“I don’t believe he’s dating anyone.”
This time she did meet his gaze. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
Uh-oh. The way her voice softened, carrying with it an almost timid tone, didn’t sound like her question would be something he’d want to answer. Then again, this was Constance. How bad could it be? “Sure.”
She traced her finger around her ear, but there was nothing for her to tuck. “What are you looking for in a girl?”
Back to the dating thing. He should have known. “I don’t really have alist.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.”
He bit back a smile. Constance probably shouldn’t know how much she was amusing him. He didn’t believe that he had the power to influence anyone, but if Brielle believed that Constance was already interested in him, he should play it safe.
Keep it professional.
“A list. Okay. If I had to pick some characteristics about the woman I’d be interested in, I’d have to say she needs to make me laugh. But she can’t be a clown. She needs to be intelligent and willing to fight for what she wants. But also know when to step back so I can feel like I’m needed.” He peeked at Constance. “None of that made sense, did it?”
“Oh, I think it did,” she murmured quietly before she turned to look out the window.
“Kind.”
“What?” She glanced at him, then pulled her focus away.
“She has to be kind. I want to find a girl who, just by looking at her, I know she has a good heart. Those sorts of women are hard to find these days.”
“Yeah,” she murmured. “I suppose the same could be said about men, too.”
“I think you’re right.”
James’s thoughts took on a life of their own as he turned into the country club’s parking lot. They drove along the paths leading out back where the barn, corrals and object courses were located. Sean was in a corral, doing some training. There were other ranch hands working with various other therapeutic animals.
When he shot a look in Constance’s direction, he was momentarily distracted. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. They darted back and forth, soaking in every single detail that she could.
“I knew Shane had started developing this part of the club, but I didn’t realize just how far he’d come. There has to be enough room for one hundred horses at least,” she said.
“I think he plans on filling every single stall.”
She turned wide eyes on him. “You’re kidding.”
He shook his head, secretly loving the excitement in her voice.
She continued, “I guess he’ll be keeping you really busy.”
“You, too.”
Her brows creased and her focus darted out to the fields, corrals, and track that were all set up. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“Remember when I said he wants to have a grand opening in December? Well, I figure you’ll be coming along for every visit by that point. We’ll both be busy.”
Constance grinned. “Really?”
“Of course.” He motioned for her to follow him toward one of the barns. “I have other people helping out at the clinic. But when I have to make site visits, I like to bring someone with me. Seeing as you’re still training, I assumed that would be you.”
She’d fallen behind and had to run to catch up to him. “That sounds amazing,” she said breathlessly. “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can. I was talking to my sister the other day and I realized that I need to have something to fall back on.”
He slowed his steps. “Something to fall back on?”
“Yeah,” she hesitated. “If something were to happen and I had to move away or…” She shrugged. “I just want to make sure that I can take care of myself.”