Infinity and Beyond. [Amber/Sunfrost]

[Cavallo]

Infinite Warcry

Nick leaned up against the rail as he watched the black stallion work over the turf. Estella Marino had been riding the stallion solidly in two wins and two places and he hadn't finished out of the money yet this season. He smirked at the thought. And Amber had wanted to retire the stallion...Infini wasn't finished yet and in fact it looked like his game was only improving this season.

Nick had plans for this stallion and it involved more and more races and more and more wins. Estella pulled up the stallion along the rail. The black stallion pulled up nicely, a sheen of light sweat covering the stallion's coat. How's he feeling Stella? Nick asked the jockey as he held out a flat palm to the stallion. Infini usually the calmest of the horses in the racer barn, tossed his head mildly from the adrenaline beginning to flow in his system from the light warmup. He's feeling his oats today, a three of four furlong gallop will do him some good and allow him to add some more toning to his muscles. Nudging his palm, Infini snorted and pulled his head up from the man's hand when he found no treats.

Nick smiled and nodded. He admired the stallion and secretly was trying to devise a way to keep the Jessie James horses here with him, but he knew that Amber wouldn't want to part with her prized stallion. The two had a connection and Nick thinking about it could even get a little jealous. Speaking of Amber, he checked his watch and looked up the pathway from the barn to the track. He'd called Amber and invited her over to take a look at her prized stallion, but if he was being honest he had other motives for inviting the petite dark haired woman over and it had little to do with a thoroughbred.

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber Black was frowning as she drove her car into the now familiar driveway of Intrepid Racing. There was a problem bugging her, something personal, and she was currently attempting to tease the answer out of the world around her. She eyed the sun through her shades, smiled slightly at its brightness and jumped out of the vehicle with more energy then she thought she had. She looked out at Intrepid's serene and sophisticated barns, admired the grounds and felt a smile flit across her face as she thought of the many peaceful evenings she had spent with Nick Landing, walking under the shadow of the trees and talking about their lives...

Tonight she had been invited to visit one of the horses who owned a part of her heart - Infinite Warcry. In many ways, Infini had strengthened the relationship between herself and Nick. He had been leased to Intrepid on a tendril of trust that had strengthened. The stallion had absolutely flourished with Intrepid, as though relishing the touch of new hands on the reigns. His success had brought Amber great joy, and she was very eager to visit the stallion again. As well as Nick. A small, affectionate smile appeared on her face without her even realizing it. Amber's smile stayed as the petite woman removed her ponytail, letting her black hair cascade around her shoulders. She perched her sunglasses on her head, letting her green eyes view the world without their dark tint. Then she made her way to the barn she knew she would find Nick at.

Within five minutes she saw Nick's recognizable figure ahead, on the path from the barn to the track. Her smile widened and her stride quickened as she walked over, worried thoughts banishing from her head as she enveloped Nick in a hug probably before he even realized she was there. Hi she said, her voice soft and muffled by her face pressed against his chest. Her hug was almost childlike, but deep affection was easily apparent in her actions. They had definitely gotten even closer over the last couple months of their relationship.

[Cavallo]

<sub>The past few months with Amber had been pure bliss. Neither of them were a stranger to each others property with frequent trips a normal occurrence. He was pretty sure he even knew most of the names of Amber's barn staff. As he looked up from his watch and was suddenly warmly embraced by his own dark haired beauty. He chuckled at her simple greeting, but he was warmed to the core in what seemed to be a toe-curling response to the slight woman in her arms.

Well Then. He kissed her forehead in a gesture of pure endearment and let his own arms settle warmly around her, locking her to him. Hello to you. Sharp blue eyes locked onto green ones that conveyed a touch of the emotions he knew shone brightly within his own. He felt himself automatically relax as he held the woman, she had that effect on him - it was as if he finally felt whole when he held her in his arms. She calmed him like nothing else could and he knew for a fact that at the easy pace their relationship was going, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to go back to life without the woman. They were each fiercely devoted to their stables and yet it hadn't taken away from their personal relationship. They were making this work and who knew where this would lead, but he knew without a doubt that neither of them would get in the way of each others stables, dreams and ambitions. Being with Amber was like having his cake and eating it too and in the universe that could be written down as a win.

