Wicked Memories

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Wicked Memories ISBN # 1-4199-0599-6 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Wicked Memories Copyright© 2006 Maggie Casper Edited by Mary Moran. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication: May 2006

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. This story has been rated S-ensuous by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

WICKED MEMORIES

Maggie Casper

Dedication To Mistress Kelly. Thank you for the support and laughs but most of all, thank you for keeping my alpha heroes safe in your woodshed.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Pepsi: Pepsico, Inc.

Wicked Memories

Chapter One The news of the day as Ryder Jackson walked into Gracie’s Diner was that Kelly Montgomery had returned home and was currently at the cemetery. While waiting impatiently for his coffee, Ryder thought about Kelly. About the gangly teenager she had been, all wide eyes and smiles. So much had changed since then. “Mornin’, Sheriff Jackson,” Gracie Macomber greeted as she handed Ryder a steaming, to-go cup of coffee. She was looking at him with a bit of pity in her eyes but she never opened her mouth to begin a conversation or dwell on Kelly’s return. Ryder was grateful Gracie wasn’t the type to push or gossip. It still felt weird for her to call him Sheriff Jackson when at some point in time during his childhood, she’d more than likely changed his diapers. “Thanks, Gracie.” With his cup in hand, Ryder left the diner. He had no desire to get involved in the speculation of what had really happened on that tragic night so long ago. His memories were clear about what had happened. He’d spent too many nights awake dwelling on it, reliving it, to want to hear others do the same. He drove the two-mile trip up Main Street on his way out of town, looking through his windshield as people moved along the sidewalk. Small-town life was something Ryder would never give up. The thought of dealing with traffic on a daily basis made him shudder. Before he could stop them, his thoughts once again turned to Kelly. Ryder’s head was pounding, his stomach in turmoil, but most of all, his anger boiled anew. Memories better left behind nearly blinded him, their intensity was so strong. He wanted to rage, to scream, to wring his hands around Kelly’s neck and watch until her eyes were left blank and lifeless, just as his sister’s had been. Not an overly violent man, the fierceness of his need to see her suffer almost took him to his knees. 5

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Ryder pushed aside all the emotions wreaking havoc on his mind and adopted a cool façade. He pulled his SUV to a stop on a hill overlooking the cemetery. He stared straight ahead, not yet willing to witness whatever it was Kelly was doing there. When he felt as though he was under control, Ryder opened the door and climbed from his vehicle. So, they were right. She’d come back. After ten years, years in which his pain and grief had known no bounds, she’d come back. Ryder had known she would. Her brother’s accident saw to it and yet, knowing hadn’t prepared him for the sight of her. She stood with her back to him, oblivious of his presence. The short wisps of her chestnut hair blew in the breeze but her face appeared to be buried in her hands. Ryder heaved a sigh of relief. She was standing at her mother’s headstone and not at his sister Sandra’s. He wasn’t at all sure how he would have reacted had she been blubbering over his sister ten years after the fact. As if she scented him on the wind, Kelly’s head snapped up, her body visibly stiffened as she turned to look his way. Ryder couldn’t tell what her reaction was or even if she recognized him due to the distance between them. She took one last look toward the headstone at her feet then walked to the small pickup parked near the gates. Ryder was rooted to the spot. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. So much time had passed and yet, seeing Kelly again made it all seem like yesterday. The only thing Ryder was sure of at that precise moment was this time he was the law in the area and if she so much as took one step in the wrong direction, if he so much as heard a rumor or complaint about her, he was hauling her in. Ryder cast one last glance toward Kelly before climbing into his own vehicle. Restless and not in the best of moods, he made his way back to the diner where he grabbed another cup of coffee. Ryder did his best to ignore what was being said. He just wanted his caffeine fix so he could make it through the day without biting anyone’s head off. 6

