Audrey could see the man she'd spotted earlier, talking to an older man whom she recognized as Henry Bradford. Her eyes drifted over to the other man as she got closer, and she unconsciously licked her lips, taking in the sandy blonde hair and defined cheekbones. His jeans seemed to wrap around his legs in a way that should have been illegal, automatically drawing her eye toward the piece of clothing. Her gaze traveled upward, seeing the impressive bulge that caused her eyes to widen before she looked away with a blush coloring her cheeks.
The blonde man turned toward them as they approached, one eyebrow raised in a condescending manner. "You bringing your girlfriends around now, Cooper?"
Audrey had to swallow hard as the sound of the British accent floated toward her. She was surprised she wasn't already putty on the ground, but the only thing that was keeping her upright with an indifferent look was the arrogant expression on the man's face. He looked good and he knew it and that didn't settle well with her.
The older man turned upon hearing his son's comment and greeted Audrey with a warm smile. "Miss Callaway, I'm so glad you're here. Your trip was alright, I presume?" he asked in a more defined accent than the younger man.
"It was fine," Audrey said with a grateful smile, accepting Mr. Bradford's hand as he extended it toward her. He turned to the younger man who was studying Audrey carefully, a slight smirk on his full lips as he cast an appraising eye over her body--very obviously interested in what he was seeing. Tilting his head, she watched him blatantly look her up and down, taking in her long blonde hair and petite figure, and her eyes narrowed as his gaze lingered on her chest. When he raised his blue eyes to her green, she saw him suppress a smile at her angry expression and nearly bit her tongue to keep her opinion of him to herself.
"Michael, this is Audrey Callaway, she's the new jockey I hired. Miss Callaway, this is my son, Michael Bradford, although I'm sure he'll insist you call him Mike. He's the head trainer here at Brookhaven."
"Hi," she said with a slight smile, wanting to give this man the benefit of the doubt, since she'd only just met him and she had been studying his appearance as well. Mike merely gave her a brief nod, his gaze immediately turning cold before he directed his attention back to the training oval and leaned against the rail.
Glaring at his back, Audrey's eyes narrowed slightly at his attitude, before turning to her boss, hoping that he would be able to rescue her from his own son.
"Yes ... well, I'll just leave you two to discuss the future plans. Michael, take good care of her."
Audrey's shoulders dropped, seeing that she not only wouldn't be rescued--now she was going to be left in the belly of the beast.
Maybe it's a test for survival, she thought. If I can make it through this, the job is mine forever.
"Sure thing, Dad," Mike said in a disinterested voice.
"I'm serious, son. She's one of the best up and coming riders out there."
"I'll bet," the younger man scoffed quietly, clicking the button on his stopwatch and earning a glare from Audrey.
Mr. Bradford chose to ignore his son for the time being and instead directed his attention back to the blonde woman at his side. "My wife and I would love for you to come to supper tonight, Miss Callaway."
"That would be great," she said with a smile, not wanting to hold him responsible for his son's rude actions. "But only if you call me Audrey."
"It's a deal. I'll let you get acquainted with the track. I see you've already met Brent; he'll take good care of you if you need anything. I'll be back to check on you shortly, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask Michael."
"Thanks, Mr. Bradford," she said, glancing between the two men who appeared to be in a silent battle of wills. When it was apparent that the elder of the two had won, he calmly turned toward her.
"Just Henry around here, Audrey," he corrected with a warm smile before turning to Brent, gesturing for him to follow. The two men walked away discussing business as Audrey turned her attention back to Mike. She leaned against the rail, making sure to keep some distance between them, since he obviously didn't want to have her here in the first place. Both ignored each other for several minutes as they studied the horses before Mike finally spoke up.
"What's a kid like you doing out here with the big boys?"
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