Page 87 of Rio's Release

“She did, and it’s gorgeous,” Jenny replies for me.

Rio grins. “Fantastic.” He takes my spoon from my hand and steals a scoop of butter pecan, moaning around the mouthful. “That’s good.”

“Look, Rio. I got a chocolate ice cream cone.” Bella holds it up proudly.

“Oh, man. That looks really good, kiddo.”

“It is.” She takes another lick. Then holds it out to him. “Want some?”

He chuckles. “Maybe next time, honey. You enjoy that one.”

“Jenny is going to watch Bella tomorrow night at her place,” I say, commandeering my spoon back and taking another scoop.

“Excellent.”

“What time are you picking me up tomorrow?” I ask.

“Ceremony starts at 4:30, so I guess about an hour before.”

“I’ll be ready.” My eyes sweep over him. “What are you wearing? Do you have a suit?”

“Heading into town to find something right now.” He gives me a wink. “Don’t worry, I’ll do you proud.” He tugs on my hand. “Walk with me to my bike.”

“Okay. Bella, wait here with Jenny, okay? I’ll only be a minute.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Rio leads me over to the curb, then turns to face me. “Just wanted you to know that Carson was denied bail today. I know you were worried about that.”

“Thank God. I appreciate you letting me know.”

He looks over my shoulder toward the table of teenage girls. “Seems like just yesterday that was you.”

I follow his eyes and grin. “Guess so.”

He takes my palm and strokes over the spot where he wrote his number. “God, how I wanted you to call me, but you didn’t.”

“Maybe I would have if things hadn’t spun out of control.”

“I’d like to think you would have. I sometimes think about if things had gone differently.”

“What would have happened?” I play along.

“I wouldn’t have gotten arrested, and I probably would have talked you into leaving town with me.” He rubs his thumb across my lower lip.

“Is that right?” I whisper.

His eyes go over my shoulder to the table of teens. “Let’s give ‘em a show.”

Before I realize what he means, he’s kissing me passionately, devouring my mouth, his hand cupping my ass to drag me against him.

I break off, laughing. “My daughter’s right over there.”

“She’ll get used to it. I think she knows I like her mom.”

I glance over, and she smiles and waves at us, then giggles.

“All right. I’ll let you go.” He gives me a quick peck on the lips. “Gotta go get a suit to impress my girl.”

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