Grady wasn’t going to slink away. Not even if the sheriff himself were to point a howitzer at him. He stepped out of the truck and wandered around the Mountain Dog Rescue Center.

The dogs out back barked up a storm, but there was no sound from inside the cabin. Had Linx somehow gotten wind of him coming down the hill toward her and slipped away?

But then, she claimed she wanted to talk.

Her text message, We need to talk, was front and center in his mind.

She was holding a secret, maybe more than one, and it was time for her to fess up. Or maybe she was still playing a game, setting him up for not coming at her beck and call for the two retrievers she suddenly decided to lure him with.

He should have met her at the motel for another dog transfer. Casual sex was no problem for a hotshot firefighter—make-up sex, even better, although there was, according to her, no relationship between them.

What did he know?

Linx was so prickly and short-tempered that most of the time, he couldn’t tell if she was coming or going. But then, that was what made her interesting, and so very addicting.

He was never sure where he stood with her, and that appealed to the adrenaline junkie in him. She was fiery and one hot, determined woman.

When he was her drill instructor, he wanted to see how much pain she could take. He’d pushed her harder than any of the other rookies and exposed her to danger to test her mettle.

She never once complained—never whined and never shirked her duty. She’d grit her teeth and her eyes would focus with laser intensity as she charged forward. There’d been days and nights when he was sure she would collapse. He’d tell her to quit, and she’d refuse, insisting on completing his orders, no matter how extreme.

And then, she’d get a second wind after he carried her into the shower and cooled her down only to heat her up in bed.

His cell phone rang and his heart jumped, until he saw it was only Nessa.

“Hello,” he mumbled, getting back into his truck. “What’s up?”

“It’s Sam. He’s bitten someone, and the city is serving notice to you, the registered owner, for a hearing to determine whether he’s dangerous or vicious.”

Grady’s pulse shot up to attention. “Wait. What exactly happened?”

“Zulu has a male friend who’s been sleeping on her couch. This guy’s former military—big man. He didn’t like Sam right off the bat, and Sam didn’t like him either. It’s almost like they’re in competition.”

“How serious is the bite?”

“Not too bad. A superficial bite on the hand.” Nessa said. “But the guy filed a complaint.”

“Was it provoked?”

“Zulu says Sawyer, that’s the Army guy, was upset that Sam wouldn’t let him into her bedroom. I think he tried to grab Sam’s collar and Sam nailed him. I believe that’s provocation, don’t you?”

“I agree, so what do we have to do?”

“I’ve got Sam here at my house now. If we can get Sawyer to drop the complaint, or admit he provoked him, then we’re golden. Otherwise, there’s a hearing and determination of whether he’s dangerous and vicious, and if he is, they could impound him.”

“Would they have him destroyed?” Grady gritted his teeth, unwilling to picture that quiet and sullen dog put down.

“Not if we can show he was doing his job protecting Zulu,” Nessa replied. “The easiest would be to get Sawyer to withdraw his complaint. I think he’s more upset because his pride was hurt. Zulu isn’t interested in him as anything more than a friend, and he’s been protecting her for months without getting to first base.”

“You want me to speak to him?”

“Yes, if you can, man to man. I’ve already tried, but he’s resistant. I told him a woman with her traumatic background is not open to a relationship, and he denies it—says he’s only being a friend.”

“I’m not a trained counselor like you are,” Grady said. “But I’ll give it a try. How do I get in touch with him?”

“It might be easier if you came by,” Nessa said. “You’re Sam’s legal owner, and you’ll have to attend the hearing.”

Grady ran a hand over the back of his neck. “Let me follow up on the retrievers and then I’ll be over in a few days.”

As he hung up the phone, he noticed a car turning up the dirt road and recognized Tami King behind the wheel.

Tami waved at him, then parked her car in front of the rescue center and opened the door.

“What can I do for you?” She bumped her way through the door. “Linx said okay on the two retrievers, but you never got back to her.”

“Well, I’m here now, is Linx around?”

Tami wrinkled her nose and shrugged. “She said she had to take care of some personal business. I thought she was with you.”

“Me? Why would you think that?”

“Because you’re not at the office this morning, by coincidence.” Tami winked. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. I know you and Linx have the hots for each other, and I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

“Not if she’s keeping secrets from me.” Grady lowered his voice and noticed Tami’s facial features freeze.

“Secrets? What secrets?” Tami fanned herself and crossed over to her desk. “If you’re trying to find out if she’s in love with you or not, sorry, I’m not going to give you a hint.”

