Chapter Nine
Shayna watched through the window as the plane descended toward Salt Lake City. She couldn’t believe that she was almost there. The week had gone by in a blur since she’d talked to Alexis on Tuesday night.
She’d called Ty when she got home, and he already knew about the change of plans – his brother, Cash, had called him – because Alexis had done as she’d said she would and warned Cash that she would hold him personally responsible for Ty’s behavior.
Ty had assured her that it worked just fine for him. He wasn’t worried that she’d be spending Saturday afternoon and Sunday lunch with Eli. That still left them with tonight and the rest of Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning. Alexis had said that it was better for her to fly back on Monday morning than Sunday night – and Lily hadn’t had a problem with her skipping Monday morning at the barn. Since things weren’t as tight for her money-wise anymore – thanks to Davin and Alexis – Shayna didn’t have a problem with it either. Best of all, Ty had said that he’d get here before she did and wouldn’t leave until she was safely on her way home.
And now, here she was. About to land – about to meet Ty! She shivered as she watched the Great Salt Lake shimmer under the blue sky. It looked like an alien landscape to her. She looked around at her fellow passengers. None of them looked particularly interested in what was outside the window. She had to wonder how many – if any – of them were like her and had never flown before.
She’d felt kind of embarrassed when she admitted to Ty that this would be her first time on a plane. He’d been so sweet! He’d told her that she had nothing to worry about and that he’d be there waiting for her at the baggage claim when she arrived.
She held her breath as the plane approached the runway. This was it! She just hoped that they would land safely and not crash into the rapidly approaching tarmac. She let out a sigh of relief when the wheels touched down and the plane taxied down the runway.
Okay, she was still alive. Her heartrate picked straight back up – arriving safely was the last obstacle remaining before she got to meet Ty.
The flight attendant announced that passengers could turn their phones back on, and Shayna immediately did as she’d promised and sent a text to the group chat that Booker had set up for them all – their little family. He, Davin, and Alexis had all asked her to keep in touch and let them know that she was okay at every step.
As soon as she hit send, her phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Ty: I’m here waiting by baggage claim 5. Just follow the signs for Baggage Claim.
Shay: Okay. We haven’t stopped yet. It might take me a while.
Ty: No worries – I’m not going anywhere.
Shay: Good! I’d be screwed if you changed your mind now.
Ty: Relax, sweetheart. I’m not going to change my mind. I can’t wait!
Shay: Me neither! But I’m REALLY wishing that we’d already exchanged photos!
Ty: It’s going to be all right.
Shay: I hope so. If you think I’m fugly we can just hang out as friends, right?
Ty: Relax! I’m not going to think you’re fugly.
Ty: But even if it turns out that I’m wrong, and you look like Yoda, we’re going to have a fun weekend hanging out together. Just get your ass out here so we can get this thing started.
She grinned at that. She wanted to get this thing started too – whatever this thing between them turned out to be.
He’d driven here from Montana and had assured her that he was happy to be her chauffeur for the weekend. She hadn’t felt confident about driving in a big city, so she’d planned to take the shuttle bus to the hotel, but when she told him that, he said that he’d be here waiting for her.
The plane finally stopped, and people started getting up from their seats. The man who’d been sitting next to her passed down her backpack that he’d put in the overhead bin for her when they got on.
“Thanks.”
He smiled. “No problem. Are you coming home or here for a visit?”
“Just visiting.”
“Have a great time.”
“Thanks, you too.”
She looked down at her phone again. Until now, it had almost felt as though Ty lived in there. Now, she was going to meet him in the flesh. She shivered again; she couldn’t let herself think about his flesh! Her mind had raced all over the place on the flight. He could be all built and muscular – as she imagined a former SEAL would be. Then again, he was a chef now, and even though he’d reassured her that he wasn’t chubby …
“After you.” People were starting to move now, and the man from the seat next to her gestured for her to go ahead of him. She followed the line of people up the walkway and then she was in the terminal building. She looked around while she hefted her backpack on and spotted the Baggage Claim signs.
This was it! She was going to have to find a restroom before she got there – she hadn’t dared to go on the plane. She also wanted to check herself out and make sure that she didn’t look like she’d been dragged through a hedge!
After she’d paid a visit, she washed her hands and eyed herself in the mirror. She looked good. She’d worn her favorite jeans, a cute pink T-shirt, and a white zip-up hoodie. She’d tied her hair in a loose ponytail. Maybe she should let it down? She shook it out and ran her brush through it. Yeah. That was better. She wondered if she should put more lipstick on – her lips were still kind of pink since it was the long-lasting kind. She let out a nervous laugh. She didn’t want him to think that she was trying too hard. She didn’t want him to think she hadn’t made any effort either! She rummaged through her backpack and swiped on some more deodorant. Then ran her fingers through her hair. Okay, she’d do. She’d have to.
