Chapter Nineteen
Ty sat on the sofa in Shayna’s apartment, looking out the window at the amazing view of the lake. Cash had gone into the house with Davin and Alexis, and Shay had brought him up here to show him around. They were supposed to go and join the others after she’d given him a tour – and they’d had the chance to catch up a bit. The plan was to go to The Boathouse for dinner.
Shayna was standing at the kitchen counter uploading some of her homework to the portal.
“Are you sure you want to go?” he asked.
He knew that she’d been planning to do more schoolwork tonight. Yes, it was important that they should all get their heads together and come up with a plan to keep her safe, but he hated that it would put her behind.
She came to him and when he pulled her down onto his lap, she grasped the front of his shirt. “It’s okay. Really. If it comes to it, I can request an extension. I know some people do that all the time, and it’s not a big deal. I don’t like to, but under the circumstances …”
He touched her cheek. “You’re awesome, you know. I bet people request extensions because they partied too hard and have a hangover, and you won’t ask for one even though you’re working seventeen jobs and carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
She laughed. “It’s not as bad as you make it sound.” She frowned. “Not usually it isn’t. I won’t ask for an extension just because I have a heavy workload, but I will when I have a convicted rapist who wants to take me home with him.”
She shuddered, and Ty tightened his arms around her. “He’s not going to take you anywhere.” He wanted to say But I hope I can. But she was stressed enough about everything without him adding to it.
“No, and going back to your original question, I really do want to go to dinner. I think it’s important to talk about what I can do. And I think it’d be all wrong for Cash to come all this way and have me say, Sorry I can’t come to dinner, I have to study!”
“He knows how hard you work. He doesn’t want to drag you away from it. It’s more that he doesn’t want to go brainstorming with Davin and Alexis about things that affect your life without you even there.”
She frowned. “What kind of brainstorming?”
He sucked in a deep breath; he was going to have to bring it up and there was no point in beating about the bush.
“How would you feel about coming to stay with me?”
She grinned – missing the point completely. “I’d love to! I’ve been Googling your valley – it’s so beautiful, Ty. I just have to figure out how to get the time off and … What?”
He kissed her forehead. “I don’t mean just for a visit. I mean to get you out of here – to keep you safe. Now that we know what we’re dealing with – who this asshole is – I don’t think we should take any chances.”
She just stared at him.
“I know you have your work to think about, and it’d be a huge deal to uproot you like that – I’m not taking this lightly. But I’m not taking the threat lightly either. If he’s got it in his head that you’re what he wants, then I don’t think he’ll stop until he …”
He shuddered. He couldn’t even think about what might happen.
Shayna was staring at him wide-eyed. “I … I can’t, Ty. I … my whole life … and these guys, and Booker and …” She shook her head. “I can’t just walk out on my life.”
His heart was pounding; he’d known that she’d need some time to wrap her head around the idea, but he’d hoped that she’d at least consider it.
He blew out a sigh. “I know, sweetheart, I’m not asking you to walk out on your life. Just to shift where you live it for a while. Cash already said that we can use the jet to get you back here to visit these guys as often as we can, and there are plenty of jobs around the ranch and at the lodge that need filling and …” He stopped and ran his hand through his hair.
“I’m not ignoring what you’re saying, Shay – even though it sounds like I am. I’m just trying to make you see that it might not be such a bad idea. I wouldn’t pressure you just to be with me – to get you to come live with me. Although, I won’t lie, either – that’s my end goal. If I’m putting pressure on you, it’s because I’m scared, sweetheart. I’m scared that if you stay here, having someone with you every waking moment will get old – for you and for the rest of them. All it takes is letting down your guard one time and …” He didn’t want to finish that sentence – he could see that he didn’t need to.
“Shit! I’m sorry. I’m not trying to scare you.”
She shook her head slowly. “I know but … I don’t know, Ty. I can’t imagine. I’ve never lived anywhere else. I’ve never even met your family. What kind of jobs are you talking about? I …”
Her words gave him hope – she was considering what it’d take, not flat out dismissing the possibility.
