Rafe stood on the banks of the creek, overlooking the muddy remnants of the dam. Chunks of concrete and broken limbs from nearby trees clogged the creek bed now. Water burbled past, carving out new bends to skirt the debris.

But this tangled mess wasn’t any worse than the mess he’d left in his wake last night. All morning his actions replayed in his mind. Guilt weighed heavy on his shoulders.

The construction foreman for the golf course carried his anger like an ugly red flag. His belly strained against his waistband, and his ruddy face was animated as he voiced his litany of complaints. “Do you see this mess? These bastards set me behind a month!”

Rafe had listened to him rant for a good ten minutes. He was ready to put an end to it. “People around here are blaming you for the loss of their livestock when you dammed this creek,” he said quietly.

The foreman’s face grew redder. “I had the proper permits, and only excess water was diverted to the pond.” Swearing under his breath, he kicked a block of broken concrete.

Rafe had written up the details of the damage and what little the crew could guess about what had happened. “Still some folks won’t be unhappy you lost your dam.”

“May I remind you a crime was committed here,” the foreman said, shaking his finger angrily.

“Yes, sir. I’m well aware of that. And with your dynamite, no doubt. By the way, was it properly secured?” Knowing full well the company had already been fined for that oversight, Rafe bit back a black grin at the scowl his jibe produced. “ATF’ll be out here this afternoon. They’ll have questions, too. Make sure your crew’s available. No one goes home until they’re through.”

“Lot a damn good that’ll do. I’ll lose another day of work.”

Rafe left the worksite in no hurry to get to his next destination. Besides, he was pretty sure he knew who was responsible. Kate Massey had already told her Danny McKelvey’s alibi didn’t hold water. The crusty old woman might have agreed the dam had to go, but she wouldn’t conspire to save the other rancher’s hide.

Danny had told Rafe earlier that he’d run his dogs all night after they’d caught the scent of the mountain lion on his property. It was strange to Rafe, hearing about the hunt when he’d been the quarry.

The dogs had been run all right, but Danny had made an error. The dogs had crossed onto the Massey ranch, and Kate’s husband had joined the hunt led by Danny’s brother. Danny hadn’t led the hunt. He’d lied about where he was. And he had plenty of motives for wanting the dam removed and the construction halted. The man’s hatred, no doubt based in his gut-deep knowledge his ranch was failing anyway, had spilled over on the golf course.

However much Rafe despised Danny McKelvey, he wasn’t eager to be the arresting officer. He’d pass the information along and let another make the arrest. He had bigger problems on his hands to address.

Rafe drove west of town toward Lani’s place, but he was relieved when he didn’t see her truck parked out front. He wasn’t ready to face her. Didn’t have a clue what he could say to make things right between them.

The sight of Lani’s face lifting to accept the Indian’s kiss burned in his brain. Perhaps, he wouldn’t be so angry if he hadn’t spent hours with frustration and fear building inside him as the cat had streaked across the countryside.

His joy when he’d finally seen Lani waiting in the bottom of the cave had turned to shock as she’d stared at them, tears welling in her eyes. Her look of wonder and acceptance had pierced his heart.

When the Indian had opened his arms, she’d flown to him. The joy the other man had felt, the sense of homecoming and love that had brushed his mind, had stunned Rafe.

Rafe had meant to wound Lani when he’d asked which man she would have preferred to remain with her. He’d wanted to hurt her for her betrayal, but deep inside he’d wondered whether she really would have preferred the Indian.

Last night, his anger had come unbridled. He’d fucked Lani like she was a whore. Loosed a monster of jealousy on her he hadn’t been able to rein in.

In the harsh light of morning, he regretted every word, every action. But how could he say he was sorry and have her know it was real and heartfelt? Was he really sorry? Or did he still harbor resentment inside him?

Rafe stared down at his hands and clenched his fists. He’d touched her with anger in his heart—for that he was deeply sorry. But did her transgression really warrant the punishment he’d meted out? When she’d lain beneath him, all he could think about was how sweetly she’d kissed the other man. Rafe had seen red and meant to brand her forever as his. Well, he had. He just hoped she’d forgive him.

He backed down her drive and headed to the fire station. He still had jealousy riding on his shoulders, but he couldn’t wait another minute to tell Lani he loved her, even if she’d given part of her heart to a spirit.

Lani peeled potatoes at the sink in the fire station kitchen. She’d volunteered for kitchen duty. Anything to keep some distance from the boys today.

The men had groaned loudly because a few of her offerings had resembled the aftermath of a three-alarm fire. But she needed time alone. They must have seen something in her face, because they’d been quiet around her, careful even.