“I want to know why she won’t let me step into this cabin.” Grady glanced around at the décor. A comfy sofa sat against the front window and a large, plush doggie bed lay next to it.

A child’s playpen filled with towels and chew toys held a tiny puppy, the one that was on the center’s website and social media page.

Could this have been used for a baby before?

“You’re in here right now,” Tami said, shrugging as if there was no issue. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

There was no evidence of toys or children’s books, if that was what she was referring to.

“Mind if I have a glass of milk?”

“Uh, I’m sure it’s okay,” Tami said. She glanced at the clock. “I have to be going soon.”

Grady wandered over to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Orange juice. Milk. Chocolate milk—the kind kids liked to drink.

But no cookies and no ice cream.

He opened the pantry to grab a glass. The only cereal Linx had was muesli and granola. Didn’t children eat sugary cereals with marshmallows and leprechauns?

“What are you looking for?” Tami’s voice closed in on him. “Linx isn’t here. I’ll let you know when she gets back.”

“I’ll wait. Got all day.” He flashed her a charming smile. “She texted me that she wanted to talk, so I’m giving her the opportunity.”

“Fine, but when I have to leave, you’ll have to wait outside.” Tami huffed and stomped back to her desk.

Was it Grady’s imagination, or was Tami trying to hurry him from the office? In that case, she didn’t know him at all.

The more someone tried to push him, the slower he got. He poured himself a glass of milk and sipped it as he wandered around the living room. The mantel over the fireplace was made of a quarter hewn log, and held family pictures.

“You really don’t want to be caught snooping around,” Tami yelled from across the room. “She could be back any minute. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.”

“As if I haven’t seen every side of her,” Grady mumbled and scanned the family pictures. No children of any age, not one, appeared in any of the pictures. He stopped at the end of the row and picked up a picture of Linx and her dog.

“She’s not going to be happy,” Tami warned as she stalked to his side.

“What’s this?” Grady brought the picture close and narrowed his eyes. Her dog looked exactly like Sasha—down to the white crest on her chest and the orange-red patches over her eyes—one more pronounced than the other.

“I’m sorry, but I have to leave,” Tami said, grabbing him by the arm. “We’ll be open later once Linx returns.”

“Where did she get this dog?” Grady shook the picture. “Is this what she’s been keeping from me? Is this the big reason why she has her brother throwing me out of the town?”

“You’ll have to talk to her about it.” Tami yanked the picture frame from him.

“Where is she? Why isn’t she answering my text messages?” Grady asked, even though he was the one who hadn’t answered her. “This is inexcusable. She kept my dog. Why would she do this to me?”

“I’m sure she’s busy. Look, I have to let the volunteers in to feed the dogs and clean the kennels, and—” Tami pushed him toward the door.

Grady dug in his heels. “I’m not leaving without my dog.”

“Well, genius, in case you haven’t noticed, your dog isn’t here.”

“Right, she’s taken off. Don’t tell me she’s playing another game with me, because I’m sick of it.”

“She doesn’t play games.” Tami opened the door and pointed the way out. “But you hurt her long ago, and she can’t get over it.”

“I hurt her?” Grady’s hackles rose. “What about the lies she told me? Like now. She’s stolen my dog. I bet she skipped out of town and she’s not coming back.”

“Then you’ll have to find her. I’m telling you, she’s not here.” Tami gave him another shove. “You know, you’re not much of a saint either. She’s trying to make amends, but what about you?”

“Make amends? By stealing my dog?”

“Instead of jumping to conclusions, maybe you should trust her.”

“Trust and Linx Colson don’t go together.”

“Then you’ll never find what you’re looking for.” Tami crossed her arms. “And I pity you.”

He whipped around and stomped off the porch all the way to his truck. So, the big secret was his beloved dog and not a baby or child.

In a way, that was a relief.

Or maybe not.

A woman who would hide a dog could hide more, couldn’t she?

* * *

Dry lightning sizzled in the charged atmosphere and raised the hairs on Linx’s arms. She wrestled the steering wheel of her SUV and lurched up the rutted drive to Grady’s plot of land.

The air was heated and charged, and a heat wave lingered in the area. Even though clouds loomed above and lightning crackled, no moisture made its way down to the ground—perfect tinder for a wildfire.

Beside her, Cedar leaned out the passenger window, her ears erect and her nose quivering. Giving her back would be the second hardest thing Linx had ever done.

