O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,7

sink.

"Michael, don't you over work her today," Katy advised.

He winked at Katy and then bowed graciously. "After you, Sonny."

The air felt cool and fresh as was so typical of July in the Bay Area. Even though nearby San Francisco was often blanketed with morning fog, this area remained a lush, green wooded town filled with clear skies and clean air. It had been a long time since Sonny had walked down the path leading to the O'Brien cottage and the stable areas. She felt like she was intruding on someone else's property, certainly not her own.

"What will I be doing today?" Sonny broke the silence with her question.

"Working in the stables, cleaning…grooming. You shouldn't have bothered to fix yourself up so nice."

"Why?"

"Because after a couple of hours down here, you'll be tired and sweating."

"I never sweat, Michael."

"You will today." Michael tugged at her pony tail and his eyes filled with the twinkle of a thousand stars on a summer's night.

CHAPTER 3

Michael's black eyes shown brightly beneath the heavy fringe of dark lashes. The more Sonny objected to this partnership, the more he enjoyed it. He had managed, four years ago, to capture her for a long awaited kiss that he could still remember. But, her love for adventure had taken her to France and away from the life at Pinebrook that she found so bland.

Like an elf fleeing before the light of morning breaks the magic, Sonny had walked out of his life.

Now she was back, weaving her spell on him once again. Enchanting him with that special blend of innocence and sophistication. As he walked by her side, long blond hair moved with the rhythmic flow of her curvaceous body. Her head was held high and her pale skin gleamed in the morning sun. He would have to handle her with care, being ever so careful not to break her spirit. Just like a young filly that must be broken-in, she would have to be coaxed with a gentle but firm hand. With a lot of understanding, maybe Sondra Mead just might decide to stay.

Sonny walked at a brisk pace, taking two short steps to Michael's every one. The toes of his boots were worn but the heels looked new. She wondered if he ever bought new clothes before the old ones wore out. She decided he must be the steadfast type who resisted any sign of change. Definitely not her type. What was there was about him that attracted her?

Maybe it was that faraway look just beyond his eyes that beckoned to her with the promise of something yet undiscovered.

At the end of the long pathway, just beyond the O'Brien cottage, were the barns that housed the Mead

Thoroughbreds. The wood buildings were always kept in top condition and created quite an impressive picture against the natural green backdrop of grassy pastures and tall pines.

From inside the main barn, Sonny could hear the nicker of a horse awaiting his morning feeding. As Michael led her through the front entrance, she was immediately surrounded with the smell of fresh hay and worn leather

There were five stalls on either side, each with its own hinged dutch door.

"We've got a new groom," Michael said as he walked with Sonny down to the far end of the barn where a young boy was scooping out grain from the large wooden feed bin.

Hearing them approach, he turned around and faced Michael with a warm smile that spanned the width of his face. Judging from his height of about 5'3, Sonny was sure he must be an aspiring jockey.

"Billy Watters, meet J.B.'s daughter, Sonny." Michael made the introductions.

Billy wiped his hands on his jeans and reached for a firm hand shake. Curly brown hair and hazel eyes accentuated his face, which was quite good looking.

"Pleased to meet you," he said, shaking her hand vigorously.

"Billy's just finished high school, and is here learning the business. He'll be wearing our silks very soon."

"That's great," Sonny acknowledged.

"It'll be my honor," he said.

"Sonny is here to learn how we keep up the stables and she wants to have an active part in the grooming." Michael placed an arm around Sonny's shoulder and smiled down at her.

"That's right, Billy, now that I'm owner of Pinebrook, I need to see how it's all done." Sonny cocked her head to one side and grinned smugly.

"Half owner," Michael corrected.

Sonny ignored his remark. "I'm ready to work," she said rubbing her hands together briskly.

She wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.