Falling for the Perfect 10

Chapter 13: Back Again

The next morning, after I was released, Tye drove me home so I could shower. He'd called everyone, both families, and arranged to meet for lunch at a nearby restaurant. I was grateful that Takeover had been in Florida, I couldn't have imagined traveling much farther than we already had.

When we got to the restaurant for lunch Rylee came rushing towards us. Tye scooped her up before she could make contact with my body. "Whoa, be careful there Rylee. Shanna is all banged up."

"But you said she's okay," Rylee countered.

"I am okay, I just need to be careful," I said, hugging her while she sat in Tye's arms.

My family came next, hugging me carefully. I had to insist many times I was okay. My parents didn't look convinced. Tye's Mom looked happy to see me but wore the same expression as my own mother. Tye and I shared a look with each other, along with an eye roll about overprotective parents.

"So, anyone going to explain why Tye can't stop smiling like an idiot?" my older brother said.

I looked at Tye who shrugged. "Cause your sister is too damn good for me but she still wants me to stick around."

My older brother looked at me, then at Tye. He'd heard what happened, about our breakup. "Well, I'll sleep okay knowing that she's tougher than any of us and can kick your ass."

That seemed to settle it for everyone and we got on with ordering food.

--

Later that night Tye drove away after we'd said goodbye to both of our families at the airport. When we were on the highway I turned slightly in the passenger seat to face him. "Where are we headed?" I asked.

Tye looked at me briefly before turning his eyes back on the road. "I figured you'd want to go home," he said.

"And I figured Sheriff misses you."

Tye laughed. "My family was there last night. He's probably spoiled rotten now."

"Still," I said, "you know you'd rather go to your place and check on him."

"What would you rather do?"

"I'd rather not worry about Sheriff," I said.

Tye laughed and took the exit that would lead to his house.

--

Sheriff wouldn't stop barking. Excited little yips escaping him as I held him. He yipped between licking my face. I laughed and hugged him, kissing his little head. He wiggled so much I had to put him down. Tye grabbed the leash and we both walked outside so Sheriff could do his business. Tye took my hand in his, giving it a squeeze.

"Are you still sure?" Tye asked.

"About what?" I asked.

"This," he said, shaking our joined hands lightly.

I took a deep breath and we stopped walking, Sheriff sitting politely at our feet. Tye looked at me, waiting for me to speak. "I'm scared shitless about this, okay? But I can't pretend I don't love you and I can't sit around and pretend I don't miss you. You promised me you didn't sleep with her. That you kissed her, talked with her. I think I can accept that."

Tye nodded, his hand squeezing mine. "But, if you lied about that. Or if anything happens again. That'll be the end of it. For good. I've never given a second chance. Don't make me regret it."

"I won't," Tye said, shaking his head as he pulled me to him. I tucked my head, laying my cheek on his chest. "I promise, whatever it takes, I promise I won't make you regret this." He kissed my forehead then and I squeezed my arms tightly around him.