Deep disappointment stuck its claws into his chest, but the sensation was momentary. He wouldn’t let her request deter him. Friends was better than the strained back and forth they’d started out with.
Wendy was worth the trouble. He knew it and she probably did, as well. Maybe this was a test. Maybe it was a step in the right direction and he simply needed to give in so she could see a different side of him.
Tripp cocked his head slightly and offered her his most disarming smile. “Friends?”
She nodded resolutely but there was something in her eyes that suggested she wasn’t completely sure of her decision. “Friends.”
Rubbing his jaw, Tripp pretended to consider it. “What exactly are the terms of this friendship you’re suggesting.”
Her expression took on an adorable sort of exasperation. “Friends,” she emphasized.
“Yeah,” he quipped. “I heard you. Friends. Does that mean we get to have sleepovers and braid each other’s hair?”
She snorted then coughed as if she needed to cover up the fact she thought his question amusing. Then her eyes drifted to his cropped hair. “I don’t think braids would suit you.”
“Okay, no braids. Just sleepovers and pillow fights.”
Wendy laughed again with a shake of her head. “Pass.”
“That’s disappointing,” he mumbled but his grin remained. “So coffee dates and hunting for antiques. Maybe the occasional dinner?”
She eyed him but the amusement was still clear in her eyes. “That sounds too much like a relationship.”
“Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.” He shrugged and she laughed. Then he held out his hand. “Friends sounds good. No dates. Nothing… romantic.” He wagged his eyebrows. “But if you change your mind?—”
“I won’t,” she insisted.
“One day?—”
“Don’teven say it,” she snapped.
It was his turn to laugh. Tripp held up both hands. “Okay, okay. I won’t say it. And you don’t have to try to convince me that you’d still avoid me if I was the last man on earth.”
At that, Wendy rolled her eyes and stalked off. Tripp didn’t miss the way she fought another smile as she left.
“That didn’t seem to go over very well.” Brent’s voice came from behind, but Tripp didn’t turn toward him.
“You wouldn’t say that if you were privy to the whole conversation. She’s warming up to me.”
“Yeah, and next week, our parents are going to support my decision to train for the rodeo.”
Tripp turned around so quick he nearly got whiplash. His eyes widened and he took a step toward his brother. “The rodeo?” he hissed. “You can’t be serious.”
Brent shrugged, not meeting his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about it.”
“You know they won’t?—”
“Exactly my point. It’s like you forget that I’m an adult. They can’t stop me.”
“No…” Tripp drawled, “but they could certainly make your life miserable if that’s the career you choose. Have you forgotten that you live under their roof? You work for our family? What would you do if you’re not allowed?—”
“That’s why you’re going to keep my secret.”
Tripp scoffed. “You can’t keep that sort of thing a secret. Our parents like everyone else in this town like to go to the rodeo. What are your plans? Only compete in the ones hosted in other towns?”
“Maybe?” Brent muttered noncommittally. “Or maybe I’ll figure out a way to get them to see things my way.”
“You’re nuts.”
