Page 80 of Rio's Release

“Just give it a try. You hate it, we’ll bring all your stuff back.”

“Really?” I pull my chin to the side, totally suspicious.

“You won’t hate it. I’m sure of it. Besides, you won’t want to leave me.”

“Jesus, you are so damn sure of yourself.” I shake my head.

“No, babe. I’m so sure of you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Boxes and Packing Tape

Rio—

Shelby’s in the passenger seat of my crew cab, and Bella and Hurley are in the backseat. I’ve got the truck bed loaded with boxes, and Zig’s in her car with the other animals.

We’re almost to the hacienda, and Shelby’s given me the cold shoulder the entire trip. Right now, she’s leaned against the door with her arms crossed, looking pissed at the world… or maybe just me.

The few times I’ve tried to reach over and rest my hand on her leg, she’s batted it away.

I’m hoping that all changes in about thirty seconds as I turn in the long drive that leads up the hill. Clearing the rise, the place comes into view. There’s a big gated circle drive.

Eduardo left the gates open for us and told me the keys were in the planter next to the door.

Shelby shifts in her seat.

There’s a fountain in the roundabout, the home straight ahead and a three-car garage off to the left. The patio is flagstone, and there’s a nice covered terrace.

The building is golden adobe, with dark wood posts and a massive front door.

Braking in front, I look over at Shelby.

Her eyes are wide, and her mouth is open.

“You rented usthisplace?”

“Yes, ma’am. Let’s check out the inside. I’ll close the gates, and the dogs can run around.” After I take care of that, I retrieve the key, and we go through the door. The floors are a pretty Spanish tile. There’s an entry foyer that leads to a great room with a massive fireplace and round, wrought-iron chandelier.

The furniture is all massive, with colorful, overstuffed couches and chairs. Everything is in a southwestern style.

“Wow,” Bella says. “This place is so big.”

“Follow me.” I lead them through a large dining room with a table that’s long enough to seat a dozen people. Moving on, we find a big kitchen that looks out over a terrace. Opening the French doors, I usher them outside.

“The view is amazing,” Shelby says, making the first comment since we’ve arrived.

“Come on. Let’s find the bedrooms.” I take them down a wing, and the first room we come to Bella, runs inside and spins in a circle.

“Can this be my room, Mommy? Look at the window seat.”

“Absolutely,” I reply, then tug Shelby down the hall to the master at the end. Double doors lead into a room with vaulted ceilings. It has its own adobe fireplace and a massive bed with a gauze canopy. “There’s a bathroom through here.”

She follows me in, and we find a large free-standing tub, big enough for two. I waggle my brows at her, but she ignores me. Another set of French doors leads to the same courtyard.

“Closet should be through there.” I point at a door, and watch her expression when she finds the massive walk-in Iremember from the photos Eduardo sent me. I’m pretty sure it seals the deal.

I hear the front door open, and Zig whistles. “Holy cow. Boss? Where are you at?”

---