Page 64 of Protected from Torment

Oh, and the kissing. And touching. And doing almost everything short of actually having sex, which is a line I’m getting more and more eager to cross.

Do I love Tyler? Not yet.

Am I on my way? Yes.

So no, I wasn’t going to chicken out when two of his friends eloped while on a trip to the Caribbean and wanted to throw a party to celebrate once they got back home. And I wasn’t going to hide in Tyler’s house—his very cute and cozy house that I almost immediately felt at home in—just because some of the guests in attendance might not like me. Maybe I would have done that a year or two ago, but not now.

It’s not like I expected Owl or Stone would be rude to me. Same with Erik and Tatum. But there was a niggle of worry I couldn’t seem to shake. After spending two weeks—longer, with Tyler, Webb, and Indy—I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with everyone here. But these new people were unknowns. And I couldn’t help being scared they would judge me like some of Vince’s friends did.

But they didn’t. Not even close.

Erik and Tatum were great from the moment we met. Erik told me in his quiet sort of way that he was so glad I was okay. Tatum hugged me right away and told me how thrilled she was that Tyler had met me. And she wasn’t being polite. She meant it.

Owl and Stone have been really nice, too, along with their wives. They didn’t act like they thought I was a criminal. They just treated me like Tyler’s girlfriend, and once my initial nerves settled, I discovered I liked all four of them. A lot.

“You’re always welcome to visit us out at the Refuge,” Owl offered, referring to the facility he helps run out in New Mexico, dedicated to helping people with extreme PTSD. “Not as a client,” he added quickly. “Just as a friend. We’ve got animals—dogs, cats, goats, horses—and plenty of other activities.”

“That would be nice,” Tyler answered. “Maybe we could head out there. What do you think, Mel? Interested?”

I was. I am. Because the idea of a trip with Tyler sounds pretty darn nice—just us, staying out in a cabin in New Mexico, riding horses and wandering the trails and watching gorgeous sunrises together. So I told Tyler yes. And he looked really happy I did.

“They all think you’re great,” Tyler says, oblivious to my meandering thoughts about relationships and sex and trips to New Mexico. “I understand why you were anxious, but trust me, you have no reason to be.”

I glance behind us at the crowd of people on the deck before turning back to Tyler. “It was just me getting in my own head. Now that I’ve met everyone, I’m not.”

“They really like you,” he insists. “Everyone on the team does, of course. Plus Eden, Bea, Noelle, and Yara. And Erik and Tatum… they’re two of the nicest people.”

“They are,” I agree. With another quick glance in Erik and Tatum’s direction, I add, “Erik told me about his PTSD. He said he still struggles with it, even years later. That it frustrated him at first because he thought he should be over it. And—” I cut myself off.

So stupid, I scold myself. Erik suffered his TBI in the same explosion that cost Tyler his leg. I’m not telling Tyler anything he doesn’t already know. And really, do I want to remind Tyler of that horrible time when he should be enjoying himself instead?

“Mel.” Tyler pulls me closer, so I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. “You’re allowed to talk about it. When I told you about my leg, I wasn’t expecting that you’d never mention it.” Pausing, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “And I think you’ll find that most people who come to Blade and Arrow understand how clinging and devious PTSD can be. You can think everything’s normal, and then it just comes out of nowhere.”

“Yeah. It does,” I agree. “But anyway. Everyone was really nice. They are nice. I’m glad I came.”

He gives me a long look as emotion works in his gaze. “Me too.” Then he flashes me a sheepish smile. “I’ve been saying that a lot lately, haven’t I?”

“What, that you’re glad I’m here?”

“Yes. I don’t want you to think I’m just saying it. I really mean it.”

There’s something in his eyes—-something deeper than friendship or affection—that makes my heart skip a beat. “I don’t think you’re just saying it. I’m not, either. I’m really happy I decided to come here. I mean… I’m glad you invited me. And that I said yes.”

“Mel.” Tyler pulls me into his embrace and brushes his lips across mine. “I don’t know how to say this without it coming out all cheesy.”

“You can say anything,” I insist. “Don’t worry how it sounds.”

“It’s just…” He hesitates. “I didn’t think I could feel this happy again. But I do. And it’s because you’re here.”

Tears spring to my eyes so quickly it’s impossible to hide them. “Tyler.”

“Too much? Too fast?”

“No.” I rise on my toes and kiss him back. “It’s not too much. It’s not too fast. It’s perfect. Because I feel the same way.”

“Ah, Mel.” He swallows hard. “You make me happy. Really happy.”

With his words comes a surge of courage. The fears holding me back from telling Tyler what I want fall away. Heart beating fast, I blurt, “Do you want to go back home?”