A Military Match

A Military Match
Patricia Davids

Everyone–especially his estranged grandfather–thinks Private Avery Barnes is just a wealthy playboy.Yet the military taught him to value what can't be bought–honor and love. And if he wins the top prize at the cavalry competition, he'll show his grandfather he's made of more than his birthright. He needs lovely veterinarian's assistant Jennifer Grant to help him train.Except that Jennifer, from the "other side of the tracks," is wary about Avery's commitment–to the competition and to her. Until winning her heart becomes the greatest prize of all.

“Well, well, well,” Avery said. “What do we have here?”

Jennifer raised her hand, palm out. “Stop. Don’t say anything that will make me regret coming here more than I already do.” She took a deep breath. “Do you still want a riding coach?”

“Maybe.”

“If I give you lessons, I need something in return. I need to learn how to use a sword.”

“Why ask me?”

She hesitated, then said, “My mother’s instructor is unavailable. I called your captain to ask about your unit’s saber instructor.”

“Which is me.”

Her gaze locked with his. “If you’re worried our past relationship will get in the way, I can assure you it won’t. You want to win the Sheridan Cup. I want to keep my mother’s commitment. We can work together to make this happen or we can fail separately. It’s up to you.”

“No strings attached?”

“None.”

Jennifer ignored the nagging little voice that said keeping things businesslike might prove more difficult than expected.

PATRICIA DAVIDS

Patricia Davids continues to work as a part-time nurse in the NICU while writing full-time. She enjoys researching new stories, traveling to new locations and meeting fans along the way. She and her husband of thirty-two years live in Wichita, Kansas, along with the newest addition to the household, a stray cat named Spooky. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can contact her by mail at P.O. Box 16714, Wichita, Kansas 67216, or visit her on the Web at www.patriciadavids.com.

A Military Match

Patricia Davids

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

— Proverbs 21:31

This book is dedicated to my brother, Bob Stroda—

a real cowboy and a funny, funny guy. Thanks

for putting up with your bossy big sister and for

making me laugh more times than I can count.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“S tay here…and honk if you see anyone going inside.”

Jennifer Grant pushed open the door of her old dark blue pickup, but paused to glance at her passenger. “Got it?”

Fifteen-year-old Lizzie Grant, the second of Jennifer’s three younger siblings, hooked a lock of curly brown hair behind one ear. She didn’t bother looking up from her math book. “I’ve got it.”

“I’m serious.” Jennifer stressed each word.

Lizzie shut her book and pulled her pink T-shirt collar up to cover the lower half of her face, mocking her sister’s intensity. She glanced in all directions. “Have no fear, Agent Double oh six, Double oh seven is on the job.”