My Cowboy Prince

Chapter Two

The Texan sun beats down mercilessly on me as I exit the bustling airport. The air out here feels thick and heavy, a stark contrast to the cool, air-conditioned interior of the airport I'd just left behind. The temperature seems to gradually climb with each passing moment evident by the tiny beads of sweat gathering at the nape of my neck.

Despite the harsh weather, it does nothing to damper my mood as a sense of excitement and adventure course through my veins. I have left the towering skyscrapers of New York behind and now find myself in the heart of Texas, hours and hours away from home, surrounded by wide-open spaces and endless horizons.

The sound of laughter pulls me a bit out of my gaze. People from all walks of life are scattered around talking animatedly amongst themselves, waiting for a ride or emabracing a love one.

With my suitcase in hand, I make the short trip to the designated car rental shuttle area. The aroma of barbecued meats and spices wafts through the air, tempting me to grab a bite to eat. The thought of indulging in some authentic Texan cuisine becomes increasingly irresistible by the second but I powered on and luckily aboard the last bus. A cheerful driver welcomes me aboard, announcing that the trip is only a 10 minute drive away from the airport.

The cool air immediately latches to my damp skin, providing a much-needed respite from the Texas heat. I plop in a seat just in time as the bus begin to drive through the airport premises. Through my tinted window, I catch glimpses of the vast Texan landscape beyond the airport boundaries.

After a short and comfortable ride, the shuttle rolls to a stop in the parking lot of the car rental facility. Hauling my suitcase behind me, I step out off the cool bus and back into the scorching heat. A cheerful sign hangs above the entrance door reads, Welcome to Texas! Your adventure starts here. The warm sentiment makes me smile.

The place buzz with a few tourists who flock to the large rustic styles counters, each of which is manned by friendly attendants. Various potted cacti and vibrant blooming flowers adds splashes of colour to the rustic wooden accents, giving it a touch of that unmistakable Texan charm.

I can already feel the cowboy spirit permeating the air.

"Howdy, ma'am! Welcome to Texas. The name is Jake, what can I do for you today?" A friendly Texan middle aged man smiles, extending his hand in greeting, as I approach the counter.

His drawl drips effortlessly with Southern charm. I really am in the right place. Returing his smile, I shake his hand firmly. "Thank you Jake. I'm Amelia. I booked a rental car a few days ago..."

Jake fingers glide over the keyboard as he stares intently at his computer screen. "Ah, yes, Amelia. I see a reservation here. May I see your ID to verify?"

I reach into my bag and hand him my driver's license. The man briefly examines it, making sure the details match the reservation.

"Everything checks out." He says with a nod a while after, returning my ID. "Please follow me. We have a comfortable SUV waiting for you."

Jake walks outside with me in tow. After giving me a brief rundown of the car's features, he hands me a set of shiny car keys with a leather keychain bearing the rental company's logo. As I take them, a sense of excitement builds within me. I'm more eager to hit the open road now, the week-long preparation of this adventure has finally culminated in this moment.

With all the formalities out of the way, I settle behind the wheels of the rented SUV.

"Texans are known for their warm hospitality, so don't hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations if you need them," He points out a local map and offers some helpful tips on scenic routes and must-visit destinations.

After wishing me luck and saying a formal goodbye, I drive off the lot and onto the road. The GPS is already set for a quaint little town in the midst of nowhere but relatively safe, at least from my quick Google search.

As I continue through the vast Texan landscape, the beauty of the countryside unfolds before me like a breathtaking tapestry. Endless fields stretched as far as the eye can see, adorned with bursts of wildflowers in vibrant hues and the rolling hills and rustic ranches exude an aura of rugged charm.

Amidst the peaceful scenery, my phone buzz with an incoming call. My mother's contact photo fills the screen, she must be eager to check in on me. I answer with a smile, knowing her motherly instincts are in full swing, especially now that I am in a whole new state by myself. I quickly connect my phone to the car's Bluetooth before answering.

"Hey, Mommy," I greet her warmly.

"Amelia, mi pickney! How yuh doin'?" Her voice is rich and vibrant, her Jamaican accent coming through the speakers, instantly warming my heart.

"I'm doing great, Mom. Just driving through Texas," I reply, my eyes scanning the horizon. "On my way to a quaint town,"

"Ah, Texas! Big state, that one. Yuh sure yuh know what yuh doin', Amelia? Traveling all by yourself?" Her voice carries the note of concern that has been her constant companion since I told her about my trip.

I chuckle, reassured by her caring words. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm fine. I'll only be here for two weeks."

"But, Amelia, mi jus' worry 'bout yuh. Yuh know how di world tan these days. And yuh all by yuhself..."

"I know, Mom," I interrupt, knowing her concern all too well. "But I'm being cautious. And besides, everyone here has been incredibly kind and welcoming."

"That's good, mi dear, but remember to always stay alert, okay? And no hesitate to call me or anyone if you need help," she insists, the matriarch in her shining through.

