“I see you called. What’s up, sweetie?”
He sounded so cheerful that she didn’t want to ruin his demeanor. Deciding she’d tell him later that night, she chuckled. “I just wanted to hear your voice. What time are you coming home?”
“Real soon. And get ready ’cause I’m taking you on a ride.”
“Where to?”
“Dolores River Canyon. It’s awesome. I’ve been wanting to take you there before the weather changes. In the mountains, the weather can turn real fast in the fall.”
“I’ve been wanting to play at being a biker chick. This should be fun. Should I wear anything special?”
“Jeans and boots. Bring a jacket, a head scarf if you want to keep your hair from blowing all around, and sunglasses.”
“I’ll be ready when you get here.”
Suddenly all the tension and fear she’d felt earlier disappeared. She couldn’t wait to get on his Harley and find out what all the fuss was about.
***
Located at thesouthern edge of the San Juan Mountains, Dolores River Canyon was a natural wonder that shared its primitive pathways with the Pueblo tribe for several centuries. Raven was in awe of the noble walls carved by nature that flanked the river below. Looking down, the river was like a silver ribbon framed by trees and sagebrush. “It’s beautiful up here. So majestic and peaceful. It has a spiritual feel to it.”
He came up behind her and hooked his arm around her waist. “That’s because parts of the area, especially Chaco Canyon, have spiritual meaning for the Pueblo tribe.”
“Isn’t the president of your MC Native American?”
“Yeah, but he’s Navajo. The Pueblos still have festivals and other celebrations over in Chaco Canyon. It’s pretty cool to see.”
“I just can’t get over how breathtaking it is.”
“If you’re up for it, we can hike to the top and you’ll see the most spectacular view ever. It’s not a bad hike, about a quarter of a mile.”
“I’d love to. Is your Harley safe?”
“Yeah. People rarely come to this part of the canyon. Let me grab a blanket.”
The hike up was an invigorating walk through the different levels of the canyon’s birth. Off to the side, Raven saw ruins from a Pueblo life long gone by. It made her shiver to think of the thousands of people who lived and thrived a thousand years ago on the very ground she was walking.
When they reached the top, she gasped. They were on top of one of the highest peaks in the area and she could see all around her. There was a beauty to the eclectic landscape: raw and barren, lush evergreens, and jagged white peaks. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”
He pointed to the far left. “And that’s New Mexico. This place is kickass. I come here to reboot when shit gets to be too much.”
Turning around to face him, she held his face between her hands. “You are the yin to my yang. I love you.”
“Not sure what the hell the yang thing is, but I love you too, babe.”
They clung to each other, kissing and living in the moment amid the surrounding beauty. And when Muerto spread out the blanket and eased her down, she was ready to make wild, passionate love to the man who captured her essence. She let her hands travel over his shoulders and arms, enjoying the sensation of his body.
Then he looked at her deeply and she saw the fire smoldering in his dark orbs. At that point, she turned off her mind and gave in to passion.