Tami had already called and told her Grady was on the warpath, and she couldn’t put it off any longer. She had to make it up to Grady and face his wrath. It was what she deserved for keeping him from his beloved dog.

Linx’s heart raced as she climbed an embankment and turned her wheels to park. Four years ago, shortly after she found Cedar, she’d swung by to see if by chance Grady was hiding out here. Her stomach had squeezed in on itself when she spied the charred landscape and the ruins of his cabin—their long-ago love nest.

Now, greenery had returned, and the plot was lush with grass and bushes. The building site was recently leveled, and a black tarp was anchored over the foundation by large rocks.

Stacks of logs were piled around the site, and a fifth-wheel trailer was parked under a large tree.

Linx swallowed and wet her lips as she and Cedar jumped from her Durango. Another bolt of lightning arced above them, and thunder boomed without rain. But Cedar didn’t seem to be spooked. She ran around the building site, sniffing and bouncing excitedly. Following her nose, she went to the trailer parked under the tree, but Linx didn’t think Grady was home since his truck was missing.

Lightning sliced across the sky, flashing over the treetops, and Linx shuddered as the rolling thunder crashed overhead a few seconds later. She held her palm up, praying for rain.

Every summer, dry thunderstorms all across the West ignited hundreds of forest fires, keeping fire crews busy and exhausted. If what she’d heard was correct, it was one such late season fire that had consumed Salem.

Linx picked her way around the property, secure in knowing Grady wasn’t around. The cabin under construction was much larger than the tiny one-room cabin from before. This one spread out into two wings, and the logs stacked around were at least one foot in diameter.

She lifted part of the tarp and studied the raised stone foundation. She visualized the walls of the cabin, growing to surround what was left of the old fireplace, and once again, her memories took her back to the tiny one-room cabin of the past.

She had been young, stupid, and in love.

A truck door slammed, and Cedar leaped up barking. She scampered with her tail wagging toward Grady, acting as if her daddy had come home, and that nothing was out of the ordinary.

Linx watched Grady hug and kiss his dog. She froze where she was, letting the tarp slip from her fingers and stupidly hoping he hadn’t seen her.

As soon as he let Cedar go, she raced back to Linx, acting as if she had something to show her.

“Woof! Wooooo!” Cedar howl-barked, her tongue lolling out with excitement.

When Linx didn’t move, Cedar did that scampering move and made back toward Grady—clearly wanting to lead her to him.

If she could talk, she would be saying, Mommy, Mommy, meet Daddy. He’s come home finally. Mommy, why aren’t you moving?

Linx let her gaze rest on Grady, and she stood up straight from her crouching position. She’d done her duty. She’d brought his dog back officially, and it was time to leave. All she had to do was walk by him, get into her SUV, and never see him again.

The man was too arrogant to care for. Even though there was no sun out, he wore dark aviator glasses. He was probably watching her, but not acknowledging her.

Eff him. She didn’t need his type, no matter how much chemistry sparked between them, and she darn well wasn’t going to shed a tear for him.

Nope. All the tears were for Cedar, but Cedar would get used to not having her around. Cedar would go back to being Sasha, and the circle was complete.

She was through with being Grady’s slut, a quick hookup, trading sex for affection. Been there, done that, and didn’t even get the T-shirt.

Nope, now that she’d lost Cedar, he could lose something, too—her body in his bed. That ought to grind his gears.

“Hold it,” Grady commanded.

Linx kept walking until a strong hand gripped her arm.

“Let go of me.” She leveled a stern glare at him.

“I’m ready to hear you out.”

“I’ve nothing to say to you.” She twisted her arm from his grasp. “I’m sorry I kept your dog. She’s yours now. Goodbye.”

“Linx …” Grady’s thick voice burred, drawing a sizzle down her spine. “I might have been wrong about things.”

“Oh, really?” She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “So, the infallible Grady admits that he might have a problem.”

“Yeah, you.” He ripped off his aviator sunglasses and those big brown eyes held her gaze, strong and intense, but surprisingly watery.

Linx swallowed, feeling herself waver. Mean and hateful, she could take and even counter. But the hint of regret and sorrow was something she’d never seen on Grady Hart—who was always entirely too sure of himself.

“Why am I the problem?” She set her lips in a firm line and flared her nostrils to show him she wasn’t cowed by whatever false feeling he was throwing her way.

“Because you’re hiding something from me, and it isn’t your dog.”

