“Tripp?” Faith murmured.
All eyes were on him, and he flashed Tate a grin. “Really?” Then he glanced to Jason. “Both of you, this time, huh?”
“Yep. Even our folks are going to come out for it.”
The focus now on the twins, Tripp risked a glance at Wendy. She was still staring intently at Lydia. His friends wouldn’t notice the tight line to her jaw or the way her body was tense. She was on edge. And there was only one reason for that.
The way Lydia was currently looking at Tripp—he’d gotten used to it over the years. Heck, maybe her brothers had, too. Because they were still going on and on about the practice they’d been putting in for the competition.
Wren and Faith had moved away to some other friends on the far side of the parking lot, but Lydia remained with her brothers. Tripp couldn’t help but notice her focus never wavered from him.
He sighed. The girl had it bad. And he’d always made sure not to show her even an ounce of interest. Unfortunately, it appeared she still had a crush.
By the time Tate and Jason headed off to gather their other sisters, Wendy was fuming.
No one but Tripp would be able to sense it. He’d gotten that good at reading her.
“What’s up, buttercup?” he asked as he pulled himself back into the truck.
Wendy didn’t meet his gaze. “Nothing,” she murmured, her voice a little pitchy.
“Nothing?” He chuckled.
She shot him a dark look. “Yeah, nothing.”
“You sure about that? Because by the way you were looking at Lydia?—”
“Let me guess, she was one of yourconquests.”
He grasped at his chest, clutching his t-shirt in a fist. “Conquest? You wound me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Did you or did you not date her?”
Tripp stared off at where Lydia and her siblings were gathered with another group of friends.
“You did, didn’t you?” she gasped.
He laughed. “Actually, no. I’ve never dated any of the Dennison women. Did youseetheir brothers? They could take me out without breaking a sweat. And let me tell you, they wouldn’t takekindly to anyone breaking their sister’s heart. Least of all, me. I would rather not have my nose broken, thank you.”
She followed his gaze and frowned as if contemplating what he’d said. “I suppose you make a good point.”
Tripp couldn’t help but laugh again, drawing another odd look from Wendy.
“What?” she demanded.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s kind of fun to see you jealous.”
She stiffened. “What? I’mnotjealous.”
One brow lifted as he took another bite to let her words sink in for both of them. Then he shifted. “Really? Then why ask me about Lydia? And before you answer that, let me remind you that you’re the one who said we’re not going to be serious. This isn’t a date, remember? SoifI decided I wanted to ask her out…”
“Okay, okay, fine,” she muttered. “You’re right. It’s none of my business who you’ve dated or who you plan on asking out.”
They were quiet for a few moments then Tripp nudged her with his shoulder. “You know what I think?” His words were quiet, teasing. “You want me.”
She scoffed. “Not if you were the last man on earth.”
This was how it was between them. And the familiarity of it warmed his heart.