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Once at work, he got busy placing phone calls. The first was to the hospital. “Ryder here, Sally. Just calling to check on Kyle Montgomery.” “Oh hi, Sheriff Jackson. The fall could have killed him. He’s stable right now but he had a pretty rough night.” Her voice changed from all business to a mere whisper. “Kelly showed up yesterday evening and has been here since.” Ryder felt the corner of his mouth pull up in a sneer at her name. “Let me know if she gives you any trouble.” There was a weary sigh on the other end of the line. It took Ryder a moment to remember Sally and Kelly had been friends. He started to speak again, to apologize for his thoughtlessness when she said, “Will do, Sheriff, but except for leaving for a bit this morning, she hasn’t left his bedside. Not even to eat, as far as I know.” Ryder felt a slight pang of guilt in the vicinity of his heart at the thought of her sitting at the hospital alone, with no one to help her deal with the tragedy of her brother’s accident. He pushed such thoughts roughly aside, replacing them with memories of exactly how he’d felt after Sandra’s death. As always, remembering added fuel to the fire, rekindling his anger until it was blazing out of control. He said his thanks then gritting his teeth, hung up the phone. Kyle Montgomery might consider him an enemy of the worst kind but Ryder wouldn’t have wished such a devastating accident on anyone. If falling from a ladder wasn’t bad enough, being temporarily injured so he couldn’t take care of himself or his land, would be enough to drive a man like Kyle insane. The later the day grew, the harder it was to work. The only way to get things back to some semblance of normalcy, Ryder decided, would be to have it out with Kelly now, sooner rather than later. Maybe, just maybe, if he were able to tell her how much he hated her, to warn her not to think she could come back and make a home for herself, maybe then he could gain closure on his sister’s death. God knew nothing else had worked.

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The drive to the hospital didn’t take but a few minutes. He parked his vehicle then strode determinedly across the parking lot and into the hospital.

***** So much had changed and yet, so much had stayed the same. Kelly couldn’t believe how much it hurt to be back in the town where she’d grown up. Dealing with Kyle’s accident was hard enough, but the looks she’d been receiving since her arrival were enough to set her teeth on edge and make her forget what six years of counseling had taught her. No one was openly hostile, but they watched her and that made Kelly even more wary than if they were outright hateful. She didn’t like not knowing what they were thinking. Then there were those who welcomed her back openly with smiles and warm words. They confused her just as much as the others. It was only a matter of time before she saw Ryder up close. Kelly closed her eyes and took what was supposed to be a deep, calming breath and prayed she’d be strong enough when the time finally came. How she missed her mother and Sandra and the friendship of those she’d grown up with. Never in a million years would she have thought it possible for a whole town to turn their backs on a sixteen year old and yet they had. Not only that, but they’d paved the way for a lifetime of wary distrust at getting close to anyone ever again. At one time she would have sold her soul to the devil to change it, to once again be tricked and teased by Sandra’s older brother Ryder. At twenty-six he’d been so handsome, his smiling eyes and wicked sense of humor always teasing. It was the way Kelly always wanted to remember him. It was so hard to face reality, to remember how cold he’d been at the hospital on the night of Sandra’s death. His cruel words still cut deep, but Kelly had learned to deal with the past and would continue to deal with it every day of her life. Take it day by day, Kelly. Remember, you are no longer a child. You are a strong woman now.