I nod, even though she can't see me. "I will, Mom. But don't worry too much. I've got this. I promise you, I'll be careful. I'll call you every day, and I have all the emergency numbers saved. You raised a smart daughter, remember?"

"Mi know mi did, mi love," she says, the Jamaican Patois getting thicker, a sign that she's feeling more relaxed. "Alright, mi dear. Just make sure to check in every day. And don't forget to enjoy yourself too, alright?"

I smile at her words, her motherly love and concern warming my heart even thousands of miles away. "I will, Mom. I promise."

"Yuh betta," she says, a note of relief evident in her voice. "Take care of yourself, Amelia. Mi love yuh."

"I love you too, Mom."

With that, I end the call and continue my drive. My mother's words echo in my mind, as I drive down the quiet stretch of road.

In the distance, the Texan sun begins its descent, casting a golden hue over the landscape. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, that would put anyone at ease... almost anyone.

The engine of my rental dramatically sputter and groan out of nowhere. Panic quickly set in as I steer the vehicle to the side of the road before it comes to a slow halt.

"Oh no, not now," I mutter, frustration creeps into my voice. I unhook my phone from its holder and I try to call for roadside assistance but the lack of signal dashed my hopes. "f**k! f**k!"

A cloud of uncertainty settles over me as I sit idly and ponder my next move. I am effectively trapped in the middle of nowhere — after all that reassurance crap talk — with no one to turn help.

How ironic, perhaps pitiful. Mommy did warn mi still.

My heart sinks as the situation becomes evidently dire. I mutter frantically as I school myself to stay calm and find a solution.

A minute or two of stewing on what to do, I decide to go out and assess the situation. An old red pickup truck rolls to a loud stop behind me before I can even exit the rental. I watch silently from the car's rearview mirror as a rugged stranger with a wide-brimmed hat steps out of the driver's seat. His smile visible as he saunters up to me.

"Having some car trouble, ma'am?" The stranger drawls in a deep Texan accent, his voice carrying a reassuring calm.

I nod trying to hide my embarrassment. "Yes, it seems like my car decided to take an unplanned break,"

"No worries," he says making the short trip back to his car to presumably grab a few tools. "Happens to the best of us. Name's Luke, by the way."

"Amelia," I introduce myself with a smile grateful for the unexpected help. His reassuring presence put me a bit at ease but I'm still fully aware of my surroundings in case if anything should go south.

"So, what brings a city girl like ya to the heart of Texas?" His voice carry a hint of amusement as he pops the hood, effectively blocking me from his piercing blue eyes.

"I wanted a break from the skyscrapers and subway noises," I reply with a laugh as I exit the vehicle and went to assess the situation. "There's something about the open road and unending landscapes that I find incredibly freeing."

The stranger looks up, his eyes meeting mine. There is understanding in his gaze. "I reckon the city can box ya in. Out here, the world's your oyster. You've got nothing but the horizon line as your boundary."

Leaning against my car, I watch him work on the engine with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. His tan skin gleams in the fading light, a testament to countless hours spent under the relentless Texan sky. His callous hands move with graceful agility as he continues to tinker with the car. This man is no stranger to labour yet the way he handled the vehicle with such tenderness is quite mesmerizing to watch.

I wonder if he's just as sensual in bed.

Shaking the thought from my mind, I decide to delve further into this intriguing conversation.

"So, do you work on cars often?" I ask, quite curious about his skills. He seems to be doing a good job.

The rugged stranger glances up with a playful glint in his deep set eyes. "Heh, fixin' cars is just one of the many things I do 'round here. Y'see, when you live on a ranch, y'learn real quick to be a jack of all trades."

"That's impressive," I glance over at him. "Living out here must be quite a change from the city."

He wipes his hands on a rag and leans against the side of my car, facing me. His blue plaid shirt clings to him accentuating his muscular frame as he physically relaxes.

"Ya have no idea," he says with a grin. "Life here, it's got its own rhythm, slow and steady. It ain't the kind of beauty y'might find in them fancy city skylines, no. It's somethin' different, somethin' subtle. But lemme tell ya, once you've lived it, breathed it, you ain't never gonna want to leave."

I nod, taking in his words. There is a certain allure to his description of life on a ranch, a simplicity and connection to nature that I hadn't fully appreciated before.

"But what 'bout you?" he turns the conversation back to me. "What's life like in them big city lights?"

I shrug, smiling wryly. "It's fast-paced and demanding, always something happening, always somewhere to be. But it has its own charm. The energy of the city is contagious, and it can be exhilarating, in its own way."

He nods thoughtfully, his eyes taking in the city girl standing before him. Under the fading light, his chestnut hair gleam with a life of its own, tousled by the gentle breeze. His handsome face in a weather-beaten, rugged way, is a far cry from the manicured looks of the men I know back in the city. "I reckon every place has its own rhythm, its own way of making you feel alive. You just gotta to find it. Gotta find the melody that makes ya heart sing."

