“Just thought I’d stop by.” He glanced at Uncle Joey, who’d come into the hall. “I’m feeling pretty good.”
“Great. You can come back to work next week,” Uncle Joey said. “But only part-time. Until then, I want you to take it easy.”
Ramos grimaced. He was tired of taking it easy. Three weeks with nothing to do had driven him crazy. “When are you leaving for New York?” he asked.
Uncle Joey’s eyes lit up. “Next week. So I guess that means you’ll have to wait until I come back before you get started. But that’s good. It will give you more time to recover.” Uncle Joey slapped him on the shoulder and returned to his office, shutting the door behind him.
I met Ramos’s gaze. “I’m going to New York too, so you won’t have to worry about me. Maybe you could visit Javier while we’re gone? Have you thought about that?”
“Maybe,” Ramos said. He liked having his brother back in his life, but right now, he didn’t mind the distance, especially since he had a kid. Every time Ramos had spoken with Javier on the phone, it seemed like that kid was screaming about something. He didn’t think he could take it for more than a few hours.
I chuckled. “That makes sense. So don’t stay with them. Meet them at the beach or something fun like that.”
“Now that I could do.” He smiled. “Are you headed out?”
“Yeah. Actually, I’m off to see someone. Remember Jerry?” At his nod, I continued. “I’m meeting him at our table in the food court for lunch. I never got to thank him for helping us out. You want to come?”
His smile widened. “Yes. But only if we take the bike.”
“You ready for that?”
“Babe, that’s how I got here.”
“Oh… okay. I’d love that.”
We took the elevator down to the parking garage. Ramos pulled my helmet from the trunk of his car and handed it over. While I fastened it under my chin, he mounted the bike and waited for me to get on behind him.
To start the bike, he used the button instead of the kick starter, which seemed like a good idea with his injury. Not wanting to hurt him, I wasn’t sure I should put my arms around him. He glanced over his shoulder at me with a raised brow, wondering why I hadn’t done that.
“Uh… is it okay? I mean… it won’t hurt you or anything, right?”
“Babe,” he growled. “It’s the only reason we’re taking the bike.”
I chuckled. “Oh… okay.”
As we started out of the garage, I clasped my arms around him and held on tight. The thrill of roaring down the road sent butterflies through my stomach. Ramos was back. It felt good. No. It was better than good. It was amazing.
I’d almost lost him. Warmth and happiness washed over me. I knew I’d made a promise to stay out of trouble so he wouldn’t get hurt again. But who was I kidding? Maybe that was a silly promise. Maybe this was how my life was meant to be. I mean… I could read minds, for Pete’s sake. Still, I was determined to be more careful. And then, I’d just have to hang on and hope for the best.
In the meantime, I was determined to cherish every moment I had with the ones I loved most.
Thanks for reading Marked for Murder ~ A Shelby Nichols Adventure.
I am currently hard at work on Shelby’s next adventure and promise to do my best for another thrilling ride!
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. It’s a great way to thank an author and keep her writing!
Marked for Murder is also available on Audible
Want to know more about Ramos?
Devil in a Black Suit
A book about Ramos and his mysterious past from his point of view is available on Amazon and Audible!
A Midsummer Night’s Murder:
A Shelby Nichols Novella
Is available for just .99 on Amazon! Get your copy today!
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
For news, updates, and special offers, please sign up for my newsletter. To thank you for subscribing you will receive a FREE copy of
Catering to Murder: A Shelby Nichols Adventure
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA TODAY AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR
As the author of the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. “Definitely,” she says. “Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. “I love getting Shelby into trouble…I just don’t always know how to get her out of it!” Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.
Connect with Colleen
www.colleenhelme.com
www.shelbynicholsconsulting.com
www.facebook.com/colleenhelmeauthor
www.twitter.com/ColleenHelme
www.bookbub.com/authors/colleen-helme
www.amazon.com/Colleen-Helme/e/B004JP9RWO/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAeWm03ZGf8
Marked for Murder Page 30