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Brielle was completely wrong regarding her opinions of James. It didn’t matter how many guys she’d dated or spent time with. She wasn’t going to be right about all of them.
The air had seemed to thin out all the tension that had once surrounded them. They each started eating their sandwiches and their chatter returned to subjects that weren’t as taboo for a first date. James talked about his experiences in college. Their conversation shifted to his veterinary clinic and the plans he had for it in the future.
“Ideally, I’d like you to come work with me for the long haul.”
She choked on some of the water she had in her mouth and her head ducked down as she attempted to clear her throat. “What?”
“You have to have known that.” He shot her a boyish grin. “I’ve seen the way you pick up on things. I can tell you have a knack for this sort of stuff. I know your father would probably want you to stick around the ranch, and I’d be willing to share.”
She bit back a laugh, not wanting a repeat of what had just happened. “You’re not kidding.”
“Of course not. I’m paying for your education—”
“Yeah, to help with training and to complete the contract we have.”
“Yes,” he drawled, “but that contract was just the beginning. I wasn’t going to lock you into anything until we figured out how much you like it. Seriously, I could use another veterinarian for when things get really busy. What do you say?”
Constance wiped at her mouth with her napkin. There were so many other variables in making that kind of decision. What if their relationship didn’t work out? They’d be stuck together but not wanting to see one another. A short-term job wouldn’t be a problem; there would be an end in sight. But to commit to something for the long haul? “I’m going to have to think about it.”
He nodded. “That’s fair. I just wanted to get it out there so you know what my expectations—or hopes were.”
“Thank you, James.”
“For what?”
“All of it. For helping me pay for my education even though my father could have done it if he really wanted to. And teaching me—allowing me to shadow you. It’s more than I could have ever dreamed.”
17
James
Their date couldn’t have gone better if he had spent years planning it. James was almost worried that she’d figured out he’d dated Brielle, the way she brought her sister up in the conversation. But everything worked out.
Constance hadn’t even really seemed to mind about his past, which was an amazing win. To top it all off, she’d agreed to go on another date with him for the upcoming weekend. There was only one problem.
And she was charging right at him.
Brielle grabbed his wrist harder than he thought was humanly possible and all but dragged him into the barn.
“Geez, Brielle. What’s your problem?”
She glowered at him and her voice lowered to a menacing hiss. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“What do you mean?” He rubbed his wrist where she’d held him too tight. “You’re going to have to be clearer if you’re going to want me to help you out.”
She let out a sound that was a growl and a groan combined. “You know perfectly well what I’m talking about.” She blew a stray strand of hair from her face and the color in her cheeks deepened to match the red hue of her shirt.
If he’d still had a crush on her, he might have thought this little temper tantrum was adorable. But somewhere along the way, he’d lost that spark he’d carried for her all these years. James folded his arms and frowned at her. “I’m going to have to ask you to clarify what you’re talking about.”
She threw her hands into the air and paced in front of him. “Did you know that before Constance started to spend time with you, she had never broken any rules?”
James snorted. “I find that hard to believe. Constance is human. She’s probably broken more rules than you realize—that is, if you’re referring to your father’s rules.”
Brielle growled again. “No. I assure you I would know.”
He shrugged. “Seems to me, you might not know her as well as you think you do.”
She stormed toward him, closing the distance so quickly he nearly tripped back a few steps. “Constance was the epitome of perfection. Now, she’s going out with you at all hours and lying about where she’s been. It’s only a matter of time before my father finds out, and then what do you think he’s going to say about her keeping up with her schooling?”
