Chapter Sixteen
It felt strange to Shayna to sit at the kitchen table with Davin, Alexis, and Booker. She was tired and she needed to check the portal to see how much work she had for her classes this week, but she’d have to do that later – in her bedroom, here in the house.
Alexis patted her arm. “You look tired.”
“I am, but I don’t know why. All I’ve done all day is sit. Sit and wait to get on the plane, then sit on the plane, then sit in the truck on the way back here.” She turned to Davin. “Thanks again for being my ride to the airport and back.”
“Not a problem. We’ll let you get to bed soon, but we wanted to talk about this … situation.”
She made a face. “I don’t know what to make of it – what to think. You don’t really think that it was Ty, do you? Because …”
He and Alexis both shook their heads.
“We don’t,” said Davin. “Although, I will admit that it crossed my mind initially.”
“And mine,” Alexis added.
“And I’d be more inclined to suspect him if he were anyone else,” said Davin.
“Because you know his brother, Cash?” Shayna asked Alexis.
“I do.” The way she smiled made Shayna relax a little.
“Do you know him?” she asked Davin.
“Not personally, but by reputation, yeah. And we talked to him earlier – he called while we were on the way to the airport to collect you. He’s volunteered the services of a young lady who works for him.”
“Who is she – and what kind of services?”
Alexis smiled. “Her name is Amelia. She’s something of a technical wizard, and she may be able to access information that …”
“You mean she’s a hacker?” Booker asked.
“Something like that,” said Davin.
“And you think she might be able to figure out whoever this guy is?” Shayna asked hopefully.
“From the way Cash tells it, if anyone can do it, it’ll be Amelia.”
Shayna glanced down at her phone and shuddered. She used to enjoy the feeling that Ty was in there, waiting to talk to her. Now, she felt wary. Whoever this creep who called himself Shay’sGuy was, it now felt like he was waiting there in her phone, too. Only he was waiting to pounce.
“Anyway,” said Davin, “We were talking about it on the way to the airport and we want to run a few things by you.”
“What kind of things?”
“First of all, that you’re going to stay here in the house – we’ll help you bring your things over when we get done here.”
“Thanks.”
“And the other most important detail is that we don’t think you should go anywhere by yourself.”
She had to laugh. “I understand, and I appreciate the thought but come on, you guys. You know what my schedule’s like. I’m always running around somewhere. No one has the time to go everywhere with me – you guys have your own lives.”
“We do.” Alexis gave her a rueful smile. “And you’re right that no single one of us would be able to keep up with you, but between the three of us, we can do it.”
Booker smiled. “I go to the barn with you in the mornings anyway, but I reckon that instead of each taking one side of the aisle, we can double up. We’ll work on every stall together.”
Shayna stared at him. “I … that’s so sweet of you, Booker, but …”
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Alexis.
Davin nodded slowly. “I’d rather you just stayed home and didn’t go anywhere but – I know that’s not realistic,” he added hastily when Shayna started to protest. “So, since we figured we wouldn’t be able to talk you out of getting on with your life, I talked to Adam, and I’m going to drive you between jobs and anywhere else you need to go.”
“But only when I can’t,” added Alexis. “I don’t have anything lined up at work for the rest of the week, so I’ll be able to take you where you need to go.” She smiled at Davin. “And you won’t need to keep running out of work.”
She loved the way they smiled at each other. Loved the way they understood each other.
“So, what do you think?” Davin asked.
“I ... most importantly, I think you guys are amazing for offering to do all of this for me. But … it’s going to be a pain in the butt for all of you and …”
“And we don’t mind,” said Davin.
“We want to,” said Alexis.
Booker gave her a grim smile. “We’re a family now – if anyone messes with one of us, they’re messing with all of us.”
Shayna’s hand came up to cover her heart when all three of them nodded at her.
“Thanks, guys. It means more than you know, but I still feel bad. I don’t want to put you all out.”
Alexis smiled. “Best case scenario is that it won’t be for long. I’m hopeful that Amelia will be able to find out whoever this …” She pursed her lips “… person is, and we can hunt him down and …”
Booker elbowed Shayna and grinned. “You know she wanted to call him something way worse than person, don’t you?”
