Page 77 of Rio's Release

His jaw muscles work, and he spears a hand through his hair, then moves to grab a pair of jeans, slipping them on. “I’m going with you, Shelby. I’m going to meet your daughter, and everything is going to be fine. Trust me on this.”

“Maybe you need to trust me for once,” I snap. “It’s a two-way street.”

“I get that. But if we’re going to make this work, I have to meet Bella. End of story.”

“God, you’re a stubborn ass,” I mutter.

He flashes his white teeth. “Kettle, black, darlin’.”

My brow lifts. “I am not stubborn. I get along with everyone.”

“It’s okay. I love a woman with a backbone. And I will enjoy every fight we have together. Some I’ll win, and some you’ll win. But today, this one I’m winning, so get dressed, and maybe we’ll have time to grab some breakfast on the way.”

I shove belongings into my overnight bag that somehow magically appeared in Rio’s room while we were out to lunch yesterday. I can only imagine Zig brought it in when he arrived with my car. My jerking motions convey my frustration.

Rio wraps his arm around me, pressing my back against his chest and dipping his head to my shoulder. “Relax, Shelby. Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see. Take a deep breath and enjoy the day, okay?”

I just stand there.

“Come on. Take a deep breath and let it out.”

I play along, and it does make me feel better.

“Positive thoughts, darlin’.” He swats my ass and moves to the closet to get a shirt.

The clubhouse is quiet when we come downstairs. Rio shoots off a text to someone and escorts me outside.

“Toss me the keys, babe.” He holds his hand out. “I’m driving.”

I roll my eyes but comply, and soon, we’re on the highway.

When we reach Cloudcroft, I give him directions and soon we’re pulling up at my trailer.

Rio dips his head to take the place in as he turns in the gravel drive and parks.

My defensiveness spikes. “I know it’s not much, but it’s enough for Bella and me.” I throw my door open, not waiting for him to come around and open it for me. Yanking the backseat door open, I grab my bag, and Rio climbs from the car.

I stalk around and up the steps of the tiny porch.

Rio follows me inside, and his height alone makes the place suddenly feel smaller. He’s the kind of man who could own anyroom just by walking through the door. It’s no different now. His presence vibrates through the space.

Aunt Fannie and Bella sit at the small dining room table, working on a craft together.

The dogs come running to greet us, barking and sniffing.

Hurley sniffs Rio, and his tail starts wagging. Soon his butt is wiggling, and he’s jumping up on his legs.

Rio bends and pets him. “Hey, boy. You remember me?”

Hurley licks his face until he’s laughing.

Bella runs to me. Her eyes are on Rio when she hugs me, and she stays quiet, just staring at him, then whispers in my ear.

“How does Hurley know that man?”

I hold her close. “Honey, this is a friend of mine. His name is Rio. When Hurley was just a young puppy, Rio trained him.”

“Oh, and now he remembers you,” she says, all trepidation gone. The man loves dogs; he must be a good guy in her eyes. Though, I’m not sure she knows there are guys who aren’t good guys at her age.

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