She pulled her phone out when it beeped with a text.
Ty: Are you doing okay? Can you see the signs for Baggage Claim?
Shay: I’m good. I’m on my way. Had to pee!
Crap! She didn’t need to tell him that. Too late now, though.
Shay: Are you ready for this? It’s make or break time.
Ty: I’m so freaking ready! I’ve been watching every blonde girl who comes out. You’re still wearing your white hoodie, right? You didn’t take it off? Or am I looking for a pink T-shirt?
Shay: Still wearing the hoodie, but it’s a zip-up and it’s open, so you can see the pink T-shirt too.
Ty: Thank fuck for that! A girl just came to your baggage carousel in a pink T-shirt and she’s looking around like she’s searching for someone. I’m so glad that’s not you.
Shay: Oh no! You might change your mind and wish I was her instead when you see me.
Ty: No chance! Are you nearly here yet?
Shay: I don’t know! I can’t text and walk so …
Ty: Okay. I’ll stop texting.
Shay: Wait! Do you still have your jacket on, or did you take it off? Is it warm out there?
Ty: Still have my jacket on, and my hat, so you can spot me. COME ON OUT!!! Not shouting at you but if you don’t hurry, you might find bits of exploded cowboy everywhere – I might burst from the suspense.
Shay: On my way. But one more thing – if we don’t like the way each other looks, this might be the last time that we talk to each other without it being weird. I hope it’s not, but if it is, I need you to know that I’ve loved every minute of this.
Ty: So have I, but this isn’t going to be our last anything, Shay. It’s going to be one of our many firsts.
Shay: Hope so. Okay, I’m coming.
She put her phone back in her pocket and hurried out of the restroom. She followed the Baggage Claim signs and paused when she saw a row of carousels. Ty was waiting by number 5, since that was the one for her flight – even though she hadn’t checked a bag. She had all she needed in her backpack.
She checked the signs and found number 5. He’d said that she wouldn’t be able to miss him since he was wearing a bright blue denim jacket. He said that he hardly ever wore it because his brothers gave him shit about just how bright it was. And he was wearing a brown cowboy hat, too. It really shouldn’t be hard to spot him, but her heart started to pound when she couldn’t see anyone fitting his description.
She kept walking, but her steps slowed as she got closer and still couldn’t see him. Had he spotted her first and changed his mind? Her heart started to pound. Where was he? She stopped and looked all around. She’d be okay. Alexis had walked her through how to find the shuttle to her hotel just in case something happened, and he wasn’t there to meet her.
She took in a big shaky breath and stood up a little straighter. If he’d …
“Shay?”
Her heart thudded to a stop when she heard his deep, sexy voice behind her.
She spun around, and all her breath caught in her chest. He had to be the sexiest man she’d ever seen! He was tall – over six feet, he had to be. She was five-five and he seemed like a giant. He was built and muscular – definitely more of a SEAL than a chef!His broad shoulders filled out his bright blue jacket in a way that made her insides quiver. His hat made him look like more of a cowboy than she’d dared to hope. And his beard … his beard was a surprise. She hadn’t thought she was into guys with beards, but she was rapidly revising that opinion. His blue eyes seemed to match the jacket; they twinkled as he smiled.
She realized that she wasn’t smiling back – she was too busy processing the shock. He was more … everything than she’d dared to hope!
He looked a little dazed, and glanced around them before saying, “Please tell me that you’re Shayna Rose, because if you’re not, I think you might break my heart.”
She laughed. “Of course, it’s me. You don’t need to lay it on so thick!”
He shook his head slowly and took his hat off to run his hand through his hair. “I wasn’t joking, sweetheart. Damn! You’re …” He let his gaze travel over her, and she pulled her hoodie closer around her when her nipples tightened under the heat of that look. He met her gaze again, and butterflies took to flight in her stomach. “Damn! I’m a lucky bastard! But shit. What about you?” He held his arms from his sides. “What do you think? Did you get the raw end of this deal?”
She pressed her lips together in an attempt to hide her smile. “You want the truth?”
His shoulders drooped, and he gave her a rueful smile. “That’s what we promised each other, right? Go on, you can say it … I guess I’m not that lucky after all, am I?”
She pushed at his arm. “Stop it! You know damn well what I’m going to say!”
The hopeful look on his face told her that he really didn’t know; she was happy to set him straight.
