Page 51 of Rio's Release

My gaze flicks to his, reading the truth in his eyes. “You would?”

“Damn right. Any man who wouldn’t isn’t worthy of you, angel.”

“The things you say.” I withdraw my hand, still uncomfortable with being touched. It’s different with Rio, but still, the automatic reaction has become ingrained in me.

“I’m not saying anything that isn’t true.”

I change the subject. “So, how are things in Las Cruces?”

“Good. Things are coming along really well.”

“Jenny told me how you’ve won over the entire town.”

“Really?” He quirks a brow. “What else does Jenny tell you?”

I shrug. “Just town gossip.”

“Like?”

“She said the cops aren’t bothering people like they used to.” I hazard a glance to his eyes. “Did your club have anything to do with that?”

“Sweetheart, we hadeverythingto do with that.”

“How did you manage to change things?”

“Maybe someday I’ll tell you.”

We place our order, both getting the barbeque brisket with fries. I study him as he eats. He devours it, and I can only imagine the horrible food he ate in prison.

My gaze traces over his face. “You’ve gotten some sun. It looks good on you.”

His teeth flash. “Been a long time since I’ve gotten a compliment from a woman.”

I blush and look away.

“You know… I saved every one of your letters.”

His admission sends a flash of warmth through me. I’ve got all his letters in a box in my dresser. I’ve spent every night since I had lunch with him in Mesilla, rereading each one. “I saved yours, too.”

“Did you?” He tilts his head. “I wondered when you stopped coming. I thought maybe you’d burned them all.”

“I could never do that,” I whisper.

“You ever gonna tell me why you stopped?”

I shrug. “Maybe someday.”

“But not today?”

I shake my head.

“Shelby?”

My name on his lips has such power over me. It’s like all he has to do is whisper that one word, and I’m putty in his hands.

“I want to see you again. You ever gonna make another trip to Las Cruces?”

“I don’t know. I’ve tried to put that place behind me.”

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