Page 80 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

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“Okay, everyone. You did a great job tonight. Keep up your practice until next week, and I’ll be here same time, same place, waiting to see your smiling faces,” said Shayna.

It’d been a good class. She’d managed to get out of her head for what felt like the first time since she got back from Salt Lake. She loved teaching Pilates, and this was a good group. They were all at different stages and different abilities, but they gelled well and encouraged each other.

“Will you be bringing these two with you again?” Lizzie Morgan asked with a smile. She pointed to Davin and Adam, who’d finished their workout and were helping to stack the mats. “I believe we could probably double attendance levels if you do.”

Shayna had to laugh. She’d been worried at first that some of the women might feel uncomfortable having Davin and Adam there, but that hadn’t been the case. They might have been something of a distraction but, judging by the appreciative looks a few of the women sent in their direction, a very welcome distraction.

Davin smiled through pursed lips. “We’ll be a regular fixture until we get this business with Shayna cleared up.”

Lizzie looked more serious as she and most of the other women gathered around.

Shayna had explained at the beginning of the session why Davin and Adam were there, but she’d brushed off the women’s concerns so that they could get the class started on time.

“What do we need to know?” Lizzie asked. “And what can we do to help?”

“I wish we had more to tell you,” said Davin. “All we know is that someone’s been watching Shayna. He followed her once that we know of – and from some messages that he sent her, we’re not prepared to take any risks. So, we’re making sure that she’s not by herself.”

“What does he look like?” Lizzie asked.

Davin looked at Shayna.

“He’s probably in his late thirties or early forties. He has brown hair and he’s maybe five-ten or eleven.” She made a face. “There’s nothing distinguishing about him.”

“What can we do to help?”

Davin shrugged. “Just be alert. Watch out for yourselves, most of all.” He smiled at Shayna. “We’ve got Shay covered.”

Another of the older ladies, Anne Hemming, smiled at Shayna. “You’re in good hands. These two are good enough to take care of Clay McAdam’s security.”

Shayna nodded. “I’m not worried. How could I be with these guys on the case?”

“Even so,” said Lizzie. “We’ll put the word out so that everyone can keep an eye out for you – if we see any suspicious characters …”

Davin winked at Shayna before turning back to the women. “That’ll be great – just don’t get overzealous. You might see an unfamiliar face with Shay this weekend, but don’t immediately assume he’s a bad guy! She has a friend coming to visit.”

Shayna smiled. “He’ll be easy enough to recognize though – he’ll more than likely be wearing a cowboy hat.”

“Ooh!” Lizzie grinned at her. “Have you found yourself a cowboy?”

Shayna nodded slowly. She didn’t mind the question, but she didn’t want to get into all the details – or hold everyone up from getting home.

Davin came to her rescue. “Sorry to break this up ladies, but we need to get home, and I imagine that you do, too.”

Lizzie chuckled. “Of course. Get home and take our big noses with us.” She touched Shayna’s arm. “I didn’t mean to pry – I’m just excited for you.” Her smile faded. “Excited about your cowboy – and more than a little angry that someone’s been making life difficult for you. We don’t need that kind in Summer Lake. We don’t usually get them either.”

Anne nodded solemnly. “We’ll put the word out – see if we can’t find out who he is and run him out of town.”

Adam chuckled. “Thanks, ladies. Davin and I can only do so much – and the way you guys network will give us another angle, I’m sure.”

When the last of the women had gone, Davin raised an eyebrow at Shayna. “Are we good to go? Have you done everything you need to?”

Shayna got up from the computer at the front desk where she’d been updating the attendance chart. “Yep, all done.”

Adam shook his head. “I forgot that you used to work here, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

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