“I saw you riding shotgun in some guy’s truck. I think he works out at the Calhoun Ranch. Jay or James or something. Ring a bell?”
I didn’t want my brother to find out I’d been working on conquering my fear. So, I blurted out the only plausible explanation for why I might be riding around with Jake. “Fine. We’ve been seeing each other. Are you happy?”
“Little Roxy’s got herself a boyfriend, huh?” One side of his mouth curved up in a knowing smirk. “Does Dad know about this?”
“No, and don’t you go telling him about it.” My parents shouldn’t have a say in who I chose to spend time with, but my dad had strong opinions. According to him, there was no one good enough for his baby girl, which was why I’d stopped sharing details about my personal life years ago. My brothers didn’t seem to suffer from the same treatment.
“You bringing him to the company Christmas party?”
“What do you think?” None of us had ever brought a date to the annual Swisher Ranch holiday extravaganza. I wasn’t sure what made Stetson think I’d be the first.
“I think he’d have a good time. Maybe I ought to stop by the Calhoun place and invite him myself.”
Why did my brother have to be such an ass? I wouldn’t waste any time trying to come up with a reason. That was a question only he could answer. “We’re not that serious. Besides, if he ended up coming to the party, he’d probably run away screaming after he met you.”
“That’s a good enough reason to invite him, then.” Stetson winked at me before turning to head out of the kitchen. “Jake, that’s his name. I might head over there right now and see if he has plans that weekend.”
I wasn’t supposed to meet Jake for another hour, but I couldn’t risk my brother making good on his threat. If he showed up and started talking to Jake about our budding relationship—a relationship that only existed in my mind because I’d been put on the spot—I’d be even more screwed. So, I grabbed the bag of cookies and jumped in my car. I’d planned to meet him at a trailhead so we could ride along the river, but I’d head toward the Calhoun Ranch to see if I could catch him there instead.
Stetson’s truck was gone by the time I raced down the drive. No telling if he’d been messing with me to get a reaction or if he really planned to invite Jake to the party. My foot pressed down on the gas, urging my car to go faster and faster while my heart skipped around like a pat of butter in a hot skillet.
When I skidded to a stop in the gravel lot of the Calhoun Ranch offices, my brother’s truck was nowhere in sight. I let out a sigh of relief, but that didn’t mean I was out of the woods yet. Tempted to scrunch down in the front seat so no one would notice me and wait to see if he’d show up, I unbuckled my seat belt.
Then Stetson cruised into the lot and pulled into a spot right in front. I grabbed the bag of cookies and practically sprinted toward the door. Just as I reached it, Jake walked out.
“Roxy?” The surprise in his eyes gave way to a warm smile. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s a long story, but I’ll give you the super short version. My brother saw us together. I didn’t want him to find out I’ve been riding, so I told him we were dating. He’s—”
“Jake!” My brother’s booming voice came from directly behind me. “I didn’t know you were dating my baby sister.”
Jake didn’t miss a beat. He thrust his hand out and waited for Stetson to shake it. “Good news travels fast, I guess.”
“I was driving by and wanted to make sure Roxy had invited you to the company Christmas party. It’s in a couple weeks out at the ranch. You’ll be there, right?”
Jake’s eyes met mine. “Um, yeah sure.”
“Great. I’ll let the folks know you’re coming. I know they can’t wait to meet you.” Stetson tapped his elbow against my ribs on his way out. “See you back at the ranch, Roxy.”
I’d seen my brother pull some crazy stunts over the years, but this one topped them all. A half hour ago, I’d been a girl making cookies for a guy who was helping her out. Now I had a “boyfriend” and was bringing him to meet the family at the company Christmas party.
“Anything else you need to tell me?” Jake asked after Stetson had pulled away. I was about to tell him I’d made cookies when a few guys pushed through the door and joined us in front of the office.
“Hey, Roxy. Did I hear your brother’s voice out here, or was I just having a nightmare with my eyes open?” Nash Calhoun tipped his cowboy hat in my direction as a greeting. At least I thought it was Nash. The quadruplets looked so much alike it was difficult to tell them apart.
“He’s already gone,” I said, grateful Stetson wasn’t there to make the situation even more awkward. “Anyone want a cookie?”
One of the guys I didn’t recognize nodded. I opened the bag and held it out to him.
“Did you need something, or were you just stopping by with cookies to spread some holiday cheer?” Nash teased.
I looked at Jake, hoping he’d know how to handle the situation. He stepped next to me and draped his arm over my shoulder.
“She came by to see me.” He offered a shy smile, one that sent shivers racing down my spine.
Nash helped himself to one of the cookies. “Didn’t see that one coming. Y’all have a good night.”
I waited until the three of them climbed into their respective trucks before I let the smile I’d pasted on my lips fade. “I’m so sorry to drag you into this. My brother wouldn’t let it go. He said he saw us together, and I didn’t know what to say.”
