Anne's Courage [Le Club 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  * * * *

  After Kelly threw the tossing bouquet in Paula’s direction, the newly married couple departed for a month-long honeymoon at Justin’s farm in Provence, France. Kelly was hopeful that their newly renovated home would be ready for occupancy upon their return. She was ready to move in whether the house was finished or not. She was anxious to start her new life with Justin.

  Chapter Two

  On Monday morning, Jamie tooled North on US 27 through the rolling green hills and forests of Ocala’s famous horse country. It was a gorgeous drive with the wind whipping around him. When he reached the gates of Devereau Plantation South, he turned off the highway onto the farm’s driveway. He parked his bike in front of the main barn and walked in to see Jester. He had made the trip from New Orleans for Justin’s wedding, as well as to keep an eye on the farm and Jester while the honeymooners were away. Justin had considered shipping Jester to France for the month but had decided it was too much unnecessary stress for the horse since their trip would be so short.

  “Well hello, you spoiled monster,” he said affectionately as he handed over several of Jester’s favorite treats—sugar cubes—and rubbed the center of Jester’s forehead and scratched behind his ears with gusto. The attention and adoration was very much appreciated as Jester rubbed his muzzle on Jamie’s chest. “Want to go out for a ride?” Jamie pulled Jester’s grooming box from its niche on his stall door and began running a brush over the gleaming black coat of the massive horse. The Friesian, considered a light draft horse, was enormous. Standing seventeen hands at his withers, he weighed 1,800 pounds or more. Justin had originally purchased him as a dressage horse for his fiancée who had been killed in an automobile accident over a year ago, and he had since been training him as a war horse in the art of Yoseikan Bajutsu, Japanese martial arts on horseback. Jamie, although an accomplished rider and polo player himself, was not into martial arts as Justin was. Although he admired Justin’s dedication, the serious application of martial arts required too much self-discipline as far as he was concerned. Jamie was more into toys. Classic motorcycles, fast cars, and cutting-edge technology all fascinated him. Not to mention edgy sex.

  “Justin will have my head if you get depressed and lose weight, you big moose!”

  “He most certainly will,” Max said from the door of the stall. “How many horses almost get taken on the honeymoon? It’s a good thing Kelly is a horsewoman and understands Justin’s close bond with Jester.”

  “That’s for sure. But I have to admit this guy is special,” Jamie continued. “Sometimes I almost think he’s going to answer me when I talk to him. So what’s with the wedding planner lady? You seemed to be smitten, you old dog.”

  “Mind your own business, you insolent pup!” Max said with the gleam of love in his eye as he looked at Jamie.

  “I’m planning on doing just that. When are you and Calleigh getting started on the plans for your house? We can certainly have another crew out here working on the three houses simultaneously,” Jamie said.

  “Trying to get rid of me?” Max asked with a grin.

  “Yeah. I am. I have my eye on the lovely Anne Sutton.”

  “Oh, Jamie, I don’t know about that. I don’t think she would be...”

  “Not to worry, old man. Have you ever known me to fail?” Jamie said with his customary wicked grin.

  “That’s just the problem, my boy. That’s just the problem,” Max said, shaking his head. “I’m sure Anne Sutton is a few years older than you are, and I don’t think she would to be interested in a liaison with a notorious ‘bad boy.’ She seems very self-contained and reserved. In any event, I am moving into one of the smaller staff houses on the farm until Justin gets back. I want to be on the premises while he’s away, so you will have the Ming Suite at the club all to yourself.”

  Having finished grooming the big horse, Jamie sprang on bareback while Jester danced about, eager to be off for a run. Holding him steady with his legs and light hands, Jamie said, “I’ll see you for dinner tonight at the club,” and then he was off, trotting out on to the bridle path that ran for miles around the farm. After a short warm up, Jamie and Jester cantered off for the good run they both needed. Jester moved with a fluid grace that was breathtaking—mane, tail, and feathers flowing in the breeze. Jamie felt like a centaur, actually a part of the horse. Jester was one of the finest horses he had ever ridden.

