Free Archer, Jane by Tender Torment Page A

decided.
    "Well, I'll look forward to this evening and the gown you're preparing for me," Alexandra said.
    "Do you suppose Hayward is waiting for me now?"
    "I suspect he is, honey. That one's powerful eager to see you again," Leona said.
    Alexandra smiled, pleased that the gentleman found her attractive; yet she was concerned with his interest. Before her encounters with Stan and Captain Sully, she could have enjoyed a man's attentions more easily. Now, she had begun to suspect them all of wicked, ulterior motives. Could it be so difficult for a man to like a woman just for herself, and not because of her wealth or her body? She didn't quite know what to think or believe anymore. She should hate all men, and yet something strange happened to her in the presence of Jake. But no, she wouldn't think of him. She would go riding with Hayward and try to put all of this out of her mind—for the present.
    "Alexandra," Hayward said graciously as she reached the bottom step leading to the foyer. His brown eyes glowed warmly with pleasure. "You look even more beautiful today."
    She smiled at him. "Thank you, Hayward. I suspect that a good night's sleep in such a comfortable bed would work wonders for anyone."
    He led her out the front door, and she was im- pressed with the lush, tropical growth that covered the island, held at bay only by the diligent work of gardeners. There was a warm, lazy quality about the island that was in great contrast to the climate of New York.
    Hayward led her to the front lawn where two horses were being held by a dark colored groom. Alexandra had never before been around so many Negroes and she was curious about them although she tried to keep her interest to herself.
    "I chose this mare for you, Alexandra, because she is gentle, but yet not a nag."
    "Oh, she looks perfect. A real beauty."
    "I fear that my one passion is horses, and I devote myself to them a good deal of the time."
    Hayward mounted his horse, then waited as the groom assisted Alexandra into her saddle. When she had settled herself, arranging her skirts, they walked slowly away from the house, then turned down a narrow dirt path leading deep into the lush growth of the island. Alexandra found her mount easy to handle. In fact she preferred a faster, more spirited animal for she loved to race on the back of a fine horse, feeling the wind in her hair. This slow, ambling pace was not exactly her idea of fun, but she could hardly gallop away from Hayward; besides it being rude, she would undoubtedly get lost.
    This man with her seemed to blend in with his surroundings, becoming a part of the slow, unchanging rhythm of the island. He would never blow hot or cold, she thought, but would remain constant in whatever he did, whatever he felt. He would probably not even have much of a temper, or would control himself if he did. He was a handsome man, her thoughts continued, but his easygoing grace did not seem to touch her. He left her entirely without feelings for him.
    She shook her head, trying to push her thoughts away so that she could simply enjoy the beauty of the island and the feel of the horse under her. Why did she have this sudden interest in men, especially after what had happened to her? Why was she suddenly noticing the way they moved, their voices, their bodies—oh, yes, their bodies. It seemed to have begun on The Flying J when she had first seen Jake standing over her, looking so powerful, so masculine. She mustn't think of him—she couldn't trust him and he made her body feel so traitorous, as if he communicated directly with it, bypassing her mind.
    "What do you think of this, Alexandra?" Hayward asked.
    "What?" she asked, glancing around quickly. Lost in her own thoughts, she had hardly noticed their progress deep into the island, and now she realized that Hayward had led her to a clearing, with soft grass as a floor and the branches of trees meeting overhead to form a roof over them; in the center was a clear, dark pool of