Page 25 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

Ty held his gaze. “You’d really do it, wouldn’t you?”

Travis shrugged. “Damn straight – I will, if she’ll go for it. You want to set up a meeting with her, or you think we should scheme a bit first – come up with some good arguments to make her see that it’s what makes the most sense?”

Ty grinned. “Let’s scheme a bit – I haven’t been able to convince her yet. I’ve already used up all the arguments I can think of.”

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“I’m on my way over to the restaurant – still working on getting the kitchen set up the way I want it.”

“How about I come with you – we can talk while we work.”

“Works for me. No Retta today, then?”

“Nope. She’s coming to the bakery later, though.”

“Good. I like her.”

Travis gave him a rueful smile. “And that’s your way of building up to asking if I do. So, I’ll save you the trouble. I like her a lot, and I’m hoping that she’ll stay.”

“Awesome. I reckon between us we should be able to convince her. Kolby told me that Callie’s hopeful now – and that’s a majorturnaround. When she first arrived, she was adamant that she’d be going home just as soon as she could.”

Travis smiled to himself when a thought struck him. Maybe going back to Georgia and going home weren’t the same thing. He liked the idea of her making her home right here – with him.

Chapter Six

Retta tried not to grip Libby’s arm too tightly as she helped her down from the truck and into her wheelchair. She was grateful to the other woman for reaching out, offering her friendship, and bringing her to the bakery like this, but there was a little part of her that wished Travis were lifting her out of his truck – that she had his big, strong arms around her again.

When she was sitting in the wheelchair, Libby smiled. “There, we did it. I know I’m not Travis, but we did okay. Are you comfortable?”

“I’m great, thanks so much. I can’t wait till I’m back on my feet. Even if it’s with crutches, I want to be more independent. You’ve been great – and so’s Travis – but I hate to feel like a burden.”

“Then don’t – because you’re not. I don’t mind, and I think we both know that Trav doesn’t see helping you as a hardship. In fact, tell me to butt out if you like, but it seems to me that he’s enjoying being your knight in shining armor. Especially the part where he gets to carry you around.”

Retta dropped her gaze.

“Shit, sorry. Ignore me. I don’t mean to embarrass you. I just … I’ve known him since we were kids, and I love seeing him so smitten. Do you not feel the same way?”

Retta looked up at her. “I …”

Libby rolled her eyes. “I really am sorry. Seems I can’t help running my mouth, even when I know I should stop.”

Retta had to laugh. “It’s okay. I’m not mad at you, I’m just a little …”

“You’re not interested? If you’re not, you should let him down easy – and soon.”

“No! It’s not that I’m not interested. Well, I don’t know. I … of course, I find him attractive. And I enjoy spending time with him. He’s a great guy.”

“But?”

She blew out a sigh. “I don’t even know how to go about it. I … I swore off men a long time ago. I didn’t think I’d ever want to try a relationship again.”

“And Trav has you reconsidering that?”

She nodded slowly, and Libby grinned.

“Then just hang out with him and see how it goes. Trav’s the kind of guy who’ll sweep you along with him, if you want to go.”

“That’s the thing – go where?”

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