Page 66 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

She nodded. “I know, if it weren’t for that, I’d be putting up more of a fight but …”

Trip smiled. “You’re smart enough to know how it works. A couple more weeks of frustration now is nothing compared to setting yourself back.”

“Yep. So, what’s the verdict?”

“I’d like to see you carry on as you are for another couple of weeks. Use the crutches when you can’t stand the wheelchair anymore, but for the most part …”

“Keep my ass sat in here,” she said with a rueful smile.

“I’m afraid so. In a couple of weeks, we’ll be able to remove the cast, and at that point we’ll see what we’re dealing with.”

“Maybe a walking boot and crutches?”

“Maybe.”

She met his gaze. “And physical therapy. I know a lot of people dread it, but I can’t wait.”

“Yes, but you mustn’t overdo it. I know with your background, you’re used to daily training regimes, but you can’t push too hard.”

“I won’t. I know about rest, too.”

He smiled. “And I know that a certain friend of ours will be doing everything he can to make sure that you take it easy.”

“He’s awesome.” She said it before she stopped to think.

“I’m glad you think so. I know he feels that way about you.”

It struck her for the first time that Trip might feel protective of Travis. Travis was so capable, so confident, that she hadn’t thought of it from that perspective, but it made sense – friends looked out for each other.

She met Trip’s gaze and held it. “It’s very much mutual. And … I want to reassure you. I don’t really know what I’m doing. I don’t know where this is going, but I’m hopeful. To tell you the truth, I’ve been mostly concerned about myself – he’s so self-assured. But … I think I’m messing this up. All I’m trying to do is tell you that I care about him. I know you do, too. I’d never intentionally hurt him.”

Her cheeks were red when she was done, but it felt important to explain it to him. She knew how close they were – that they’d been close since they were little kids.

Trip smiled. “Thanks. I didn’t need you to explain anything. I can see for myself. I don’t mind telling you that I’m hopeful about how things might work out for you guys.”

“Oh … I …” Now she felt embarrassed.

He held his hand up to stop her. “You didn’t need to say anything. You don’t owe me – or anyone else – any kind of explanation. But I’m glad you told me. He’s my best friend. If you’re going to be part of his life in the way I think you are, I hope that’ll make us friends too.”

“I hope so. I like that idea.” She gave him a rueful smile. “Especially if as my friend, you won’t give me too hard a time if I want to speed along my recovery.”

He laughed. “I’ll look out for your best interests – whether you see it that way or not. That’s what friends do.”

~ ~ ~

Travis waved over his shoulder as he left Deacon’s office. He could have stuck around for longer, but he wanted to get back to Trip’s office and pick up Retta.

“Don’t be a stranger!” Deacon called after him. “Candy wants to invite you guys over for dinner soon.”

Travis turned back and went to lean in the doorway to Deacon’s office. He waved the tickets to the fundraiser dinner that he’d just paid Deacon for.

“I reckon this will have to do for dinner for the time being.”

Deacon frowned. “Why? Are you saying you don’t want to come over? Or you don’t think Retta would? From what Candy said, the two of them got along like a house on fire.”

“No! It’s not that. Retta said the same. I don’t think we’ve got any worries about them becoming friends.” He chuckled. “It’s not her – it’s me.”

“In what way?”

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