Glad to see you could make it. You had me worried. I thought you might be blowing me off. He teased like a child, but his eyes shown with complete confidence in their relationship. He wasn't as all insecure as that, but he loved to tease his girl. Estella watched the exchange between the two people with a glint of amusement in her eyes. It was weird to see her boss who with the staff was a firm and businesslike chap suddenly have a soft, humanistic side. She was still trying to get used to it, but she loved Amber. The woman did wonders with her horses and she made her boss happy, what wasn't to like? She nodded to the woman as Infini nickered out in excitement to the black haired woman. Infini knew his woman and he huffed at her demanding his own attention.

Nick stepped back and took Amber's left hand as he led her up to the rail where Infini's neck was reaching out to the woman in eagerness. Well it looks like I wasn't the only one who's missed you.</sub>

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber felt herself relax completely as Nick responded to her hug in kind. In the early months of their relationship she would have swooned at the loving affection Nick was displaying towards her; now she was more used to it, but the deep blush was still apparent on her cheeks. Nick's rumbling chuckle deep in his chest comforted her like few things would, and she would have been content to stay in his arms forever should the opportunity have presented itself. She looked up at him, her green eyes meeting his blue ones, and felt like half of her world was right here, holding her. Her smile remained as she settled once more against his chest contentedly, neglecting their audience completely.

Nick's words broke the spell. She laughed, knowing he was joking even before she looked up into his blue eyes to confirm it. His eyes were as confident as her heart in knowing their relationship to be secure. And though they both knew this, Amber chose to tease Nick in return. Their exchanged taunts and teases had been how they had become an item in the first place, and that part of their relationship had not faded. Well you see Nick, I would have blown you off but I knew that Infini was here, so clearly that was no longer an option. Her words were bold, but tinged with a soft affection. She stepped back from Nick now, turning towards the black stallion that she missed with every passing day.

Infini clearly recognized her and wanted to see her. Amber's smile broadened even more. She would have run right up to Infini if Nick had not brought her back down to Earth, taking her left hand in his own and leading her up to the rail. She would have jumped said rail, but doing so would mean losing Nick's hand. She reached out with her right hand, placating Infini's demanding neighs as his nose settled right in it. He whuffed his lips over her hand, delicately tasting the remnants of sugar that had come from the small bits she had fed her own horses before coming over. He recognized the sugar as being from his home and neighed excitedly. Well Infini, I rarely see you this excited. Life with these Intrepid hotbloods must be something else murmured Amber fondly.

She laughed at Nick's words, relishing the feeling of being in the company of the man and the horse she loved. She looked up at Estella, beaming. How's he been for you lately, Stella? He looks fantastic she commented. And you've been doing wonders with him too! I'm happy you picked up the reigns, you two make a good pair.

[Cavallo]

<sub>Moving from SOPS to Intrepid would have been a big shock for any SOPS horse. It was survival of the fittest here and Nick had known that the massive black stallion would be able to step up to the plate and he had. He had gone above and beyond his expectations and it was thrill to watched the senior stallion stick sticking it like never before. Sometimes it took a change of hands to wake up a horse and in Infini's case he'd just needed a more challenging environment. The in-house competition had done the black stallion good. He was regretful though that they had to break from their embrace in order to view the stud, but he consoled himself by holding onto Amber's hand. His eyes lit up as he watched the stallion and woman interact. It would always be like that between these two and he understood the bond. There were those horses that came along every once in a long while that just clicked with you in a way that would always last.

He took her teasing easily. Well. In that case. I'm glad I brought Infini here because now at least I get to see you. Teasing would always be apart of their relationship and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He gave her wink and watched as the stallion explored her hands and greeted her in general. She was happy, Infini was on a raging path of success and that alone set him on a high that wouldn't be able to ever touch the ground. He loved making her happy. Nick winked at Estella and she smiled while the stallion and the woman had a moment and then laughed out loud at Amber's comment. Come now, Amber, what other kind of thoroughbred is there besides the hot-headed kind! Hmm, though I do think sometimes we have more demons on the grounds here than thoroughbreds... His sentence trailed off as if in thought and then winked. It was true, the Landing family was known for breeding some of the biggest hot-heads in the business and Nick didn't mind the reputation. After all, he'd had a hand in breeding this year's Kentucky Derby winner and that settled just fine with him. Estella laughed in agreement. It's true. Infini here is an angel compared to the rest, but he's got a backbone and isn't pushed around. Her tone brokered affection for the black and smiled at Amber's words and compliment.