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She repeated the silent mantra over and over in her mind. Usually it helped, but this time, with everything else going on, it didn’t give her the usual boost. Footsteps sounded in the hall. Brisk and determined, they rang out in the silence like a shot in the dark. It took Kelly a moment to get her bearings. Exhausted and hungry, yet too scared to leave Kyle’s side for more than a few minutes at a time, Kelly had to close her eyes and concentrate to keep the familiar sound from haunting her, from reminding her of the time she had spent as a teenager in a juvenile detention center. When the shaking of her hands subsided, she opened her eyes. Seated on the far side of Kyle’s hospital bed as she was, Kelly had a perfect view of the doorway leading to the hall and of the overly large man blocking it. She sighed, knowing it was bound to happen. Standing there as he was, Ryder looked nothing like the man she so fondly remembered. Kelly had loved him all her life. First as the brother of her best friend and then as a teenage girl infatuated with a man ten years her senior. It was disheartening to realize she still did, only now love warred with so many other emotions Kelly was unable to filter through the mess. “Ryder.” Kelly let his name roll off her tongue, knowing even before he walked into the room that he was there only because he felt compelled to speak his piece. Kelly was also sure what he had to say wouldn’t be flattering. I hope you rot in there! I hope you have no peace in life, Kelly. Damn you! Ryder’s angry words whirled through her head like a specter from the past, as did visions of his enraged, tear-streaked face. He had no idea how right he’d been, no clue that his hatefilled words might as well have been a dire prediction. Kelly schooled her features, a hard-won lesson that had proven useful over the years. She’d learned the hard way not to let people know what her fears were. The old adage “never let them see you sweat” was so true. Ryder walked farther into the room and Kelly had to suck in a breath at the sight of him. He was no longer the young man with ready smiles she remembered. His well9

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trimmed beard and moustache, as well as the hair at his temples, were dotted with silver, making him look dangerous. Distinguished. He’d filled out well, the breadth of his shoulders much larger than she remembered. Lean and fit, Ryder Jackson was every woman’s wet dream. Well, every woman who hadn’t been directly involved with his sister’s death. Stop that! The voice in her head snapped. You paid the price. You owe this man nothing. How Kelly wished it were so, but the look in Ryder’s cold, hard eyes said it wasn’t. “Say what you came to say.” For a moment he seemed taken aback by her words. She might not be the exuberantly outgoing young girl she’d once been but she was no lapdog. If Ryder had something to say, Kelly would let him get it off his chest because it was necessary, but never again would she just lie down and let others decide her fate without putting up one hell of a fight. Kelly had done that once. She’d taken the blame for Sandra’s death because at the time she’d felt so guilty she had lived while Sandra had died. She’d let those emotions get the best of her and hadn’t bothered to correct law enforcement when they arrived at the scene of the accident assuming she’d been the driver. Kelly remembered clearly the way Ryder had looked that day in court. He’d testified about her penchant for driving too fast and being too wild. Several of the town’s people had done the same, smearing the Montgomery name. It wasn’t Kelly’s fault her father was a drinker or that he had alienated most of the town before abandoning his family, but when it came to Kelly, they’d all assumed the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree. What still made her fighting mad was that they hadn’t even thought to notice the sixteen year old whose life they were sending down the drain, didn’t seem to care enough to fight either way. If she let it, Kelly could still feel despair and depression pulling at her. She stood, letting go of Kyle’s hand in the process. With as much resolve as she could muster, Kelly walked past Ryder and out into the hall. She was bone-weary but 10

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there was no way she would allow him to upset Kyle when he needed his rest. Once in the hallway, Kelly leaned against the wall. “Go ahead.” “I know why you came back. I even understand it,” he said, motioning to the room where Kyle lay motionless, hooked up to numerous beeping machines. “I won’t say I’m glad to see you because I’m not. I hate seeing you here again. I want you to leave as soon as Kyle is well enough to travel.” Kelly thought she’d been prepared but she wasn’t. Her heart ached so severely she thought she might die from it. Without so much as a blink, Kelly nodded her head. Moving closer to him. Her words were barely above a whisper and yet it took everything left inside her to keep her face uncaring, to keep the tears burning her throat from falling. “I understand.” Ryder’s shoulders seemed to relax a fraction of an inch. “Then you’ll leave as soon as Kyle is able.” Kelly hated to burst his bubble but it was better to have it all out at once. “I’m sorry but I can’t do that.”

