Page 36 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

“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 changedhis 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.

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