chapter 9
"Get up I"
Sonny felt the sudden chill as Michael pulled the thick comforter from her bed. Bolting up, she grabbed the sheet and pulled it to her neck.
"Michael what are you doing in my bedroom?"
He stood at the foot of the bed with the comforter held securely in his large hands. The features on his face were tight and the expression in his dark eyes was like that of a predator.
"If you think for one minute that you can just come in here anytime, you are wrong."
"You're late. There's work to be done" Michael said
"I am half owner of this farm, and if I choose to sleep in a little later there is nothing you can say or do about it." She looked up into his face and she found herself filling with seething indignation. Michael watched her with and uncompromising expression.
"Get dressed." He reached for the jeans and shirt that were thrown onto the chair by her bed, throwing them at her. "I'll get dressed when I feel like it. Now get out of my bedroom"
Michael dropped the comforter to the floor and walked over to the chair by her bed, grabbed the jeans and shirt and threw them at her.
Sonny had regained her composure and was now fully awake. She seethed with indignation as Michael watched her with an uncompromising expression.
"I'll get dressed when I am ready, Michael!" She had not loosened her grip on the sheet and she now wondered why she was so nervous. Just having him at her side was filling her mind with thoughts that should not be there. This man had entered her private space and was demanding that she come down to the stables and work. Imagine, she, who was the true heiress to the farm and he was telling her,..no, demanding that she do whatever he wanted. She would not let her pesky feelings get in the way,
After all, it was time she take a stand.
"Do I have to dress you myself?" he asked,
"You need to go. Your actions will greatly dictate my decision at the end of the six months."
Michael's mouth was set and he looked at her with such disdain that it made her shiver. Life would have been so much easier if her father had not written that will. She would have been here, signed the papers and put the farm up for sale. In fact she would already have been in Paris, back to her normal life.
"You won't make it to the end, Sonny. You don't have what it takes to run this place. How can you when you spend all day doing whatever it was you did in San Francisco "
"You're jealous, aren't you Michael, Pierre has a career, and he is one of the most influential newcomers to the fashion scene."
"I don't have a so-called career. What I have is a fulfilling life that is shared with some of the most remarkable animals on the face of this Earth.
"Life doesn't have to be all about horses. You are just like my father. They are the most important things to you."
Michael backed away from her bed, and started for the door. Suddenly, he turned back. The darkness was gone from his eyes and he looked at her with remorse. "Maybe I am just a hired hand, Sonny, but when i take a woman to dinner, I don't need a limo or a fancy suit, or fingernails that shine with polish.
Sonny realized now that Michael was upset because Pierre had taken her away, just when he had been enjoying telling her what to do and where to go. He was losing control over her. And that is something that should make her feel good. Why didn't she feel like she was winning this battle with the arrogant Irishman.
Michael saw the look on Sonny's face and for a moment his knees felt week. She had lost her anger. Those large eyes were softening, and he knew that he should leave before his emotions took over and he did something he would regret. He moved slowly to the bed, and he reached down, grasping both her shoulders and pulling him closer.
Before Sonny could react, she was just inches from his face, and his kissed her on the lips. She felt the raw emotion in him. Sonny's mind was whirling about, and this moment could go on forever.
For the instant she felt safe in Michaels arms. But, she could not succumb to this kiss that held such promise. Her heart was full of unspoken words and love that only Michael could unleash.
The ringing of her cell phone startled her and she broke away, reaching for it.
She listened for a moment, then put it back on the table. "Will needs you come back down" she said, her words coming slowly. "He has to leave"
Michael's broad chest rose and fell with breathing that seemed heavy, He looked at her through dark eyes filled with passion, He suddenly cupped her face in his rough hands and kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose.
"Michael..,stop" she protested weakly.
"I never take what doesn't belong to me" he said softly.
Sonny had expected him to pursue the intense kiss that had experienced just moments before.
Instead, he picked up the comforter and laid it on her bed. Her heart was beating unevenly and she watched him walk away. The room felt cold now and empty. Michael had left was a resigned look in his eyes that she had never before seen. That frightened her and she wondered why. She was anxious to get her life back together and very little was left on her contract. Why didn't that thought ease her mind? What was it about Michael that filled her head with indecision and confusion?
Michael could still feel the softness of her skin and her mouth. Those moments had made everything about their arranged time together feel unimportant. She was filled with the same passion and attraction that he felt, and in any other circumstance with any other woman, he would have pursued the opportunity. Sonny was different. There was no mistaking that she wanted him as much as he wanted her, but not for the moment. He needed to feel her love and that was something that was not going to happen. Pierre was in town and he had lost her to the Frenchman.
