James’s brows pulled together. “What?”
“The one you were talking about?”
James’s eyes widened and he charged out of the stall, forcing Shane to come with him as they wandered down the aisle. “No, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring that sort of thing up in front of her.”
Shane laughed. “If she’s not the girl, then why does it matter?”
He ignored the question. “The things we discuss as friends aren’t meant to be repeated in front of my employees.”
“Oh.” Shane winked. “I get it. She’s a potential rebound.”
James glowered. “Of course not. I’m teaching her how to be a vet. That would be highly inappropriate.”
They stared each other down for a moment before Shane glanced back toward Constance. “Then you wouldn’t mind if I ask her out?”
It was on the tip of his tongue. He wanted so bad to tell Shane to stay far away from Constance.
He could state several reasons. There were rules in her household, for heaven’s sake. She wouldn’t be able to date anyway. Shane hadn’t been interested in looking for a serious relationship.
But something inside James knew those weren’t the real reasons he wasn’t thrilled about Shane’s interest.
At some point he’d started to develop an interest himself. As much as he hated to admit it, he wanted to explore the possibility of starting something with her. But where would that put him?
In the exact same place he had been when he’d dated Brielle.
It would be unwise to put himself through that again. And yet he was willing to do just that. Or at least a part of him was willing to do so.
James shook his head. “Don’t bother. She’s a Callahan. Her father wouldn’t let you get near her.”
Shane tilted his head and chuckled. “I see.”
“No, you don’t.”
He laughed again and started for the barn entrance. “Say what you will, James, but it doesn’t mean I believe it.”
James hurried after him. “If you’re insinuating that I’m trying to get closer to her—”
Shane slowed, giving James a sideways glance. “You’re not?”
James groaned. “It’s like I said. Her father—”
The sound of approaching horse hooves from behind stopped him midsentence. Constance smiled at them as she passed. “I’ll take her to the closest corral.”
Shane nodded. “We’ll be right there.” He waited until Constance was out of earshot before he turned to face James. “Either you want her for yourself, or you don’t care and I can take a crack at her. Speak up now or I’m going to ask her out.”
Before James could argue, he strode from the barn, leaving James to scramble after him. But by the time he caught up, he was too late.
10
Constance
Constance clicked her tongue and urged the pretty dapple grey horse to shift into a canter. Movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention and she glanced up to find Shane hurrying toward her with James a few yards behind.
Shane’s handsome smile filled his face and he moved with purpose. The only way she could describe James’s expression was one of terror. It was enough to make her chuckle. She hadn’t realized they were so comfortable with each other. Based on the way they were talking in hushed tones in the barn, she would wager they were actually pretty good friends.
Opposites must attract in this situation. Shane was far more confident in the way he carried himself. He was a born salesman, so that made sense. He had the ability to command attention, too. He was tall, put together, with dark hair and the most piercing blue eyes she had ever seen.
Shane was the kind of guy she would expect to find on the cover of one of those romance novels that made her blush. But he wasn’t really her type.