Page 114 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

“Yeah, we talked about it, but she’s used to doing everything for herself.”

Wade smiled. “I get that – but you guys are together now. Maybe she can learn to let go a bit and let you help.”

“I sure as hell hope so. It’s early days yet, and I know she needs to find her feet and feel like she’s still her own person but …”

“You’ll figure it out.” Wade checked his watch. “Go on, get your ass home to her. I’m just going to check on the kitchen.”

“Christian’s in there. Everything’s already set up for dinner.”

“Thanks, Ty. How about you? I feel bad that we’re not getting you any closer to the kind of work you really want to do.”

He shrugged. “I’m okay to leave that on the back burner for now. I want to see Shay settled and on track first.”

Wade grinned. “She’s good for you, squirt.”

He laughed. “I know – best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

When he got home, he called out, “Hey, Shay!” as he opened the front door. When she didn’t answer, he started to hope that she might be in the shower – like last week. He wouldn’t mind a repeat performance of that!

She wasn’t in the bathroom. He spotted her waving through the window at him from the back porch. She was on the phone.

He grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and waved them at her. He didn’t want to disturb her – but he was pleased when she nodded and beckoned for him to join her. He wanted herto feel free to talk to whoever she wanted about whatever she wanted, but he was still glad that she wanted him with her.

He popped the top off both bottles and handed her one. It was only when she took it that he noticed how worried she looked.

“Promise me, Booker! … I mean it!”

She let out a frustrated sounding laugh.

“If you won’t promise, I’ll just have to come back and make you.”

Ty cocked his head to the side.

“Okay. You get some rest. And text me – let me know how you’re doing, all right?”

Ty took a swig of his beer, wondering if Booker was sick or something.

“We’ll talk soon. Love you, little bruv. And in case I didn’t say it – I love you for doing it. If I sounded mad, it’s only because I’m worried. I just love you and I want you to be safe, okay? … Okay. Talk to you soon.”

She ended the call and took a long drink of her beer before she looked at Ty.

“What is it?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Booker got beat up this morning at the barn.”

Ty took a step forward. “Do you know who …?”

She nodded. “It sounds like it was him – Carey. Some guy showed up asking about me and when I’d be back frommy vacation. Booker got suspicious and started asking some questions of his own. It sounds like he lost his temper and told Carey what he thought of him. Sounds like he beat him up pretty bad. It’s all my fault!”

She took another drink, and Ty went to her when he saw the tears silently streaming down her face. He brushed them away with his thumbs.

“It’s not your fault, sweetheart. You’re not responsible for anything that asshole does.”

She sniffed.

“Did Booker tell you what he said to him?”

She gave him a sad smile. “Don’t worry. He’s a smart kid – he didn’t tell him that he can’t get to me because I’m in Montana, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

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