When Michael reach the barns, his father walked over and then smiled, a little twinkle in his eyes.
"So, how are things going with you two?" he asked.
"I'll be glad when it is over and she leaves".
"You were taught not to lie to your father, son/'
"This situation is near to impossible, Dad. She has her own life and we can't expect her to step in and make ours her home. It will never happen/'
"Horsemen learn to be steadfast, No hurdle is to big, and maybe there are down times here and there, but it always works out for the best."
"So, you realize we will be forced to come up with the money to buy her out?"
"Now, did I say that?" Will smiled, then walked past Michael, whistling a familiar tune.
Will O'Brien was a quiet man, going about his work with a steadiness that Michael had always admired.
He knew his father had not taken this arrangement with much seriousness. Will had said many times that watching Sonny grow into her boots was something short of a miracle. Even he had thought that her interest were elsewhere and that she might possibly give up early. Michael had seen those same moments his father had and knew that beneath that stubborn, spoiled exterior there beat a kind heart.
For some reason, over the years, Michael had never questioned J.B Mead about his choice of keeping Sonny away at school. He only knew that he looked forward to some holidays and summer vacation when she returned. Even though she was aloof and not willing to come down to the stalls, he would find her watching from afar. She had been a vision that filled his mind. Although he was four years older, he felt she could be pretty remarkable, if she could ever realize just what a wonderful world the Thoroughbreds provided.
Sonny had been given the opportunity to learn, and there were moments of great triumph and joy when he saw it in her face. The way she cared for Lady and Midnight were the most endearing thought that prevailed. Prevailed in his heart while his mind told him this was a bad situation and nothing good would come.
Sonny stepped into her jeans, still trying to steady her trembling hands. She knew Michael would be waiting for her, hoping to see some sign of his impact upon her earlier. He would be waiting to give her the most tiring thing he could find. Anything to make her feel uncomfortable. She was determined to not have him gloating, about waking her so abruptly.
Her late night with Pierre had been exhausting. Stepping back into the cra2ily busy world she had left was almost too much for her, In Pierre's world shopping, seeing people and being seen was at the top of the list. Appearance was everything to him, Now, she felt almost out of place wearing heels, primping in front of the mirror, wearing more make-up and spending too much time on her hair.
She felt comfortable in jeans and boots, and now it would be good to get back down to the ring to photograph Graceful Lady and the sweet Jove between the two animals. Midnight was growing stronger each and every day and responded eagerly to her gentle voice and was responsive to her touch that each day was exciting in its own way.
Sonny pulled her long hair back with a rubber band, tucked her blue plaid shirt in at the waist and slipped on her boots. She glanced over at the clock and was surprised that it was already ten o'clock.
By the time she reached the exercise ring, Michael was already working Midnight with the halter. The chestnut colt responded quickly to Michael's firm grasp and walked proudly with his head held high.
"Where's Billy?" she asked as she entered the ring and took over the reins.
"He's over at Bay Meadows working out with the two-year olds."
Sonny held the reins firmly, but coaxing Midnight in a gentle way. "That's right, Midnight," she said as a smile covered her face.
Michael watched Sonny as she moved with the animal, her blue eyes aglow with pride. He remembered, as a young boy, his father had allowed him to work with a filly one summer. She had been in his dreams at night and in his thoughts all day. He had taken such pride in watching her grow and respond to his command.
As he watched Sonny he felt an urge to hold her. If given enough time, she could learn to be apart of his life and this farm, but with only a few weeks left, there seemed little hope of that happening. He might have had a chance if Pierre hadn't shown up, but now, with the glamour of Paris at her doorstep, she'd never be inclined to stay at Pinebrook.
The future of the farm still troubled Michael. He was not certain that he and his father could come up with the amount she would surely demand to buy out her half of the business. How much easier things would have been if J.B. had left the farm to Will O'Brien. Perhaps then Sonny would not have resented the intrusion upon her inheritance.
After working with the colt, Sonny attended to his grooming. Michael had offered to help, but she preferred taking care of him herself. She loved the luster that came into his coat after the brushing and rubbing and the way his mane became silky and fine to the touch.
''Finished?" Michael asked.
"Almost. Are we on a tight schedule today?" Her words were clipped.
"You've been here long enough to know the schedule."
"I've been here long enough to know what I need to know, Michael."
"Then go take care of the Lady."
"Of course, you wouldn't think of helping, would you?" Her eyes blazed with anger as she spoke.
