Racing Hearts Read Online Free PDF

was to ensure that none of the other “suits” screwed up the business his father and grandfather had built. Thankfully, sales for that quarter were good, with a strong GPM, which all meant Nick could sleep peacefully for now.
    When Nick was done with his part of the meeting, Carter turned to Trip. “Now, stables?”
    Though no one expressly said that Trip ran things on the farm, everyone knew he and he alone handled that side of the business. From maintenance to financials, he had a hand in it all, which was exactly how he liked it. Trip gave a rundown of the basics—status on a barn renovation, new arrivals, entries—then added at the end, “I may have a jockey for Sarah Anderson’s colt.”
    â€œOh?” Carter asked. “She’ll be pleased to hear it. Who are you going with?”
    Trip hesitated. He had considered keeping the meeting with Emery a secret, but he knew his father had an ear out for everything and would learn about it on his own. Then he would question Trip on why he’d kept the information to himself. He didn’t need the added trouble, so he drew a long breath and said, “Emery Carlisle.”
    The other men began to speak all at once. Talk of risk and falls and doubt—all the reasons this was crazy. And they were right, yet Trip couldn’t convince himself to listen. If he hadn’t listened to his own doubts, he sure wouldn’t listen to theirs.
    Trip sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for the shock to die down. “Do I need to be here for this discussion or can you continue it without me? I have a broodmare foaling any minute.”
    His father leaned in closer, his hands threaded together on the table, his stare fixed on Trip. “Is this some kind of joke? Sarah expects a champion, and a champion needs an experienced rider. Forget that Emery’s female; she hasn’t been on a mount in over two years.”
    â€œTrue enough,” Trip said. “But Sarah bought that colt from her family’s farm. Emery knows him, and right now, I’m nowhere near where I should be in his training. She could help. I’m meeting with her on Thursday. I’ll make the call then.”
    Nick stared at Trip, forcing him to look over. He was the only one who knew about Trip’s feelings for Emery. The way he’d almost accepted Beckett’s offer for a permanent position, just so he could be near her—Mr. Sampson and his threats be damned. So Nick knew this situation wasn’t simple. No, it ran layers deep, each layer more coated and difficult to process than the last.
    â€œIt’s fine,” Trip said before Nick could start his psychobabble. What did he expect Trip to say? The truth? Hell no. He couldn’t admit the truth. That he’d spoken to Emery and simply couldn’t refuse her. They wouldn’t understand. Their father and Nick were both devout businessmen, and Alex’s spirit was too wild to be swayed by a woman. Everyone in that room had been to the races, but not one of them felt it deep in his bones—not like Trip. And not like Emery. He knew plenty of riders, but he rarely talked to one he felt gave two shits about the horse beyond what it could do for them. Emery was different. She’d always been different, which was part of the problem. He’d resisted her once. How in the hell would he do it again?
    Trip realized they were waiting on him to continue. “Look, she’s been in the money in every race she’s ever run. Her performance is unmatched.”
    Alex scratched his chin. “Yeah, well, talk around Crestler’s Key is she can’t even get on a horse. Have you seen her ride?”
    Trip glared at his brother. “What are you doing in Crest-ler’s Key?”
    â€œHey, women are women,” Alex said, holding up his hands. “And there are only so many in Triple Run. Man’s gotta eat. But this isn’t