Thank you! He's really been a world class ride and he's taught me a lot, but we both think a lot alike and that means that he makes my job a lot easier to do on the tracks. She paused smiling. I was just about to take him for his gallop, working on some conditioning today. Nick nodded in consent and with that she moved into motion sending the black off in a spin and into a canter.

Nick watched with admiration as the stallion and rider gradually upped their pace and accelerated into a gallop. She really has done well with the stallion. I was initially hesitant to pair them, since she'd only been here a few months, but...something told me that they fit. Looks like I was right. He winked. I'm glad you're here. I've missed you. He pulled her into his side and allowed himself to wrap his right arm around her waist grounding her to him as they watched the stallion work.

His face clouded briefly with what could only be labeled to the outside as confusion or concern. Amber...Have you spoken to Ripley Marsh recently? The question was simple, but his eyes had darkened slightly with intent. New information had spurned him into action and he had a feeling that Amber might be able to help...</sub>

[S u N f r O s T ~]

There were horses that people just seemed to click with, a similarity in personality and style that brought horse and rider close together. Amber was fortunate enough to have been in the business for so long that she shared such a bond with many horses. But Infini was unique in that he had been the first horse she had had this bond with that had been sent away from SOPS in order to flourish. This was a testament to just how much she was staking in the talents of the IRS crew - specifically, Nick. Her smile broadened as Nick responded to her teasing confidently and familiarly. This was clearly a ritual between the two, and it warmed her with its familiarity.

She laughed at Nick's words, shaking her head slightly. You really know how to flatter a woman, Nick. She refocused on Infini, grinning as Infini finished up with her hand and raised his head imploringly again, nearly bumping her face with his questing nose. She definitely felt a couple whiskers on her face. She merely smiled, reaching out again to bat her beloved horse lightly on the cheekbone. She laughed at Nick's next comment. Well we do have a healthy mix at SOPS. The majority of yours are part demon! Stella's comment was well placed, and it was clear that the woman knew her horse well. Amber sent a brilliant smile at Stella, her approval of the woman intensifying. She let Stella speak before responding once more.

A gallop, eh? Amber watched horse and rider take off, noticing Stella's easy handling of the stallion and watching his acceleration. I fully approve Nick were her next words in response to his own. She knows how Infini rolls. He loves his conditioning. She laughed lightly as Nick hugged her deep to his side, relaxing against him. Missed you too... She was comfortable here, smiling as she watched Infini work out. He was moving with his usual calm, businesslike manner and Amber couldn't wait until she got the chance to ride him again.

She had become gradually less and less shy in her interactions with Nick over the course of their relationship. She was still not one for public displays of affection, but she was definitely less reserved in physically expressing herself with him. This was a freedom not easily granted to others; only her fellow jockeys and barn staff got to see this side of her instead of the typically focused Amber Black they had grown to know. And as their relationship had grown in strength, so had her attunement to the feelings of her Nick. She felt the sudden stiffening in his muscles, a likely by-product of a change of expression on his face, a likely product of some sort of thought. His question was a welcome glance into his thoughts.

Ripley Marsh? What has that woman got herself into now? she thought. She knew that Nick and Ripley had a close business partner relationship, including several traumatic experiences between them such as the birth of the Devil's last foal. But it was clear that this was something more...Nick would not have mentioned it in that tone of voice and at this moment unless it was something big. She kept her tone casual as she replied. No. I...haven't really been out a lot lately. Is something going on?

[Cavallo]

<sub>Nick looked down at her causal response to his questions. He knew that if there was anyone he could talk to it would be Amber, but he didn't really want to overstep his bounds...after all, this was about Ripley, not himself. He puzzled for a moment as he watched Estella and Infini cruising at a nice gallop in the backstretch and weighed his options. Ripley had confided in him, but he knew that she herself would be making a public announcement in a few days and plus, if he told Amber, then she might be able to help out their mutual friend.

