Page 51 of Enticed
“Why’s that?”
“Because I’m offering riding lessons, so it would be a waste of your time.” He held my gaze, his eyes boring into me like they could see straight to my soul.
“Time spent with you could never be a waste,” he said so low I could barely hear him over the auctioneer.
“Gabe,” I breathed, unsure what to say. How did I put into words the swell of emotions filling my chest and threatening to cut off my air.
“Jasmine Hayes,” the auctioneer called, and both our heads snapped in his direction. He motioned to me with his hand, and the crowd turned my way. I offered them an awkward wave. He continued, announcing the opening bid for my riding lessons. The bids went on longer and rose much higher than I anticipated. Finally it was down to two bidders.
“Shit,” I hissed when I realized who one of them was.
“Shit’s a bad word,” Rory announced, and Gabe sighed.
“You’re not allowed to repeat the bad words when I’m right here to witness it. We’ve been over this.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. I covered my mouth to suppress a laugh, and he clocked the movement. His warning glare only fueled my mirth.
“Sorry, Dad. I forgot,” Rory said with a shrug.
“Sold to the gentleman in the blue shirt,” the auctioneer announced before I could apologize for cursing in front of his kid. Brad Prescott stood and collected a certificate from the assistant and immediately headed toward me.
“Oh no,” I groaned. I’d been successfully dodging Brad’s advances for three years, but it looked like my luck had just run out. He wore a pleased grin as he strode toward us.
“Is there a reason that guy just paid three times the normal cost to take riding lessons from you that won’t make me want to drop him down an abandoned well?” Gabe asked, his shoulders set tight and his jaw tense. Call me toxic, but this protective, possessive display from Gabe caused a fluttering in my chest and a tingling between my legs.
“Probably not,” I replied, my voice sounding huskier than I’d intended. Gabe turned to face me, and his eyes flared at whatever he saw in my expression.
“Jasmine, hey,” Brad said, trying to get my attention. I reluctantly pulled my gaze away from Gabe and settled it on Brad.
“Hi, Brad. Congrats on your winning bid.”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to get started.” He raked his gaze down my body, openly leering at me right in front of Gabe. “Why don’t you give your number so I can call you to set up our first lesson?”
“How about you give me yours, and I’ll let you know when I have an opening?” There was no way in hell I was giving him my number. I’d call him from Rowan’s phone and let him explain tomy big brother if he decided to save the number and try calling me back.
“Sure,” he agreed and rattled off his number while I entered it into my phone.
“You want to get out of here and go grab some dinner?” he asked. I felt rather than saw Gabe stiffen next to me.
“I can’t. I promised this little sweetheart I’d take her on all the rides,” I said, reaching for Rory and pulling her in front of me. Technically, that was a lie. I’d made no such promise, but I had intended to do it. I just hadn’t gotten around to it yet.
“Oh.” Disappointment tinged his words, but he wouldn’t be deterred. “How about afterward? Maybe we can hang out. Grab a drink at Spokes & Spurs?”
Before I could respond, Gabe stepped up to him, his menacing scowl wiping the smarmy grin off Brad’s face. “Take a hint, pal. She doesn't want to go out with you.” Brad swallowed hard. Gabe wasn’t much bigger than him, but he had that rugged cowboy, ready-to-throw-hands-at-the-drop-of-a-hat look to him. Brad got facials and wore loafers. They were not the same.
Brad took a step back and held up his hands. “Hey, man, we’re old friends. I just wanted to catch up. That’s all.” Gabe didn’t respond. He just glared at him. “See ya around, Jasmine,” Brad called to me as he backed away. He turned on his heel and quickly scurried off.
Holy shit, what was wrong with me? Normally, I’d be furious with someone butting in like that, but when Gabe did it, it was a huge turn-on.
“Are you okay?” Gabe asked, concern filling his eyes as he reached for my hand. His fingers gently wrapped around my wrist. “Your heart is racing. Did he scare you?”
“No,” I replied. Damn it, I was panting too.
And I was wet, but I kept that tidbit to myself.
“Let’s um … go ride some rides,” I said, attempting a chipper tone.
“Finally,” Rory rejoiced.
Gabe and I took her around to all the rides. I got on some of the bigger ones with her while Gabe stood by and watched, holding onto Rory’s stuffed chinchilla and occasionally taking pictures.
