Page 89 of Rio's Release

Rio leads me over to his crew cab, newly washed for the occasion, and helps me up, then comes around to the driver’s side and we’re off. The club takes the lead, and we fall in behind.

They ride in tight formation, and I realize the skills that must take.

Rio takes my hand, lacing our fingers together, then kisses the back of mine. “What are you thinking about, pretty girl?”

“Just that it must take practice to ride like that.” I nod to the men in front of us.

“It does, and they’ve had years of it.” He glances at me. “Reminds me, I have to get you on the back of my bike one day soon. You ever been on a motorcycle before, Shelby?”

“Nope.”

“Good. I’d have been upset if you had.”

“Oh, you would, huh?”

“Damn straight. Last thing I want to do is think of you on the back of some other guy’s bike. I’m glad I’ll be the first.”

“Will it be just the two of us?”

“Riding, you mean? Sure, if that’s how you want it. Or is my baby up for riding in a pack?” He gives me a devilish grin.

I look at the motorcycles in front of us. It looks like so much fun. “I think I’d like that.”

“Well, well. Maybe my girl is a bit of a wild child. We’re going to have so much fun together.”

“On the motorcycle?”

“In life, angel. You were made for me. I can feel it.”

I lift a brow. “What if I don’t like riding?”

He chuckles again and grabs his chest. “Don’t break my heart.”

I giggle in return.

“Not possible. You’re going to love it. I’ve got a feeling.”

We arrive at the location, and Rio turns in under a wooden arched sign that readsSanchez Pecans.

The stately trees are tall and planted in rows.

A sign leads us to a parking area, and in the distance, I see a big white tent set up, and between two rows of trees covered in twinkling fairy lights, I spot white wooden folding chairs and an aisle lined with lanterns and colorful flowers. More paper flowers hang from the trees.

“Oh, it’s so beautiful,” I whisper, unbuckling my seatbelt.

Rio comes around and helps me out, and the others park their bikes.

We walk toward the festivities to find guests gathered on a patio sipping on glasses of champagne. A mariachi band is playing softly.

Eduardo approaches Rio, and they shake hands.

“I’m so glad you could come, my friend.” He’s in a tux with a boutonniere on his lapel. He checks his watch. “Please, get yourself drinks. It’s almost time for me to walk my daughter down the aisle, so I must go, but I’ll see you after the ceremony.”

“Look forward to it,” Rio replies.

After Eduardo walks away, Rio grabs us each a glass of wine from the silver tray of a passing server.

I take a sip and look around. “It’s really beautiful here, isn’t it?”

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