A Military Match. Patricia Davids
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went out during the winter. The shows run from April through November.”
“That makes sense. It’s the same for our unit’s exhibitions. To become such an expert you must have had a good teacher.” His show of interest sounded lame even to his own ears.
“I did.” She opened another file drawer without looking at him.
“Who taught you?”
She slammed the file drawer closed and turned to face him. “What do you want?”
He spread his hands wide. “I’m just making conversation.”
“I don’t think so.”
“All right, I’m interested in learning the same type of fancy riding that you do. Who taught you?”
“My grandmother was my coach.”
He decided to cut to the chase. “Does she give lessons?”
“She passed away two years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” So much for his plan to take lessons from the person who had trained her.
“Thank you. I miss her very much. Perhaps that’s why I tried to intervene with you and your grandfather. I know how final it is when you lose them and how much you wish you had had more time with them.”
“I’ve had more than enough time with Edmond. Look, I need to find someone to teach me the basic dressage moves in the next couple of weeks. Money is not an object. I’ll double the going price for lessons. Are you interested?”
She tossed the papers she held onto her desk and folded her arms across her middle. “You’re joking, right?”
“I’m rarely serious, but today is the exception to the rule.”
“Why?”
“What does that matter?”
She tilted her head. “Humor me.”
“Have you heard of the American Cavalry Competition?”
“Of course. I’ve watched it several times.”
“It’s going to be held at Fort Riley next month and I plan to compete for the Sheridan Cup.”
“I remember now. There’s a military dressage class, isn’t there?”
“It counts for one quarter of the overall score. The saber class is a lock for me and I’m sure I can finish in the top three with a pistol, but Lee tells me I need a dressage coach and I believe him. He’s seen some of the other riders in action. So, what do you say?”
“No.”
“What? I just offered you twice the going rate for a few measly lessons.”
“And I said no. I don’t care what you offer to pay me. Money is not an object.”
His temper flared at being thwarted. “You’re just afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “That is so true. I can picture them around your scrawny neck right this minute.”
“That’s not a very Christian attitude, Jenny,” he chided.
Her eyebrows shot up. She opened her mouth and closed it again without saying anything.
He knew a moment’s satisfaction at seeing her speechless, but it quickly evaporated when he watched her bite her lower lip. He had kissed those full sweet lips before. He wanted to kiss her again.
She said, “It wasn’t a very Christian thing to say, but as you so clearly pointed out to me when we were dating, you are not a Christian. Good luck in finding someone to give you lessons.” She picked up her papers and turned her back on him.
The captain came out of Dr. Cutter’s office with a smile on his face. “Good news. Dr. Cutter has cleared Dakota to return to full duty. I can’t wait to tell the rest of the men. With proper conditioning, he should be fit to ride in the competition.”
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