Page 29 of I Am Salvation

“I don’t think I’ve seen the Rockies this far south,” Diana remarks. “I guess it’s easy to forget how long they really are.”

“Yeah,” I say. “Long.”

This is agonizing. But at least the views are pretty.

The road narrows and winds more as we approach the New Mexico border, and the scenery becomes increasingly rugged. Red rock formations begin to dot the landscape, their vibrant hues glowing as the sun starts to set. The air feels warmer, drier, and the land is more arid now, with sagebrush and juniper replacing the lush greenery of Colorado. There are towns speckled with adobe homes here. So different from the high-rises of Denver.

“Do you ever wonder what it’s like to live in a house like that?” I offer.

Diana smiles. “So now you’re starting the conversation?”

I let out a short laugh. “Can’t let you have all the fun.”

“I guess you can’t.” Diana reaches across the car and runs her hand along my arm.

A chill runs up and down my spine. Is she still interested in me? We had a few great romps in the sack, but I kind of figured she thought that was a big mistake.

Of course, if she weren’t at least slightly interested in getting to know me better, she wouldn’t have asked to come along on this trip.

We cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The river cuts deep into the earth, carving a path through the rugged terrain, and the vast expanse of the gorge opens up beneath us. It’s gorgeous, but I hold my breath as we cross the bridge—they always make me a little bit nervous. Especially this one. We’re not surviving the drop if this bridge gives out.

I look over and see that Diana’s holding her breath, too.

We arrive in Taos just as the sun is slipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of purple and orange. It is a breathtaking sight, one that momentarily stuns me into silence.

But it’s nothing compared to the woman next to me.

“Wow,” Diana says, her eyes wide with awe. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is.”

But I’m not talking about the sunset. I’m talking about the look on Diana’s beautiful face. She’s looking at it like it’s the first sunset she’s ever seen.

She finally looks away, turns toward me. “So where will we be spending the night?”

God.

The night.

A hotel room.

With Diana.

In my bed all night.

“Don’t know,” I say.

“We should probably figure that out,” she replies, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Unless you plan on us sleeping in the car?”

I glance at her quickly before focusing back on the road. “No, I don’t.”

“Good. Because as comfortable as this car is, I’d rather not.” She pulls out her phone. “I’ll see if there are any hotels available nearby.”

Her brows are furrowed.

God, is she ever not gorgeous?

“Got one!” she exclaims after a few moments. “I’ll plug it into the GPS.”

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