Here is the next chapter. Some author's notes at the end. ALERT: There is a little bit of fluff and some steaminess this chapter, but still a 'T' rating.
Chapter 37
Thursday at Devon Part 2, the Grand Prix
Kori retouched her make up and Richard straightened his royal blue tie. Kori thought to herself what a domestic moment that was, the two of them sharing the vanity mirror before an evening out. She silently prayed there would be many more of these evening for years to come.
"Hey Kori," Richard asked.
"Yes?"
"You know I'm very sorry about leaving the other night, I love you so much, I never meant to hurt you. You said your heart shattered when I left, so I have to ask, is your heart still broken?" There was no hint of a smile, this was a serious question.
Kori turned to face him rather than talk to his reflection in the mirror.
"It is Richard," she spoke softly and honestly, "but only a bit." She paused and added thoughtfully, "I think it is more of a chipped heart."
"A chipped heart?" Her use of the English language is... unusual. "That's an interesting way to put it. I guess I will continue to work hard to help it mend."
Kori leaned forward and spoke only millimeters from his lips, "I'm sure it will be fully mended soon, you make me so happy. This week has been difficult at times, but it has also been wonderful being with you so much and I love that we are growing closer."
"Kori, we are growing closer than I ever dared to hope we would. I love you so much and I couldn't be happier," Richard replied, before he finished closing the distance between their lips, softly kissing her. When they broke for air, he said with a tinge of disappointment in his voice, "But we have to get back over to the show before Bruce comes looking for us."
TtTtTtTtTt
The show grounds were congested from the extra traffic to the sold out Grand Prix of Show Jumping even over 1 ½ hours before the event.
On the ride over, Kori received an unexpected call from Taryia.
"Hello?"
"Hello Kori – Guess what? One of the pilots Karras works with had two extra tickets for the horse show tonight and we're on our way over."
"Oh really, Taryia?" Kori said trying to be polite.
"Do you want to meet up and introduce Karras to Dick?"
"Sure," Kori replied, what was she going to say? "Can you hold on for a moment, Taryia?" She put her on hold.
"Richard, Taryia is on the phone. They are coming to the horse show tonight and Karras would like to meet you. Can we meet up with them?"
Richard was not happy to say the least but there was no way out of it. "That'll be fine Kori. It's probably easiest if they can stop by our box. Its box #106 in the main grandstand. They can meet Bruce too."
Kori switch off hold. "Sorry Taryia. Why don't you stop by Ambassador Wayne's box so you can meet him as well. Its in the main grandstand, box #106."
"That's great, Kori. We'll see you later then."
After the hung up, Kori took Richard's hand and gave it a squeeze, "Sorry."
"Its fine Kori." He left it unsaid that he would be perfectly happy if he never met Karras Kalapatt.
TtTtTtTtTt
The Devon Hotel had catered dinner for the box which was fantastic. Through the years, Bruce and Richard had gotten to know many of the patrons in the adjacent boxes and always planned on feeding at least 25. The wine flowed as well, plus there was the added excitement of Dark Night's own horse Nightwatch leading in the Open Jumper division.
Kori knew that the idea of meeting Karras was upsetting Richard and tried her best to distract him. Her touches and looks were having the desired effect, but knowing her ploy after a while he pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "Star, I know what you're doing and I'll be fine. Let me have my jealousy for now and work through it. I'm a big boy, I can handle it."
Kori was very surprised Richard would admit his jealousy or the fact that he was even jealous at all. It was her turn to whisper in his ear and she made he voice as breathy as possible, "Richard I am yours. You have nothing to be jealous of. I love you and I cannot wait to spend the night with you." That got a shiver out of him, much to Kori's satisfaction.
Richard cocked a brow at her when they separated. He wasn't sure what she meant, he knew they weren't changing their plans about waiting to make love. He thought that perhaps she was simply making sure that he knew she wanted him with her at the hotel that night. In response to the cocked brow, she simply gave him a broad smile.
"Come on you two, get something more to eat and drink, they are going to walk the course soon." Selina said in reference to the riders and trainers going into the ring on foot and take a close look at the obstacles.
They returned their attention to their friends as down in the main ring, the course was finally ready for the competition. Where the opening night Stakes class and the course the previous night were impressive, the Grand Prix course was truly daunting. The course looked spectacular with bright colored rails, displays from sponsors such as the huge Bud Lite bottles that served as the jump standards, and a 12 foot water jump. The sheer numbers of the obstacles, their size, and the difficulty of the combinations concerned Kori. She worried some of the horses and riders would be hurt.
