When It's Right(35)

Justin brushed his hand down the foal’s neck. Maybe that’s all it would take, a gentle hand.

“Grandpa, can I give Grace an apple, too?”

Blake handed over a small piece. “Be careful. Babies aren’t as good about minding their manners. Keep your hand flat.”

“Where’s Gillian?” Justin asked for the fifth time. Although he enjoyed being with them, he still needed her.

“She’s coming.”

Ken walked up and slapped Blake on the back. Ken had been working at the ranch for about a year. Cocky, he didn’t much like being the one on a lower rung. He’d made it clear that he wanted Blake’s job. He didn’t have Blake’s smarts or his training skills. Ken was good at putting the horses through their paces, but he didn’t have the same heart and drive that made Bud choose Blake as a partner. Ken would either work the job he had for the rest of his years on this ranch, or he’d leave.

“Man, did you see the gorgeous blonde outside? Looks like she’s been in a car accident. It didn’t affect her fine ass. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Blake blocked the stall door and Ken’s ability to see Justin and Bud. Justin backed away, snuck around his grandfather, and hid behind Bud’s legs. His eyes lost their shine. Bud put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

Blake hated seeing the little boy frightened.

Here in the stables, guys were guys, and they talked and swapped tall tales. They used rough language and told crude jokes. Normal guy stuff. Exactly what Blake worried would bother someone like Gillian. Any woman, for that matter.

Anyone new on the ranch would draw attention, but the men would take special notice of a woman, especially one as beautiful as Gillian. Her injuries would spark even more curiosity. Ken’s interest set off a wave of unfamiliar jealousy inside Blake.

Easy way to put a stop to it. “I see you met Miss Tucker. Bud’s granddaughter.”

If Ken was smart, he’d understand that any attention he paid to Gillian could draw the boss’s attention, too.

Bud came forward out of the stall with Justin right beside him.

Ken’s eyes went wide, but he covered his surprise. “Ah, sorry, sir. I had no idea. My tongue ran away with me, I guess. It was just talk, that’s all.”

“There’ll be no talk about Gillian on this ranch,” Bud warned. “I know single women are few and far between in these parts, but you even look at her sideways, it’ll cost you dearly.”

Bud’s gaze shot from Ken to Blake and back. Blake got the message. That meant him, too.

Shit. If his interest in Gillian showed that much, he needed to rein it in.

“Gillian’s been hurt.” Blake didn’t say in what way or how. He’d let Ken think he meant her physical injuries. “She requires a lot of space, so give it to her.”

“Sure thing, boss.” Ken touched the brim of his hat.

Ken’s easy assurance didn’t fool Blake. Ken only called him “boss” when he wanted to pacify him. Blake wasn’t placated in the least. He sure as hell wasn’t convinced Ken would give Gillian the space she needed. If not, fine. Blake would keep Ken too busy to pay attention to her.

Maybe Blake was being too sensitive. Under other circumstances, he might have joked along with Ken. All in fun, but he couldn’t do it at Gillian’s expense. She wasn’t just some woman. She meant something to him. He respected her more than anyone else he’d ever known.

Before she arrived, he and Bud had discussed her coming to the ranch. They’d come to an agreement. Absolute zero tolerance for anyone making Gillian uncomfortable. This was her home, and she would live here without ever having to look over her shoulder. Blake assured Bud he’d take care of things. Before, it had simply been a chore added to his normal job. Now, it was his personal mission. Gillian was his responsibility, and he’d make damn sure no one made her want to leave. No one would ever hurt her again.

Ken glanced down at Justin, half hidden behind his grandfather. “Your mama sure is pretty.”

“She’s my sister.”

“Even better.” Ken’s voice held a ring of interest.

Blake wanted to make Ken understand that Gillian belonged to him. Not exactly a lie, just not true. He’d never been a possessive man, but Gillian brought out so many emotions in him. Hell, he was still trying to figure out what the jumbled mess making his stomach tight meant.

Justin took his grandfather’s hand. “I want Gillian now.”

“Put Grace back out with her mother,” Bud ordered Ken. He stepped closer. “Aren’t you supposed to be up at the training ring working with Domino?”