"Why should I? You do it so well." Michael's mouth suddenly turned up at the corners and his eyes twinkled.
"Don't you think you're carrying this "training period" a little too far, Michael?"
Michael shifted his weight from one leg to the other and the laugh lines around his eyes moved as he spoke. "Maybe."
Sonny watched him with a growing feeling of disgust that spread through her body. She noticed the indentation in his chin, which was really more pronounced than it should be, and the nose that was certainly less than perfect. Why did this man appeal to her so, she wondered. He's selfish, unyielding and…has the most expressive eyes she had ever seen.
"Then, get busy and help me, Michael. Lady is waiting and I'm not through with Midnight yet." Sonny feigned work as she turned her blue eyes up to Michael. He smiled and tipped his hand to her.
She stood with one hand on her hip and the other on the back of Midnight, and her chin was tilted
in defiance. A move that Michael found alluring.
"Who slept late?" he asked.
"I was tired."
Just because she had slept in once, Michael was determined to make things as miserable for her as possible. Sonny braced herself and tried to calm the anger that was beginning to manifest itself.
"If you'd get in at a decent hour, you wouldn't have to sleep late." Sonny could easily see that Michael was not teasing this time. He was angry with her and nothing she could say would eliminate the fact that she hadn't been here working early.
"Were you checking up on me?" she asked sarcastically.
"No. While you and your Frenchman were out doing the town I was trying to work on the ledgers. Which, I might add, don't balance."
"You leave Pierre out of this. And when I work on the books, everything comes out fine." She tilted her head even higher, challenging him with her eyes that shown with satisfaction that something had finally been difficult for him. She found an unusual comfort in knowing that he too made mistakes and had shortcomings.
"Then you take them over," Michael snapped."I will. And this time they'll balance."
Sonny watched as Michael's eyes looked past her. As she turned around, she saw Katy escorting Pierre down to the stables.
"Well, well if it isn't Mr. Fashion himself," Michael drawled.
Sonny ignored his remark and hurried up to meet Pierre. Michael followed close behind. He wanted to meet the man who had beat him in the final stretch.
"You have a visitor," Katy said as she looked apprehensively at Michael and then turned and hurried back up to the house.
"Sondra," he said with perfectly enunciated words, "what are you doing down here?"
"I've been wondering that myself," she answered as she glowered at Michael.
"We're working," Michael said, smiling broadly.
Too broadly, she thought, as she watched him initiate a hand shake that left Pierre wincing.
"Sondra has told me so much about you. I assume you are Mr. O'Brien?" Pierre said solicitously.
"None other. And you're Pierre, the dressmaker." Michael smiled, ignoring Sonny's sudden poke in his ribs, "I design garments, yes. From there they are prepared in factories." Pierre had not caught Michael's insinuation and for that, Sonny was grateful. She would not have him humiliating her guest.
"Pierre, why don't we go up to the house?"
Sonny broke in, anxious to separate the two men. She was afraid Michael would eventually offend Pierre. If they stayed here a minute longer, that was bound to happen.
"I think your friend would enjoy seeing the horses," Michael said putting an arm around Pierre's shoulder. Sonny rolled her eyes at Michael but realized it was useless to to argue.
"If you insist," Pierre said politely.
"Oh, I do." Michael smiled as he led Pierre into the main barn. As the three of them walked past the enclosed stalls on either side, Michael pointed out the fine Thoroughbreds of Pinebrook.
Pierre looked down at his white loafers, which were already covered with smudge marks. Seeing his expression, Michael made an effort to brush his feet along, stirring up more dust.
"Michael, I'm sure Pierre has seen enough,"Sonny interrupted.
"Yes, I do have to be going." Pierre's long, thin fingers raked nervously through his carefully styled black hair.
"So soon? You haven't even mounted one of these beauties yet. Why, Sonny's father always said, "Any man…"
"Never mind, Michael," Sonny cut in nervously. "I'm sure Pierre wouldn't want to ride wearing a white suit."
Michael smiled and led them back to the second barn in back. She despised the look of joy on his bronzed face. He was enjoying every minute of this.
"You have to see Midnight," Michael announced.
"Isn't he beautiful," Sonny exclaimed as Pierre shoved his hands into the large pockets of his suit jacket.
She led Midnight out into the open so the sun could shine on his lustrous coat.
Pierre watched with disinterest. Sonny held her breath as the breeze caught a wisp of Michael's dark hair, and it fell against his forehead. She wondered how Pierre could remain motionless, as even her own moved about gently.