He was pleased with where their relationship had gone. He remembered the first time he'd asked Amber out at the Coffee shop to The Wire Social and she had been so nervous to even be around him and now...here she was snuggled up into his side. What a transformation their relationship had undergone and he was more than grateful for it. He let his chin rest on the top of her head briefly his nose inhaling her scent and kissed her head softly before replying.

Marsh will be announcing it soon to the public, but she's pregnant. And...I think it's thrown her off her game a bit. I mean...I couldn't imagine just not suddenly not being able to ride... He rambled and collected his thoughts again as he turned to look at her fully in the eyes. She was really down about it, but she's still planning to run in the BC and soo... I was thinking that you, being her arch-rival, might help her to feel a bit normal...and take her mind of other things. She deserves to go out in fashion...don't you think?

His eyes implored her to understand. Heck, he really didn't know if she really understood what he was asking of her. I just don't want her last moments in the saddle to be weighed down. I want Ripley to be Ripley and to be the biggest pain in the ass on the tracks and you are always really good at bringing that side of her out. His lips turned up in a tease as his eyes looked down at Amber with a warmth that could curl a woman's toes. Is that stupid? he asked her a twinge unsure, as Estella and Infini drove the gallop home into the final stretch. The stallion was moving brilliantly and he nodded his approval and motioned for Estella to take go ahead and take the stallion on back to the barn for a cool-out.

He looked at Amber again his face trying to discern the thoughts the must surely be running around in her head.</sub>

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber Black could feel the wheels spinning in Nick Landing's head. He was weighing his options. Amber preferred not to think that it was a question of trust - at this point, they trusted each other a lot. The very thought of that being what was at stake twisted Amber's heart into painful knots. Her own insecurities threatened just beneath the surface to come back. Whether or not Nick told her, Amber hoped he was questioning whether it was his right to talk about whatever Ripley Marsh had told him rather than a question of his trust in her. She ardently prayed and hoped that she and Nick did have a relationship going here built on trust...

Amber was jerked out of her thoughts by the soft pressure on her head as Nick rested his chin on her black hair. He kissed her softly then on the head, and then he began to talk and Amber felt herself relax as he did so. She listened intently, for there would have been no hesitation if this had been a trivial manner. And what she heard shocked her. Ripley Marsh pregnant? Her body stiffened in shock. Her thoughts were flying at a million miles a minute. How? When? For how long? When was she due? Who was the father? She barely got past those thoughts before Nick continued with what he was saying, now rambling. Almost offhandedly, she noticed that he was definitely worried.

I couldn't imagine just suddenly not being able to ride. Amber nodded in agreement, imagining it for herself. Getting pregnant, unplanned, not willing to abort the baby, having to let go of her mounts...

Getting pregnant.

Amber's thoughts flew into overdrive. It was like a series of exclamation points had lined themselves up in her head and were now going off like bombs. Here she was, talking with her boyfriend, about the sacrifices that came with being pregnant...and as Amber had thought about Ripley's situation, she had realized that she would never be able to make the sacrifice that Ripley was making. Having a baby meant sacrificing one key part of her career. Amber's heart burned with loss at the thought, and the corners of her eyes threatened to tear up. She could only imagine the depth of emotion that came with it for Ripley, for which this was not an idea but a reality. Amber knew that she would not have been able to make this sacrifice. But what if she and Nick ever got that far in their relationship? What if Nick ever wanted to settle down...have a family...with HER?!

No, no, NO. Think of Ripley she scolded herself. She jerked herself back into reality. Make her feel normal she mused aloud, her voice quiet and distant. It was clear that she was thinking hard and thinking worriedly. She met Nick's eyes and hoped he didn't see the distant panic in them as she tried to formulate a response and communicate her understanding, for yes she did understand. Oh yes she most definitely did. Admiration for the woman blazed through Amber. Ripley never lets anything get her down, does she? she said, her voice almost one of wonder as she focused on Infini blazing across the track. I believe I should be able to help... Her voice trailed off as she continued to think. It's not stupid at all. Thank you for telling me...

