Page 79 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“Hello, Jess.” He turned a full-wattage smile on Emily. “Good to see you, Emily.”
“Hi, Adam.” Emily coloured slightly.
“I’d highly recommend the chowder with homemade soda bread.”
Jess tried to smile but it felt more like a grimace. “We’re not eating, but thanks for the recommendation.” Her gaze flitted briefly to his girlfriend, a wave of unwanted jealousy hitting her as she studied her pretty, heart-shaped face, dark, glossy hairand slender figure. She’d been right about her height, too. Even in flats, she had to be at least five foot ten.
She waited for Adam to introduce her, but all he said was, “We’d better go, we’re in a bit of a hurry.”
The woman smiled briefly at Jess and, as they moved away, Jess heard her mention her name and saw Adam nod in response. So, he’d told his new girlfriend about her.
“Wasn’t that the guy who was in your office that day?” Robert said.
“Oh, that’s Adam –” Emily began, but Jess cut across her.
“He’s the head of European operations for the group.” She shot Emily a brief, warning look. “We rarely see him. He’s working down here for a few weeks, that’s all.”
Dermot changed the subject, and Jess tried to tune back into the conversation, but she couldn’t get the image of Adam and his girlfriend out of her head. They’d looked so relaxed and happy together. Had she and Adam ever been like that? Maybe, for a few short months.
“Jess?” Robert leaned towards her. “Where are you?”
She shook her head. “Right here.”
“I was thinking we might head off.”
Jess glanced at Emily, who gave a less-than-discreet nod. She looked back at Robert. “Good idea.”
CHAPTER 40
Early the following morning, Linford’s stable manager checked the saddle on Jess’s mare. “Ladybird’s all set to go, Jess.”
“Thanks, Noah.” She stroked the mare’s soft face as the manager turned to Robert.
“How experienced are you?”
He laughed. “Been riding since I was a boy.”
Noah nodded. “Take Zeffre, so. He can be a bit frisky but if you handle him well you’ll have no trouble.”
“Is someone else out riding?” Jess asked, as Noah led the grey gelding out of its stable.
“Yup. Another couple went out a bit earlier – it’s a grand day for it.” He fitted the bit and bridle and checked Zeffre’s saddle. “You’re all set.”
“We should probably completely avoid the west side,” Jess suggested as they mounted the horses. “We don’t want to risk damaging the film set.”
They walked the horses out of the yard.
“East side is it, then.” Robert flashed her a grin. “Let’s see what sort of horsewoman you are.” He clipped the gelding’s flank with his heels.
Jess was laughing by the time she caught up with him. “That wasn’t fair, you just took off!”
His eyes glinted. “Okay, why don’t we race properly? You decide the route.”
She thought for a moment. “Twice around the castle and then from here to the far east boundary.”
“You’re on.”
This was perfect, Jess thought a while later, as she let her mare do an easy canter around the perimeter of the castle. It didn’t matter who won – the most important thing was that she and Robert enjoyed doing the same things. The riding was proof.
