Page 25 of Coulda

“That’s it, Ella. Leave everything to me.”

She liked the feeling of not being responsible. Nursing required being alert at all times. People’s lives depended on her skill. Holding on to a handsome man in this beautiful place felt amazing. The fresh air streamed around them as the powerful motor swept them away from civilization. She loved the feeling of freedom that came from riding with him.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Rio,” she shouted against the wind.

Instead of answering verbally, he wrapped one powerful hand around her thigh and squeezed.

Rio slowed and turned off a side road. Amber missed his hand immediately when he’d returned it to the handlebars. A few minutes later, he pulled into a small alcove and parked. Amber stood, swung her leg over the seat, and watched Rio turn off the bike before joining her. She wondered if she’d ever tire of watching the play of his muscles as he dismounted.

“That was lovely,” she breathed when he was by her side.

“Just wait.” Rio took her hand. “Are you okay to walk a bit?”

“After that breakfast, I need to walk for miles,” she bemoaned, patting her hip. Her job was active, and Amber was strong, but she definitely wasn’t in the same slim teenage shape she’d been in as a cheerleader in high school.

“You are perfect,” Rio assured her. Dropping Amber’s hand, he smoothed his hand over her back to cup her bottom before repeating himself. “Perfect.”

“I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed,” Amber blurted.

“Never.”

His simple answer made her stop. Before she could argue with him, Rio pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Her worries dissipated as she clung to his snug T-shirt, rising on her toes to press her mouth fully to his.

They were both breathing heavily when his lips lifted from hers. Amber stared into his deep brown eyes. The warmth inside them reassured her it was okay to take this risk.

“Is it our time now?” she whispered.

“Finally,” he breathed.

Rio turned back to his bike and unfastened a saddlebag to pull out what looked like a vintage quilt. He slung it over one arm before holding a hand to her. “Come with me.”

With their fingers linked, they walked along quietly, listening to the birds and the rustle of leaves. She halted when their walk led to the bank of a small, picturesque creek. The sound of the crystal-clear water splashing delighted her. Amber stared around at the beautiful spot.

“Wow! It’s gorgeous here.”

Glancing up at the banks, she admired the green space and the beautiful trees that led up a gentle slope. “Can we go up there? I want to see what everything looks like from that vantage point.”

“Of course.” Rio handed her the blanket before scooping her up in his arms and wading across the shallow water.

“Wait! I can walk,” she protested.

“My boots will keep my feet dry,” he assured her and set her feet back on the ground on the other side.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean for you to have to carry me,” she apologized.

“Little girls need to learn that Daddies have their own way of caring for those they love. You also have to trust me,” he stressed, taking the blanket back from her.

“I’m not used to someone being in my life... You know, with that big of a presence,” she tried to explain.

“Is it unpleasant?” he probed, watching her expressions.

Amber paused to think for a fraction of a second. “No. It feels good. It just isn’t what I’m used to,” she explained.

“Time will take care of that,” he said and smiled at her. Rio reached out a hand to gently tuck a few strands of hair from her face. “Damn, I’m glad we have another chance together now. Let’s make the most of it.”

Nodding, Amber stepped forward to hug him tightly. “I think that’s a very good idea.”

“Let’s go up and look from your spot,” he suggested, kissing the top of her head as he squeezed her to his hard frame.

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