She continued to watch Infini almost desperately, battling against the panic in her head. This conversation could get very awkward very quickly for her if pregnancy continued to be brought up. She decided to focus on what she could do to make the remaining months of Ripley's career before she had a child better for her. Well Nick...you remember our dinner bet? She didn't wait for a response before plowing on. Didn't it enrich your Breeders Cup experience just a little bit? Well...I may need to make a bet of some sort with Ripley. Amber finally relaxed from her stiff-as-a-board stance as her thoughts wandered in this direction. Any ideas?

[Cavallo]

<sub>Whether or not Amber Black wanted to admit it or not, the fact still stood that Nick Landing could read Amber like a book. Especially when what she was thinking about was so clearly expressed in her sharp green eyes. He watched the impact his announcement had made on her. He saw the worry, the sympathy, but what he hadn't expected to see was a hint of panic in her eyes. That one threw him for a bit of a loop. What did she have to be so panicked about?? It wasn't as if they were....Oh. He tried not to let the amusement of Amber's nervousness reflect in his eyes or face. She was genuinely worried and he didn't want her to think he wasn't taking her seriously....but it was funny.She was kind of adorable with that wide-eyed look. He noticed how she quickly changed the topic and he didn't tease her on this matter and sobered slightly as he remembered why they were here talking in the first place. Ripley's world had just forever changed and that was no laughing matter. She was a prime competitor on the tracks and her absence would be immediately felt, but at least she wasn't disappearing - things just wouldn't be the same. He nodded as she thanked him for telling her

He laughed out loud at Amber's reference to their BC Bet. Intrepid has just gotten back into the game and he'd known that Allure had a shot at taking on Sillenia, but honestly if he lost he won and if he won, he'd won - either way he'd come out of that bet a winner since it had meant he'd gotten to take Amber out for a fancy steak dinner. He let her think she'd gotten the better of him, but deep down she knew he'd won in their little bet. He might have lost the race by a nose, but he'd won the woman. That was a win in his book, though Allure hadn't thought so, but the filly had gotten over it with time.

Oh I remember our bet. And it cost me a fortune too that steak dinner. He smiled at the memory and kissed her forehead again. She was worth every penny. And for the record, where you're concerned it is always enriches my life. He teased her and smiled as he saw the wheels turning in her head. A bet with between Ripley Marsh and Amber Black? That was like adding fuel to an already blazing fire and he loved it. It was exactly the kind of distraction Ripley needed to make this a nice end for her year. Hmm, now that is an idea. If I remember correctly didn't she have a thing for some of your horses? He knew that those two were rivals, but they each had mutual appreciation for one another's horses. Ripley seemed to lighten up once her and I started talking about our Y15 Breeding plans. There's a lot of Witch Creek blood coming into my barn next season. His eyes gleamed in anticipation. It was a season that he'd been looking forward to for some time. Have you started planning your next season? He asked with intrigue. If he knew Amber Black, which he did...he already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear all the diabolical plans his woman had in mind...</sub>

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber laughed, remembering the dinner all too well. She and Nick had even gone back there a couple of times, for the sake of remembering the whole occasion. Sillenia really had changed her life as well as Krystal's and left a personal mark on her world with her Filly and Mare Turf wins. Well, of course I was going to milk you for every penny! Just be grateful I didn't order that five hundred dollar bottle of wine... She was teasing him, happily, then added as an afterthought Maybe we should go order that wine sometime though. Goodness knows it could be worth it. The relative successes of each stable definitely made the wine affordable anyway, so why not? She smiled as he kissed her yet again, feeling like melting. How could all this affection be so directed at her? It was like a dream...and especially with his next sentence. She smiled broadly, her heart getting that special feeling.

She wondered how Nick felt about a possible bet with Ripley and shortly got her answer. Oh yes, there are a number of my horses I know Ripley likes. Eternal Phantom, obviously. Sweet Inferno. Love-hate relationship with Innocent Passion I'll assume. Big fan of Ventura's BC win. She thoughtfully considered her options. I have no idea what kind of bet to make though...but for a reward...do you think Ripley would like to ride Eternal Phantom for one of her final workouts or something? The question was reasonably posed. Phantie had originally been destined to be Ripley Marsh's until she had disappeared. Since then, Phantie had become nothing short of a champion and an uncontested leader in the dirt classics this season.

