Page 28 of No Going Back

Tyler didn’t answer. His throat had dried up.

“It’s pretty damn obvious how much you like her. You said she wants more. You can’t tell me you’re satisfied with the just friends thing.”

Tyler didn’t answer again. He should have known Dex would read into his silence.

“Fuck, Tyler. It’s already more than friends, isn’t it?”

“No offense, boss, but that’s none of your business.” Yeah, he was being defensive again.

“It’s my business when it affects the team. You’re messing with one of the team, that affects all of us.”

Tyler stood up. “You might be my team leader, but you’re out of line. You have no fucking idea what’s going on with us.”

Dex stood, his face tense. You don’t mess with your own, number one rule. Tyler knew that. It was one of the reasons fraternizing in your unit in the Navy was frowned on. It caused way too many problems. Sam wasn’t so strict. Dex and Kelly had proved it can work. But he had basically had a one-night stand with Mira, and that wasn't cool. His actions could ruin the whole team dynamic. It was on him to make it right.

The rest of the team were arriving. Their chatter filtered through the door.

“Fix it with Mira, Tyler, because I can tell you, now, neither I nor the team are going to be happy if we lose her over this. And Sam will lose his shit.” Dex sighed. When he spoke again his voice was softer. “If you really want to fix this, you’ll go see Claire, sort your shit out. We both know you need to.”

Tyler swallowed. He only had himself to blame for what had happened, but he needed to make it right with Mira and Dex. Before he could say anything, Dex spoke again.

“You are not a hundred percent, and I won’t hesitate to pull you from the team if you don’t do something about it. I thought you were better than this, Ty. Take the day. If something comes up, I’ll let you know.” Dex walked out.

Damn. Tyler totally understood where Dex was coming from. If anyone else on the team had hurt Mira, he’d be pissed at them, too.

Tyler followed Dex out into the war room and went straight over to Donnie.

“Hey, man, I was out of line last night. I’m sorry.” He held out his hand.

“No sweat. We all have off days. I’m sorry, too. I should know when to keep my mouth shut.” Donnie took his hand in a bro shake.

Tyler nodded, then walked out before any of the team could say anything else.

The boys looked questioningly at Dex.

“Ty needs to take care of some personal stuff,” Dex said.

“Is he OK?” Ryan asked.

“He will be.”

“Is he benched?”

“Not yet. But keep an eye on him.”

The team nodded in agreement. “Always.”

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