Now he wanted to know? For what? It wasn’t as if he could fix anything. What was done was done, and the sooner she got away from Grady Hart, the better.

“Spit it out. What am I hiding?” She made her voice hard and cold.

Even though Tami thought it was time to tell, Linx wasn’t going to give him an inch of hard-fought ground until he was ready to grovel at her feet and admit he’d been wrong.

Grady pursed his lips and swallowed hard. His Adam’s apple bobbled, and he averted his gaze, blinking hard, wetting the tips of his lashes.

A surge of adrenaline lifted Linx’s heart like the burners on a hot air balloon. He was actually unsure for once in his life.

“Well? What am I hiding?” she challenged him.

He opened his mouth as if to speak, then swallowed again. Shutting his mouth, his eyes wandered to her lips and it was over. The window of vulnerability shuttered as quickly as a summer shower blown away by the wind.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” His gaze turned lusty as he licked his lips. His sexy grin was back, and he tilted his head toward his trailer. “How about we talk in there?”

Linx raised her hand as if to slap the cheeky grin off his face, but she didn’t strike him. “I’m no longer interested in what you have to offer. Goodbye, Grady. I’ve finally seen you for what you are. A selfish, self-centered, heartless jerk.”

Lightning flashed, thunder boomed, and this time, the rain started to pour.

* * *

She’d called him a jerk!

Grady Hart was not a jerk. Never.

He prided himself on playing by the rules and treating everyone fairly. He was spectacular in bed, he gave into their fantasies, even said the right things to give them mind-blowing climaxes, but he’d never promised anyone a relationship or a future.

He was a rolling stone—they knew it and they all were okay with it because they were so eager to get in bed with him.

But count on women to renege and pull emotional blackmail.

Maybe she had been pregnant. Maybe it had even been his, although the dates were off. The case was closed. There was no baby, and it shouldn’t matter what she did with it.

A woman’s choice. Right?

That was assuming it wasn’t a false scare with nothing coming of it. Which was what she’d told him.

He didn’t need answers out of nothing.

Jerk indeed. If she told him it was nothing, then why was he a jerk for not believing her?

He could barely close his mouth at the audacity of Miss Linx Colson calling him a jerk as she stalked off in the rain toward her SUV.

She cut a sight to make men drool. A swaying ass over mile-long legs, lush enough curves over slender muscles, and hair that draped like a silk curtain over his face while she rode on top of him.

She was also strong and challenging, and the fact that she called him a jerk was like throwing a red cape in front of a raging bull.

“Sasha!” he called as his dog jogged after Linx.

The dog looked back, but didn’t break a stride.

“Sasha!” he called again, then threw up his hands. He wasn’t going to lose his pride by going after the dog. That meant dealing with the likes of a woman who’d called him a jerk.

Turning his back, he made his way to his trailer to get out of the rain. It was a perfectly good place to brood and curse his fate.

Of all the women in the world, why was he tied into knots by one he didn’t even like?

He heard a barking whine and turned for one last look.

“Stay!” Linx commanded Sasha. The dog sat on the wet ground, ten feet from the SUV as Linx got into the driver’s seat.

“Wooo … woof!” Sasha whined again, wagging her tail. She was clearly an obedient dog, and she was waiting for Linx to give her the “all clear” command, signaling it was okay for her to approach the vehicle.

Instead, Linx turned on the ignition and backed out of the parking spot. The dog still sat, her ears upright and eyes fixated on Linx, waiting for a treat or praise.

The SUV made a three-point turn and barreled its way down the steep driveway.

“Woof. Woof.” Sasha barked, at first not believing Linx wouldn’t return.

Grady’s heart broke when the dog looked back and forth, as if realizing she’d been abandoned. Her ears sagged down, and she laid down on the same spot, resting her snout over her paws.

The steady rain wet her coat, but she didn’t move from the spot Linx had ordered her to stay.

“Sasha.” Grady rushed to her. “It’s okay, Sasha. Come here. It’s okay.”

The dog quivered on her haunches and gave him the saddest look he’d ever seen. Her tail was tucked between her legs and she lowered her head, making a low whine.

“It’s okay, baby. I’ll take care of you.” He bent down and lowered himself to the ground. “You’re home now. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Except nothing was okay, and the ache inside of him mirrored Sasha’s distress.

They’d both been abandoned and forsaken by the fiery and hot-tempered Linx Colson—the “Short Fuse” who had a bad temper, but a very good heart, especially for dogs.