She was magnificent. Glorious. And Ryder hated her for it. It was just one more sin added to the list assuring her entrance into hell. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides, her stance wide as if preparing for battle. She resembled a warrior woman, ready to attack at the least provocation. When he said nothing, Kelly turned from him as if remaining in his presence was not a good thing. Before he could stop himself, his hand shot out. Grasping her wrist, he tugged her back around, only to come face to face with wild brown eyes. The fingers circling her wrist tightened a fraction of an inch before he released her. Kelly refused to rub her wrist, although Ryder could bet she wanted to. A red and angry circle already banded her wrist. She’d surely end up bruised yet Ryder couldn’t bring himself to apologize.

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He lifted his arm to run a hand through his hair. His swift movement caused Kelly to flinch yet she stood her ground. So she was afraid of him. Good, Ryder thought. Fear was as good a means of control as any, and if he had to use her own fear against her to get her out of town, then so be it. “You’ll have to rethink things, Kelly. I don’t think it would be wise of you to stay.” Ryder’s menacing words were low, for their ears only. “I don’t plan on leaving so you might as well save your growling for someone who’ll listen,” she shot back, unwilling to back down an inch. “I’ve already sold my place. I brought everything I could with me. The rest will be delivered next week. I’ll be staying at the ranch until Kyle recovers completely, nothing you can say or do will make me change my mind.” “And after Kyle’s recovery?” “I haven’t a clue.” Why he felt the need to warn her, as if he were protecting her in one breath while planning to make her life a living hell in the next, was beyond him. “You’ll need a job, one I can almost guarantee you won’t find locally.” “Bastard!” she hissed the word before leaning closer, so close Ryder could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo. “You’ve no right to threaten me, but if it helps you get through the day, then go for it because I don’t need you, Ryder. I don’t need anyone but Kyle. Now leave me the hell alone. I’ve got a sick brother to worry about and no time for you.” This time when she turned her back, Ryder made no move to stop her. Bells and whistles were going off in his head, red flags waving. In all the years since she’d been gone, Ryder had never taken the time to check up on her. He’d never used his status as sheriff to find out where she’d been or what she’d been up to. Part of him thought maybe it was time for things to change, but the part that remembered how much he’d lost with Sandra’s death couldn’t care less what she’d been through. 12

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***** Later, in the comfort of his bed, Ryder couldn’t get Kelly out of his mind. In all the years that had passed, he’d never tried to imagine how the gangly teenager had turned out. She’d gone from being knees, elbows and huge eyes, to being drop-dead gorgeous. She had to be six feet tall if she was an inch and yet she seemed fragile and petite next to him. Of course, at six feet seven inches, most people seemed petite next to Ryder. He closed his eyes hoping for sleep, but instead, a pair of haunted brown eyes popped into his vision. Wide and weary, they no longer held an abundance of mischief or even so much as a sparkle of life and curiosity. What things could happen to change someone so completely? Guilt? It was impossible to be sure, especially given Kelly’s reaction to seeing him again. She hadn’t cried and begged for forgiveness. No, she’d stood her ground, even having the forethought to move out of the room in order not to disturb Kyle. Ryder’s eyes snapped open, trying to rid himself of the image but it was no use. Burned into his memory forever were the mirrors to her soul, a soul alone and in pain. Why hadn’t he seen it earlier? Why had he noticed her combined features set in a beautiful face but had completely overlooked her eyes and their silent plea? “It doesn’t matter,” Ryder sneered into the darkness. If it weren’t for Kelly, Sandra would have grown up to be a beautiful woman.

