Page 69 of Rio's Release

“There’s that blush I remember.”

Juan returns with our drinks, and takes our order, explaining they’re a little shorthanded today.

After he withdraws, a man and woman across the courtyard stand, their meal finished. As they walk past us, the man stops with a broad smile.

“My good friend, we meet again.”

Rio stands and shakes his hand. “Eduardo. How are you?”

“I just finished a delicious meal with my wife, so I can’t complain.” He looks at me. “And who is this lovely woman?”

“Eduardo, this is Shelby, my lady. Shelby, this is Eduardo Sanchez. His family has been pecan growers here for generations.”

I extend my hand, and Eduardo takes it, dipping his head to kiss the back of it.

“It is my pleasure, señorita. This is my wife, Maria.”

I smile at her and she murmurs a greeting.

“She’s lovely,” Eduardo says to Rio. “You must bring her to the wedding.”

“I will. Thanks.”

“Wedding?” I frown.

“My daughter, Consuela. It will be a beautiful affair. You must come, my dear.” Eduardo glances to Rio. “We’ll let you get back to your meal. It is good to see you.”

“And you, my friend,” Rio replies.

Once they’re gone, I quirk a brow. “We’re going to a wedding?”

“We are. If only because I’d love to see you in a pretty dress.”

His compliments are like a tonic to my soul. Every minute I’m in his presence is soothing.

We have a delicious lunch, and it’s nice, just the two of us.

His hand reaches across the tabletop to hold mine, and I find it incredibly sweet. It’s like he can’t be around me without touching me in some way.

After we eat and return to the truck, he takes a back route. When he turns down a familiar street, I glance over at him with a questioning look.

He drives past my father’s old garage, braking when we get there.

I see the new sign over the roll-up doors.

SAINT’S GARAGE.

I whirl on him. “Youbought it?”

“The MC bought it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Somehow, I feel betrayed.

“I thought you might be upset.”

“Is this what you do? What you’re good at? Keeping secrets?”

“I gave you more than asking price for it. More than any other buyer would have, and I made sure it was an all-cash offer.”

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