She subconsciously rubbed the tender spot on the outside of her right thigh where she’d landed hard coming off Rosie-Jo yesterday. “Ouch is right.”

The road tapered to a trail as they came up to the six-foot, white rail fence that surrounded the main riding arena. Alec paused to watch a group of young jumping students and their trainer on the far side.

Stephanie stopped beside him.

“I didn’t mean to sound pretentious,” he offered.

“I know.” She had no doubt that he was accurately describing his job. Her brothers wouldn’t have hired him if he wasn’t a skilled and experienced professional.

Alec hooked his hand over the top fence rail and pivoted to face her. “So, are you going to tell me what you really do?”

Stephanie debated another sarcastic answer, but there was a frankness in his slate eyes that stopped her.

“I train horses,” she told him. “I buy horses, sell horses, board them, breed them and train them.” She shifted her gaze to the activities of the junior class. “And I jump them.”

“I hear you’re headed for the Olympics.” His gaze was intent on her expression.

“The Olympics are a long way off. I’m focused on the Brighton competition for the moment.”

As she spoke, Wesley appeared from behind the bleachers, leading Rockfire into the arena for a round of jumps. Even from this distance, she could appreciate his fresh-faced profile, lanky body and sunshine-blond hair.

His lips had been that close to hers.

She wondered if he’d try again.

“What about management?”

Stephanie blinked her focus back to Alec. “Hmm?”

“Management. I assume you also manage the stable operations?”

She nodded, her gaze creeping sideways for another glimpse of Wesley as he mounted his horse. This was his first year on the adult jumping circuit, and he was poised to make a splash. He grinned as he spoke to Tina, the junior class instructor, raking a spread hand through his full, tousled hair before putting on his helmet.