Page 73 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

“I will. It doesn’t feel that way but …” She had to bring it up. She loved that they were looking out for her – were going out of their way for her even more than they already had, but she was still a little uneasy about the way they’d made sure that Ty didn’t come home with her.

Davin met her gaze. “We’re not trying to interfere between you and Tyler.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“We’re not,” Alexis assured her. “I apologize if I was heavy-handed … I … Honestly? I was trying to help.”

Shayna couldn’t help but ask, “How?”

“If he’d come with you, and immediately stepped into the role of your protector, that would create a different dynamic in your relationship. Considering that your relationship is only just beginning …” She shrugged. “I didn’t want that for you. I realizeit isn’t my place to decide. If you want him here, then ask him. If he wants to come and stay in the apartment with you, we won’t mind.”

Davin shook his head.

“But we wanted you to be able to make the choice from a place of … well, from a place of having a choice rather than from fear.”

Shayn nodded slowly. “Thanks. You’re right. I wanted him to come with me. And yes, it was partly because we got along so well that I didn’t want to say goodbye to him, but it was also out of fear. I was scared and I knew that he could protect me … and he was scared what might happen to me and …”

She gave them a small smile. “Thank you. I’m glad you did it. You’re right, it would have shifted things between us. I mean, he’s protective anyway. He said that he’s like that with his sisters and his cousin, but … I don’t feel like part of his role is to take care of me.”

Alexis held her gaze. She looked kind of expectant, and Shayna smiled.

“I can take care of myself, especially with my family at my back.”

“Precisely. And now that you have that clear in your mind, you can choose to add him into the mix because you want him around – not because you feel like you need him.”

Shayna glanced at Davin, and he smiled. “You’re wondering what my take is, aren’t you?”

“I am. I mean …”

He chuckled. “Don’t look so worried. You already know that I see myself as a protector. It’s what comes naturally to me. But knowing that Alexis wants me around does more for my male ego than feeling like she needed me ever could. I’d go out of my way to help anyone in need, but in partnership, in a relationship, there’s a lot to be said for knowing that there’s a balance.”

“I can see that, thanks guys.”

Alexis pushed her chair back. “All right, then. Do you want to go and bring your things over?”

“Okay, I won’t take long. I …”

She had to laugh when they all got up from the table.

“It won’t take long at all with four sets of hands,” said Davin. And with that, they all trooped out to the apartment.

~ ~ ~

Tanner and Ford were both in the kitchen when Ty let himself in through the back door. It was late, and he was tired.

Tanner greeted him with a grin. “You look beat! I take it you had a good time?”

“I did but wipe that dirty grin off your face. I’m tired because of the drive.”

“From Salt Lake? You’re getting old, little brother. I remember the days we’d drive straight through from base and be ready to go to Chico when we got here.”

Ty shrugged. “Yeah. Although, I think it’s more a case of growing up than getting old – I’m still younger than you guys.”

Ford cocked an eyebrow. “Does growing up mean you’re getting serious – about the girl?”

Ty couldn’t hide his smile. “It does.”

Ford grinned at him, while Tanner shook his head. “Kolby said he thought you were getting serious, but … you are? Are you going to be the next one to bite the dust?”

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