When the plane touched down on the runway in Cheyenne, I breathed a sigh of relief. Peeking over at Whitley, her knee bounced up and down. I knew the moment my eyes landed on Jase I’d want to be in his arms. Whitley had to feel the same way.
Talking it over with Layton, I told him I thought they needed to see Jase first and then I would see him. Reaching her hand across the aisle, she winked. “It won’t be long now.”
“I know. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Are you sure you don’t want to see him first?”
Pressing my lips together, I smiled and nodded my head. “I know the moment I see him I won’t want to let him go.”
With a wink, she replied, “Fair enough.”
Layton had hired a car to pick us up at the airport and take us to the Marriott where Jase and the others were staying.
When the car pulled up to the front of the hotel, my stomach was rolling and my breathing had sped up. I was both nervous and excited to see him.
The valet opened the door and helped Whitley and then me out of the car.
Layton walked around and gave me a reassuring smile. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I couldn’t find my voice so I nodded. “Would you rather go to our room and wait or just wait in the lobby?”
My eyes drifted over to the bar. “I think I’m going to get a drink to calm my nerves down. I’ll be at the bar, so you can just text me.”
Whitley walked up and kissed me on the cheek. “I know your chomping at the bit to see him. We’ll make it quick.”
“O-okay,” I stuttered.
Layton took my hand and squeezed it before kissing my forehead and heading straight to the elevator. I was praying they wouldn’t check into their hotel room. Just knowing that Jase was in the same building was driving me insane.
“What was I thinking saying they could go up first and alone?” I mumbled under my breath as I made my way over to the bar.
“What can I get you, pretty little lady?”
I smiled at the older bartender and said, “Something strong to calm my nerves.”
“I’ve got just the thing.”
He turned around and opened up the small refrigerator. When I saw him pull out a small container of milk, I chuckled.
Pouring a small glass, he put it in front of me. “Trust me . . . booze doesn’t help at all.”
With a wide grin, I took the milk and said, “Thank you.”
“That there will do the trick. You in town for work?”
“No. It’s more of a reunion type thing.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “Well, I hope it goes well for you.”
Finishing off the milk, I set it down and replied. “I have a feeling it’s going to go very well.”
We talked small talk for the next few minutes until another customer came in. I was glad to have had his company though to take my mind off of everything.
Glancing at my phone, it had been almost fifteen minutes since Layton and Whitley headed up to Jase’s room.
Closing my eyes, I took in a calming breath before looking over my shoulder at the elevator.
My phone buzzed causing me to jump. Reaching for it, my hands shook while I opened up Layton’s text.
Layton: We just left. He’s anxious to see you.
Me: I’m on my way.
I pulled out some money and left it on the bar. Lifting my hand, I said, “Thank you so much for the milk!”
With a chuckle, the bartender smiled. “Good luck!”
Stepping onto the elevator, I hit the button for the seventh floor. My mouth was dry and my pulse was racing. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do first. Kiss him, or look over his entire body and make sure he was okay.
The doors opened and I stepped out of the elevator as my pulse sped up. Glancing up to the room numbers, I turned to the left and quickly made my way to Jase’s room. Scared what I might find when I saw him, I was also beyond excited. My mind raced with the same question . . . was he really okay? I planned on checking out every inch of his body.
Stopping at the door, I covered my mouth and got my emotions in check. This was it. Finally, I was going to be in his arms again. I wasn’t sure what my hesitation was for. The moment I saw him I knew I was going to cry as the flood of different emotions I had experienced the last week was released. It was as if I could feel his presence right in front of me.
My hand lifted to knock when the door opened and he stood before me looking as handsome as ever.
“Thank you, God,” I whispered as I threw myself into his body.
Sobs racked over my body while he wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him. The feeling of being lost was completely washed away by the sound of his voice.
“Oh, Taylor. Baby, I missed you so much.”
I buried my face into his body. “I was so scared.”
He set me down and cupped my face with his hands. Those beautiful blue eyes of his searched my face while his thumbs wiped my tears away. “I was too, sweetness. But I never gave up hope and I knew I would see you again.”
My lips trembled and I prayed like hell this wasn’t a dream. “Kiss me,” I pleaded.