“You don’t have to decide right this minute. But keep it in mind while we have dinner. We’ll see what these guys have to say. There might be other options.” He cleared his throat. “If you really don’t want to come up there, then I’ll find a way to come here. Wade will understand. I just can’t stand the idea of something happening to you. I know these guys have got you – but … you’re my girl, Shay. I need to make sure that you’re safe.”
She searched his face and slowly nodded. “Except it doesn’t make sense for you to come here.”
“What do you mean?”
She blew out a sigh. “It makes more sense for me to move away from where this crazy guy is, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
She checked the time on her phone. “I can’t … my head’s too full right now. Let’s go back to the house and go for dinner.”
“Okay. I’m sorry. I hate this. I want us to just be together and have fun. I don’t want you to feel like you’re under pressure.”
She gave him a sad smile. “I don’t. I get it. I’m not under pressure – I’m under a threat. And I know that you’re only trying to make sure that I’m safe.”
He brushed his lips over hers. “There’s a bit more to it than that.”
“There is?”
“Yeah. There’s something I need to tell you.”
He loved the way she softened against him, and her little arms tightened around his waist.
“What?”
“I absolutely want to keep you safe. But deciding whether you come to Montana, or I come here – that’s about me wanting you in my life. See, I love you, Shayna Rose. I should probably hold back a while before I tell you that, but I can’t. You’re it for me. I want to be wherever you are and …” His words trailed off when he saw the tears shining in her eyes.
“Shit, sweetheart. I don’t want to upset you.”
She laughed. “They’re happy tears, Ty! I love you, too. I thought it was too soon, but …”
“Nah. It’s not too soon. It’s fast, yeah, but the way I see it, we have the rest of our lives to take our time getting to know each other.”
She leaned in to kiss him, and a shiver ran down his spine when she stroked his beard. “Are we crazy?” she whispered.
“Maybe, but crazy or not, I know how I feel; I love you.” He frowned. “And I was going to say that it ain’t going to change, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m trying to lock you in. You might decide that I’m not right for you, and if you do, I’ll accept it. I’m not trying to …”
She pressed a peck to his lips. “I know you’re not, it’s okay. This doesn’t feel like pressure. It feels … amazing!”
~ ~ ~
When they walked into The Boathouse, Shayna clung to Ty’s hand. She must have walked into this place hundreds of times over the years. Recently, she’d been working here, covering shifts as a server for a while until Kenzie had asked her to join her behind the bar.
But considering that The Boathouse was about the only option for a night out in town, this place had also been the main backdrop for her social life. Not that she had much of a social life these days.
She’d had a couple of boyfriends, but nothing serious. Most of the dates she’d ever been on had taken place right here. She tensed when she spotted a group of friends sitting together at a couple of tables they’d pulled together by the dance floor. She’d gone to school with most of them, they were good people. She’d never been one of the gang, though; she worked too much to be able to join in.
One of them, Austin, the local realtor, raised his hand in greeting. He’d helped Davin and Alexis buy their house, and they waved back. He was a good guy – it was his best friend, Colt, who was sitting next to him, who made Shayna feel uncomfortable. Colt was a good guy, too – he was one of the sheriff’s deputies. The reason she felt uncomfortable with him was because of one failed attempt at a date they went on a few years ago.
Ty squeezed her hand. “Are you okay? Is there a problem with one of those guys?”
She shook her head rapidly. “No. No problem.”
She was grateful that Cash herded them toward the bar before Ty could ask any more questions. It wasn’t that she had anything to hide – she’d tell him what had happened if he wanted to know. It wasn’t a big deal, only that she still felt embarrassed. She’d asked Colt out right around the same time that his long-lost love, Cassie, had come back to town.
When they reached the bar, Cash grinned at her. “What are you having, honey?”
