“You need your nerd card revoked. You’re not even using one of those apps to chat with single men online.”
“So I can go on a date with a stranger who turns out to be a sociopath?”
Cali leaned back. “Damn. You really got burned at that shitty company.”
“What does that have to do with my dating life?”
“Because the guys you worked with were jerks, from the little you’ve shared. I think they scarred you.”
No argument there.
“I want you to forget about that place. It wasn’t normal. You’re in Lake Tahoe now, and things are different here. You can either put yourself out there—like making a move with one of those hot Cade brothers—or you can use a dating app. Whichever works.” Cali grinned. “Because we both know that being cooped up with IT nerds hasn’t helped your dating life.”
“I work at one of the swankiest casino hotels in Lake Tahoe. Some of the guys there are really nice.”
“You told me all the good ones are married.”
Shouldn’t have mentioned that.
“Now, the Cade brothers, on the other hand…” Cali glanced across the room. “That’s prime Lake Tahoe man real estate.”
“Did you just call themman real estate?”
“Your point? They’re hot.”
The Cadeswereattractive. One in particular. And he had zero interest in Ireland. “They’re not interested in me.”
Cali hit her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Jesus, Ireland. Have you looked in the mirror?”
“I have, actually. Glasses, pale skin, bright hair.” Ireland looked up as though considering. “A little wide in the hip region.”
Cali shook her head. “That’s called curves, and be glad you have them. Some women aren’t so lucky.”
“Physical attractiveness is subjective,” Ireland said. “I personally think I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.”
“Obviously we’re related, because you’re stubborn. Ireland, you’re smartandbeautiful. Have you even considered letting a guy in now that you’re away from the Silicon Valley bullshit?”
Ireland thought back to the Club Tahoe anniversary party she’d attended with Cali and Jaeg. And her attempt at talking to Bran. “Yes. And if you’re still on the subject of the Cades, it’s a no. At least on their end.”
Cali’s eyes narrowed. “So youdolike them. Which one? A couple have dropped off due to girlfriends and wives and whatnot, but the other two? Like the ones sitting a dozen feet away?”
“Bran’s not interested. He glares at me.”
Cali pursed her lips. “From what I can tell, Bran doesn’t seem much into dating. Which is a damn shame, because he’s delicious. What about Hunt?”
“The player?”
“Player, schmayer—who cares? He’s gorgeous, and he’d be fun. There’s no reason to get more involved than that. You need a warm-up after six years of IT employment prison, and Hunt’s just the guy to heat the coals.”
Ireland stared. “Is that some reference to my ovaries?”
Cali’s lips parted in a silentwhat. “Think of it as a practice date. How long has it been since you’ve gone out?”
A year? Two?“A while.”
“And therein lies my point. You need to date so you’re comfortable when the right guy comes along and sweeps you off your feet. You can be a little…”
Ireland sighed. “Just say it. I’m awkward.”
