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“I think all the time so I can keep everyone safe.”
But who keeps you safe?I didn’t ask it out loud because I knew he’d brush off my concern. Maybe TJ had been right, maybe he did need someone like me to care for him. But would he ever admit it?
21
GRANT
Iwatched Jacob from my peripheral vision. He had a good seat. He really was a natural on a horse. With more practice, he’d have the skill to keep up with everyone here, except Rogue. I didn’t need him learning any tricks that were likely to break his neck. Jacob was good with the animals, gentle and kind, and he seemed to have no fear around them. He could be an asset to the ranch.
Or he could leave here and live his life fully in the light instead of dodging fucking FBI agents who were trying to destroy what I was building or having to live side by side with men like TJ.
Jacob was right. TJ wasn’t really so bad, but he wasn’t good either, and death was just a part of who he was. It followed him, or he chased it. Jacob deserved more than that.
Have you asked Jacob what he wants?
How the hell had Rogue’s voice gotten into my head?
Jacob and I picked up our pace to a good trot, but my horse was itching to move faster.
“How do you feel about cantering to the tree line?” I pointed ahead of us.
Jacob frowned. “You think I can?”
“What really matters is whether you do. Your horse will know if you’re hesitant or scared. You need to believe it before you ask the horse to do it.”
“I can do it.”
I smiled. His confidence was sexy as hell. Even when I knew he had doubts, he went into things full tilt, like the night he’d come to me in the parking lot of the bar.
You knew then you weren’t going to let him go.
I pushed that thought from my mind.
“Let’s go, then. Keep your gaze on your destination and stay focused on controlling the horse.”
“I will.”
“Okay, I’m going to let you go first. Once I see that you’re comfortable, Zion and I will follow.”
I reined Zion in, bringing him to a stop. As I knew she would, Biscuit kept trotting along until Jacob tapped her sides with his heels, giving her the signal to speed up. Once they were cantering ahead of us, I signaled to Zion to increase his pace.
I glanced over at Jacob when we were side by side. The smile on his face made my chest tighten.
Pure joy. That was what that look was. And he made me feel it too. I was happier with him than I’d been in a very long time. Even in the midst of all the hell we had going on at the ranch, Jacob could make me smile. Most days before he’d arrived, I was just moving forward, doing what I had to. I would have said I was fine, content even, but I wasn’t happy. Jacob being there even made working with the horses better, and he made me see my brothers differently.
I needed him. I loved him.
If I hadn’t been as experienced as I was, I might have fallen off Zion as the strength of those feelings hit.
When we reined in our mounts before the tree line, Jacob still had a huge smile on his face.
“I did it.”
“You did. I’m impressed.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Everything about you impresses me.” Damn that was sappy as shit.