They’d had a busy morning—a kitchen fire and a brush fire beside the highway. But back at the station it was hard to wear a smile when her world was falling apart. She’d slept fitfully after Rafe had left, hoping he’d show up at her door, ready to talk things out. However, her alarm had woken her at six.

She’d even remembered to charge her cellphone and bring it with her, but it remained quiet all day. He wasn’t going to call.

“Need any help?” Randy stood at the swinging door, his young face solemn.

She guessed her attempts at hiding her broken heart had failed miserably, since he’d guessed. She looked back at the potato in her hand. “No, I can handle it.”

“Well, I’ll just be out here…”

Feeling like the Grinch, she sighed. “I could use some help.” She glanced back at him and smiled. “Know how to make meatloaf?”

“Sure.” His devilish grin was quick. “Five minutes in the microwave?”

She lifted an eyebrow.

“Just kidding. Hamburger, eggs, bread crumbs, a little catsup.” His smile turned sheepish. “My mom gave me a recipe book. Said I’d never survive the fire house if I poisoned the guys.”

“Smart woman.” Lani turned back to the potatoes.

The kitchen door whooshed open again. Thinking Randy must have left to search for the cookbook, Lani nearly jumped out her skin when hands settled on her shoulders.

Hands she’d know anywhere from their weight and warmth. Lani didn’t turn. She set her paring knife and the potato in the bottom of the sink.

“Hi, Lani,” Rafe said, his voice rough as gravel.

She closed her eyes briefly and tried to inject carelessness in her voice that she didn’t feel. “What are you doing here, Sheriff?”

“I need to talk to you.”

Remembering Randy, she started to glance over her shoulder.

“He left when I came in.”

“Well, I’m right here. Say what you have to say.”

His fingers tightened. “I’m sorry, Lani.”

Please, don’t let this be goodbye. She shook her head. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

He leaned into her back, his mouth next to her ear.

It was all Lani could do to keep from turning and throwing her arms around him.

“Let me say this. I have a lot to be sorry about.”

Lani’s fingers curved around the edge of the sink.

“I hurt you. Used you rough.” Rafe’s voice grew harsher. “I took my anger out on your body.”

Lani hung her head. “You had a right to your anger. I disappointed you.”

“I was angry—but more because I couldn’t reach you. Couldn’t protect you.” He turned her to her face him.

Sorrow was etched in his haggard face. “I think I understand. That kiss didn’t have a thing to do with how much you love me, did it?”

Lani couldn’t stop the tears welling in her eyes. She blinked and shook her head. “To me, he was part of you by that point, and so lonely. When I looked at him, knowing you were in there with him, I felt like your souls had somehow…blended. He’s not coming back, is he?”

“I don’t feel him inside me anymore.”

Lani blinked again, and a tear rolled down her cheek. She tried to smile, but her lips trembled. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m not usually such a crybaby.”

“We’ve had a strange couple of days,” he said softly and wiped away the tear with his thumb.

She gave a single laugh. “Unbelievable days.”

“Forgive me?”

Unable to hold herself back a single second longer, Lani wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek above his heart. “Rafe, I love you so much. Tell me I didn’t spoil things between us.”

“Baby, I broke a promise to you. A couple actually.”

She looked up, not understanding.

“I promised I’d never become a monster, and that I’d never hurt you. Can we get past that?”

All her fear drained from her. He wanted to move on—with her. “I’m not as fragile inside as you think. And I’m not naïve enough to think we’ll never hurt each other again.” She stared at him, hoping he’d see all the love in her heart. “Just love me. It’s all I ask.”

Rafe drew in a deep breath, and his arms hugged her tight. He pulled her up, so high her feet left the ground, until their gazes were level. “I love you, Lani. I want you for my wife.”

Rafe didn’t wait for her answer, he kissed her.

“I suppose this means I’m peeling the potatoes, too?” Randy’s wry voice sounded from the kitchen door.

Lani grinned at Rafe. “I’m afraid this shift doesn’t end until the morning.”

Rafe groaned and pressed the urgent part of him against her warmth. “I’ll be waiting for you a minute after it ends.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Her happiness couldn’t be dampened. “Staying for dinner?”

Rafe shot a glare at Randy, who was leaning with his hip against the counter and wearing a grin the size of Texas plastered on his face. “Not if he’s cooking.”

Lani picked up the paring knife and the potato and handed them to Rafe. “I hate peeling potatoes.”

Rafe followed her home in his squad car.

Lani was glad he couldn’t see the grin on her face as she kept the truck moving forward—under the speed limit. She wanted to build the urgency in him—wanted to see that taut, predatory look in his face as he stalked her through the house.

He didn’t disappoint. He shadowed her steps up the porch and cursed while she deliberately fumbled with the keys. As soon as the door swung open, his hands reached around her and unbuckled her belt, forced her zipper down, and shoved her pants to her thighs.

