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Tristan lifted a brow, the corners of his mouth quirking with amusement and climbed into the car. “And if it wasn’t?” The ride to the Callahan’s ranch wasn’t that long. They might even get there before Shane figured it out.
Shane chuckled. “Well, it’s not Brielle. Everyone knows this isn’t her thing.”
“How well do you know Brielle?”
“We’ve talked a few times when she’s come by for one thing or another. Definitely not worth the trouble, if you know what I mean.” Shane settled back in his seat. “The stories that circulate around that woman.” He whistled. “You could fill several books.”
Tristan held back a chuckle, but still, a sound came out that gave him away. Shane stiffened and turned toward him.
“You didn’t.”
“I didn’t do anything.” Tristan feigned mock innocence.
“Please tell me you didn’t let Dianna set me up with that woman.”
Tristan peeked at Shane. “What’s the matter? Are you scared?”
Shane folded his arms like he was a child. “I’m not scared of going on a blind date. Do I want to have to deal with the gossips in town who insist on making something out of nothing? No.”
“Who says it will turn out to be nothing? Maybe the two of you will hit it off and you just didn’t realize how good you could be together.”
Shane let out a snort. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you knew her. You’re still new.Andyou only have your experience with Dianna to compare things to. Those Callahan sisters all have their quirks, but Brielle is the one that takes the cake.”
Tristan glanced at him once more out of the corner of his eye. “Dianna had mentioned that her father had been pretty strict when she was younger.”
He let out a derisive laugh. “That’s the understatement of the century. At one point I had nearly considered asking Brielle out—before Zeke had changed his rule—and I quickly learned you can’t just go on a date with her and not suffer some kind of consequence. I missed out when her older sister found Sean. Brielle? Nope.”
“I’m sure you’re exaggerating. Maybe you should stop listening to the gossip yourself and try to get to know her one-on-one.”
Shane took in a deep breath and let it out. “You’re lucky we’re friends.”
“I know.”
“And if anything goes wrong with her tonight, I’m blaming you.”
Tristan chuckled. “Everything will go just fine. You’ll see.”
“Not if we don’t get back on time. I need to greet my guests.”
They pulled up in front of the house and Tristan shut off the engine. “Then let’s round up our women and get back.”
Shane gave him a blank look.
“What?” Tristan asked.
“You’re starting to sound like a country boy.”
He pushed open the door and Shane did the same. They stared at one another over the top of the car. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Shane’s face broke into a smile. “You’re sounding more and more like the cowboys out here. You’re not planning on making this move permanent, are you? Because that would be great.”
Tristan’s hand covered his wrist over his watch, and he spun it around absently. “I don’t know.”
“I knew it. You’ve totally grown attached. You like it here.” He paused and peered at Tristan with narrowed eyes. “You’re falling for her.”
Stiffening, Tristan looked toward the house. “There’s a lot about this place that would be good for Mathew. I can see us settling down here. And yes, I’d be lying if I said that Dianna doesn’t play a part.”
“Abigpart. That’s why you’ve invited her to the party tonight.” He waved his finger at Tristan. “And you were playing it off like it wasn’t a big deal. Come on, man. We’re friends. She’s my employee. You should have told me. I could have given her a little push—”
