Page 77 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“So, you and Trip aren’t together?”

Shelly glanced over her shoulder toward the kitchen door. “No.”

“But there’s something there?”

She shrugged. “He’s an attractive man. I … but I work for him. And … I don’t know.”

“You don’t know if he’s interested?”

Shelly laughed. “Oh, he’s interested. It’s so strange, though. I don’t know if he’s being the ultimate gentleman on my behalf, or if he’s holding back because I work for him or … what. He’s blowing hot and cold; it’s enough to spin my head around. I don’t know what’s going on, but for the moment, I’m kind of enjoying the roller coaster ride.”

“Ooh, I hope you guys get together.”

Shelly’s smile faded. “Don’t go thinking that I’m going to become one of your group of girlfriends – he’s told me about them. Nothing against you or anything, but I don’t plan to stick around for long. If Trip and I have anything, it’ll only be a fling.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Don’t look so disappointed. I’d love to hang out with you while I’m here.”

“I’d like that too; you’ll have to give me your number and we can set something up.”

They both looked up when Travis came back out with a bottle of wine. “Anyone need a top up?”

She laughed. “I haven’t even had a sip yet.”

“And I can only have one – I’m driving,” said Shelly.

Travis made a face. “I’m not drinking – we’ll be taking Bear back up to town later. We can drop you off, if you like.”

Retta watched Shelly look down at her drink and then back up with a smile. “Thanks. I might just take you guys up on that offer.”

When Travis winked at her, she guessed that he liked the idea of helping Trip and Shelly along as much as she did.

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning, Travis made sure that Retta was all set downstairs with her coffee before he headed out early to take Bear back to the airport. She was still half-asleep, but that didn’t stop her from offering the big guy a hug before he left and telling him to come back soon.

Bear went outside first, and Travis came back for another quick kiss before he left. He rested his forehead against hers and looked down into her eyes. “You sure you’re going to be okay?”

“You know the answer to that. I’m going to enjoy some morning peace with my coffee.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Take your time. I’ll see you later.”

“I feel bad that you have to drive me back up there,” Bear told him when they were in the truck.

Travis grinned at him as he pulled out of the driveway onto East River Road. “I feel bad that I made you come home with us last night instead of taking you to the hotel like I said I would.”

Bear grinned back at him. “There’s no need. I think we were all of the same mind. Me coming home with you meant the only logical move for Shelly was to stay at Trip’s place.”

“Yup. I just hope that they didn’t mind us meddling like that.”

“I doubt it – you could practically see the air crackling between them. All they needed was a nudge in the right direction, and I think we gave them that.”

“I hope so. I’ll let you know how it works out. I expect I’ll hear from Trip today – either to thank us or to give me an earful.”

Bear laughed. “If he tries to give you a hard time, remind him that it wasn’t just you. I played my part, and Retta did, too.” His smile faded. “I feel bad about you leaving her by herself this morning as well.”

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