Amber felt the wheels turning as Nick mentioned breeding plans. That was always the point where the stables perhaps were the most closely drawn together, each receiving and treasuring the bloodlines they received from the others. She nodded. That was a good subject change. Thinking of the future... A gleeful grin built up on her face. Lots of Witch Creek blood, eh? Do dish on the details. It's about time you stopped giving your Augusto lines to Witch Creek and instead got some back! She was teasing him about the bloodline overstock the barns perhaps suffered from because of an influx of Augusto's bloodlines in their horses.

She tasted and internalized the anticipation in the air. Well of course Nick. I have some really good crosses in mind. She grinned cheekily, went up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear The information might cost you though. Oh yes. She loved her information exchanges with Nick, but of course she couldn't reveal all her secrets! Not that Nick could do anything but fear what was to come...it was just more fun this way. She stayed on her tiptoes, whispering the next line. And when you hear just what I'm doing with my ancient reserves from Whitebrook Farm... She trailed off, smirking as she returned to her standing position.

ooc// Amber the Seductress? XD Not sure if it fits her, but it fit the scene haha.

[Cavallo]

<sub>It felt so right to have Amber there in his arms and he tightened his arms slightly around her and rolled his eyes in mock disgust as she mentioned that ridiculously priced wine. It wasn't the first time she'd mentioned that wine and he knew then officially that he'd have to take her out again to satisfy her craving. It was common knowledge that Nick Landing was not hurting for money - whatsoever, but that didn't mean he was a glutton in fact he was very much the opposite. Michael and Ethan were frequently griping at him to pay for upgrades and gadgets and it was only after intensive personal research and comparisons that he finally made an official decision. Sooo what if he was a bit of a prude when it came to spending money? Intrepid was a state of the art racing facility with all of the finest equipment, but Nick wasn't flippant with his money - then again that was of course when Amber wasn't in the picture. Where Amber was concerned it seemed he wasn't afraid to spend a small fortune. He's eyes brightened though at Amber's idea of having Ripley take a go at ET or another one of Amber's horses that Ripley admired. That would be interesting... He nodded in agreement. The idea had merit and he encouraged the train of thought that she was on, but he had a sneaky suspicion that once the two of them were together in person the bet would take on a life of its own. He'd wait to hear the play-by-play on that conversation later.

As Nick masterfully changed the topic he grinned down at Amber as she stated as much. Once again, he rolled his eyes at her teasing. It was true though, through the past breeding seasons Intrepid had fed a lot of their bloodlines into their rival barn and it had benefited the barn. He was the breeder of the only TTC Champion and the other Intrepid influenced horses were making just as big of an impact on the tracks. The Witch Creek/Intrepid combination was a success and now it was Nick's turn to collect. Oh well...Ethan and I are officially calling this year the Year of Witch Creek in our breeding books. He laughed at the implication, but as of now his schedule only boasted of one foal for Y15 that wasn't WCS influenced. Rumor has it that I'm landing the last El Sol baby and I know of a certain stallion that you've agreed to let me book. He raised his eyebrows in implication. I think a Impressario x El Sol baby will be a nice contender for the Triple Crown don't you think? He teased, but he was all business. He'd been planning this cross for some time and now that it was about to happen he felt like a child on Christmas day. There's others, but I have to say that cross is one of the ones I'm looking forward to the most. Thanks for making it happen baby. He teased her with a kiss and then stepped back as Amber attempted to take on a more seductive approach.

He leaned back slightly as she tip-toed to his height to whisper in his ear and taunted him with her secrets, but with her nearness he almost forgot what exactly he was supposed to be figuing out. Her nearness clouded his thoughts and he almost leaned in to capture a long-slow kiss from her when she mentioned Whitebrook Farm. He paused mid-lean and looked down at the small woman with a furrowed brow. What are you talking about woman?! What do you mean Whitebrook Farm breedings? Whitebrook was home to some rare lined greats, he knew because he had reserves still to some stock there that he was sitting on. No one knew MHS/SS lines like Nick Landing and that was exactly the lines that Whitebrook boasted. He was definitely intrigued.

