Page 50 of Rio's Release

I stand frozen, overwhelmed with feelings, and that’s when I hear the rumble of a motorcycle.

“I’ll take this one,” my other customer says, approaching me with her choice in hand.

I quickly ring it up for her, the whole time super aware of the motorcycle parking in front of the store.

When the woman leaves, I see through the window a man climb from the bike, take off his helmet, and hang the strap from his handlebar. He turns and runs a hand through his hair, and I see his face for the first time.

My stomach drops. How in the world did Rio find me?

I shouldn’t be surprised. Not with a man like him. Everything I know about that man tells me he could track down anyone.

When he comes through the door, his very presence sucks all the air from the room, and I’m mesmerized watching him walk toward me. Every time I see him, it reminds me of how tall he is, how broad his shoulders are, and how commanding his presence is. I’m hypnotized when I stare into his eyes.

His face softens, and the corner of his mouth pulls up. “Shelby.”

“Rio,” I say, lamely, then lick my lips. “What… what are you doing here?”

“Came to see you, sweetheart.” He glances around the shop. “Nice place.Is it yours?”

I shake my head. “I manage it.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Can you take a lunch break?”

My assistant walks out of the stockroom and stops when she sees Rio, her eyes dropping to his black leather vest. Her eyes get huge and flick to me.

“It’s all right, Chloe. I know him. Think you could handle things while I take my lunch break?”

“Sure,” she squeaks.

I grab my purse and hurry to get him out of the store before any customers come in. When we get outside, he turns to me.

“You know any good places to eat up here?”

“Sure. Follow me.” I lead him over a couple of side streets, away from the main tourist area. I have to admit a part of me is afraid to be seen with him, especially by Mrs. Tinsley or anyone else I know, like the owner of the store.

I take him to a little dive called Cowboy Jack’s. It’s nothing fancy, just some wooden booths along the wall and a bar on the other side, but the food is good.

Rio holds the door for me, and I lead him to the booth in the back. He takes the far end with his back to the wall. I can only suppose it’s a quirk left from his time in prison.

A young server takes our drink order, returning with our glasses of craft beer.

“You look pretty today,” Rio says.

“Thank you,” I say. I’m wearing a pair of black fitted jeans, flat sandals that tie up my ankles, and a stylish cream blouse that wraps and ties at the side. I accessorized it with some fine gold chains. My eyes move over him. “It’s different seeing you wearing that.”

“My cut?” He stokes a hand over his chest.

“Is that what it’s called?”

“You embarrassed to be seen with me wearing this?”

My eyes drop to the table. He saw right through me, bringing him to this backstreet place.

“It’s okay, darlin’. I get it, but I wanted to see you.”

Guilt floods through me. “It’s an hour and a half drive from Las Cruces, so I guess you did.”

“You don’t think you’re worth it? Because you absolutely are, Shelby.” He takes my hand, running his thumb across the tops of my fingers. It’s a simple touch, but its electrifying. “I’d drive five-hundred miles to see you.”

---