***** The days seemed to crawl by at a snail’s pace. Kelly was too worried about Kyle to leave the hospital for long periods of time and yet she was too exhausted and worn-out to do much good when she was there. It was a no-win situation and the news the doctor confronted her with early that morning only added to her stress. Kyle was going to be released from the hospital. It was a blessing and a curse, all rolled into one. The break in his leg was healing well as were the bumps, scrapes and

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bruises caused by the fall. The doctor had made mention that the small injuries covering his body seemed to be what was causing Kyle the most discomfort. He was doing much better but it was going to be a long haul in which physical therapy would be required. The hospital was supposed to set everything up. Kelly was grateful. Although small, the hospital and staff had done a damned fine job in caring for Kyle. Everyone was friendly for the most part, even those she’d known from before. Due to the hospital being a thirty-minute drive from the ranch, Kelly had opted to spend most of her time there. Even after she’d been told Kyle was out of the woods. She trudged her way up the hospital hallway until she reached the door to Kyle’s room. Taking a deep breath and plastering a smile on her face, Kelly pushed the door open. The room was dark and gloomy. The heavy curtains were pulled closed, blocking out all the sun. “No more darkness, Kyle,” she said, whipping the curtain aside to allow the vibrant morning light to spill into the room. Her brother groaned and turned his head aside but said not a word. His silence made her heart ache. Knowing full well all the pain and embarrassment she’d caused her family over the years, made her want to climb beneath a rock and never come out. Only it wasn’t an option this time around. Until the hospital set up a schedule and Kyle got used to the routine, Kelly wasn’t going to leave his side. No matter how much being back in town hurt her and humiliated Kyle, she was staying. At least until he was settled. Kelly wondered if and when that happened, would she be able to slip away without more regrets, without making things right. “Just leave me alone, Kel.” Kelly shook her head as she neared the bed. “No can do, big brother. You’re stuck with me.” She took his hand in her own. Memories of their childhood washed over her. Memories of the past ten years, years that had turned out much differently than she

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ever thought they would. “I’m here until things are settled, Kyle. It’s not going to be easy, but then again, I’ve learned not much is.” When he opened his mouth to speak, Kelly cut him off. “I’ll stay out of trouble and help as much as I can so don’t worry about a thing.” It was hard to get the words through the lump in her throat but Kelly wanted to prove to Kyle she could do it. She could never prove her worth to the rest of the town, she’d blown her chance ten years ago, but she could still prove it to her brother. Kyle pulled her close. His face was stark, pale with pain. His brows furrowed into a deep frown. “You never were trouble, sis, and you don’t owe me a thing but I’m glad you’re here. It’s time to set things right. I only wish it were under different circumstances.” Kyle dropped his head in exhaustion. He clenched Kelly’s hand tight with one hand while slamming the other into the mattress. “This place is so damned frustrating.” Kelly couldn’t help but smile. “Glad you think so because you’re being released today.” Kyle’s face lit up. Grimacing in pain, he struggled into a sitting position. “When?” “As soon as they get the paperwork in order. The doctor thinks with home physical therapy you’ll recover fully and much quicker than being stuck in a center somewhere.” Kyle’s smile was a beautiful sight. One she’d missed so much over the years. When he slumped back against the pillows, his eyes slowly drifting closed, Kelly gently pushed the hair off his forehead. “I’m going to leave for a while. Just long enough to get some groceries and get a few things settled at the house. If you need anything before I get back, just call me on my cell.” Kyle’s eyes fluttered open. “Okay, Kel,” he said, before his lashes lowered once again.

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Kelly stifled a yawn as she made her way down the long, white hallway and out the front door toward her truck. The days were long, too long. She longed to putter around in her woodshed, to feel the texture beneath her fingertips. The smell of fresh wood shavings had a magical way of calming her nerves. Sadness crept in when Kelly thought of her woodshed or the lack of one. It was the first time since becoming obsessed with the craft Kelly didn’t have her own space to work in. A place to get away, a place where she could use her hands to create. She wouldn’t be without for long though. The thought brought a smile to her lips. The workers would be done erecting her new space in just a matter of days. She’d opted for her dream shed and could already picture its interior. One wall would be nothing but shelves and baskets. Places for her patterns and the different types of woods she used most. Gracing the other side would be a long table with enough room for her saws and other equipment in between. A giddy giggle slipped from Kelly’s lips when she remembered the refrigerator she’d bought. Just imagining all the Pepsi she could put into the compact cool box made her grin. Once in her truck, Kelly set out for the grocery store before heading home. The gentle lull of the truck’s engine relaxed Kelly more than she was aware. When a small animal scurried onto the road, her hands tensed on the steering wheel jerking it sharply. Her truck dove over the side of the road nose down, into the shallow embankment there. The only thing stopping Kelly from hitting hard was the fierce pressure she applied to the brakes. Exhaling a shaky breath, Kelly killed the engine. With trembling fingers she reached for the door handle, cursing when she was pulled sharply back by her seat belt, which was still fastened snugly around her. The SUV with police lights pulling up behind her was enough to make her groan. Kelly climbed from her truck, forcing her exhausted body to hold her upright while praying it wasn’t Ryder’s unit.

