“It’s none of Blake’s business what I do, and I’m perfectly fine physically. But I’m messed up emotionally, Gabe. I’m working on straightening myself out, but you don’t need that in your life,” Chloe told him sadly.
He shook his head slowly, thoughtfully. “You’re going to be okay, Chloe. You’re strong.”
She smiled at him weakly. “Not yet, but I think I will be.” Suddenly, Chloe knew that someday, she would be okay. “Show me the ranch if you’re not going to take me to bed.”
Gabe’s expression turned dark. “Don’t push me, woman. I don’t have that much control.”
Gabe Walker was full of crap. He had kindness, honor, and integrity. “You’ll live,” she told him teasingly.
He took her hand and pulled it to his body, centering it right over his hard cock. “You’re going to make it hell to ride a horse,” he complained.
Chloe tentatively traced the large erection straining the zipper of his jeans. “Because of me?” Entranced, she squeezed him gently.
“You’re my damn obsession, Chloe, my fantasy. Hell yes, it’s because of you,” Gabe growled, pulling her hand away from his crotch and hanging onto it as he led her out the door. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
Chloe let him tug her out the door, too shocked by the thought of being any man’s fantasy to say a single word.
The next week was both Heaven and Hell for Gabe. He was getting completely addicted to Chloe, and they made rounds together every morning, talking about what he wanted to accomplish with each mare that was due to foal in the spring.
She had a true affinity with horses, and the more time he spent with Chloe, the more he appreciated her intelligence and spirit.
His heart had ached when he’d gifted Chloe with a gelding Palomino that he’d had sent in especially for her after she’d decided to take a position here at the ranch. He’d questioned Aileen, trying to find out what type of horse Chloe would like to have. When Chloe’s mom had mentioned that her daughter had always had a fondness for Palominos, and that her childhood horse had died while Chloe was in vet school, Gabe had gone on the hunt for the perfect mount for her.
Since there wasn’t much casual about the horse’s registered name, Chloe had dubbed the gelding Prince because she said he looked like a fairy tale horse, and she’d burst into tears just because he’d gotten her a damn Palomino. Granted, Prince was a beauty of a horse…but Christ! He was a horse rancher. Was it really that big of a deal that he’d sought out a good gelding for her?
She’d said it was amazing, and that she’d never been given a better gift. Gabe had been confused, wondering what kind of gifts Chloe had gotten in the past if a damn horse touched her that much. But considering that her ex hadn’t even bothered to buy her an engagement ring, maybe he did kind of understand.
Chloe was an excellent rider, and his fear that Prince would be too much horse for her was quickly dispelled. She handled the spirited animal as well as she handled him, which was a little too well for his liking. Even though he didn’t want her working full days yet, she’d jumped right into her job, checking out the mares, doing ultrasounds on the pregnant females, checking their diets, vaccinating, and scurrying around doing what seemed like a hundred things at one time. Most nights, she got home about the same time he did, and Gabe didn’t like it. She’d be worn out before spring.
His staff all loved her, but Gabe had never doubted that they would. Even his general manager, Calvin, acted like he was half in love with her, and the man was close to retirement age, for God’s sake. All Chloe had to do was turn that pretty smile of hers on any of his men, and they adored her.
I should know. I’m one of those guys who can’t resist her smile.
It was getting harder and harder to be in the same room with her without wanting to rip her clothes off and nail her against just about any surface that was handy. Gabe wasn’t sure how much longer his will would be able to overcome his desperate need to bury his cock so deep inside her that she’d never want another man again.
Not happening, Walker. Forget it. She’s Blake’s sister.
“Screw Blake,” he whispered to himself as he left the restroom and headed back to the dinner table. “Where was Blake when she needed protection? Bastard.” His best friend wasn’t home yet on recess from Congress, but Gabe planned on having a long discussion with him about his family responsibilities when he got back. Either that, or Gabe was determined to watch out for Chloe himself. More than likely, he’d end up looking out for her anyway. He couldn’t seem to help himself.
He arrived back at the dining room table to see his oldest cousin in what looked like a serious discussion with Chloe.
Trace Walker was currently an unwanted guest. Gabe didn’t like the way he’d assessed Chloe thoroughly when he’d arrived—unexpected, as usual—that afternoon. Trace had a place in Denver, and he was there fairly often on business. He usually landed his jet on the Colter airstrip to visit when he was coming in and out of town. Occasionally, he drove to Rocky Springs for a visit, but it didn’t happen often. Trace was all about business almost all the time.
Gabe usually enjoyed his company whenever he passed by. Today…not so much.
He’s a few years younger than Chloe. She needs somebody more mature than Trace.
As he sat back down at the table, he had to admit that Trace was pretty damn responsible. Gabe’s uncle had been just as rich as his father, and Trace had picked up the reins of his father’s business admirably after the latter’s death. Trace might be young, but he was far from immature. Not that Gabe really wanted to admit that right now. At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to punch his cousin in the face to keep him from getting so damn close to Chloe.