There were all kinds of questions like "Who is she? Why is Mr. Beaumont calling her 'mentor'? Is she the heiress of some powerful family? Does anyone know her? What's her relationship with Mr. Beaumont? What kind of 'mentor'? Is it some sort of pet name between lovers or something?"
The guests started discussing in hushed tones, most speculating about Paisley's identity and her connection to Nathaniel. Of course, not everyone was confused. Those who had been at the stables earlier, Nathaniel and Dominick's old schoolmates, already had some idea.
But even they couldn't hide their surprise. Sure, they knew Paisley was a world champion in equestrian sports, and they knew Nathaniel wanted to become her student. Still, seeing it play out like this caught them off guard.
One of them thought, 'So Nathaniel really is serious about becoming her student. It's not just talk. But...over horse riding? Isn't this a bit much?'
Nathaniel ignored the stares and whispers from the crowd, striding over to Paisley without a care. "Why are you only getting here now, Ms. Sutton? And why are you standing here all alone? Why didn't you come find me?"
She felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. With so many people around and the fact that she was Nathaniel's guest, she figured she had to give the guy at least a little face.
Leaning in slightly, Paisley lowered her voice and warned him, "Let me say this one more time. I am not your mentor. I don't have the time to teach you horseback riding. You'd better find someone else."
She paused, glanced up to meet his gaze, and continued firmly, "And another thing—don't call me 'mentor' in public anymore. It's embarrassing."
Nathaniel, standing a towering six-foot-three, loomed over Paisley by more than a full head. As she leaned forward and tilted her head up, her gaze landed on his sharp jawline and the curve of his smiling lips.
"Come on, Ms. Sutton, don't be so cold-hearted," he said with a playful tone. "I'm serious about making you my mentor. If this didn't feel sincere enough, I'll find another way to host you next time."
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