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Ryder had no idea what possessed him to head out of town toward Kelly’s place but it was exactly where he found himself when he came upon a truck off the side of the road. As Ryder got closer, his heart rate accelerated. He recognized Kelly’s truck instantly. It was the same one he’d spotted at the cemetery. What he didn’t want to dwell on was the fact she might be hurt and why the possibility made his gut clench in panic. As he pulled his vehicle in behind hers, Kelly made her way out of her truck. Seeing her alive and well sent a wave of relief flooding through his system. His relief quickly changed to anger when he saw her stagger back, a hand locked in the short strands of her hair. Ryder ruthlessly pushed all emotion aside. He covered the distance between their vehicles in long, angry strides. “Shit.” Her mumbled curse met his ears as he neared. “You okay?” Ryder quickly scanned her frame from head to toe in a quick, professional assessment. “I’m fine.” She thrust her hand through the short strands of her brown hair before running it down her face. Ryder watched her reaction. Was it nerves or something more? “Too much to drink maybe?” Jerk or not, Ryder had every right to ask given her past. So why did her reaction make him feel lower than low? What color was left in her pale face drained away, as did whatever life existed in her already bleak eyes. Ryder took a step forward, unsure what to say. He didn’t like the emotions she brought out in him. He didn’t like having to look at her. When he opened his mouth to speak she cut him off, her words were cold. Desolate. “If you’re going to write me a ticket, please hurry up. I’ve got things to do.” Her voice was sharp as a whip.

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“There’ll be no ticket just yet.” He took another step closer to her but stopped when she flinched. Her brown eyes were wide and frantic, huge in her too-pale face. “I’m tired and swerved to miss an animal. I’m not drunk. You’ve got no reason to arrest me.” Her body visibly shuddered. The hand she lifted, palm up, shook uncontrollably. Something in Ryder softened but not enough to take her hand and offer her comfort. He cocked his head curiously at her nervous response. Steeling his senses against whatever emotion it was she held over him, Ryder followed through with his job. “Follow me back to my unit where I can walk you through a sobriety test. We’ll save any decision as to what to do until then.” Ryder turned without another word. It angered him beyond belief how she could get to him with no more than big, brown, sad eyes. Dammit to hell! I won’t let her do it, Ryder silently vowed as he stalked back up the incline to where his SUV was parked. Upon reaching his unit, Ryder called in his location and Kelly’s license plate information. She followed but at a much slower pace. Her face was ashen gray now and sickly looking. Ryder refused to let it get to him. He was doing his job, nothing more. The whole thing took several minutes. Within that time it became clear she was as sober as he was and had no outstanding warrants or tickets. Ryder walked back to the front of his unit after receiving radio confirmation from dispatch. It was hard to face her. There was so much in their past, so much he couldn’t let go. Kelly ran a shaky hand through her hair and for some reason the nervous gesture bothered him. Her eyes watered briefly only to be combated by rapid blinking. She swayed for a minute and Ryder was afraid she was going to pass out on him. It was the first sign of weakness she’d shown and from the look on her face, she regretted it instantly.

