“My meeting,” Frederick repeated drily. “That’s one term for it.”
“A tactful one.” Sally saw no point in pretending to misunderstand his meaning. “The truth is, I argue with my parents, too. They mean well, but we don’t always see eye to eye. Still, when push comes to shove, family’s there for you. So keep that in mind. Oh, and jog a couple of miles. It does wonders to dispel anger.”
“Jogging’s not exactly my thing.”
“I guess not.” Sally contemplated the fact that, other than when they went riding, she’d never seen Frederick wear anything but conservative business suits and a cashmere coat. “Racquetball?” she suggested hopefully.
He chuckled, visibly relaxing. “Nope. Work. A few hours at my desk and I’ll forget I ever lost my temper.”
Grimacing, Sally tucked a wisp of honey brown hair behind her ear. “If you say so.”
“You’re skeptical.”
“I shouldn’t be. Given how successful you are, you must be passionate about what you do.”
“Even if that doesn’t involve the great outdoors.”
A shrug. “Everyone’s different. I’m a nature buff. You’re a business enthusiast. The world needs both.”
“Tactful again. Always the lady.” Frederick was speaking as much to himself as he was to her. He was a tough-looking man, with rugged features, graying hair, and a solid build. Not handsome, but charismatic, in a strong kind of way. A definite catch—rich, powerful, and reasonably attractive, not to mention available. At fifty-eight, he was a widower of two years. And while he’d been photographed numerous times with that striking blond lawyer who worked for Pierson on his arm, he’d never hidden his interest in Sally.
The last few months, he’d started spending more time at the farm, joining Sally for morning rides. She’d begun to enjoy his company. And she’d found herself responding to his overtures. It had been too damned long. At some point, she had to let go of the past.
As if reading her mind, Frederick asked, “Do you have plans for this weekend?”
“Nothing special. Why?”
He pursed his lips, a brooding expression on his face. “One of my key suppliers has a cabin in the Adirondacks at Lake Luzerne. I’m going to head up there. I need some time to clear my head. I’d love to share that time with you.”
Okay, when he’d said weekend, he’d meant the whole weekend. She definitely wasn’t ready for that. And Lake Luzerne of all places. God, that conjured up memories.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll pass,” she replied.
“On me, or on the weekend?”
“The weekend.” Sally drew a sharp breath. “Look, Frederick, I really enjoy your company. But if you’re asking me out, I’d rather start with something uncomplicated, like dinner. A weekend away is a bit much.”
Another hint of wry amusement. “Brutal honesty. Very well, I’ll take this again from the top. My supplier has a two-bedroom cabin in Lake Luzerne. I’d enjoy the company of a beautiful and intelligent friend who enjoys the outdoors as much as I enjoy the boardroom. Maybe she can teach me how to unwind, and we can get to know each other in the process. As much or as little as she wants,” he added pointedly.
Relenting a bit, Sally mentally ran through her limitations. “I can’t leave until after three on Friday.”
“Of course not. Three o’clock is when the nursery school you teach in lets out.”
Her brows lifted in surprise. “You’ve done your homework. I’m impressed.”
“Good. Then join me.”
She was starting to enjoy the dance, and her hazel eyes twinkled. “Not so fast. What about the horses I’m responsible for? Who’ll exercise them?”
“We’ve got a staff of qualified grooms and trainers. I think they can manage. Plus, my nephew Blake will be up here this weekend. He’ll make sure the horses get almost as much expert care and loving attention as they get from you. I’ll even send someone over to feed and check on your animals. Anything else?”
“Actually, yes. There’s Scamp.”
“Scamp?”
?
?My Brussels griffon. My dog,” Sally clarified at the blank expression on Frederick’s face. “He can’t stay alone. And he doesn’t adapt well to strangers. I’ll have to make separate arrangements for him.”