"Excuse me, Richard," she said, placing her arm on his forearm when she noted a lull in the conversation she was having with Babs and Xavier.
"Yes Kori?"
"Has Bully done a Grand Prix course before? It looks so much more difficult than the courses that he competed on the last two nights."
He chuckled softly and put his arm around her to reassure her, "Yes he has. He's never won, but he's placed 4th once and 6th a couple of times. Of course, he is doing better than he ever has this week so maybe he'll do really well tonight." He held up his hand to show her his crossed fingers and she giggled at the thought of Dick Grayson being superstitious.
She gave him a brave smiled and he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He was touched how much she cared about their horses, he found him thinking yet again how wonderful she was for him, how well she fit into his world.
TtTtTtTtTt
By the time the bugle was blown to call the class, the grandstands and grounds were overflowing with humanity. It was a huge event, by far the biggest night of the show, with all reserved seating sold out weeks if not months in advance.
Thirty-five horses had been entered with six scratching, leaving the field at 29. The first horse to go entered the ring boldly, its red chestnut coat glistening under the lights. The now familiar voice of the announcer came on, "And first to go in the $50,000 Grand Prix at Devon is #1192, Palm Beach, owned and shown by Pierre Arnault of Montreal, Canada."
The crowd noise decreased as the horse successfully negotiated the course. As the rider turned to the water hazard, he urged the horse on for the broad jump but the distance was misjudged and the horse took off a half stride too early and ended up with its back legs in the water. Members of the crowd let out disappointed groans and 'awes'. The horse finished up the rest of the course clean but had received 4 faults for landing in the water.
One by one, horses entered the ring with the best score only equally the first horse's of four faults. The 10th horse entered the ring, "Next up, #1074, Sportscaster, owned and shown by Norman Lisk of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania." Kori recognized the horse from the other night's events. The horse and rider had yet to go clean at the show, but Dick had told her before that they were strong competitors and tonight they didn't disappoint. The crowd went wild as the horse completed the course without any faults and within the time allowed.
It was another few rounds with no one going clean when a crowd favorite, the pinto horse Art Dealer entered the ring. They had done well all week and were in second place overall behind Nightwatch in the jumper standings. They produced a flawless round and the crowd applauded enthusiastically as the announcer came on, "A clear round for #1119, Art Dealer and Lisa Johnston who will join Sportscaster tonight in our jump off!"
Four more pairs went clean and it was finally time for Nightwatch who was the last to go in the class. The crowd applauded appreciatively as he and his rider entered the arena.
Olympian Greg Mansfield rode Nightwatch as he had all week. The crowd went silent as they began the course and each hoof beat and the riders clucks of encouragement echoed across the show grounds. Dick watched intently as each obstacle was negotiated successfully.
Greg turned Nightwatch wide and spurred him on to the water hazard that had proven the most challenging part of the course. About three strides out, Greg had realized he had misjudged the distance but was able to collect the horse, shortening his strides enough to add in an extra stride while not losing momentum and they sailed over it without a fault. Slightly out of rhythm, they came to the next jump, a large oxer and Bully rubbed the top rail it hard with his knees on the way up. The railed rocked hard and miraculously stayed in the jump cups so there were no faults at that jump either. With a happy and cocky smile, Greg turned the horse to the last sequence of fences, a triple combination that posed no problem for the pair. Once through the timers, the crowd was on its feet and chanting "Greg! Greg!" for the rider.
There was some titters in the crowd as the announcer did not come on right away as the ring steward, judges and course designer went out to inspect the fence that Nightwatch had hit but not felled. Satisfied that the standards and jump cups were regulation, they radioed the announcer who came over the PA and said, "And its a clear round for Nightwatch and Olympian Greg Mansfield and they will be among the 7 horse and rider combinations joining us for our jump off. We will be taking a 30 minute intromission and then on to the final round!"
TtTtTtTtTt
After the first round, things were quite upbeat with Nightwatch's fantastic first trip. Bruce and Dick couldn't believe their luck that the rail had stayed up and were very excited about the jump off. There were many well wishers coming by the box during the break and the champagne was already flowing.
Kori caught sight of Taryia and Karras as they walk toward the box and gave a friendly wave. Kori last saw Karras at his wedding to Taryia, and he hadn't changed very much. Like many Tamaranians, Karras had bright green eyes and a tanned, almost ruddy complexion. His curly hair was brown which he wore fairly short. He stood just over 6 foot, only slightly taller than Richard.
