Page 24 of Coulda

“Thank you. I’d love to be your escort,” Rio accepted instantly.

“Can you be gone from the bar?”

“The bar is my investment. There are many competent bartenders who are pleased to have the hours and the tips. My priority is always going to be you.”

“You didn’t have to be there last night?” she asked.

“Not to work. I did need to be there to see if the spark that linked us together still glowed brightly.”

“You were a much bigger surprise than Colt showing up, acting like he was Harper’s date. I need to call her today to find out what’s going on.”

“Why not sit back and watch what happens? Harper was always one of my favorites of your friends. I’d like to see her live her happiest life.”

“Do you think that would be with Colt?”

“Why not?”

“They seem to be so different from each other now. Colt is famous everywhere and Harper is happiest with the children she tends,” Amber pointed out.

“Is she?” Rio asked simply, making Amber sit up straighter as she considered his implication. Could Harper be happier?

CHAPTER9

Rio had given her a look that stopped her offer to pay half in its tracks. He quickly settled the bill with cash and what looked like a generous tip before sliding out of the booth and holding out a hand to assist her.

Several people greeted them individually and welcomed her or Rio back to town. She knew the gossip mongers were going to have a heyday talking about them.

“So, how many people in there think we just slept together?” Amber asked with a shake of her head.

Rio looked at her and laughed. “If only their fantasies were true. There are those that live vicariously through others.”

“You don’t?”

“I don’t. I like people but that’s where it ends. Their lives are theirs to enjoy or not. I plan to make the most of mine now. Do you have any plans for the day?”

“Not really. I’ll make sure the wrinkles in my dress have fallen out and maybe redo my nails.”

“Do you have any plans with your friends?”

“No. Maisie, Colt, and Beau are spending time with their families, I’m sure. Harper probably has a daycare full of babies and toddlers even though it’s Saturday.”

“Then, you’re all mine.”

“O-okay.” Amber liked the sound of that way too much.

A few minutes later, Rio started his motorcycle and pulled out of the parking lot with Amber safely helmeted behind him. She tried to hold herself slightly away from his body to give herself a buffer from his appeal.

Rio steered the motorcycle through town and turned down a country lane. She hadn’t driven down this road since graduation. It led to the gathering and party spot all high schoolers back in her day knew. It looked different now. Someone had removed all the concealing brush, and there were actual streetlights scattered along the length of the road.

She bet high schoolers now had a different area to escape from everyone’s view. This was too open and accessible. Someone must have bought the land from old man Howard. Maybe his kids had decided to settle down here.

She looked around, seeing it through fresh eyes. Before, her concentration had focused on the other teenagers packed with her in the vehicle. Now in the late morning, it had transformed into an awe-inspiring view. The trees formed an arch over the pavement and the leaves filtered the sunshine, lowering the temperature. Amber huddled closer to Rio’s frame as she enjoyed the beauty of nature around her.

“Are you okay?” Rio asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“I’m great. Just taking advantage of your heat,” she answered with a laugh.

Rio reached one arm back to wrap around her waist and pulled her effortlessly against his body, erasing the smidgen of space she’d tried to leave between them. Amber tightened her arms around his waist and relaxed, giving up any attempt to resist his allure.

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