  * * * *

  That evening, Jamie and Max met for dinner in the five-star dining room of Le Club. The chef had been a brilliant acquisition from a local country club, and the food was outstanding.

  “What did you do today?” Max inquired amicably as they shared coffee and brandy. Jamie settled into the usually comfortable quasi father-son relationship he had with Max.

  “After I rode Jester, I came back here and worked in the office Justin set up for me in the third bedroom of the suite. I have to keep my eye on the ball, watch the news and economic indicators, and all that bullshit. After all, your comfortable retirement depends on it,” he joked. Not to mention the comfortable retirement of all our family members and employees. It was a huge responsibility, and contrary to his “bad boy” image, he took it exceedingly seriously. As the president of Devereau Investments, Jamie headed a private hedge fund not open to investment by outsiders, as it was for the sole benefit of the family and employees of the various Devereau entities worldwide.

  “And a fine job you do, my boy. A fine job. I really couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked over my monthly statement from Devereau Investments. Considering the current economic situation, you have a tough job right now. Those investments don’t manage themselves.”

  “I keep a good portion in Devereau controlled investments where I am sure of the actual value of the assets, as well as commodities, metals, some AAA bonds, some blue chip stocks, et cetera. Eggs. Baskets. You know,” Jamie said shrugging. “I’m not big on emerging markets regardless of what the pundits say. A lot of our people need dependable income. I don’t like to take chances. I’ve sold out and gone to all cash a couple of times recently when I thought the economic markets looked ready to take a steep dive. Sometimes you ride it out. Sometimes you bail.”

  “Needless to say, I greatly appreciate…” Max looked up and saw Anne Sutton walking across the dining room. “Oh, good evening, Ms. Sutton. Would you care to join us for a cup of coffee?” Max asked courteously. Anne was standing at their table looking good enough to eat as far as Jamie was concerned.

  “That would be lovely, Mr. Warwick. Thank you.”

  Jamie rose to seat her, casually running his hand down her spine. He rested it for a moment over the small of her back, before it slipped down over her nicely rounded bottom. The close fit of the gray pin-striped business suit with the short, slim skirt she wore was eye catching. But the black pumps with the red soles were as captivating as they had been on Saturday morning. He gave an internal sigh. Those are some shoes!

  “It’s good to see you again, Ms. Sutton,” he said with a smirk she did not miss. “I hope you had a productive day,” Jamie said, smiling widely. I hope I upset your little apple cart the other day. He knew he’d made her uncomfortable when he had stopped in her office and was glad he had gotten her off balance. And I’d still like to get you out of that suit! “Don’t you ever go home?”

  * * * *

  My goodness! He looks like the perfect Southern gentleman, but I know better. Jamie was freshly shaved and wore well-tailored gray slacks, a navy linen blazer over a collarless white silk shirt, and black moccasins without socks. “Yes, my day was fine,” she said with an enigmatic smile. This man’s raw masculinity is intimidating, but also extremely exciting. It draws me in like the proverbial moth to the flame. “I had some paperwork I needed to clean up. Sometimes you just can’t get to it all during the day, what with all the interruptions. And then my assistant manager is currently on her honeymoon, you know. I am going to have to find someone else, but finding the right person for this position is
problematic to say the least.”

  After Anne’s coffee was served, Max rose. “I hope you two young people will excuse me. I’m fading fast,” he said, but Anne suspected he was fibbing. “Have a good evening. I’ll see you at the farm tomorrow, Jamie.”

  “That was sneaky of him!” she said as she sipped her coffee. “After he invited me for coffee, he took off.”

  “That’s Max. He knows when to make a graceful exit.”

  “I should do the same,” she said.

  “But I hope you won’t,” he rejoined. “I would really like to get to know you better, Anne.”

  “I don’t think that would be wise,” she said almost regretfully.

  “Why not? I happen to know there are no anti-fraternization rules here.”

  “For one thing, I am a few years older than you are. I just don’t think it would be appropriate...”