They all laughed, and Alexis stuck her nose in the air. “Granted, I have a much lower opinion than the word person might imply, but I’m taking my role as matriarch of our little family seriously. I don’t think the name that came to mind is appropriate at the dinner table.”
Booker chuckled. “Bet I know what you were going to say.”
Alexis sat up a little straighter. “I’ll bet you don’t.”
“Does it start with an F ?” Booker asked.
Alexis shrugged, and Shayna had to laugh when she replied, “The second part does, the first starts with an M. ”
They all laughed, and Davin shook his head. “And you look like such a lady.”
Alexis laughed. “I am a lady – a lady with a wide-ranging vocabulary, tempered by a sense of time and place.”
Shayna grinned at her. “I want to be you when I grow up!”
“No, you want to be yourself, sweetie. I want to see you become the woman you’re going to be.” She winked. “Although, I may not be able to resist steering you a little.” Her smile faded. “You must tell us if it starts to feel like we’re interfering too much.”
“I will. It doesn’t feel that way but …” She had to bring it up. She loved that they were looking out for her – were going out of their way for her even more than they already had, but she was still a little uneasy about the way they’d made sure that Ty didn’t come home with her.
Davin met her gaze. “We’re not trying to interfere between you and Tyler.”
She raised her eyebrows.
“We’re not,” Alexis assured her. “I apologize if I was heavy-handed … I … Honestly? I was trying to help.”
Shayna couldn’t help but ask, “How?”
“If he’d come with you, and immediately stepped into the role of your protector, that would create a different dynamic in your relationship. Considering that your relationship is only just beginning …” She shrugged. “I didn’t want that for you. I realize it isn’t my place to decide. If you want him here, then ask him. If he wants to come and stay in the apartment with you, we won’t mind.”
Davin shook his head.
“But we wanted you to be able to make the choice from a place of … well, from a place of having a choice rather than from fear.”
Shayn nodded slowly. “Thanks. You’re right. I wanted him to come with me. And yes, it was partly because we got along so well that I didn’t want to say goodbye to him, but it was also out of fear. I was scared and I knew that he could protect me … and he was scared what might happen to me and …”
She gave them a small smile. “Thank you. I’m glad you did it. You’re right, it would have shifted things between us. I mean, he’s protective anyway. He said that he’s like that with his sisters and his cousin, but … I don’t feel like part of his role is to take care of me.”
Alexis held her gaze. She looked kind of expectant, and Shayna smiled.
“I can take care of myself, especially with my family at my back.”
“Precisely. And now that you have that clear in your mind, you can choose to add him into the mix because you want him around – not because you feel like you need him.”
Shayna glanced at Davin, and he smiled. “You’re wondering what my take is, aren’t you?”
“I am. I mean …”
He chuckled. “Don’t look so worried. You already know that I see myself as a protector. It’s what comes naturally to me. But knowing that Alexis wants me around does more for my male ego than feeling like she needed me ever could. I’d go out of my way to help anyone in need, but in partnership, in a relationship, there’s a lot to be said for knowing that there’s a balance.”
“I can see that, thanks guys.”
Alexis pushed her chair back. “All right, then. Do you want to go and bring your things over?”
“Okay, I won’t take long. I …”
She had to laugh when they all got up from the table.
“It won’t take long at all with four sets of hands,” said Davin. And with that, they all trooped out to the apartment.
~ ~ ~
Tanner and Ford were both in the kitchen when Ty let himself in through the back door. It was late, and he was tired.
Tanner greeted him with a grin. “You look beat! I take it you had a good time?”
“I did but wipe that dirty grin off your face. I’m tired because of the drive.”
“From Salt Lake? You’re getting old, little brother. I remember the days we’d drive straight through from base and be ready to go to Chico when we got here.”
Ty shrugged. “Yeah. Although, I think it’s more a case of growing up than getting old – I’m still younger than you guys.”
Ford cocked an eyebrow. “Does growing up mean you’re getting serious – about the girl?”
Ty couldn’t hide his smile. “It does.”
Ford grinned at him, while Tanner shook his head. “Kolby said he thought you were getting serious, but … you are? Are you going to be the next one to bite the dust?”
Ford laughed. “You make it sound like a bad thing.”
“It is! For me,” said Tanner. “Ty was my last remaining hunting buddy. Unless you’re volunteering to come out of hiding and be my wingman?”