She noticed the incongruity of the dark-haired
Frenchman who stood motionless in his white suit and expressionless face. He was a picture from another world and hardly fit in here.
"Would you like to give him a pat?" Sonny asked. Pierre shook his head.
"Go ahead," Michael coaxed, "he won't bite."
"He's a fine animal," Pierre answered stiffly, but he made no attempt to touch the young colt. Sonny felt disappointed. She had hoped his reaction would be d ifferent.
"Sondra," Pierre said, "I was hoping we could take a drive along the coast to Carmel. I hear it's a charming little town."
"It is Pierre, but I've got so much to do here today."
"Oh, don't be bothered with the farm, Sonny, go ahead with Pierre." Michael crossed his arms and flashed a fake smile in her direction.
"I don't know, Michael. Midnight is used to me handling him, and I was gone yesterday."
"Were you?" Michael's smile had suddenly faded and his dark eyes watched for her reaction,
"Yes, Pierre, I'd love to go." Sonny lifted her chin, meeting his icy stare.
She was tired from the night before and would
have welcomed staying at home. But, Michael's arrogant insistance had made her agree to something she already regretted.
Sonny placed her hand against Pierre's elbow and edged him toward her house.
"Have fun, Michael," she called over her shoulder.
The drive to Carmel was quietly relaxing, and Sonny was relieved that Pierre had rented a late model blue Mercedes rather than another limousine.
The countryside was splendid with its intermittent hills and valleys of green on one side and the ocean on the other. Sonny had visited the Louvre and seen its artistic treasures and she had thought the Eiffel Tower was one of the most magnificent sights in the world, but the honest beauty of Northern California dazzled her.
It was a pleasant drive and they spoke very little, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Things were happening so fast now that Pierre was here, that Sonny needed time to think.
Pierre was enchanted with Carmel. The quaint stores and tree lined streets shaded them from the early afternoon sun. They walked along the street, looking in windows and then he saw a dress that captured his attention.
The salesperson inside the dress shop looked approvingly at Pierre, and then noted Sonny would need a size seven. Sonny liked the soft fabric that was draped easily.
"Please try it on, Sondra," Pierre coaxed with an air of authority that he was so accustomed to using with his models.
"I have no place to wear something like this.
No Pierre, I have enough clothes."
Pierre smiled warmly at the clerk, and then began making small talk about the garments in her stock. He made several suggestions as to the trends that would be changed by the following year, and the dark haired woman listed, captivated. Sonny wished that he would keep his opi'nions to himself. She suddenly wanted to leave.
After giving the woman his business card he reached for her hand, kissing it lightly. Stop it, Sonny thought, you're being ridiculous.
Outside, she locked her arm through his and guided him along the street. She would be careful to avoid any more dress shops.
"American women are wonderfully charming," Pierre said, reaching down to kiss her on the
forehead. "Especially you, Sondra."
"Honestly, you think you can charm your way into every woman's heart." She laughed lightly, remembering how un-charmed Katy had been with him.
"No, not at all. I like meeting beautiful women, and if I am charming, then that is very good."
"Are you tired of looking around yet?" Sonny asked wearily.
Her feet were still recuperating from the night before and she wanted to get back home.
"Perhaps I have seen enough of this town. But, I have a propositon to make and I want to tell you over dinner."
"What kind of proposition?" Sonny asked, her interest piqued.
Over dinner, Pierre asked permission to have a party at Sonny's home for a few business associates from San Francisco.
"It sounds like fun," She said with interest.
"I will have it catered, of course, so you may concentrate on being the perfect hostess and not the perfect cook."
"That sounds easy enough, I haven't been to a party since your last one."
"Then, it is well overdue."
They talked and made plans during the drive home to Pinebrook. Sonny was getting caught up in the excitement of entertaining again. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed helping Pierre with his parties until now. His dinners were always well-planned and never anything less than perfect. Just like Pierre himself.
Sonny watched Pierre manipulating the car with ease and she remembered riding with Michael, watching his profile, feeling his presence, smelling his tart cologne.
It seemed odd to her that the two men in her life were such opposites. Pierre was sparkling with vitality and pure talent. He was a perfectly oiled piece of machinery that never stopped. Michael, on the other hand, was strong and proud and had an unforgettable way of caring for and loving her father's Thoroughbreds.
Sonny closed her eyes, listening to the quiet purr of the motor. She was remembering the searing touch of Michael's fingers and the excitement of his kiss when his lips touched hers.
Yes, these two men were totally different.