Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
“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.
“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.