Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 70097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
21
GRANT
I watched 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.
Jacob’s cheeks pinkened, and his lips parted. It was well worth being embarrassingly sappy to see him like that.
“Come on. Follow me.”
I led him through the woods on a trail, then to a meadow where I slowed. He did the same, stopping almost as easily as I did.
I slid from Zion’s back, and Jacob watched me curiously.
“What are you doing?”
“I thought we could relax here and let the horses graze before we head back.”
“Relax?”
“I brought a blanket, and we can sit in the shade.”
“That sounds great, but I’m trying to figure out if relax is code for…”
I pretended to be shocked. “In front of these impressionable horses?”
“I’m more worried about any human that might head out this way.”
“No one will. Come sit with me.”
“Um…” He glanced down. “It’s a little far to the ground.”
I grinned. I’d forgotten he wasn’t used to dismounting on his own.
I patted Zion’s rump and told him to stay put before walking over to Jacob, who hungrily watched my every move. He might pretend he was apprehensive about fucking out here, but he looked like he was ready to jump me as soon as he was out of the saddle.
“Swing your leg over, and I’ll help you down.”
I slid my hand over Jacob’s rounded ass before gripping his hips and holding him against me as I let him slide down my body. Biscuit snorted, obviously annoyed with us and wanting to get on with eating clover.
Jacob tried to turn to face me, but I kept my hands closed tightly around his hips. I nuzzled his neck, and he tilted his head to the side, giving me more access. Breathing deeply, I took in his scent, then nipped at his tender skin as I worked my way up to his ear.