He switched gears and instantly pulled Amber close to him. His body hummed with her nearness and his blue eyes darkened as he began to play her game. Two could play the role of tempter and he had a feeling he was going to enjoy either role. He held her firmly within his arms and leaned in closer, his face hovering only a mere few inches away. Now...what is this I hear of Whitebrook breedings? I think we might be able to arrange some form of payment for this insider information... His lips close and near, his eyes were dark with intention. He was aware of the woman he loved in his arms as he enjoyed this game that Amber had decided to conjure up - either way he knew he was going to be a winner in this scenario - be it information or something more primal.</sub>

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Oh, Amber knew that she had Nick wrapped around her pinkie. It had been a slightly surprising discovery a couple months ago as she realized just how deeply their feelings went for each other. And when she had realized that...well, Amber was not above taking advantage of it. Had she ever manipulated Nick Landing? No. At least, not maliciously. For something as innocent as a five hundred bottle of wine that both of them could easily afford? That was harmless manipulation. It didn't hurt anybody but Nick's wallet, and that was replenishable. Fortunes were looking up for Intrepid horses and especially for their breeding program. There was no shortage of funds, and no shortage of willingness from Nick himself for some indulgence. She smirked at the thought, settled in his arms comfortably and continued their conversation.

He agreed with her! And Nick knew Ripley pretty well as well. Perhaps for not as long as Amber had known her, but she believed that Nick actually knew the woman better than she did. So his approval was key before she went ahead with her plan. I'm sure the bet will change once I talk to her about it...but for a prize at least, maybe I'll give her a pick of which horse out of the barn she'd like to take for a bit of a ride. You and I both know I'm not the most public with my horses. She shook her head sharply at the thought. But for Ripley's bouncing baby situation, I would make an exception. The only question is...what kind of bet would I make?

Amber laughed. When Ario won the Triple Crown that breeding suggestion came up. I'm surprised that you're the one who implemented it, though I let you get away with murder when it comes to exploiting SOPS bloodlines. Not to worry though. A coy smirk made its way across her face. I have just the horse to face you in the Triple Crown...maybe two, if things end up going differently than I expect. The only appropriate punctuation for such a sentence was a cackle, but she settled for a wide, beaming, almost evil looking smile instead. Oh had she planned the best of crosses for next season. She shivered in anticipation, then laughed as Nick stole a kiss and thanked her for the steal of the century. But time to get down to business.

She used her voodoo magic - well actually, the power of female persuasion - and was pleased to find him looking slightly dazed at her proximity. Oh yes, she knew the power she had over Nick Landing, and it brought a thrill to their relationship. Little did Nick know that it went both ways - he had just as much power over her. She had come to this realization ages ago - they really were very much into each other and loved each other deeply. She just hoped nothing ever brought it all tumbling down. Pleased, she listened as Nick, obviously flustered, latched on to the mention of Whitebrook breedings. Her green eyes glittered as he questioned her right as he was about to swoop in for another kiss, this one promising to be quite a bit more...intense.

She waited expectantly, was pleased as he responded to the challenge. Nick knew what he wanted and didn't stay dazed for long - he immediately had a plan of action to implement, and boy did she not mind. He pulled her close, and she couldn't stop the smirk. Her green eyes looked right into his darkening blue ones, revealing nothing, merely glittering with some sort of secret light in their depths. And now he swooped in, slowly, face right near hers. She had never been so thankful for her eventual adaptability to the physical part of their relationship - at the beginning, she would have been wobbling at the knees. But now, she stood straight, tall and proud, confident and assured.

Oh, a form of payment? she whispered against his lips, unable to stop the smirk from forming on her face. Oh Nick thought he had her. But she couldn't let it be this easy. As tempted as she was to just tell him already...it would just be so much fun to prolong this. Hmm....let me see...I'm having a hard time remembering... She trailed off, grinning wickedly right into Nick's face. Should the game be up? Oh but this was too much fun. How she loved teasing this man. I think some down payment may be in order. Information like this doesn't come cheap.... Oh but was she getting involved in something very intense here. Might as well give him a tidbit of information. The first part of the equation involves... She trailed off, tempting him once again with a bat of an eyelash. ...A certain son of Touchstone and Faith In Shadows...what's his name...

