Page 81 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“I didn’t put her in danger. And I didn’t do anything wrong.” Robert stepped into Adam’s personal space. “Now fuck off!”
Adam’s jaw clenched tightly, and for a brief moment Jess was sure he was going to punch Robert. “Say that again.”
Jess found her voice. “Stop it now – both of you!”
Robert opened his mouth to say something else but at that moment the gelding trotted back into view, stopping a short distance away to graze.
“We should get the horses back,” Jess said, quickly. “And then you should probably get checked out to see if you’re okay.”
There was a tense moment, then Robert shot Adam one last disgusted look before turning sharply and stalking over to Zeffre.
As Jess reached for Ladybird’s reins, Adam caught her wrist. She shook it free.
“I appreciate what you did,” she said in a low voice, “but why would you accuse Robert like that? The guy is hurt from the fall, he’s probably still in shock, and you were a complete shit to him. It wasn’t his fault that Zaffre bolted. Something spooked him. It can happen. And we were racing, Adam! You couldn’t have seen anything.”
Adam’s jaw was rigid. “I grew up around horses, remember? I saw what I saw, Jess – you think I’m making it up?”
“So you’re saying Robert is lying?” She took a breath. “You’d better go find your girlfriend, Adam. She’s probably wondering where you are.”
Jess took the reins and started to walk back. Robert had already ridden ahead. That was the right thing to do. The best thing to do after taking a tumble was to get straight back on the horse. But, right now, she simply didn’t feel like it.
Instead, she walked slowly back to the stables, trying to shake the tension from her body. Things would have been fine if Adam hadn’t shown up. Oh, who was she kidding? She probably would have been thrown from her horse too if he hadn’t stepped in to help.
Not that it was any excuse to attack Robert like that.
Given that he’d ridden back without her, it was obvious he was still upset. Which he’d every right to be. Just not with her.
Still, he was probably a bit embarrassed. He was an experienced rider and it should have been the perfect start to their day. Maybe after he got checked out they could grab lunch together later on.
And with a bit of luck, she’d be able to steer the conversation well away from Adam.
CHAPTER 41
@starzwatch A reliable source inside Linford Castle where Brooks and Torres are shooting their new movie, has said the Hollywood stars – who claim to be together – aren’t sharing a room. Is Afric even pregnant? And is it Spencer’s? #TheLinfordCurse
Emily was emerging from Anthony’s office when Jess got to work.
“Hey, are you okay?” She hurried over to her. “I heard about the riding accident this morning.”
“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks.” Jess paused. “How did you hear?”
“I’m doing paperwork,” Emily said. “The stable manager has to fill out a full report but he was on to Anthony about something else and Anthony was wondering if you were in yet. I think he was quite worried.”
“I’m fine. Robert’s gone down to the medical centre to get checked out, but he didn’t hit his head when he fell and nothing else is injured.” Jess shrugged.
“I heard Adam was –”
“Would you mind if we didn’t talk about this?” Jess noticed Emily flush deeply and felt immediately bad. “Sorry, it’s just …” She folded her arms. “How did you and Dermot get on after we left the pub last night?”
Emily brightened. “It went so well, Jess. He asked me all about myself but he wasn’t pushy, you know? And he’s really fun and chill. And omigod, the man can kiss!”
“See?” Jess grinned at her. “I knew you had nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah.” Emily looked thoughtful. “He could have got the wrong idea, though.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, remember when we went to the loo that time? Robert told him that story about me and that girl getting set up for Valentine’s Day, and I think he was a bit confused. He honestly didn’t think I was into him until the end of the night.”
