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Jordan chuckled and slapped the table. “What am I, chopped liver? I’ve been around nearly as long as she was. Her loss is my gain.”

Was the guy clueless about the undercurrents between Maxwell and Heather? But then, Weston wouldn’t have wondered, either, if he hadn’t overheard their conversation in the stable that night.

“I get the whole equality thing,” Maxwell said at last. “Women can do anything a guy can do, at least in construction and renovations. But there’s still extra tension with a mixed crew. So, it’s easier without her.”

The man might talk a good line, but he didn’t look convinced. Nobody had ever called Weston the brightest crayon in the box, but even he could see that Maxwell smiled less often. But then, he had that extra bit of knowledge others didn’t seem to have.

“How’d it go with Paisley on the out-trip?” Maxwell asked.

Oof. Talk about turning the tables. Weston shrugged. “Fine. She’s good with the kids. She had all kinds of things planned from scavenger hunts to devotionals.” Then he took a big bite of pulled pork. Maybe they’d get busy talking about something else. Or someone, at least. He couldn’t blame Maxwell for redirecting attention away from himself, though.

“She’s got a thing for you,” Jude drawled.

“I doubt it.” It had been true, but not since yesterday.

“She’s keeping an eye on you right now.”

Weston managed not to glance over. He knew exactly the angle she’d be at if he did. “Nah. She doesn’t like me.”

Jude snorted. “News to me, and I didn’t think you were that obtuse.”

“Trust me. It’s true.” Deflect, deflect! “How about you and Kaci?”

“Nothing there.” Jude shook his head. “Have you ever heard of just friends?”

“I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know if it can actually be true, at least not long-term.”

“Just friends is not a thing.” Maxwell scraped his chair back and stood. He gathered his dishes and strode away.

Jude stared after him. “Well, somebody has a burr under his saddle.”

Jordan snorted as he stacked his dishes and rose. “I’ll tell him you said so.”

“I said what I said.” Jude lounged back in his chair as the other men cleared out. Then he leaned forward. “So… Paisley?”

“Mind your own beeswax. Don’t you have places to go and people to see? You could hang out with your just-a-friend, Kaci.”

Jude chuckled. “You know what? I just might do that, because it’s so much less complicated than whatever you’ve got going on.”

“She shot you down, huh?”

“What do you mean?” Eyes narrowing, Jude leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “There was no shooting. Neither of us wants more.”

“You tell yourself what you need to hear.”

“Is that the delusional world you live in, big brother? You’re one to talk, you and Paisley doing the chicken dance. Bawk, bawk.” He flapped his tucked arms.

How had the entire dinner conversation devolved to women and relationships? This was like being 16 again, when girls, fast cars, and horses were all guys could talk about.

Next time, he’d lead off with trucks and see if he could keep the guys from delving into his love life or, more to the point, his lack of one. Seemed he was in the same boat as Maxwell and Jude on that one. Who knew about Bryce? He spent his days surrounded by female staff members.

And Jude was wrong about Paisley watching him. When Weston snuck a peek, she was focused on Kaci over at their table.

Paisley left the dining room surrounded by Kaci and her team. Safety in numbers, or something like that.

Outside, Kaci turned to her. “We’re having a games-and-popcorn night. Want to join us?”

“No, sorry. It’s been a really long few days.”