Kori came out of the box to meet her friends, first hugging Taryia and then Karras clasped Kori's hands and kissed her on the cheek. Richard let out the smallest of growls that was not lost on Babs, but she chose to not comment but it certainly piqued her interest.
Taryia and Karras were introduced to Richard as well as Bruce, Selina, Xavier and Babs. The conversation was quite civil, but Kori could not help but hope it would end soon. When Karras had pulled Richard over to speak with him more privately, she could hear his teeth brux.
"Dick, Koriand'r is very special to my wife and myself, I trust your intentions are honorable," Karras said to Richard, his eyes unwavering.
Richard responded in Karras's native language. "Karras, you do not need to be concerned about Koriand'r. I would never hurt her and as for my intentions, out of respect to your wife I will tell you. They are, sir, indeed honorable. Kori is my equal and I treat her as such and we will decide our future together."
Karras set his jaw. "If you hurt her..."
Richard shifted slightly on his feet but did not want to make a scene. "Karras, I would like to believe that you feel protective toward Kori as a friend and fellow Tamaranian. I know of your past together and I can assure you that I would never pressure Kori in any way nor would I ever hurt her."
Karras nodded slightly and chose to back down, and just then Kori and Taryia walked up to join them.
"They are going to start up again soon, Karras," his wife said, "lets get back to our seats. Dick, it was great seeing you again and I'm sure we'll all see each other again soon."
"Thank you for stopping by Taryia," Dick said sincerely, then added, his voice taut, "Karras."
TtTtTtTtTt
After the exchange with Karras, Richard was clearly unsettled.
"Kori, I've got to walk around a bit."
"Are you going to check on Bully?"
"No Kori," he switched to Tamaranian, "I need to clear my head. Just the thought of you in some other man's arms, kissing you, touching you..."
She nodded. "I'll wait up in the box then," she said.
"Thank you Kori for giving me the space to work it through. I won't be long, Bully is the 7th in the jump off and I'll be back in plenty of time to watch him go."
"I love you."
"I love you too Kori," he said as he gave her a longing look that upset her knowing he was hurting.
TtTtTtTtTt
Kori sat back down. Babs was in conversation with Bruce and Selina.
Xavier leaned over, "Trouble in paradise?"
Kori was surprised by his bold question but did her best to appear unperturbed. "Everything is fine, Xavier."
"Okay Kori, if you say so. If you ever need to talk..."
"Thank you Xavier, but things are truly fine." She had no interest in talking to him, nor did she like that he would ask that question, but she did not want to appear rude.
TtTtTtTtTt
Richard returned after the competition had resumed noticeably more relaxed. She had hoped he had worked through his jealousy but also knew they needed to talk about it more. She also gained more insight into Richard's personality that sometimes he needed to go off on his own to work things through.
TtTtTtTtTt
The jump off had proven to be quite tricky. The course was shortened, but the distances between the fences were not easily hit in stride and there was more than one place where there was more than one option on how to approach the fence.
Each pair entered and got caught up somewhere on the course. Sportscaster got caught short before one fence and refused, almost losing his rider in the process. He did take the fence without difficulty on the second try but the additional time needed meant that the pair did not get through the course in the time allowed.
The 6th team to go got in trouble over a large double combination, taking the first fence too close and never gaining any height to take the second fence. The rider came off and there were poles and jump standards scattered about. The crowd watched nervously when the rider didn't get up right away. Kori felt physically ill over what she'd witnessed and buried her head into Richard's shoulder. Nearly two minutes ticked by as the rider was attended to by her coach and another rider before she finally got up on her feet as the ambulance crew came in. She was able to walk out stiffly but did not remount. Richard thought better than to tell Kori that wasn't a great sign.
The jump crew came out and rebuilt the destroyed combination. Nightwatch's round finally came and he was the last horse to compete. No horse had been able to complete the jump off without any faults.
The crowd was on their feet cheering again for Greg Mansfield when they entered the ring. Right off the bat, he attacked the course much more aggressively than was needed much to Richard's displeasure. The crowd might be disappointed in an anticlimactic ride but all they had to do was go clean to win. He really hoped Greg's ego would not cause them to lose. The first 5 obstacles went well and as Greg came to the sixth jump there were two options in how to approach it – a short cut in front of another jump or around the other jump. Greg straightened up and pulled Nightwatch to go in front of the jump but the horse had other ideas. He shook his large head and took the bit in his teeth and did not turn before the fence. Knowing it was a losing battle against the 1300 lbs stallion, Greg lightened up on the reins and let the horse take the longer approach.
