I don’t forgot. Buddy grabs my hand. “Don’t be nervous. You’ll do fine.” “I’m trying. This charity was important to daddy and I don’t want to let him down.” “You won’t. He would be so proud of you. You have to believe that.” “I’m trying Buddy.”

The drive to Louisville is a little over an hour. We finally arrive and there are people everywhere. Buddy and I are in awe. The who’s who of Kentucky came out for this event.

“Can you believe people pay twenty-five hundred dollars a head just to be here tonight?” Buddy asks. “No but I am glad they do.” I smile. Our car pulls up to the entrance and there are local photographers everywhere. Buddy steps out and takes my hand as I exit the car. All I can see are flashes from the cameras and all I can hear is “Ms. Foster Ms. Foster.”

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