“I feel like I won the freaking lottery!” she said with a laugh.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah! Have you seen you?”
He chuckled. “It’s all in the eye of the beholder.”
“Well, this beholder happens to agree with the general consensus about you.”
“Thank fuck for that!”
She laughed. “That’s what I thought! But do you really think …?”
“You don’t need to ask, sweetheart – just look at my face! If you won the lottery, I won the freaking Mega Millions!”
He stepped closer and held his arms out again. “Can I get a hug?”
She nodded happily.
“Come here, then.”
His big, muscular arms closed around her, and she slipped hers around his waist. She closed her eyes and rested her cheek against his chest as she savored the moment. He surprised her when he dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
When she looked up, she was met by those bright blue eyes, and that smile! She knew that she was wearing a matching one.
“Can you keep an eye out for your bag? I’m not going to be able to take my eyes off of you.”
She laughed. “I didn’t bring one – I have everything I need in my backpack.”
“Shit! That thing has to be heavy, let me take it.”
“I’m fine. It’s okay.”
His eyebrows drew together. “You don’t have to do everything by yourself when I’m around, Shay.”
The intensity of his words hit her right in her chest. She didn’t know what to say.
“Shit. I’m not trying to be bossy or take over. I … Don’t look like that, I’m sorry.”
She laughed. “I’m not mad at you. I’m just … processing.”
He cocked an eyebrow.
“I don’t know how to not do everything by myself.”
He nodded and touched the tip of her nose. “Then I might have to make it my life’s mission to teach you.”
Her heart felt as though it filled up and overflowed. Wouldn’t that be something?! But no, she didn’t need to go getting all carried away.
“How about we start slow? Can I carry your bag out to the truck?”
“Okay.”
He finally let go of her and she reluctantly withdrew her arms from around his waist. He helped her shrug out of the straps of her backpack and slung it over his shoulder.
He offered her his hand with a smile and asked, “Want to get out of here?”
When she placed her hand in his, an electric current zapped through her. Her gaze flew up to meet his, and he smiled.
“Yeah, I felt it, too, Shay.” He squeezed her hand and started leading her toward the doors. “Told you this wasn’t going to be our last anything – we’re just getting started, sweetheart.”
~ ~ ~
Ty kept glancing over at her as they walked. She was gorgeous! When he’d seen her come out from the concourse, looking for the right carousel, he couldn’t believe his luck. It had to be her; the way she’d described what she was wearing didn’t leave much doubt. What he doubted was his own luck.
He’d been preparing himself for disappointment. He’d even given himself a talking to about how attraction could grow over time. He was already attracted to the personality of the girl he’d gotten to know over emails, texts, and phone calls. Despite all that, his heart sank when he saw that other girl in a pink T-shirt; she wasn’t unattractive, but she just didn’t do it for him.
He couldn’t have been more relieved when Shayna told him she was still wearing her white hoodie – so that other girl couldn’t be her.He’d hoped that spark might be there, but he’d never expected that he’d be sporting a raging hard-on from the moment he laid eyes on her – in the middle of a crowded airport no less!
He squeezed her hand when they reached the crosswalk on their way to the parking garage.
Her hazel eyes seemed to glimmer when she smiled up at him.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah. You?”
He grinned. “I’m so much better than okay! Damn, Shay! I was hoping that you’d be okay-looking, you know? I feel like we know each other well enough, and I like you enough that it wouldn’t matter if there was no initial spark. I wasn’t expecting this.”
She laughed and the sound of it made him inhale sharply; it was going to be harder to behave himself than he’d expected. Didn’t mean that he’d break the promise he’d made himself – to keep it in his pants no matter what – but …
“I wasn’t either. I …” Her cheeks turned pink.
“Go on, you can say it, I’m still me – the guy you felt like you could say anything to.”
“I know. It’s … weird, I guess. I was worried that things might get awkward if one of us didn’t like the other. I don’t want things to get awkward because we do.”
“It won’t get weird if we don’t let it.” He chuckled. “I’ll put a paper bag over my head if you like – so that my dazzling good looks don’t distract you.”
She rolled her eyes at him. “You can’t do that! For one thing, I need to keep checking you out to make sure that I’m not making this up, and for another … Never mind.”
The traffic finally stopped, and when they reached the other side of the crosswalk, he stopped and tugged her hand so that she was facing him.
“If something’s up, you have to tell me.”
She shrugged.
“Come on, Shay.” Without thinking, he leaned in, about to kiss her. The shocked look in her eyes brought him to his senses just in time, and he veered off to the side and whispered in her ear instead.
“Remember what we said? We’re going to be friends if nothing else. You can tell me.”
