Page 58 of White Collar Rancher

“Priya Patel.” Saying her name was like flipping the release on a pressure cooker. Caleb sputtered against his bottle. He wasn’t the only one surprised that Justin had opened his mouth and told someone about part of his life. “We were sleeping together, trying to keep it casual, and when she wanted more, I…”

“Lost your shit,” Lucas supplied as if he’d been there himself.

“Not that bad. Look, do you know what Maisy was like?”

Lucas’s gaze strayed to Caleb, like he was seeking permission to answer honestly. Caleb dipped his head and Lucas finally answered. “No offense to the dead, but she was crazy. I don’t mean it superficially, but she was a narcissist.”

He wasn’t expecting Lucas’s clarity. The more he was around, the more Justin realized he’d underestimated the guy.

“And the woman I dated before her was exactly the same, only sophisticated about it. White-collar manipulation, and she played me well. It was a very one-sided relationship.”

Lucas traced a finger through the condensation of his beer mug. “Relationships where one party holds the power can be toxic.”

It sounded like Lucas was better off divorced. But Justin didn’t feel better off without Priya. “That’s the thing. I felt balanced with Priya. We were friends. Nothing more.”

This time Caleb chimed in. “But you were sleeping together.”

Then Lucas. “Did you hang out and talk?”

Justin grudgingly answered. “We like the same wine and yeah, I mean, we talked.” A lot. “Like I said, we were friends.”

“Let me get this straight.” Lucas’s attention was lost for a second and Justin didn’t have to look to know Trina was walking by. “You two hung out, had sex, and played around with your kid together. You probably talked about future plans—just not future plans together—and now that she’s gone you feel like your heart’s been ripped out, stomped on, and fed to the pigs.”

The sympathy in Caleb’s gaze unnerved Justin. If he was looking at Justin with pity, there was a reason. “That, my friend, is what you call a relationship.”

Misery hung heavy on his shoulders. “I suppose you’re going to say ‘I told you so.’”

“Nope,” Caleb answered. “I do have a few questions though. Are you crazy about her?”

Justin clenched his jaw, afraid to answer.

“Okay. Do you think the risks of a real relationship are worth having her in your life?”

He had to look away. “You said it yourself. She’d make a horrible rancher’s wife. She hates my house, wears brand-name clothing, and, honestly, is a tiny bit high-maintenance.”

The next words of wisdom came from Lucas. “She’s not the rancher. You are. She’s a doctor and can buy herself brand-name clothing. I would if I had to look at vaginas all day. I mean, dudes joke about how awesome that would be, but…” He sat back with a shrug. “And all women are a tiny bit high-maintenance.”

“Even your sister,” Caleb added.

“I don’t want to hear about you and Brigit.” Though he was slightly curious about how they’d overcome their obstacles. Caleb and Brigit had had a rocky start, but they were a tight couple.

“Brigit organizes the shop,” Caleb said. “I dare you to park the riding lawn mower in the wrong spot and leave your tools out after an oil change. I dare you.”

A hesitant smile lifted his lips. So maybe he was more open to a relationship than he’d thought. “I ruined it. I’m done with the on-again, off-again.”

Lucas spread his hands. “But you said you were never on. So ask her to go steady.”

Both guys grinned at him like it was the perfect solution.

“I can’t just walk up to her door and say, ‘Hey, I’m ready to be a thing now.’”

“Nope,” Lucas agreed. “You get yourself a haircut, trim the shaggy beard, and find something that doesn’t have sheep shit smeared on it. Win her back.”

Caleb sat forward. If Justin wasn’t careful, these two guys were going to plan the whole affair without him. “Brigit said Priya had some fancy fund-raiser coming up.”

“Wait. Brigit talked to Pri?”

“They’re friends.” Caleb smirked. “Only like, real friends and not—”

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