A devilish gleam in her green eyes. Whoops. I forgot.

[Cavallo]

As her words came out in coy tease his mind was quickly working to decipher their meanings. Whitebrook was a stable that housed many older lines and he himself had many reserves still to some of the stock that was maintained on the property. His brain tried to quickly sort threw the hundreds of pedigrees that he knew by heart, quickly using the clues that she tauntingly threw his direction. Touchstone and Faith In Shadows. There were not that many Touchstone progeny out there...he knew them all by heart and instantly his eyes lit up in recognition. Shut your mouth Amber Black. He crossed his arms. You have a Fireworks breeding? How in the world did you land that?? A scheming gleam filled his eyes as maintained close proximity to the diabolical woman. And what, pray tell, do you plan to do with said wondrous breeding? Who would the lucky mare be? Hmmm? There face still only inches apart he relished in her touch and nearness as they both went back and forth in this game of coy cunning and realized that he wouldn't want to play these kind of games with anyone else than the green-eyed minx that was baiting him at this moment. He was hooked - hook, line and sinker to Amber Black.

When they talked breedings and bloodlines it stirred his passions and he knew that Amber was just as enthusiastic about the topic as he was and when two passions collided into one the results was usually something epic - and that is what they were. Their relationship was the epic fair tale kind, the one where the prince saved the princess and rode off into the sunset, though Amber Black wasn't in much need of saving from anything except her busy schedule. So. You have this Whitebrook line coming in...which I demand to see when the foal is born...who knows I might tempt you to sell the little bugger to me.. His sky blue eyes were bright with interest and challenge, but continued on with his train of thought, What else is Amber Black dabbling in? Hmm? Any public sales foreseeable in the future? You know I get inside trader secret rights as your boyfriend? Right? He teased her, but was genuinely interested if there was to be a SOPS sale next year. He was always on the lookout to bring fresh lines into his barn and it didn't hurt that it helped out the pocketbook of the woman he loved. It only meant she could afford to buy the next bottle of wine when they went out of course...

[Cavallo]

AHEM

[S u N f r O s T ~]

Amber knew it wouldn't take long for Nick to reach the correct conclusion. They both knew bloodlines like the back of their hands. After all, Stride of Perfection had been named Breeder of the Year twice and Intrepid was not far behind, if far at all. She watched those blue eyes, saw them brighten as they reached an answer and laughed out loud. Nick was so lovable when he had an idea. She could almost kiss him for it. She laughed again at Nick's stunned exclamation. And now Nick was using her tactics against her. He maintained the proximity, deepened it, leaning in with that gleam in his eyes that she loved so much. Oh yes. A Fireworks breeding indeed. I'm not surprised you figured it out. For your reward... She leaned in for a kiss, smiling against his mouth as she pulled away.

As for the mare... Her eyes positively sparkled. A certain daughter of Warlock...and Little Miss Innocent...you know the one? And not yours, my dear. My mare. She would let him come to that conclusion himself. And when he picked that name out of the repository of his brain...she couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he realized just what she was planning. She would wait for that realization...tantalizingly close now...

Sell this horse? Are you crazy? Though luckily for you...these lines are known for producing twins aren't they? Oh yes, she had him enthralled now. As for other things I'm dabbling in...public sales... She frowned. So many stables are going off the public market Nick. Witch Creek, Star Thoroughbreds...yours?...But Stride of Perfection is staying on the market. And I am planning a foal crop sale for next season. As my boyfriend, yes, you do get a little preview into what is going on. You could use some fresh lines! Though honestly, I am far too nice to you with mine. She wondered just which secret pairing to divulge to her Nick, smiled when she landed on the perfect one. One of the foals will be Infini's.... That would most certainly get a reaction. She knew how much Nick loved the black stallion, almost as much as she loved him.

I'm crossing Infini with On To The Spotlight for a complete SOPS turfer, half to Ode To Glory, On To The Spotlight and Spotlight Pride. And if I may say, all of those foals are pretty darn good. Not to mention Infini is one of the loves of my life. She smiled gently. You being the other of course.

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