He pulled his head back but only far enough that their noses were almost touching.
“I just felt a little self-conscious, that’s all. I was going to say that you can’t put a paper bag on your head because we only have a couple of days, and we need to make the most of them. I want to see as much of you as I can. We don’t know when we’ll get the chance again.” She dropped her gaze. “But then I realized that’d be a stupid thing to say – you might be glad to see the back of me by Monday morning.”
“Come here.”
This time when she stepped into his arms, he was able to hold her close without having to hold her backpack with her. When her little arms wrapped around his waist, he closed his eyes and breathed in the moment. He’d been hopeful about what might happen between them, but he hadn’t expected her to knock him on his ass like this.
He kissed the top of her head and loved the way her arms tightened around him in response.
“Can I lay it out for you?”
She nodded against his chest.
“There are no guarantees in life; I think we both know that. But the way I see it, it’s going to kill me to watch you leave on Monday morning. And – unless something goes horribly wrong between now and then – the first thing I’m going to do when I get home is book a flight to come see you again as soon as you can fit me in.”
Her whole body trembled, but he didn’t dare wonder if the thought of fitting him in conjured the same images in her mind as it did in his.
She slowly lifted her head and once he was looking down into her eyes, it took everything he had not to kiss her. She searched his face, and then her hand came up to touch his cheek. The feel of her fingers in his beard sent shivers down his spine.
“I hope so.”
He nodded; he didn’t have any words, he was lost in her eyes. He hadn’t expected this – the intensity of the moment blew him away.
Eventually, she stepped back with a smile. “I guess we should do like you said and get this thing started. Do you know where you left your truck? I’d never find my Tahoe again if I parked in a place like this.”
He laughed and took hold of her hand again. “Is it bad that I love that?”
“Love what?”
“That you’re like a babe in the woods, and I get to show you around and look out for you.”
She slapped his arm – hard. That made him smile, she might be a small-town girl, but she was no weakling.
“I’m not a babe in the woods!”
“You’re a babe!”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Whatever. Let’s find this truck of yours and get going.”
He threw her backpack on the back seat, then opened the passenger door for her. Her eyes were wide, and her cheeks turned pink when he helped her up.
When he got in, he felt her staring at him and turned to her with a smile. “What?”
“I … I do like the idea of you looking out for me. I …” She shrugged and dropped her gaze. “I don’t want to sound like some weedy woman who can’t look out for herself. That’s not who I am. I’m just saying that I … I …”
“Shay?”
She finally looked up and met his gaze. “You don’t need to explain it. You sure as hell don’t need to make excuses. Nothing about you could be described as weedy. I want to look out for you – not because I think you need it, but because it’s who I am. I told you that I’m kind of protective of the women in my life – and by that, I meant my sisters, and my cousin, and Nessa, but …” He reached across the console and palmed her cheek. “Now, I mean you – and you are fast becoming the most important woman in my life.”
She flushed as she brought her hand up to cover his. “Can I ask you something then?”
He smiled. “Fire away – you can ask me anything, you should know that by now.”
A small smile played on her lips, then her tongue darted out to moisten them. “When do we get our first kiss?”
He chuckled and slid his fingers into her hair as he leaned across the console. When their noses were touching, he breathed, “How about now?”
She smelled pretty, like flowers and something sweet. When her lips met his, they tasted sweet. He nipped her bottom lip and the little sigh she gave blew the lid off his restraint. Both his hands came up, and he tangled his fingers in her hair. He claimed her mouth, and she let him in. There was no coaxing, no finesse, he kissed her deeply, loving the little noises she made as she clung to his shoulders. She didn’t passively allow him to plunder her mouth. She kissed him back, her tongue flirting with his, teasing and retreating. He finally lifted his head when he heard himself growl like a damn animal.
Her eyes were shining, and her kiss-swollen lips tempted him to go back for more – especially when she ran her tongue over the bottom one and said in a breathy little voice, “Wow!”
He nodded vigorously. “I might not be booking a flight to see you when I get home.”
He realized his mistake when her face fell.
“Shit, I didn’t mean that the way you thought I did. I was going to say that I won’t be going home to need a flight – I might have to follow you to California.”
She let out a shaky little laugh. “And here I was thinking that you’d given me the best kiss of my life and were saying that you thought it was awful and you weren’t going to want to see me again!”
“Aw, Shay. I want to say that you should know better than that, but you can’t yet. I promise you though, sweetheart – I plan to do everything I can to get you used to the fact that you’re going to be saddled with this cowboy for …” He was about to say for a while but that didn’t feel like enough. “As long as you want me.”