A Special Man Read Online Free PDF Page B

money."
    As he spoke, Peter watched Virgie from the corner of his eyes. His face grew stormy as she pulled off the top of her bikini and threw it to a group of cheering young men. "Everyone has problems," he said, his voice moody. "I think the world would be a lot better off if we were all insensitive, unintelligent boobs. It's the sensitive ones who always pay."
    Amanda shivered. She was almost glad when John and Danny returned.
    "I'll have to leave you all now," John said. "Nabors finds me so interesting, he insists on checking me every day. It was nice meeting you, Amanda. I hope you enjoy working here."
    "We were supposed to go horseback riding," Danny said when John had gone. "Do you think John J. Pike is getting old?"
    "We all get old, Danny," Peter said. "But don't worry about John. He'll probably outlast all of us. I'd offer to go riding with you, but I have an appointment with the shrink. When I'm late he makes me talk about my pubescent years to punish me."
    Amanda watched Peter stand, then caught the look in Danny's eyes. It was not disappointment; it was emptiness.
    "I could go riding with you." The words were out of her mouth before she realized what was happening. She immediately bit her lip.
    Danny turned to her. "Do you ride?" he said, his voice soft and slow and slightly hesitant. "Really ride? Miss Carey says she rides, but she doesn't. She won't even let her horse trot."
    "You ungrateful wretch," Delores said. "I spent an hour on that stupid animal last week."
    Danny gazed at her earnestly. "You looked awfully. .. awfully pretty in your riding clothes."
    Delores leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, then glanced at Amanda. "They're born knowing how to handle women. Watch out for him. He'll have you cleaning the stables or something equally revolting if you're not careful."
    "Can you really ride?" Danny asked again, turning back to Amanda.
    "Yes, I really can," she said in resignation. "Give me thirty minutes to get dressed and I'll show you. Where should we meet?"
    "At the stables," he said, standing, his eyes warm with pleasure.
    She inhaled slowly and forced a smile. "Okay, it's a date."

Chapter Three
    Why in hell had she offered to go with him? Amanda's movements were stiff and awkward as she made her way to the stables. This was all she needed, she thought, to be babysitter for a—a...oh hell, she didn't even know how to describe him in her thoughts. She swung her dark hair around impatiently. She had pulled it up in a ponytail and was dressed in jeans, T-shirt and riding boots.
    As she neared the stable, she saw Danny waiting beside two horses. He, too, had changed into riding clothes, only his looked like something Prince Charles would wear to play polo. She glanced away quickly from the hard, attractive body.
    "I told Max to give you Ariadne," he said, his voice soft and husky. As he spoke, he didn't take his eyes from her and the intensity of his stare made her uncomfortable.
    "That's very good, Danny," she said, then winced slightly. She had meant to sound cheerful, but the words had come out overly hearty and even condescending.
    Biting her lip, she mounted the horse and let him lead the way. Behind the stables were acres and acres of open field, and she relaxed slightly when she saw they were heading in that direction. Maybe if they rode fast enough she wouldn't have to make conversation.
    For a while, she could feel him watching her, then as though he had assessed her ability, he gradually picked up the pace. Following his lead, she spurred her horse on. Soon they were racing across open country.
    It felt good to be on a horse again, she thought suddenly. The wind in her hair, the feel of the powerful animal beneath her, brought an unexpected excitement to her blood. She was ready for this. It had been a tense day, and this was just the release she needed. Exhilarated, she laughed aloud as she bent forward and the scenery blurred softly.
    They must have ridden several miles in a circuitous