They all turned when Kenzie appeared behind the bar with a huge grin on her face. “Looks to me like she’s having herself a shot of hot cowboy – or a double!” she said with a raunchy laugh.
Shayna rolled her eyes at her. “Stop it, Kenz! This is Ty, and his big brother, Cash.”
“Nice to meet you, Ty! I’ve heard a lot about you already.” She shook her head. “Shay said you were hot, but damn!” She turned Cash. “And you! Please tell me that you’re single, sugar. Not asking for myself,” she added with a wink. “But holy shit, you’re going to make some lucky lady very happy.”
Cash threw his head back and laughed. “I’m single, honey – but that’s by choice, and I intend to keep it that way.”
Kenzie blew out a big sigh. “Well, that’s a damn shame. When you change your mind, you be sure to come back and see me, okay?”
Cash chuckled. “Okay.” He turned to Davin and Alexis. “What are you having? Tonight’s on me.” He raised an eyebrow at Davin. “If that’s okay.”
Davin nodded, and Alexis laughed. “Wow. I’m not sure I like being relegated to little-lady-who-the menfolk-pay-for status.”
Cash made a face at her. “Come on, bud. I let you be you when it comes to the important shit in life. Let me be me when it’s no big deal?”
Shayna watched their exchange with interest. She’d already noticed – it’d be hard to miss – that Cash was a lot like Ty in many respects. He was protective, had impeccable manners, and behaved like a very old-school gentleman in some ways.
She loved that Alexis patted his arm as she said, “Okay. I’ll be good and just say thank you.”
Cash grinned at Davin. “She has no more idea about how to be good than I do.”
Davin laughed. “True, but if I were you, I’d take the easy win and move on.”
When they all had their drinks, Davin looked around the crowded restaurant. “This may not have been the best idea if we want to be able to talk while we eat.”
Kenzie caught Shayna’s eye. “Would I be right if I guessed that this little gathering is about your stalker problem?”
Shayna stared at her for a moment, wondering how she could have known.
“It is,” said Ty. “What do you know about it?”
Shayna was worried that he sounded kind of blunt, but Kenzie grinned at her. “Damn! Sexy as hell and all gruff and protective, too? You lucked out! I hope you’ve said thank you to April.”
Shayna had to laugh. Davin leaned in and said, “Focus, Kenz. Do you think you can find us a quiet table anywhere?”
“Sure.” She turned to Shayna. “We can set you up with a picnic bench out on the back deck. If you want to give me a hand, we can move one around the corner away from the main doors – no one will disturb you out there and it’ll be quieter. You might have to take care of the table yourself, though. I mean, we can get your food out there, but you’ll get your drinks quicker if you come in and out the back door yourself.”
“Sure. I can do that. And you stay right where you are. I can take care of the table.”
Ty frowned. “We can set the table up. You don’t need to …”
Alexis laughed. “Let’s argue about it when we get out there, shall we?”
It didn’t take long to get a table set up. Shayna and Alexis let the guys take care of moving it, and Shayna soon had menus and cutlery and everything else they might need.
Ty frowned at her when she asked what everyone wanted. She knew that he wanted her to have a night off, but it was just simpler if she ran their order into the kitchen – and they’d get to eat sooner, too. They needed to have their talk about what she was going to do, but she was eager to get this dinner over with and get him back to her apartment – to bed.
When they were finally all settled and had their food – Ty had helped her to carry everything out, much to Kenzie’s delight – she looked around the table. Cash caught her eye and winked.
“Thanks, honey. This looks great, and I’m starving.”
“The food here’s really good.” She frowned when she remembered. “Where are you staying?”
He chuckled. “I’ll get myself a room right here at the resort. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Alexis laughed. “No, but you might need to worry about Kenzie. If that girl sets her heart on finding you a woman …”
“Not happening,” said Cash.
Alexis shook her head. “Are you telling me that you’re still holding out for …?”
Cash shrugged. “I’m telling you nothing. We’re not here to talk about me. We’re here to figure out what Shayna’s going to do.”