Dick smiled and mumbled, "Good boy."
Nightwatch took that fence and the remainder flawlessly and crossed the timer with 4 seconds to spare. The crowd went wild as the announcer came over the PA, "And there folks is our winner, Nightwatch owned by Bruce Wayne and Dark Night Farms and ridden by Greg Mansfield completing the jump off this evening as the only clear round!"
The celebration began in the box and the Bruce, Selina, Richard and Kori made it down to the ring for the presentation for winning the Grand Prix.
TtTtTtTtTt
Bruce and Dick headed over to the barn to check on Nightwatch and Selina and Kori headed back to the box. A party back at the apartment was a given, this was a huge win.
"Kori, is everything alright with Dick?" Selina asked as they walked across the show grounds to the grandstand.
"Oh, Selina I think everything will be fine, its just that Richard is upset about meeting Karras."
"The Tamaranian that is married to your friend Taryia?"
"Yes."
"Why would that upset Dick?"
"I was engaged to Karras when I was 19."
Selina looked shocked and stopped.
Kori quickly added, "it was an arranged engagement that lasted about 4 months."
"Does Dick know that?"
"He does."
"I don't know what to tell you Kori, he doesn't seem like the jealous type."
"I am not sure about that, but I am certain it will be fine," Kori relied, "but can you not mention it to the others until Richard and I have a change to work this through?"
"Of course Kori."
"Thank you Selina."
TtTtTtTtTt
After about 20 minutes, Kori was anxious to see Richard and headed over to the barn assuring Selina that they would try to make it over to the apartment for the celebration later. On the way to the shedrow, she passed Bruce.
"Looking for Dick, Kori?" Bruce asked.
"Yes I am."
"Good. See if you can't get him out of the funk he is in. He should be celebrating."
"I will do my best. Hopefully we will see you later at the apartment."
"I look forward to it."
Back at the barn Kori found Richard 'cold hosing' Bully's AKA Nightwatch's legs.
"Hi Kori"
"Hello Richard, how are things?"
"I think Bully will be fine, I'm just going to hose his legs for a while."
"Richard, I am sorry about earlier, I wish they hadn't come tonight. We should be celebrating."
"Yeah, that's what Bruce said. He figured out what was wrong."
In Tamaranian, Kori said, "Perhaps I should tell you about what happened between Karras and myself. You seem to be torturing yourself."
"Kori I'm not sure I want to know," he replied. The conversation continued in Tamaranian so they could have privacy as the barn was not empty.
"Richard, trust me, I do not believe it is not as bad as you think."
"Kori, the thought of any man with you makes me see red..."
"Is that not a bit," she paused for a moment but he finished the thought for her.
"Hypocritical? Yes it is, but that doesn't make it any easier for me. I'm sorry." Richard certainly had been with alot of women, but he had never be engaged before.
"Do not apologize, Richard. It was a surprise to you. But you have to understand that Karras and I," Kori heard a small growl in his throat but continued, "were not very intimate."
He cocked an eyebrow at her.
"We did kiss but it did not go beyond what I believe is referred to as above the clothes, above the waist 'petting'"
Richard chuckled, "yes that is how it can be described." Then there was a beat, "that's all?"
"Yes Richard. When I met Karras I had only been kissed by one man and that was you. I also never felt 'the feelings' for him. I had no reason to share myself with him."
Richard smiled, relieved. "Thank you for telling me."
"You are welcome. We are supposed to celebrate the win tonight. How does Bully look now?"
"I think he's fine, we can go soon. I'm not sure why he wouldn't make that turn for Greg, but there must have been a reason."
"Perhaps Bully is smarter than Greg?" she replied with a smile.
Richard was warmed by that. She really was paying attention. "I think you hit the nail on the head."
Kori knitted her brow for a moment and Richard realized she might not be familiar with the expression. "It means that you are correct."
"But perhaps it was not only his superior intelligence," Richard snorted in laughter, "how are his legs?"
She really is thinking about this. "His legs are fine as far as I can tell but I've hosed them for 40 minutes to be sure."
