Page 15 of Rio's Release

I really do want to see him again.

I want to look into his eyes and see if I’ve been wrong about him. Is he the guy from Blitzy’s parking lot who threatened myfather so badly the man is afraid of me now? Or is he the masked man from the bank who held a gun to Marybeth’s head?

Maybe he’s both.

Maybe this whole idea is crazy.

I look over at Jenny, and she turns and meets my eyes.

“I’m right here, kiddo.”

And then we’re pulling up to the guard gate, and it’s too late to turn around.

It takes forever to get through the security checks and get registered. Jenny stays in the waiting area, and I follow the line of other visitors and the guard leading us down a long hall. We’re taken to a room that looks much like a cafeteria with tables and vending machines against the wall. Everyone hurries to the vending machines, so I do the same. When it’s my turn, I stare at the selections. I have no clue what to get him.

“Hurry up,” someone says behind me.

I turn to see a young woman of Mexican descent holding a baby. When she registers the look on my face, her eyes soften.

“First time?”

I nod.

“Get him the beef jerky, some chips, and a cola.”

My body melts in relief. “Thank you.”

“No problem. I was you not too long ago.”

I hurry and make my selections, then sit at a table facing the door and wait. It seems like eons before a line of men is brought in. They stand in formation until they’re all through the door. I search the line for Dalton and find him. He’s searching the tables, looking for me as well.

The moment he finds me, our eyes lock, and I watch the smile climb his face.

Right then I know that no matter how much he objected, he really is happy I came.

The guards release them, and they hurry to their loved ones.

I see other people hugging, and I know that one kiss and hug are allowed upon greeting and again when saying goodbye, so I stand awkwardly as Dalton approaches.

His eyes sweep over me and heat. I guess he likes the dress.

Happiness flushes my cheeks, and we exchange our first ever hug. I wore a light perfume, and I hear him breathe it in, his face pressed to my hair. His body is all hard muscle. His big arms wrap around me, and I immediately sink into them, feeling safe, like I did that first night at Blitzy’s.

All too soon, he’s pulling away, as are other couples, and we sit across from each other.

“It’s good to see you, Shelby,” he says. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

“I’m glad you finally gave in.”

He huffs a laugh and folds his hands. “Yeah, well, you’re hard to resist. Happy birthday, by the way.”

“Thank you.” I slide the items I purchased toward him. “I got you these. I wasn’t sure what to choose.”

“These are perfect. Thanks.”

I pop the top on my own can of cola, and he does the same, guzzling half of his down, then tears into the jerky.

“I suppose the food in here sucks, huh?” I grin, watching him.

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