  “There’s that word again. ‘Appropriate.’ What is inappropriate about two consenting adults enjoying each other’s company?”

  “I’m just a little uncomfortable...”

  “Anne, let me worry about what’s appropriate. I’m not that much younger than you are, I’m sure, and I’m certainly not an inexperienced youth who doesn’t know what he wants,” he said in a husky voice that vibrated with suppressed desire. “Can you take a few hours tomorrow afternoon for a trip out to the farm? We can have lunch, ride, spend some time getting to know each other.” His sincere smile was starting to melt her resolve.

  “I don’t ride,” she said tentatively. She felt her objections beginning to weaken. What is it about this man? He seems to be able to slip right past my defenses.

  “Well, that will certainly have to change. You can’t be in the middle of horse country and not ride.”

  “Just lunch and a ride?” she asked hesitantly. She was definitely beginning to weaken.

  He laughed. “I make no promises, beautiful lady.” He certainly wasn’t going to tie his own hands with ill-conceived promises.

  “Okay. Lunch and a ride. That’s all I’m committing to,” she said impishly. I think he’s going to be trouble with a capital T. But it had been so long since she had been tempted by a little Trouble.

  Chapter Three

  Anne arrived at Devereau Plantation South promptly at noon on Tuesday. The farm was as beautiful as she had thought it was on her first visit when she’d been there Sunday evening for the wedding. The rolling green pastures dotted with horses and huge, old oak trees were the ultimate pastoral setting. She parked her car in front of the barn next to Jamie’s bike. He was there immediately to help her from the car and usher her into the barn. Not being a rider, she had dressed in old jeans, a light sweater, and short boots. “I hope these clothes are okay,” she said, feeling extremely anxious.

  “They’re fine. Why don’t we ride down to Justin’s house and have lunch in the gazebo? Max will have everything ready. After lunch, I’ll give you a riding lesson.”

  “Really? I would love a riding lesson!” she exclaimed. “I’ve always envied anyone who could ride a horse. It seems like so much fun.”

  “Okay, lunch first,” he said as he unhooked Jester from the cross ties in the center isle of the barn and walked him outside.

  “Oh gosh! He’s huge up close. I’m a little scared,” she said.

  Before she could work herself up into a real case of nerves, Justin vaulted up on Jester bareback, reached his hand down, grasped Anne’s arm, and hauled her up behind him. She gasped, and he said, “Just put your arms around my waist. Loosen up your back, and move your hips with Jester’s stride. We only have about a half-mile to the house. Just take it nice and easy and enjoy the ride.”

  “Easier said than done,” she said, but she soon found herself rocking along on Jester’s very comfortable, well-padded back to a steady, four-beat walk. She was plastered up against Jamie’s muscular back, her crotch notched into his butt. Yikes! This is really intimate. As they walked at a steady pace down the tree-lined drive, her pussy rubbed against his butt, and she could feel herself becoming aroused.

  “Are you doing okay?” he asked. She could feel her muscles slowly relaxing against him. She would bet that had been the plan all along. She was slowly getting used to touching him, and she hadn’t even realized it. The man is sneaky, that’s for sure!

  “I’m fine. This is actually fun. I’ve been so excited all morning.”

  When they reached the pond behind Justin’s house, Jamie dismounted and turned to help Anne down from Jester’s back. “Swing your right leg over his neck to this side, and I’ll help you down.” It was a long way down to the ground.

  A spike of electrical current ran through her as she put her hands on Jamie’s shoulders and slid down against his body. Her legs were wobbly when she hit the ground, and she continued to hold on to him. He leaned down and pulled her close as he lowered his mouth to hers for an exploratory kiss. He ran his tongue over her lower lip and coaxed her mouth open. She responded warmly before she had a chance to think about it. God, he feels good! Sturdy and strong, safe and exciting at the same time.

  Jamie took Jester to a pasture behind the pond, removed his bridle, and gave him a sugar cube from the supply he had in his jeans pocket. He swatted his butt and turned him loose to graze while they had lunch.