"He did not take a sharp turn, correct?" Kori asked. He nodded as she concentrated, visualizing the stress points for such a the sharp turn on the horse. "How is his back, perhaps above his hip?"
"I'm not sure," he answered and then realized she was right. "Great idea Kori, lets check. Can you hold the hose?"
Kori held the hose over the horse's leg as Richard had been ad Richard felt along the horse's spine. He pressed above the right hip and the horse twitched his tail and shifted his weight.
"You're right Kori! You're brilliant! We'll turn off the hose for now," he said and then picked her up and spun her around. "I'm not happy he's sore but we would have never found it! I'll get the vet over now to check it."
Within 30 minutes the vet and his assistant was there and using ultrasound on the horse's back. A quick call to the trainer and arrangements were made for him to come back to the barn and get Bully tucked in for the night. Kori and Richard could actually make it to the party.
TtTtTtTtTt
After deliberating over going back to the hotel to change, Richard and Kori decided to wash up as best they could and head over to the party from the barn. The celebration was in full swing and Richard told everyone how Kori, who had very little experience with horses, had figured out where to check to see if the horse was sore and that by doing so and getting the vet there tonight, there was a good chance he could compete the next two nights.
Bruce was thrilled, Greg was a bit flabbergasted and embarrassed that he hadn't thought to even look for a problem.
Kori was so happy and felt so supported by her friends and so loved by Richard. They were tired but stayed and celebrated late into the night, making back to the hotel by just before 3 AM.
TtTtTtTtTt
Kori changed into a embroidered satin lavender short nightgown that Richard had not seen and his breath caught slightly when he saw her cross the room. As he had the previous few nights, he only wore satin pajama pants.
"You know Richard, perhaps you just needed 'the space' the other night like you needed earlier tonight," Kori commented, referring to Richard's need to walk around earlier that evening to clear his head after meeting Karras. "Perhaps I had no right to be upset."
"No Kori," Richard said emphatically. "The other night was different – it was about us, realizing our past together and not just about me. I should never have left, you have every right to have been upset but I do hope that you'll forgive me."
"I believe I am ready to forgive you."
Richard captured her lips in a tender kiss. When they stopped to take a breath, he looked into her eyes as he said, "Thank you Kori."
They kissed slowly, mindfully and the emotions of it was incredible. Kori hoped Richard was over his jealousy but doubted it. As they continued to kiss, she took his right hand in her left and guided it to the bodice of her gown, over the material, making sure he knew it was fine with her if he touched her.
TtTtTtTtTt
Kori woke to an empty bed. When she touched the sheets they were cool and she realized Richard must have been out of bed for some time. She scanned the room and saw him standing by the window. Kori knew he must be still hurt over my engagement to Karras and must have been up thinking about it for some time.
Kori's smiled when she thought about right before they had fallen asleep, when he had been so gentle, not pushing her at all, just caressing her for a short time over her gown before they fell asleep in each other's arms.
Kori tried not to make a sound as she walked over to use the bathroom. Still as stealthily as possible, she came out and wrapped her arms around Richard, pressing against him and placing her check on his muscular back.
"Kori?"
"I should hope so Richard."
His breath hitched in his throat, "Do you mean to be, uh, undressed?"
Kori giggled softly, "Why yes Richard, although I am merely topless."
He swallowed hard. That'll do.
He processed this and marveled at the feeling of her naked chest on his bare skin of his back. He thought about how much he wanted to see her topless but didn't want to be too obvious. Plus he needed a moment to rein it in a bit. He hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise.
"Kori, are you sure?"
"Of course Richard. I would like you to come back to bed and perhaps continue with what we started before for a little bit?"
Richard turned to face her, catching sight of her in the small amount of moonlight coming through the window, "I would love that." He couldn't help but take a longer look, "Kori, you are more beautiful than I imagined."
"Thank you Richard." She was amazed that she was not at all self conscious. "Now come, Richard, sleep by my side," she said as she took him by the hand and lead him back to the bed.
TtTtTtTtTt
Alright – I want to make this clear, they are still waiting to have sex! Kori wanted to share more of herself with Richard than she had with anyone else. No one else had seen her topless...
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It will remain a 'T', but if there are concerns, please PM me. Remember, these are consenting adults in a committed, exclusive relationship... And I am not changing the plot, they are waiting until their wedding night and their wedding will happen in the sequel.
The Horse Show will end soon and then its back to Washington, DC and real life.
Thank you for reading my stories and please review, review, review (and/or PM)