“You’re not the first. Welcome to town.” Gavin fished a business card from his pocket and handed it to Gunner. “You won’t be in need of construction, but if you need anything at all, just give me a call. I know all the best restaurants.”
“That’s awfully nice. Thank you.”
“You’ll find most folks around here are helpful and welcoming.”
Charlotte found her voice. “He’s right. You won’t have any trouble fitting in and making friends.” He’d only be here six months—had some big job opportunity come November—but no reason he couldn’t settle in a bit.
“Good to know.” Gunner eased away and confirmed with Charlotte that he’d be there in the morning.
And then she was alone with Gavin. She shifted awkwardly.
“I stopped by to inspect the footers. I’ll be checking in regularly and doing the framing along with Wes. We’re pretty hands-on with the business.”
“That’s what he said. That’s great.” Could he hear the slight quiver in her voice?
“I didn’t get into this business because I liked sitting behind a desk.”
“Of course. I feel the same.” There were so many things she wanted to ask him—things that had nothing to do with construction—but they all jumbled up in her throat. She couldn’t ask them anyway.
“Makes sense. It’s a great property. Your new stable will be a real asset.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
“I don’t think I ever extended my condolences on the loss of your mother. I didn’t really know her, but she was well-liked in town. And known for taking great care of her horses.”
It had been nine months, but the mention of her mother still awakened that vacant spot inside her. “Thank you. She loved them like they were her babies, and I intend to do the same.”
“You’re off to a good start.” He glanced back at the stable. “That’ll be the Taj Mahal of barns.”
Her last effort to save this ranch. “Go big or go home.”
His eyes twinkled. “I like the way you think. Wes and I will be around most of next week and the one after, framing. You’ll be surprised how fast it goes up. The rest will require patience. As I’m sure he mentioned, we do our best to stay on schedule, but sometimes weather interrupts our plans or there are material delays. But we’ll have her up by first of July.”
“He explained all that. We’re good. You guys have a good name around here.”
“We’ll try to live up to it then. If you don’t have any questions for me, I’ve got another job to check on.”
She wished she could come up with an intelligent query because she didn’t want him to leave just yet. But she didn’t know a footer from a fan belt. “Nope, I think I’m good.”
“All right then. We’ll see you bright and early Monday.”
“Sounds good.”
He began walking away.
Maybe she could’ve said “good” one more time. And he’d caught her staring at his lips!Great impression, Charlotte.She covered her eyes.
He probably wanted to run screaming from her property. He’d probably go home and tell his wife about the awkward little horse rancher who had a big, fat crush on him.
She shuddered. Because he couldn’t be more wrong. If she was curious to the point of stalking and staring, it was only because she was too afraid to come out and tell him the truth. That at the age of twenty-six, her only blood relative deceased, Charlotte had just discovered she had three biological siblings—and one of them was Gavin Robinson.
“Who was the hottie on the motorcycle?” Charlotte’s younger sister barged into the house a minute behind Charlotte and headed for the fridge. At twenty-one Emerson had long since lost the innocent waiflike appearance she’d had when she and her dad had come into Charlotte’s life. Now she was two inches taller than Charlotte’s five feet two and sported a trim, athleticbuild. With her blue eyes and thick blonde hair that hung to the small of her back, she put Charlotte in mind of a Disney princess.
“Hello to you too. That was our new horse trainer, Gunner. I just gave him an impromptu interview, and he passed with flying colors.” From her spot at the sink, Charlotte gave Emerson a pointed look. “And he’s way too old for you.”
Emmie waggled her brows. “But not for you.”
“Ranch employees are off-limits.”