  Jamie escorted Anne to the gazebo situated in the center of the pond where Max had set a lovely table. The luncheon was already served complete with chilled white wine in a cooler. “This is lovely,” she said. “Max must be psychic to have this all ready and waiting.”

  “Not really. I let him know we were riding down from the barn. Max is good, but he’s not that good!”

  Jamie was the perfect host. He was polite, charming, and totally non-threatening. He made her feel at ease. Anne really didn’t know what to expect, especially after his rather outrageous behavior on Saturday.

  “You really have me confused, Jamie,” she said. “I don’t know what to expect from you.”

  “Expect the unexpected,” he quipped. “I find you very attractive, Anne, and I’d like to get to know you better. Why is that confusing?” She found his Southern drawl extremely sexy.

  She frowned. “I’ve been out of the dating game for a while due to circumstances I won’t get into. I guess I’m out of practice,” she said.

  Anne was apparently uneasy about discussing her past romantic relationships, so he channeled the conversation to easy, comfortable topics. He let her relax.

  “What do you do for a living?” she inquired. She knew what Justin did but had no idea about Jamie.

  “I’m an investment banker, and I also manage a private hedge fund for family members and employees through Devereau Investments in New Orleans, as well as other Devereau interests.”

  “What exactly is an investment banker? I’ve heard the term, but never really knew what the distinction was.”

  “An investment banker makes the product a stockbroker sells. We underwrite IPO’s, initial public offerings of new stocks on the stock exchanges, as well as new bond issues for corporations and municipalities that need to borrow money from the public,” he explained in a rather simplistic way. “Basically, I’m a moneyman.”

  “Sounds exciting,” she said.

  “It can be. The industry is heavily regulated, and the markets are extremely volatile at present. I have to watch our investments like a hawk to try and catch any unexpected upward or downward movement that could adversely affect our holdings. A lot of people depend on Devereau to keep their nest eggs safe. Believe me, if there’s a downward trend in Max’s, Nanna’s, or any of the other relative’s monthly statements, I hear about it. Not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of Devereau employees whose retirement funds we manage.”

  “You have a lot of responsibility managing OPM, ‘Other People’s Money.’” She was seeing Jamie in a new light, as the dynamic businessman he was, not just the bike riding bad boy. She wondered if he liked to project that image, possibly when his enormous responsibili
ties started to weigh on his shoulders.

  They finished lunch. Jamie whistled Jester to the fence for another sugar cube, bridled him again, and remounted. Before she knew it, Anne was securely seated behind him with her arms around his waist. This time she wasn’t nervous, and the rocking motion was soothing after the lovely luncheon and a glass of wine.

  Jamie took the circuitous route back to the barn via the bridle path. It was a lovely, scenic ride, and Jamie picked up the pace, setting Jester into a rocking canter that covered the ground quickly. Anne felt safe and secure with her arms around Jamie as they flew down the path, something she would not have expected to feel in any man’s company, especially Jamie Devereau. Her past experience with men, especially her fiancé, had left her feeling insecure, particularly after her breast cancer surgery.

  Back at the barn, Jamie turned Jester over to a groom to be cooled down, groomed, and put up. He put Anne up on Jezebelle, a small Thoroughbred mare with a placid disposition, and walked her to the round pen for her riding lesson. She was securely seated in an old Stubben dressage saddle with a very deep seat that cradled her butt.

  Jamie took Anne to the round pen and put the mare on a lunge line. He walked up to the mare and adjusted the length of the stirrup leathers at the buckles under the saddle flap. He took his time, using the opportunity to run his hand down her legs as he positioned her feet in the irons.

  “Hey! Watch those hands, buddy.”

  “Come on, cher. You know I can’t resist an opportunity like that.” He smiled up at her as he corrected her posture, adjusted her butt in the saddle, her hands on the reins, and pushed her heels down in the stirrups. “Keep your heels down, your toes up, and pressure on the bottoms of your feet. You don’t want to let your foot slip through the stirrup. If you were to fall off, you could get dragged. It’s dangerous.

  She looked apprehensive. “Are you sure this is safe?”