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When It's Right(39)

By:Jennifer Ryan


Blake didn’t like it one bit. Rage boiled in his gut.

“No harm in saying hello and trying to get to know her.”

“She’s not here looking for a date. She’s here to get better and raise her kid brother. She’s had a rough time and needs a little breathing room. Give it to her. It’s the last time I’m asking.”

“Doesn’t sound like you’re asking at all, boss.”

Back to the “boss” crap, which meant Ken wasn’t going to do a damn thing Blake asked. “Let me put it to you this way. Bud has made it clear that your job and every other man’s job on this ranch depends upon them leaving Gillian alone.”

Ken closed the distance and stood toe-­to-­toe with him. Blake glared down at the shorter man. The height difference didn’t bother the cocky asshole. Well, bring it on. Blake wasn’t in the mood. If Ken wanted a fight, Blake was happy to oblige. He’d been in a few bar fights and his share of scuffles with his brothers. He could hold his own against the likes of Ken. Then he thought of Gillian and how it would make her feel if he decked Ken right in his smug mouth. She’d be afraid of him for sure, so Blake unclenched his hands and settled into a look of relaxed boredom.

“Then I guess that means you, too, boss.”

Yes, it did, but it wouldn’t stop Blake from doing what he’d promised—­protect Gillian. He liked his job. It was the job he wanted for the rest of his life. He didn’t want to lose it, but he’d never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Gillian. It went deeper than his desire to get his hands on her. He wanted to know everything about her.

“Don’t look so down, boss. I guess if you stay away from the granddaughter, you’ll get to keep your job, too.”

“I’ll be with her all the time.”

That put a frown on Ken’s smug face.

“I’ll be sitting at the table taking my meals with her and the family. I’ll be the one watching out for her.” Blake took a step closer, backing Ken up a step, making sure he got the message: Blake was the boss, and taking him on wasn’t in Ken’s best interest.

“Go after Gillian, and you’ll find me in your path.” Blake let those words settle in Ken’s mind. “Now, you’re supposed to be up at the training ring until two, and then you have two owners coming to ride today. Make sure their horses are ready when they get here. Slacking off on your job to make time to chase after Miss Tucker is only going to get you fired faster.”

Blake walked away hoping that didn’t go for him, too, because he was having a damn hard time remembering his job was to protect her, not chase after her.





Chapter 14



Blake found Gillian outside standing next to Bud with her good foot on the fence and her arms hanging over the top. Justin rode in circles, with Dee holding the lead rope on his mount. Justin called out for Gillian to watch every few seconds.

“I’m watching. You’re doing great.”

Blake stepped up beside her, closer than Bud on her other side. She didn’t spook, so he didn’t back away. To assure himself she was okay after her encounter with Ken, he ran his hand softly down her hair. He barely touched her. Just enough to feel the silky strands and unknot his gut. “You all right?”

Her head snapped to him at his light touch. Pain flashed in her eyes. She scrunched up her shoulders and cocked her head sideways to ease the ache from her abrupt movements.

“Oh God, sweetheart. I’m sorry. Take a breath.”

“It’s all right. I’m fine.” But she did take a calming breath and gave him an annoyed glare.

Bud eyed him behind Gillian’s back. Yep, Bud watched him, ready to step in and protect her.

“Did Ken introduce himself, or was it something else?” Blake wanted her take on Ken and whether she was interested in the guy. He sure as hell wanted to know if Ken acted out of line.

“He might have gotten closer than I’d like, but that’s probably more me than him. The other guys on the ranch stare at me. He’s the first to ask about my injuries, that’s all.”

No, that wasn’t all. If Gillian knew Ken’s interest went deeper than her injuries, she didn’t let on.

Bud closed the gap between them. “Was he bothering you?”

This time, Gillian read their intense interest and stepped off the rail, backing away a few steps. “Both of you stop. You’re putting too much into something that’s nothing. He’s just interested because I’m new around here. Trust me, the shine will wear off. Everyone will get used to my presence.”

Blake frowned, not buying her casual dismissal. No way Ken backed off. Not when he’d made it clear, at least to Blake, that he wanted Gillian. Still, she didn’t show any interest in getting to know Ken. Blake tried to tamp down his worry. If she wouldn’t let him and Bud close to her, not likely she’d let Ken anywhere near her either. Right? He hoped so.