I nod sharing the same sentiment. "I think so too. I guess that's what brought me here - the desire to experience a different rhythm, to slow down for a while and reconnect with something deeper. Something more meaningful."

"Sounds like you're on quite the adventure," he remarks, admiration laced in his voice.

"I guess I am," I chuckle. "And meeting you, a cowboy working on my car in the middle of nowhere, is definitely one of the more unexpected parts of it."

He grins, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Y'know, life sure has a way of tossin' surprises your way when you least expect it"

"Definitely," I cast my eyes out at the fading horizon. "That's something Jordan would say,"

"Jordon?" The man peels himself off the car and move to close the hood.

"My assistant back home. She's like a fortune cookie sometimes," It is surprising, given my city-bred instincts, to find myself opening up to this kind-hearted cowboy in the middle of nowhere. I quickly clear my throat and point to the closed hood to distract myself from the fact. "All done?"

Luke offer a kind smile as he gingerly packs his tools away. "Yeah. It's a temporary fix, but it oughta get ya where you need to go."

"Thank you! Thanks Luke." I let out a big sigh of relief grateful for his untimely rescue. If he haven't showed up, I'd probably be stuck out here for hours. "Seriously. I am so so grateful,"

"It's no fuss at all ma'am," he says with a twinkle in his eye. "We Texans look out for one another. Now let's get this baby started shall we?"

"Right," I enter the vehicle and start it, gratefully as it roars back to life. "How much do I owe you? How do I repay you?"

Luke simply shakes his head. "No need for that, ma'am. Just glad I could be of assistance."

With my car running once again, Luke offers to escort me to the nearest town, just a few miles away. There is a skilled mechanic there that can take a closer look at the car. Grateful for his company and honestly eager to spend more time with him, I accept the offer, and together we set off down the winding Texan roads.

The town comes into view, a hour or two later. It's a charming oasis in the midst of the Texas wilderness. I stare in awe at the jointed old fashioned buildings that string down several plazas. As far as the eye can see there's several saloons, boutiques, local eateries and even an old clock situated in the heart of the town.

I drive steadily behind Luke's pickup as I bask in the unhurried and friendly nature of the townspeople. A lot of townspeople. Several of which are mounted on horses or staggering in saloons and pastry shops. There is an endless stream of cowboys and cowgirls trekking along the outskirts of the stores, each dressed in a distinctive attire - worn-out jeans, checkered shirts, and cowboy hats - that sets them apart from the other town folks.

Colorful banners flutter in the gentle breeze, storefronts are decked out with twinkling lights, and a big stages is being erected in the central square, hinting at a festival that's about to unfold.

The townsfolk's excitement is palpable, their cheerful voices mixing with the distant sound of country music, creating a symphony that sings of joy and camaraderie. As I follow Luke through the lively streets, a sense of eager anticipation washes over me.

This seems like the festival of the century.

A while later, Luke pulls up to a rundown building that has the words Joe's Auto Repair written in sloppy white bold letters. Emerging from my car, I meet the cowboy at the rusted garage door.

"He's the best in town... the only in town but the best nonetheless," he smiles a little as he meets my skeptical gaze. "I reckon, he'll have your purring like a kitten in no time."

With that he enters building with me in tow. He greets a young man in the far back hunched over a car with a greasy face. Their conversation are low but from what I gather, he's relaying what happened to the rental outside. A couple of minutes the mechanic gives me a thumbs up and a friendly smile to which I offer a small wave.

"He'll have it fixed by the mornin'." Luke makes his way back over. "I gotta skedaddle if I wanna make it in time for the Annual Cowboy Show. You might wanna hole up at a nearby B&B. There's one just up the street, but I can't rightly say if there's vacancy - usually gets filled up 'round this time of year."

Side by side, we make our way back to his weather-beaten pickup truck. The sting of rejection still lingers, fresh and biting, but I'm determined not to let it dampen my spirit. I push away the disappointing encounter, choosing to focus instead on the adventure that still lies ahead.

I refuse to be marooned in a cookie-cutter bed and breakfast, sulking over a detour gone wrong. This journey was meant to be an escape, an exploration of the unknown, and I refuse to let one setback define the course of my adventure.

As I clamber into the truck, I shake off the lingering shadow of disappointment. "Luke, I want to go. I want to go with you to this festival,"

The air seemed to hang heavy with my proclamation, a bold admission that felt as natural as the setting Texan sun. I wanted to be a part of this - to immerse myself in this communal celebration, to drink in the authenticity of this charming town, to etch this unique experience into the canvas of my memory.

He looks at me, surprise flickering across his features, before a slow smile crept onto his face. "Well now, Amelia," he says, his voice rich with delight. "I reckon that's the best decision you've made since ya got here. Gonna be the experience of a lifetime City Girl."

As Luke starts the engine, a wave of anticipation washes over me. I'm ready to dive headfirst into whatever this journey has offer along with my trusty journal by my side.

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Thanks for reading!

Kellisa Kelly