cat fight. We’ll never know.”
“You like cats?” Colton asked.
Dillon shot him a narrow-eyed glare. One he hoped Ariana wouldn’t see.
“I do,” Ariana said. “I always wanted one, but my parents were allergic.”
Brand sat in a rocking chair with his arms crossed over his chest. “What about dogs?”
Ariana smiled at Ruger. “I like them, too. Although, I’ve never owned one. The closest thing to a pet I ever owned was a goldfish I won at a county fair.”
Colton raised an eyebrow toward Dillon.
Dillon’s frown increased. If looks could kill, his brother would be dead.
“What do you think about the cliché that opposites attract?” Brand asked.
Dillon almost threw his hands in the air. Couldn’t his brothers give it a rest?
“I think it makes sense,” Ariana said. “I believe in balance. Nature has a way of correcting things that get out of balance. I think people need a person to balance them.” She smiled. “My grandparents were a perfect example. He was a very grumpy man. She was a complete optimist. Her optimism balanced his grumpiness. My father was an introvert. My mother an extrovert. They balanced each other.”
“Have you ever been around cattle?” Colton asked.
Dillon pushed away from the rail. “Look, Ariana isn’t here to confront the inquisition. I only brought her out for a day on the ranch and to do a little fishing. That’s it. She’s not interviewing for the job of a ranch hand or anything else.”
“They’re not bothering me,” Ariana said with a smile. “It’s flattering that they’re interested enough to ask me questions.” She turned to Colton. “And no, I’ve never been around farm animals. I grew up in Austin, in an urban setting. But I love animals, and I like to learn about them.”
“Now that you know all there is to know about Ariana, we’ll be heading back to Austin,” Dillon held out his hand to Ariana. “Ready?”
She laid her hand in his and let him draw her to her feet.
He circled his arm around her waist, wanting to protect her from his brothers’ annoying questions.
Ace nodded toward the cat. “I think you’ve found a friend in I-Lean.”
Ariana smiled. “She’s beautiful. I hope Ruger doesn’t hurt her.”
“Don’t worry about I-Lean. She’s scrappy. She lets Ruger chase her,” Ace said. “When she’s had enough, she stands her ground, and he backs off.”
“I’m glad she has that ability. When you’re smaller, you learn to use your strengths to stand up for yourself.” She looked Colton square in the eye. “I’m short, but, like I-Lean, I’m scrappy. I know you’re only looking out for the best interests of your brother, so I don’t take offense to your questions. You want to know more about me in case your brother and I decide to go out again.”
She lifted her chin. “I’m five-feet-two-inches, my hair really is red, it’s not out of a bottle, and I like cats and dogs and children. I hope to have some of each someday. Until then, I’m happy teaching meditation techniques to stressed out corporate executives, stay-at-home housewives and soldiers with PTSD. I also teach yoga, which might not impress you, but it’s another way I learned to get my balance back after the loss of my husband to cancer.”
Ariana faced Ace. “Thank you for a lovely dinner and good company. If you have any more questions for me, Emma has my number. Give me a call. I’m an open book. I believe in being honest.” She looked up at Dillon. “I’m ready.”
Dillon grinned, hooked her arm and led her down the stairs. When he reached the bottom, he looked over his shoulder at his brothers, who were all watching Ariana as she walked toward his pickup. They didn’t have to say anything. They had the look on their faces that said they’d been schooled, and they were impressed.
“Leaving already?” Emma asked as she came out onto the porch.
“Need to get Ariana back to her vehicle before they tow it out of the coffee house parking lot,” Dillon said.
“That’s a shame,” Emma said. “If you stay just a few more minutes, you can watch the sunset. It’s pretty amazing out here.”
“I’ll bring her out another time for the sunset,” Dillon said.
“Thanks for cooking. Dinner was great,” Ariana said.
“Thank you. We’re glad you stayed.” Emma smiled. “Will we see you back tonight, Dillon?”
He shook his head. “I’ll stay in Austin tonight at the condo.” Dillon opened the door for Ariana, gripped her around her waist and lifted her up into the cab.
She smiled down at him.