Ty rested his hand on her thigh under the table, and Shayna leaned a little closer to him. She liked that Cash had said what she was going to do, rather than what they were going to do about her situation. She was grateful to all of them, but she needed to feel like she was the one making the decisions. She’d been alone and in charge of her own life for a long time.
Davin met her gaze. “What do you think, Shay?”
She shrugged. “I’m still processing. It’s a lot to take in. It was bad enough before, and now that we know who he is – what he’s capable of …”
Ty wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You know my take, but it’s up to you.”
Alexis turned to him. “And your take is …?”
Shayna felt him tense before he spoke. “I want Shay to come back with us. Obviously, I want that for myself – I’m not going to try to hide it. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s the most logical option.”
Shayna watched Alexis exchange a look with Davin, who blew out a sigh. “It is the most logical option. We all need to set our personal feelings aside here.” He looked at Shayna. “If it were just about what we want, then I’d say that I don’t want you to go.” He smiled. “We only cobbled together this little family of ours a while ago but … we are a family now and … it’s not about that; priority number one is keeping you safe. If you want to stay, we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing. You’ll never be left alone for him to get to you. I give you my word. And before you say anything – it’s not a problem. I don’t mind, Alexis doesn’t mind, Booker doesn’t mind. We all want to do it.”
“I don’t want you to go.” Shayna had to swallow around the lump in her throat when she saw the tears shining in Alexis’s eyes. “It’s taken me more than half a century to discover that I am cut out for family life after all.” She let out a short laugh. “I never thought that I wanted a daughter, but now that I have you …” She sat up a little straighter. “But that’s beside the point. The logical move is for you to go with Tyler. The primary objective is to ensure your safety. Normally, I’d say that’s all that matters, but in this case, what you want matters.” She raised her eyebrows.
Shayna looked around at them all. Ty pulled her a little closer to his side. Cash gave her an encouraging smile. Davin and Alexis waited.
She blew out a sigh. “This is a lot, you guys.”
Alexis smiled. “It is, sweetie. And it’s not like you need to make your mind up right this minute. Take your time, take the weekend.” She turned to Cash. “When do you need to leave?”
Cash looked at Shayna. “I can push it till Monday morning if we need to.”
Shayna sucked in a deep breath.
“Even if you decide to go, it doesn’t have to be forever,” said Davin. “We’ll be working to track him down and …”
“Take him out of the picture,” said Alexis.
Cash chuckled. “I guarantee you won’t need to worry about him again, if Alma gets her hands on him.” His smile faded. “If you want to come up to the ranch with us, you’ll be safe. If you want to replace all your jobs, I reckon there’s an equivalent to every one of them around the ranch. And then there’s …” He let his words trail off and looked at Ty.
Shayna realized he’d kept quiet throughout the exchange. He tightened his arm around her shoulders as he looked down into her eyes. “You know there’s no pressure from me, either way. Sure, I want you to come home with me, but I can find something to do here if you want to stay.” He cleared his throat. “Xander said he could use me in the kitchen over at Violets, but I can play it by ear. If I’m staying, it’s to keep an eye out for you – not to be off at work somewhere when you need me.”
Shayna smiled as she looked up into his eyes. She loved them all for the way they wanted to help her. But he was the one she’d fallen in love with. She knew in her heart what she wanted to do, but she needed a little time before she told them.
“Thank you so much – all of you. I … it’s weird to me, weird and totally wonderful. Not so long ago I felt like I was all alone in the world.” She let out a short laugh. “Because I was. Now, I have all of you. And I love it – I love you. I just hate that one way or the other I’m going to miss some of you.”
“If you come up there with us, we’ll fly you back whenever we can,” said Cash.
“And we’ll come to visit whenever we can,” said Alexis.
Davin nodded. “And bring Booker.”
Ty met her gaze and held it. “Take your time, sweetheart. Give it some thought.”