Racing Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page B

about me, bro, so stop changing the subject. Have you seen her ride?” He watched Trip, his eyes narrowing. “You haven’t, have you?”
    â€œAlex . . .” Nick warned, blowing out a breath at the same time Trip’s fists came down on the table.
    â€œI don’t owe anyone in this room an explanation. I’m the lead trainer for Hamilton Stables. Every trophy on that damn wall—” He jabbed a finger at the impressive display across from him—“is because of me. I don’t see any of you down there checking feed tubs at four thirty in the fucking morning. So until you’re ready to get your palms dirty, you don’t get to ask me questions. Got it?”
    Trip eyed them one by one, daring them to argue. But all they did was stare back, and then, finally, Carter spoke up. “Okay, then,” he said, his voice as calm as ever. “Emery Carlisle will ride Sarah’s colt . . . what’s his name?”
    â€œCraving Wind.”
    Carter nodded, letting the name settle in his mind. “Craving Wind. It’s good.”
    â€œIt is,” Trip agreed.
    â€œAnd what about the broodmares? Are you still determined to split Hamilton Stables into breeding and training?”
    Trip heard the hesitation in his father’s voice. The same hesitation he’d heard when Trip had decided to open Hamilton Stables, but Trip had long had an interest in breeding. Not like with training, but he wanted to have his hand in all sides of horse racing. Besides, he liked the idea of being a one-stop shop for owners—buy from Hamilton Stables and train at Hamilton Stables. Trip had their trust and felt this would be an easy expansion. But of course, nothing was ever easy. What he needed was someone to manage the breeding side of the business and allow him to handle training. He would oversee both, but if he had someone he could trust . . .
    â€œStill my goal,” Trip answered finally. “But we’re working through some kinks. I need someone to manage it, so I can focus on training, but I’ve yet to find the right fit.”
    Alex turned to Trip, his expression unreadable. “What exactly are you looking for?”
    Trip shrugged. “Someone who understands the business, the science. Can analyze and predict the best matches, see champions even before they’re born.”
    Carter started to move on to the next topic on the agenda when Alex interrupted. “What about me?”
    â€œWhat about you?” all three men answered.
    Alex sat taller. “Look, I know y’all think I’m unwilling to do the whole hardworking Hamilton thing, but you’re wrong. I’m done with that life and ready to take my place in these meetings.” He turned to Trip, his expression serious. “I was halfway through vet school. I can do this. I know the science, but more importantly, I know you. I know what you expect and I’ll deliver.”
    All eyes fell on Trip, but he already had the stress of hiring Emery on his back. He didn’t want to add his brother to the list, and though he knew Alex to be the most intelligent of the three of them, he’d quit every time something got tough. And Trip knew it would destroy their relationship if he put all his trust in his brother only for him to pull an Alex and bolt.
    â€œI’ll think about it,” Trip said. Tomorrow. He had enough to think about for today.
    They wrapped things up with a reminder from Carter to return the following week, same time, even though they’d met every Wednesday for years. And then the brothers were all outside, Nick needing to catch a flight out west, Alex planning to go to some bar later, where a local band would be playing.
    â€œWant to get together tomorrow night for drinks?” Nick asked, before slipping into his Mercedes. Trip knew exactly why he’d asked to meet and wanted no part of it. But he knew his brother too well to hope Nick would let