The Ryders: Jared, Royce and Stephanie: Seduction and the CEO. Barbara Dunlop

Rosie-Jo?” Stephanie asked Melissa.

      Since Rosie-Jo had half a dozen grooms, Jared recognized the ruse for what it was. Stephanie wanted to pump Melissa for information. But from what he’d seen of Melissa so far, she’d be up to the task of sidestepping anything too personal.

      “Dating?” Royce asked as the two women walked away.

      “More like flirting,” said Jared. “But I didn’t have the heart to disillusion Stephanie this weekend.”

      “Are you going to disillusion poor Melissa?”

      Jared shook his head. “She knows the score. She’s leaving in a few days, anyway.”

      Royce reached into the back of the pickup truck and retrieved his duffel bag. “How’s Stephanie holding up?”

      “Too cheerful,” said Jared. “You just know she’s going to crack.”

      “Maybe going up to the cemetery isn’t such a good idea this year. Gramps’s grave is awfully fresh.”