“Yeah right,” said Ford. “You know that’s not happening – any of it. I’m not going to start chasing tourist chicks, any more than you need a wingman.” He winked at Ty before turning back to Tanner. “You’re just worried that your little brother’s starting something serious before you. You’ll have to watch yourself or before you know it, you’ll be the old geezer at the bar hitting on young girls who think you’re over the hill.”
Ty laughed at the way Tanner spluttered. “I … I’m not … I’ve still got it.”
“Sure you do, for now,” said Ford. “So, how did it go, Ty?”
Ty blew out a big sigh. “It was amazing. She’s amazing. Best weekend I’ve ever had.”
“But?” asked Tanner, who was watching him closely.
“But there was a bit of a hiccup at the end – not between Shay and me; we’re good but …”
Ford went to the fridge and handed him a beer. “Do you need food?”
“I’m good.”
“Then come sit down and tell us all about it – I don’t like the look on your face.”
Tanner nodded. “Yeah, what happened?”
Ty checked his watch. He hadn’t heard from Shay since she got home. He’d promised that he’d let her know when he made it back to the ranch. He took his phone out of his pocket.
“I’ll be with you guys in a minute.”
He dumped his bag in the laundry room and ran upstairs to his bedroom.
Ty: I’m home. You doing okay?
Shay: I am. Had a family meeting. They’re going to make sure someone’s with me everywhere I go!
Ty: Good! I’m glad.
Shay: Me too, but I hope we can find whoever this guy is and make him stop soon. I appreciate what they’re doing, but it’s not how I want to live my life.
Ty: I get that, sweetheart. Cash has a girl who works for him digging into it.
Shay: Amelia, right? Alexis told me. Please tell him I said thank you – and ask him to tell Amelia, too.
Ty: Will do. Did you get your assignments for the week yet?
Shay: Yep. I’m going to be a very busy bee!
Ty: You can do it. I have faith in you. Should I let you go so you can get on with it?
Shay: I guess. I don’t want to but I should.
Ty: The more you do now, the less you’ll have left to do on Friday.
Shay: Are you still planning to come?
Ty: I am – and I won’t stop planning on it until you tell me you don’t want me.
Shay: I want you!
Ty: I want you, too, sweetheart – in every way.
Shay: Are you going straight to bed?
Ty: I’m going to hang with Tanner and Ford for a while first. Can I text you again before I turn in?
Shay: Please. It’s going to be weird enough sleeping without you there, I don’t think I’d be able to if I can’t at least say goodnight to you.
Ty: I want to call you instead of text. But would that be awkward since you’re in the house with them?
Shay: I think so. I don’t know if they’ll be able to hear me or what time they go to bed or anything. Maybe we just text for tonight and then we can talk tomorrow?
Ty: Whenever you want to, I’ll make it work.
Shay: Okay – as long as you understand that I do want to talk to you tonight it’s just awkward.
Ty: I get it. You go do your schoolwork and I’ll text you before I go to bed.
Shay: Okay. I miss you.
Ty: Miss you more.
~ ~ ~
The next morning, Shayna was up early and found herself pacing the kitchen while she waited for Booker. She hadn’t slept well. That was partly due to being in an unfamiliar bed, partly due to being under the same roof as Davin, Alexis, and Booker. Not that she had a problem with them, it was just that it had hit her some time in the night that she hadn’t spent the night under the same roof as another living being since her mom died. Not unless you counted hotels – and she only counted the one she’d spent the last few nights in – with Tyler.
She blew out a big sigh. He was mostly the reason that she hadn’t slept. They might not have had sex in the three nights that they’d spent together, but they’d slept wrapped around each other. They’d made out until they couldn’t stay awake any longer, and then he’d spooned her, holding her close all night – and she’d never felt so cared for.
She looked up when Booker came into the kitchen.
“Shoot. Sorry, Shay. Am I late?”
“You’re good. It’s me, I was up early. Get yourself some breakfast; there’s no big rush.”
“I can grab one of those protein bars and eat it on the way if you like.”
“It’s up to you – just don’t feel like you need to hurry.”
They both turned when Davin appeared in the doorway. “Are we ready?”
