Page 99 of Bad Rio

He squeezed her waist. “You became so much more than a contract to me. More than just a job to complete.”

Feeling her chin wobble in emotion, she smiled at him.

Opening his box, Rio sought her gaze. “Is it okay?”

A three-carat marquis-cut diamond ring set in a filigreed-platinum band sparkled in the sunlight. Becca gasped. “It’shuge. So expensive! Are you sure—”

“I have money, Becca. All these years I’ve worked and haven’t spent the paychecks. I don’t have a lot of cars or property or clothing or anything. What I have is a fat bank account. A really big one.” He named a high dollar figure and she gasped again.

“I want to share it with you,” he said. “I’ll buy us a house. Maybe halfway between your business and mine. We’ll get a dog.”

Lowering her eyes to the ring, she allowed him to slip it on. “I love it.” She held up her hand, gazed in awe at the huge rock. “I want that house with you. And the dog.”

“Good.” He smiled and his dimple made an appearance. “I designed the ring myself, and the jeweler is prominent in his field. For you, only the best.”

For a single moment, she hesitated. There was one matter left. “How do you feel about children?” She bit her lip, then before he could answer, she forced out the rest in an anxious rush, “Because I’ve fantasized about it, about bearing your son. Maybe even two.”

A crease appeared between his eyes and deepened into a frown. Becca held her breath. If he didn’t want children, her heart would crack in half. It would devastate her.

“We can’t just have boys, Becca,” he said. “I definitely want at least one daughter.”

Relief washed through her. She threw her arms around his neck and they kissed. His frown disappeared.

Abruptly, her mood changed. She slanted him a mischievous glance. “Um, Rio? I’ll be right back.”

“Gotta pee? Okay, I’ll wait.”

She definitely didn’t have to pee.

Getting to her feet, she left him sitting at creekside and made her way into the trees. Taking a circuitous route and keeping the undergrowth between them, she found the path to the ledge. Climbing up, she found the place where months ago, he’d run shouting to frighten away her stalking mountain lion, the spot where he’d tackled her and ended her escape attempt.

Then, it had been snow and ice covered. Now, beneath the trees, it was all fragrant soil and green foliage. Up on the ledge, she tore off all her clothing, and tossed it aside with joyful abandon. Resplendently nude, she felt cool air bathe her skin. She felt free and open and very turned on.

“Rio,” she sang out.

Glimpsing him through the trees, she saw him emerge from behind the screen of leaves to find her. When he looked up, she shimmied her bare breasts so they swayed.

Spotting her, he gawked.

“Hey, baby,” she teased, “want somma this?” Smiling in glee, she proudly thrust out her chest. Next, she turned to present her bare ass. Giving him an impudent grin over her shoulder, she patted her butt cheeks. “How about a little ofthis?”

Without taking his gaze from her, Rio put both his hands to his head. “You’re flashing me? You little minx! Come down here.”

“Come up and get me,” she taunted.

Needing no further encouragement, he began to run along the base of the ledge to where it ended at the tree line choke point. As he ran, he never looked away from her. He wore a wolfish grin.

On a parallel path above him, Becca ran too, waving, blowing him teasing kisses. Her new ring glinted in the sunlight.

When finally they met, Rio swung her up into his arms.

Giddy, she laughed.

He bent his head to nuzzle her chest. “My little exhibitionist,” he mumbled, then caught one pink nipple between his lips.

Becca gasped.

The remainder of the morning was lost in a haze of sensual exploration, delight, and fulfillment.

Becca had her man, she thought in wonder and appreciation.

And he was good.

The End