Nacho Figueras Presents Read Free Page A

Campo team a few years back. Since then, the amiable billionaire had been a regular at Del Campo events.
    “Where is Camelia?” Enzo asked, referring to Mark’s new wife, an ex-groom from the Del Campo farm.
    “Training,” said Mark proudly. “It looks like she and Skye have a really good shot of making the Olympic dressage team this year.” He frowned. “Oh, but hey, if you see her, do me a favor and don’t mention the bike, okay? She’d pitch a fit if she knew I was riding it.”
    Enzo snorted. “I am sure she just wants to keep you alive.”
    Mark smiled roguishly. “One hopes.”
    “You just missed Alejandro,” said Enzo as he started back up the stairs. “He left about thirty minutes ago, but I think you can probably catch him at the farm.”
    “Actually,” said Mark, “it’s you I want to talk to.”
    Enzo paused, surprised. “Oh?”
    “I’m putting together a team, Enzo.”
    Enzo raised his eyebrows. “A polo team?”
    Mark nodded. “Yes. High goal. I’m going to be the patron and play number four, and I’ve got two other players—a guy from Mumbai and another guy from Australia—lined up. They’re both incredible. But I need a fourth player, a team captain, to play the number three position.”
    “Ah,” said Enzo, “that is very exciting. Congratulations. Actually, there is a young groom in the stables—he’s from Philadelphia. I don’t know if he’s ready to captain, but he’s an incredibly promising player—”
    “No, no,” said Mark. “You misunderstand. I want you to come play number three. And be the piloto of my team.”
    “ Pilotos don’t play,” said Enzo automatically, “and I have a job here with the Del Campos.”
    “I’ll pay you twice what they pay you,” said Mark, “and who says that a piloto can’t play?”
    “I should have said that good pilotos don’t play,” said Enzo. “It splits their attention.”
    “I think you’re capable of doing both.”
    Enzo laughed. “Well, thanks for the offer, but—”
    “I’ll pay you three times as much,” interrupted Mark.
    Enzo was silent for a moment. It wasn’t the money. It was the timing. He knew that he was starting to weaken when it came to Antonia. Perhaps putting some distance between them wouldn’t be the worst idea…
    Mark seemed to sense his hesitation. “Or listen, if you don’t want to play, just come and be my piloto , then. You can help me find my fourth player.”
    Enzo chewed on his lip. “Can I think about it?”
    Mark smiled happily. “Absolutely! Take all the time you need! No hurry. I want to get this right.”
    Enzo nodded. “Okay. In the meantime, check out the kid I told you about—his name is David Jefferson. He’s got a lot of potential.”
    Mark shook his hand enthusiastically. “Okay, I will. Ah, man, I’m so excited! This is going to be an amazing team!”
    Enzo laughed. “Don’t get too excited. I just said I’d think about it.”
    Mark grinned. “Better answer than I expected. I never figured anyone could poach you away from the Del Campos.”
    Enzo shrugged. “It just might be time for a change is all.”

Chapter Four
    N oni stood in front of her closet and considered her choices. Dressing for these Wellington parties was always a chore. She dearly wished she could just show up in her worn jeans and T-shirt, but she knew that wasn’t an option.
    She pushed aside a pile of half-hung sweaters, ignoring the ones that slipped to the floor. Like the rest of her house, the closet was a mess. Though she kept her smith shop immaculate, her cottage was something of a disaster zone. Noni was halfhearted about housecleaning at best, and even though she knew she could afford a housekeeper, she couldn’t get over the idea of a stranger cleaning up after her.
    She sighed, fantasizing about ditching the whole night, staying home with Chinese takeout and bingeing on her backed-up DVR. She was in no mood for a party, and getting dressed felt like such an effort.
    Not that