Once again, they made it no farther than the arm of the sofa.

Lani laughed, delighted as he drove his cock inside her. Imagine that! I inspire that kind of need!

“Damn, I really did want this to last,” he said, his voice hoarse and muffled against her shoulder.

“Rafe, I don’t care if you’re a one-minute man—the first time. You always make it up to me.” She squirmed beneath him, encouraging him to move.

He bit her shoulder. “Don’t move, baby. I’m barely holding on here.”

She squeezed her inner muscles and felt him jerk.

“Dammit all to hell.” Rafe pulled back and thrust hard inside again.

Lani groaned and clutched at the fabric, enjoying the heat he built inside her with each stroke.

He leaned away and gripped her hips, improving the angle of his thrusts—as well as his leverage. His belly slapped her bottom—fast, sharp—warming her skin, raising her desire, so that before long, she pleaded for release.

Suddenly, he pulled out.

Lani glanced over her shoulder. His face was tight, hard. He’d managed to strip off his pants, and his legs were widespread behind her. His cock was red, engorged, and glistened with her juices.

“Strip!” he said, his chest rising and falling fast.

Her hands shook as she fought with her clothing, but moments later they were both naked. Rafe opened his arms, and Lani flew to him wrapping her arms and legs around his body.

He turned and pressed her back against the door. “You never answered my question,” he said, as he nuzzled her neck.

It took a moment for her mind to grasp the change of topic. Like he didn’t already have his answer two seconds inside the door. “It’s yes, of course. Now, fuck me!”

His cock found her entrance, gliding easily into her slick pussy, and he rocked her on the door, sliding her up and down the smooth wood. “When?” His face was feral, a remnant characteristic he’d carry with him the rest of his life.

Not that she’d ever tell him.

Lani’s eyes drifted closed, and she fought to catch her breath. “As soon as we get out of bed?”

“And how soon do you think I’ll let that happen?”

A pleased smile curved her lips. “The justice might get a little embarrassed if we say our ‘I do’s’ between strokes, babe.”

“His problem.” Rafe shifted her in his arms. “I need you under me.”

“The floor,” she gasped.

They slid down together, and finally with cool wood beneath her back, Rafe lifted her ass to give her the pounding she’d earned for all her teasing.

While her body shuddered and spasmed all around his hard cock, Lani counted her blessings. She’d have a lifetime of desperate, passionate loving.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

Rafe smiled as Lani’s fingers lazily traced the curve of his ear. “The dispatcher knows where I’m at. I told her I was having breakfast.”

“Think she knows you aren’t chowing down on doughnuts?”

Rafe smiled at her sassy words. “Probably. I don’t think anyone hasn’t figured out I’m crazy in love with you.”

“I should rustle up something in the kitchen, so you won’t be a liar.”

“Keeping up my strength?”

She grinned. “That, too.”

Reluctantly, Rafe rolled off Lani, and she reached for the robe at the end of the mattress. He moved his foot onto it. “You need that?”

She lifted an eyebrow. “I guess not.” She let it slip from her fingers. “I thought I’d be a little less distracting. Our meals together tend to get cold.”

“I like watching you walk around naked.”

“Better enjoy it now—before everything heads south.”

“Think I won’t still like what I see? I think it’ll be a new rule. This house is a no-clothes zone past the front door.”

“What about the porch?”

Rafe gave her a wicked, teasing smile. “Want a little more porch, do you?”

Lani sighed and shook her head sadly. “I’m going to be wearing a permanent blush, aren’t I?”

“It’s part of the marriage vows—I promise to keep you bent over and bowlegged for the rest of our days.”

She swatted him with the pillow, and then strolled away—a definite sashay in her walk.

As her footsteps faded, so did his smile. He rose from the bed and opened the door onto the porch. The morning was bright, the heat not yet suffocating. A light breeze dried the last of the sweat from his skin. He gripped the railing and closed his eyes.

Rafe didn’t consider himself a religious man—hadn’t really given God much thought. But he recognized that the hand of a higher power had been at work here. He’d thought he was chosen to receive the spirit of the Indian and the lion because of his connection to Lani, but that was only partially true.

He’d been chosen because he’d love her no matter whose baby she carried inside her body now. Lani didn’t know she was pregnant yet, and he’d wait a little while to tell her.

She was going to cry.

He smiled at that thought. He’d found the gentle, soft core inside the strong woman. For him, she wore her emotions close to the surface, unafraid to let him see inside her heart.

He’d give it a few days, and then tell her. His child or the Indian’s—she’d love either equally.

And he’d fulfill the ultimate role he’d been chosen for. He’d be a loving father to Red Wolf’s son.