Page 30 of A Montana Rodeo Star

“I don’t know what to tell you. It was nothing. I bumped into Faith in town and we got some lunch. Sorry I didn’t think to get you anything.”

They continued to study him as if doing so would make him want to dump all his secrets. Like the little crush he was quickly developing. But they’d be waiting a long time if they thought he’d fold so easily.

Brent sighed. “Come on, guys. Would I bring her back here in the open like this if I wanted to try something with her? We’re friends. That’s all.”

Tate and Jason exchanged looks then Jason nodded. “I guess you’re right.” Then he pointed a finger at Brent. “It better stay that way.” With that, they headed for the house.

The breath of relief felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest. Brent dragged a hand down his face, not surprised to find he’d been sweating. It wasn’t that he was scared of what Tate and Jason could do to him physically. They knew more about him than anyone else. The damage they could do to his life was astronomical if they thought he deserved to be punished for something that should be off the table.

And that was exactly what Faith was.

CHAPTER TEN

“I’m so glad you decided to come!”

Faith glanced over to Hallie and offered her a shy smile. This was definitely not something she normally did. She had two sisters. And when they went out for the night, they usually didn’t invite her because she was more of an introvert. She hovered on the sidelines, watching everyone else have fun.

Hallie had been the one to suggest going out country dancing. It was a dry bar located about thirty minutes from Rocky Ridge. Faith had never been asked to go out by anyone. Especially not a group of girls. Normally it was Wren and Lydia who were invited which made this outing even more strange.

“Don’t worry. It’s going to be fun,” Wendy assured her. She was engaged to Brent’s brother, Tripp. Out of the three of them, she was like the leader. Serenity was quiet and sweet. She had two children from a previous marriage and Faith could tell she was grounded. She was probably the voice of reason. Wendy was a little louder. She didn’t seem to care if people were put off when she spoke her mind. Faith had heard plenty about the way she’d given Tripp a run for his money when they’d just started out.

And Hallie was more or less chaotic. She made plans without thinking. She could be loud and boisterous or seething quietly with anger. A free spirit. That was what she was. And Faith found she liked them all.

“I’m not worried,” Faith insisted. “I’ve just… never been out like this before.”

Hallie gave her a surprised look. “Really?”

“Really.” Faith shrugged. “My sisters like to go out and hang with friends, but I tend to stay put at home. I like the peace. Usually when I go out, it’s with my brothers to the rodeo. They get banged up sometimes and I like to help make sure they don’t hurt themselves further.”

Hallie nodded to the other women. “She’s actually pretty smart. One time Jacob pulled a muscle. He was cramping pretty bad. She told him how to take care of it because his usual doctor couldn’t see him right away.”

Faith practically glowed beneath Hallie’s praise. It was sweet of her to notice.

“We’re here,” Serenity called from the driver’s seat. “Now, remember. We’re sticking together tonight. No flirting with other guys.” She turned in her seat to Hallie and Faith. “That means you two.”

Hallie pouted. “That’s not fair. What if someone gives me their number?”

Wendy rolled her eyes. “If it’s not Jacob you’re never going to call them anyway.”

Faith’s focus bounced from one woman to the other as they spoke. She’d heard all about how Hallie wanted someone she couldn’t have. Jacob wasn’t exactly available. He was always traveling and working. Was that what held him back from dating Hallie? Or was it like Faith and Brent? Maybe there was an issue with unrequited attraction.

Faith forced a smile. “Don’t have to worry about me.”

“Why? Because Brent finally asked you out?”

It felt like her eyes were going to bug out of her head. Faith sucked in a breath with a strangled laugh and nearly choked on it. “What? No. He’s my brother’s best friend.”

Hallie gave her a pointed look. “So, he’s not dating you? Come on, girlie. You can tell us. Your brothers aren’t here. He’s at your place all the time. What is he doing if not spending time with you?”

She plucked a piece of lint from her sleeve. “He’s working with my brothers on something.” The second those words left her lips, she froze.

Shoot! She wasn’t supposed to say that. She wasn’t supposed to let anyone know that he was there to hang out with Tate and Jason because they’d immediately assume their mutual interest in the rodeo was fueling the change in schedule.

Faith chewed on her lower lip.

Brent was going to kill her.

Hallie frowned and inched closer. “What kind of things?”