Page 76 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

He didn’t think that Trip would date someone who worked for him, but then again, it was Sunday afternoon – why else would she be here?

Whether she was here on personal or professional business, Trip didn’t look upset to be interrupted. He grinned and waved at them as he said something to the woman – Shelly, apparently.

Bear got out of the truck and went to greet him while Travis went around to get Retta.

“Are they dating?” she asked in a low voice. “Do you think we’re interrupting?”

He chuckled. “I was just asking myself the same question. You know as much as I do – more in fact; I didn’t know her name.”

As he lifted her out of the truck, he realized that he hadn’t set the wheelchair up ready. He turned to smile at the others.

“Where’s the wheelchair?” Of course Trip noticed.

“I didn’t know if we’d be staying long enough to need it,” he said with a smile.

Trip grinned at Retta. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

She looked up at Travis.

“We …” Travis glanced over at Shelly.

“I was just leaving,” she said.

“But since you guys are here, I thought we could all have dinner together, and Shelly can start getting to know people,” said Trip.

Travis chuckled. “I’m up for that if everyone else is.” If he was reading the situation right, Shelly was about to leave because they’d arrived, and Trip was trying to make sure that she didn’t go.

“I’d love to stay – ifyouwill,” Retta told Shelly. “I love these guys, but it’d be nice to have another lady around.”

Shelly looked around at them all, her gaze finally landing on Trip.

From the way he smiled, Travis guessed that his friend might not hold too hard to his rule about not dating people who worked for him; he was interested in Shelly. And it looked to Travis like the interest was mutual.

“Okay,” she said eventually, and it seemed like a collective sigh of relief rippled through the group.

Travis soon had Retta set up in her wheelchair and he brought her and Shelly a drink out on the back deck while Bear talked to Trip in the kitchen.

“Should I call The Riverside and order for all of us?” Retta asked. “It’s not too far from here, is it?”

He chuckled. “There’s no need, darlin’. I suggested the same thing, but apparently Maisy’s been over here cooking again, and Trip’s glad we’re here to help him eat it. If I know Maisy, there’ll be more than plenty for all of us.”

His impression that Shelly was interested in Trip was confirmed when she asked, “Who’s Maisy?” She tried to look casual, but she didn’t quite pull it off.

“She used to be the housekeeper for his family. She’s been retired for years, but sometimes she still comes over and makes the most of his kitchen. I’ll go and see what’s on offer. I’ll be back.”

He cocked an eyebrow at Retta, hoping that she wouldn’t mind being left out here with Shelly.

She gave him a slight nod – she was fine.

~ ~ ~

Retta waited until Travis had disappeared back into the kitchen before she spoke. She knew it was none of her business, but the curiosity was killing her.

Just before she opened her mouth, Shelly gave her a rueful smile. “You’re not interrupting anything if that’s what you’re about to ask.”

“Sorry, I …”

“It’s okay. I don’t blame you. I’d be curious to know what was going on if I were you, too. If I hadn’t met you last week – if you hadn’t told me that you and Travis only got together recently, I’d probably keep my mouth shut, but … Well, I guess I feel like you’re a fellow newcomer so …” She shrugged.

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