Page 60 of Rio's Release

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Labor Day Weekend

Shelby—

My hands on the wheel, I answer my phone, seeing it’s Jenny.

“Hey, girl.”

“You on the road yet?” she asks.

“Yep. Your aunt came over to watch Bella and the animals. They’re going to watch princess movies and eat popcorn. Bella was excited. I’m so thankful your aunt didn’t have any plans for Labor Day.”

“I’m glad things worked out, but I can’t help cautioning you. You barely know this guy. And what kind of a name is Rio?”

“Well, maybe this time together will help me learn more about him. He’s not the bad guy everyone thinks. I know it in my heart.”

“Right, but you told me yourself, you don’t want him to know about your daughter, and you have no intention of moving back to Las Cruces, so what’s the point?”

“I don’t know, Jenny. I just know I need to do this. He drove all the way up to Cloudcroft to have lunch with me. He wants to show me his clubhouse. Isn’t that proof he wants to show me who he is?”

“I suppose. Just remember, he’s no boy scout.”

“I know that.”

“I hope he’s worth it, Shelby.”

I hope so, too, but I don’t respond.

“Will I get to see you while you’re in town?” she asks.

“I… I don’t know. I think we’ll have to play it by ear.”

“Okay.” She sounds pouty. “Fine, but please keep in touch with me, so I know you’re safe.”

“I’ll text you when I get there.”

“It’s not the getting here I’m worried about.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“All right. Drive safe.”

I hang up and concentrate on the road, her words of warning playing through my brain. I want to give Rio the benefit of the doubt. I want to believe all good things about him, but I’m not the naïve young girl from when we first met. I have to go into this thing with my eyes open. Maybe it’ll only be a fling. Maybe we’ll both soon get each other out of our systems, and whatever this is will burn out like a flaring firework. But some part of me deep down doesn’t believe that for a second. This doesn’t feel like the kind of thing that’s going to fizzle out. It feels more like the kind of flame that catches and burns hot and bright, like an out-of-control forest fire.

Judging by the fact that I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind since our lunch together, I believe the latter is more likely. Since his visit, I stand at the counter at the store and stare out the window, daydreaming about that kiss he gave me right outside on the curb. At night, I think about what it would be like to have his hands on my body, running over my quivering skin while his mouth presses tender kisses to my lips.

I drive on autopilot until my navigation tells me my exit is approaching.

Heading west on Highway 70, I spot the exit Rio told me about. Taking it, I see the gas station on the right where we’re supposed to meet. He said he’d be in a black crew cab pickup truck. When I turn in, I immediately spot him.

I’m glad he’s already here and waiting. That means something to me—that he cared enough to be here waiting, so I wouldn’t feel weird sitting here alone in a gas station parking lot.

By the time I put my car in park, Rio is already heading toward me. I shut the car off, and he yanks my car door open, takes my hand, and pulls me to my feet and into his arms. His mouth comes down on mine before I get a word out.

I’m caught off guard, but the way he takes control and his urgency to have me in his arms, sends a thrill through my body. I melt into his embrace.

This isn’t a gentle brush of his lips over mine. This is a man hungry for my kiss, my touch. He cups my face, and his tongue delves inside my mouth.

---