Page 7 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

Ty let out a short laugh. “Is this some kind of set up? Are you all in on some big joke at my expense – making me think I’m after some hot blonde in California when really, it’s just you guys leading me on a wild goose chase?”

Chance laughed. “Damn! And they say I’m paranoid. It’s not a set up, Ty. All I can tell you is that April was all excited about trying to set you up with Shayna online. We’re out with April tonight – you can talk to her if you want. She also called Gina to warn her that you might be calling to see if it was legit.”

“Okay. Do you know this Shayna?”

“Not personally. I’ve seen her around. Summer Lake’s a small town; gossip works about the same way it does in the valley. So, I can tell you that she’s a hard worker – she works a few different jobs, she’s behind the bar tonight where we are, and she was at the barn this morning mucking out stalls.”

That piqued Ty’s interest, but it didn’t answer the big question. He had to ask. “What does she look like?”

“April said she told you that Shayna’s a hot blonde.”

“She did. But she’s her friend for one thing, and she’s a woman.”

Chance chuckled. “So, you’re going to put me on the spot and ask for my opinion while I’m standing next to my wife?”

“Shit, no. Sorry, I …” Ty relaxed when he heard Hope laughing in the background.

“Hi, Ty,” she said. “I made him put you on speaker. And I told him that he has to tell you the truth. I’m going to go and talk toMissy now – she’s over on the other side of the bar, so Chance can tell you honestly without worrying about me.”

“Thanks, Hope.”

The background noise faded out and he guessed that Chance had taken him off speaker.

“Sorry, man! I didn’t mean …”

“Not a problem. She’s only playing. She knows I’ve never looked at another woman since the day we met.”

“And why would you? Hope’s beautiful.” He wasn’t just saying it. Hope was a former swimwear model who’d once been voted one of the most beautiful women on earth. More importantly than that, she wasn’t insecure – about herself or about her husband.

“She is. I know what a lucky bastard I am – and not just because of her looks. But since looks are what we’re talking about …”

“Go on,” said Ty. “Put me out of my misery. Has Hope left because you don’t want her to hear you say that another woman is attractive – or because she doesn’t want to hear you say anything derogatory?”

“Like I said, I don’t know her personally, but I’ve seen Shayna around quite a bit and … she’s a good-looking girl. She’s got long blonde hair, a decent figure on her. She works at the barn, she works behind the bar here, she also teaches fitness classes at the gym.”

Ty smiled, this was sounding better and better. “And from what you know of her, she seems nice?”

“She does. She seems like a real sweetheart.”

“How would you describe her?”

Chance was quiet for a few moments before he said, “She reminds me of Hope a little. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a model, she’s not from a billionaire family, she’s a small-town girl, but she kind of looks like Hope, and she strikes me as being the same kind of sweet and kind. Whenever I’ve seen her, she’s always smiling and upbeat.”

Ty grinned. “Thanks, Chance.”

“Happy to help. Is there anything else?”

“I don’t think so.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Send her a message I guess, and see if she replies.” His smile faded when he realized that Shayna hadn’t even contacted him. It was only April sticking her nose in. He might message Shayna and hear nothing back from her.

“Want me to ask Hope to put in a good word for you?”

“It couldn’t do any harm, could it?”

Chance chuckled. “Nope. I gotta go. Good luck, Ty. Here if you need me.”

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