Shayna frowned. “Almost, Booker needs something to eat first then we’ll be on our way.” She reached for her keys from the counter.
“I’ll drive,” said Davin.
“Do you really think you need to do that? I’m not going to be by myself – Booker’s with me.”
Davin smiled. “I’m off this morning, and I haven’t seen Mac and Beau in a while. I might as well ride over there with you. I can do some of the stalls if you want – I haven’t done that in years, but I reckon with a bit of supervision, I’ll do a decent job.”
“You don’t need to do that. We’ll be fine – honestly. It’s bad enough that you’re planning on riding all over town with me – you don’t need to be mucking out stalls too.”
Davin just shrugged. “I’m coming with you, so I might as well make myself useful.”
Booker grinned at him. “I’ll show you what to do if you want to help, but let’s go. Otherwise, instead of making yourself useful, you’ll be making us late.”
~ ~ ~
By the time breakfast service was finished at the lodge, Ty was getting antsy. He’d texted with Shayna for a little while before he went to bed last night, but it had been brief, since she was working on her assignment. She’d said that she’d message him this morning, but she hadn’t yet.
Wade came into the kitchen and greeted him with a smile.
“So, how did it go?”
He nodded. “It was great, and thanks again for letting me take the time off.”
“Of course. From what Cash tells me, you’re going to need Friday afternoon and Monday morning off again this week.”
He had to laugh. “He didn’t waste any time, did he?”
Wade laughed with him. “You know what he’s like – he wants to make sure that everyone’s taken care of. He knows that you’ll feel bad about asking – even though there’s no need. And he was trying to give me time to find someone to cover.”
“Are you going to be able to?”
“Yeah. You know Christian’s looking for every chance he can get to prove his worth.”
Ty nodded. Christian was his second in command, and he made no secret that he’d love to take over from Ty if the chance ever arose.
“Don’t look like that,” said Wade. “You’re my main man – and even aside from being my brother, you’re a better chef and I enjoy working with you more.”
Ty had to smile. “Thanks. You know I love working for you.”
“I know you don’t love it. I know you love helping me out – and I appreciate it, but it’s not exactly your dream job, is it?”
Ty shrugged. “No, but it’s the best real job I’m going to find.”
“And I’m glad to have you. I feel bad that so far, every plan we’ve made to expand things around here to create you a restaurant has fallen through.”
“It is what it is. Since you and Sierra and the kids now live in the first cabin, and Kolby and Callie are in the second one, I’m hardly going to complain.”
“I know, but I thought that this year we’d finally be able to add on to the lodge and create a restaurant space for you.”
Ty shrugged again. “It’ll all work out in its own time.”
Wade smiled. “Does this new, laid-back attitude mean that you have more important things on your mind?”
He grinned. “Yeah. I’m hopeful about what’s going to happen with Shayna and …” He couldn’t believe he was going to admit it to himself, let alone to Wade. “I want to be with her. If that means I have to move to Summer Lake, I will. So, it’s probably for the best that we never got around to opening a restaurant.”
Wade’s eyes were wide. “You’d seriously consider leaving the ranch – the valley?”
He nodded slowly. “I’m not saying that I want to, but yeah. If that’s what it takes to be with her, then I’m prepared to go.”
“When’s she going to come up here to visit?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m going to see her this weekend and we’ll figure out our next steps from there. Why?”
Wade gave him a grim smile. “Because I’m going to set the whole family to work on making sure that when she comes, we all show her how great a life she could have if she moved here.”
Ty grinned. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, but don’t go thinking it’s just for your sake. I don’t want you to move away – and not because of the kitchen. If you don’t want to work here anymore, I’ll figure it out, but …” He shook his head. “I don’t want you to move away.”
“I don’t want to go – it wouldn’t be my first choice, but if it comes down to it, if that’s what it takes to be with her, then I’m prepared to do it.”
Wade grinned. “I thought it’d be years before you were ready to settle down.”
He grinned back. “Since Kolby met Callie, I was starting to think about it, but I thought it’d take years before I got there – and then Shay came along.”
“Can’t wait to meet her.”
“Yeah. I’ll get her up here as soon as we can work it out.” His smile faded. “I just wish I could have brought her home with me and kept her here, but …”
“You’ll figure it out – and we’ll all have your back while you do.”