Page 57 of White Collar Rancher

Since when had she become Priya’s number-one fan?

“She’s at an ag convention with Farah all weekend.” Caleb pushed his empty bottle to the edge of the table.

“I should’ve gone to that one, too.” Lucas took a swig, his gaze roaming the bar. Whenever he was in here, he always seemed distracted. Was that his normal? Or did he come here for someone?

Thinking about it took Justin’s mind off Priya. Oh look. He was back.

Katherine mentioned that they’d met for lunch last weekend. It took all he had not to ask if she’d asked about him. Mentioned him. Said she wanted him back.

The mug hit the table, jerking him back into the conversation. Both men were staring at him. Had he missed something? “What?”

Lucas’s gaze stayed steady. “I asked how you’re doing, but you were spaced out.”

“Fine. I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine. Ever heard of scissors?” Lucas’s own hair was close cropped. The server approached. “Trina here might be able to tell you a good place to get a shave.” His light brown eyes glinted as he waited for her reaction.

Trina’s brown hair was trimmed short. Not quite a buzz cut, but barely long enough to style. It suited her don’t-fuck-with-me vibe better than her longer hair had.

Her glare could’ve melted the stool from under Lucas. It lightened when she looked at him and Caleb. He was only mildly interested in what was going on between the two, and only because he wanted to know if anyone was as miserable as him. “Can I get you two anything?”

“Not going to ask me?” Lucas waggled his mug.

She ignored him. “More of the same?”

Caleb handed her a twenty. “We’ll each take one more. Even jackass over here.”

Lucas’s expression sobered. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. I gotta be up early in the morning.” His sudden shift made them all give him a second glance, even Trina.

When she left, Caleb scowled at Lucas. “Is this one of those times they talk about the boy being mean because he likes the girl?”

Lucas shook his head. “I can’t get a reaction out of her for the life of me. We grew up next to each other.”

“Everyone thought you two would end up together. Until you married Shaylee.” Caleb shot him a bemused look. “That wedding was legend.”

Lucas snorted. “It should’ve been a sign that the marriage was doomed.” He shook his head, his gaze trailing after Trina, who’d disappeared behind the bar. “She won’t talk to me unless she’s forced to take my order.”

A spark of jealousy flared. At least there was still a reason for Lucas to talk to her. But Justin wouldn’t cross paths with Priya—ever. They lived on opposite sides of town. All her patients were women. She hardly went to bars. He hardly went out. The only thing binding them together was their friendship.

He missed it. Maybe that’s why he was reeling his way past their argument. He missed his friend. How calm she was when Isaiah was bringing down the house around them. Her love of baking. The food she cooked.

Over a month had gone by and at home, he picked up his socks, hung up his towels, and gave Isaiah’s toys a regular wash. She’d been right. The shower was easier to clean with that fancy soap. He’d never been a slob, but maybe he’d let things go out of spite. The ultramodern, sanitized life wasn’t him, but neither was how he’d lived since returning to Moore.

Earlier today, Justin had wandered through his kitchen, noting the age and inconvenience of everything. The space could use a major upgrade beyond new appliances. The house was forty years old. He could have part of a wall removed and open up the kitchen to the dining room. Make it airy and inviting. Modern. Moore modern. Not upscale-Denver modern.

“Holy shit.” Lucas’s voice broke through. “Something’s going on with you. Who is she?”

Justin’s brows dropped. Had Lucas heard something?

It didn’t matter, did it? What would happen if people knew he and Priya had slept together? Nothing. She’d go to work. He’d ranch. It wasn’t like they were some adored couple that had broken up.

Exclusive friends with benefits. They’d been casual. Because he had no place in his life for a relationship.

Yeah. That was it.

Caleb watched him as he took a swig. When had their new drinks been dropped off? Anyway, the man knew the whole sordid story but he wasn’t giving up Justin. And Justin trusted him not to. There weren’t many people he trusted. At all.

He never used to be like that, but he’d handed that power over to Gabrielle, too. And Maisy. He’d let their behavior convince him that he couldn’t trust anyone. He’d become a borderline hermit.

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