Madison: I'm not saying it's romantic. I'm saying it's protective. Which could BECOME romantic.
Holly: Madison has a point.
Chloe: You're all impossible.
I show Tyler the messages and he chuckles.
"They're not wrong. Rampage doesn't hover unless he's interested."
"He just met her."
"Doesn't matter. When you know, you know." He tilts my chin up. "I knew the first day I walked into your coffee shop. Sometimes it's just that fast."
"That's different."
"Is it? Because from what you've told me, Rampage has been checking on Emily since the day he met her. Making sure she's safe. Offering to help. That's not just being friendly."
"But she's not looking for a Daddy."
"Neither were you." His smile is knowing. "And look how that turned out."
I can't argue with that.
We spend the rest of the evening cuddled on the couch, and every time my phone buzzes, I jump.
But it's just the girls checking in. Making sure Emily's okay. Offering to drive up there tomorrow if needed.
Around ten, my phone rings again.
Emily.
"Hey. How are you doing?"
"Better. Still shaky but better." She pauses. "Rampage set up the room for me. Made sure I have everything I need. And he said he's sleeping on the couch in case I need anything during the night."
"That's sweet."
"It's more than sweet. It's..." She trails off. "I don't know what it is. But I feel safer here than I have in a long time."
"That's good, Em. You've been through a lot tonight."
"The guys here have been amazing. They all keep checking on me. Making sure I'm comfortable. But Rampage..." Another pause. "He's different. More intense. More protective."
"How do you feel about that?"
"I don't know. Grateful? Confused? A little overwhelmed?" She laughs softly. "He told me I was brave tonight. That I did everything right. And the way he said it... Chloe, I felt it all the way to my toes."
"Oh, honey."
"I know. I know what you're thinking. But I can't think about that right now. I'm too tired and too emotional."
"Then don't think. Just rest. We'll talk tomorrow when you're more settled."
"Okay. Love you. And thank Tyler again for me. If he hadn't called when he did..."
"I know. Sleep well, Emily."
After we hang up, I update Tyler.
