He didn’t tell Patty, but his intention on this trip, aside from the job and being with Jake, was to see if he could find an apartment. Somehow Shea knew, even without ever having been to New York, he’d love it once he got there, and his plan was to have everything in place once he decided to make the move.
Still, he wondered what it would be like not to have the ranch to come home to and his horse to ride.
He glanced at his phone, at the picture of him and Jake when they were dancing at the Round Up. Craig had taken it and sent it to him. Sweaty and flushed from the dancing, they were laughing and looking into each other’s eyes as if no one else existed in the room. Craig had shown it to him after Jake left.
“Ain’t never seen you lookin’ happier. If movin’ to New York City’s gonna put a smile on your face like that, then maybe you’d better get your butt on over there quick, fast, and in a hurry.”
Shea wondered if Jake was going to be as happy to see him. His answer could’ve shown a little more enthusiasm. He didn’t know what time Jake wanted to meet or where.
Shea hadn’t forgotten the high stress of Jake’s job, not to mention his little girl. He settled his hat over his brow and closed his eyes, preparing to take a nap to be ready for the hopefully long night ahead with Jake.
The plane bumping down on the tarmac woke Shea, and he blinked. “Oh, damn.” He’d wanted to be awake for the fly-in to see all the skyscrapers and bridges, but he’d make sure to see it all on the trip back. Shea gathered his carry-on and waited his turn to leave the plane. His agent had arranged for a car to pick him up and take him to the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca, and sure enough, the driver waited, holding a sign with his name.
Shea felt like he was in the movies.
“Howdy, I’m Shea Montgomery.”
The man grinned. “They told me you were from Texas, but you’rereallyfrom Texas. Follow me, sir.”
Shea laughed. “Born’n bred. What gave it away first, the boots or the hat?”
The driver’s lingering side-eye left no doubt where his interest lay. “I’d say the whole package.”
Well, then. Welcome to New York.
Even with Friday traffic, Shea would arrive at his hotel before noon, and he knew he was going to end up with severe neck strain from staring, looking from side to side at all the famous sights.
“First time here?”
“Yup. Always wanted to come but never had the chance until now.”
“Well, this is the Williamsburg Bridge we’re on. It takes us to downtown Manhattan, and it shouldn’t be too long.”
“Cool.”
He couldn’t help hanging out the window, staring. Sure, Dallas had its share of huge buildings, but this seemed different. Yellow taxis racing down the street like on television. Street carts and stores right on top of one another…people of all colors, races…some dressed in clothing he’d never seen…a totally different, funkier vibe than he was used to.
“You here on business or pleasure?” the driver asked, meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror.
“Business. I’m a model.”
“That’s where I know you from. I’m not used to seeing you with clothes on.” Shea’s face grew hot, and the driver laughed. “Sorry. It just came out.”
“Not a problem. I’m used to the jokes.”
“You in your underwear is no laughing matter.”
Now his whole body was on fire, and he dropped his gaze.
“Sorry if I come on too strong.” The driver pulled into the open parking space in front of the hotel. “Here you are.”
“Thanks much. And you didn’t.”
“Good.” The driver handed him a card. “If you need anything, including a ride back, give me a holler. My name’s Wayne.”
“Thank you kindly, Wayne.” Shea pocketed the card. “Have a great day.”
“You too.”
