Golden Filly Collection One Read Online Free

quarterback on the varsity football squad, pulled his chair close so he could shout in her ear.
    Trish nodded. “Good thing I love salads.”
    “How long till you race?” He leaned nearer and lowered his voice. A lazy lock of blond hair fell over his forehead.
    “The season starts October first, but we won’t be in the first races. Dad has us scheduled for the Meadow’s Maiden. That’s a race for untried colts.”
    “Bet you can’t wait.”
    “We’re not ready yet. Spitfire still has more conditioning.”
    “Ugh. Don’t even use that word.” Doug shoved back his tray and leaned on his elbows.
    “Workout was rough, huh?”
    “Worse. Thought I was gonna heave my guts out.” He rubbed his biceps. “And my arms…I’ve been haying most of the summer, then weight training since the beginning of August. Coach Sey, the new man, makes old Smith look like a kindergarten teacher.”
    “How’s the team look?” Trish chewed on her straw.
    “Pretty good. This just might be our year.” He turned partway so he could look at her. “What about you? Doing any lifting? I haven’t seen you in the weight room.”
    “Yeah. I’ve been using David’s old set at home. I just can’t fit in the time to work out here.”
    “Could you fit in the party after the game on Friday?” He spoke right in her ear.
    Trish felt a tiny shiver as his breath tickled her earlobe. She drew back at the unfamiliar sensation. “Can I tell you later? I’m not sure what my dad has planned.”
    “Sure.” His voice stayed close. “But, Trish, I’d really like to take you.”
    “Thanks.” Trish spun her straw in her milk carton. “I’d like to go with you.”
    Doug pushed his chair back and stood, at the same time dropping a hand to her shoulder. “See ya.”
    Trish watched as the broad-shouldered quarterback made his way across the room with his tray. You’d think he’d be a snob with all the attention he gets , she thought. But he wasn’t. His smile was as real as the hay bales he’d hoisted. And he even said hi to the giggly freshman girls, most of whom pushed Trish’s patience to the limit. Going out with Doug Ramstead would be fun. But. There was always that but during racing season. Morning workouts came too early for her to stay out late. But just this once…
    Rhonda poked her in the ribs. “Did he really ask you out?”
    “Listening in, huh?” Trish turned her attention back to the table.
    “Not really.” Rhonda shrugged, then leaned closer as Trish toyed with another bite of lettuce. “You going?”
    “I don’t know.” Trish glanced up to find Brad staring at her from across the table. “It’s still a week away.”
    “David and I thought the four of us would go together—like always,”
    Brad said. “It’ll be his last night home.”
    “Of course!” Trish thumped her fist on the table. “How could I forget?”
    “All that hunk had to do was say hi, Rhonda laughed, “and your—”
    “And my brain went into orbit,” Trish finished for her. “I know what you’re thinking.”
    “Well,” Brad rocked his chair back on two legs, “that’s the way it looked to us, huh, Rhonda? You two were sitting pretty close—”
    “Brad Williams, I—”
    “Now, don’t get your Irish temper up, Tee. It’s not good for your digestion.” Brad ducked as Trish faked a pitch with her milk carton.
    “Sometimes you two go too far.” Trish picked up her tray and joined the line to leave it at the dish window.
    “Do you want a ride home after school?” Brad asked as they headed back to their lockers. “Or do you have something going?”
    “No. I mean, yes, I want a ride home. The bus takes too long. I’ve got to lunge some colts this afternoon and Dad’s gonna shoe…” Trish abruptly stopped as she remembered the scene in the stall that morning. With her notebook clutched to her chest, she rubbed her arms as if to warm herself.
    “You okay?” Rhonda touched her arm.
    Trish turned from staring into the