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“Am I free to go?” The question was asked in a tone so belligerent Ryder’s hackles rose and yet, he couldn’t help but feel relieved. Her anger added a spark to her big brown eyes and color to her cheeks. He tried to tell himself he was just glad the threat of her falling out was over. To admit to anything more would be to go against everything he believed. “Get in and see if you can get it back up on the road. There doesn’t appear to be any damage.” Ryder motioned to her truck. Kelly did as she was told. When she had the truck on the shoulder of the road, Ryder motioned for her to roll down her window. “I’ll follow you home.” She looked straight ahead but didn’t put her truck in gear or take off. Then, as if she warred with herself and lost, Kelly turned to him and said, “I haven’t had so much as a sip in ten years and never will again so don’t feel as though I’m a threat to anyone.” Her words left him speechless. She slowly eased her car onto the road. “I’m fine, Ryder. You don’t owe me anything.” For the first time since his teenaged sister was killed, Ryder wondered just how much his grief had blinded him to the truth. His head pounded and his heart ached with remembered loss as he pulled onto the road and headed back to town.

Kelly wasn’t sure why she’d felt the need to defend herself to Ryder. His words ten years ago, as well as the ones he’d made clear at the hospital, still lingered in her mind. Surely a few words professing her innocence wouldn’t change his mind. And yet, she could no more stop herself from glancing in the rearview mirror than she could stop the emotions cascading through her body. Just seeing Ryder up close and personal made her skin tingle from head to toe. The taillights of his vehicle left an empty void deep inside.

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How he could still make her feel so off balance was beyond her. She guessed those who wrote of the fine line between love and hate were right. There was so much she hated Ryder for, so much that wouldn’t have happened, had he only listened. So why does your heart ache just knowing he still hurts so much? It was a question Kelly didn’t know the answer to. Her gaze kept traveling back to the mirror, watching as his lights became smaller and smaller. A sigh of relief left her mouth when she was finally able to turn down the dirt road leading to the ranch. The tall prairie grasses lining the road and swaying in the slight breeze always had a way of soothing her. Even as a child, Kelly had loved walking beside the road on her way to meet the school bus. She could still remember riding horses with Kyle across the pasture until they reached the area dotted with giant oak trees. It was there they would swim in the small pond used by the cattle for drinking. Kyle, being nearly ten years older than Kelly, was always on the lookout for danger while she was having fun. Back then, the race on horseback back home had been more fun than even the swimming. It didn’t happen often, but every once in a while, Kyle would even let her win. Regret shadowed her eyes but she buried what her emotions weren’t able to deal with. There would be plenty of time for falling apart later, she chided herself. Right now, the important thing was getting ready for Kyle’s homecoming. The ranch-style home she’d grown up in needed a fresh coat of paint as did the porch but other than that it looked the same. The trim, which was once dark green, had faded and peeled. The whitewashed wooden exterior brought back fond memories of days as a child spent painting the surface with her mother. Along each side of the walkway stood beautiful rose bushes in full bloom. The verdant growth looked lush and healthy, setting off the magnificent colors of the roses themselves. 20

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The porch swing was still right where it had been the night she’d gone out with Sandra. Her mother had loved just sitting on the swing and watching the sunset. It was a time Kelly had tried to forget and yet now, although it had been so long, all the memories came flooding back. This time she welcomed them, needed them. With her mind made up to do as much as possible to make Kyle’s homecoming as easy as possible, Kelly made her way into the kitchen where she deposited her keys on the counter then reached into the refrigerator for a nice cold Pepsi. After a long swig, she set the can on the counter and looked around. The old oak table was scarred from years of use. Its surface not nearly as shiny as it had been when her mother was alive, but in remarkably good shape for its age. The yellow linoleum was faded but clean, as were the sunflower curtains hanging over the sink. As it always had, the kitchen gave her a feeling of peace and family. It had been a long while since she had felt either. Kelly was exhausted, but being tired didn’t stop her from making her way back outside to bring in the bags of groceries. She was just closing the passenger side door of her truck, the last bag in hand, when the sound of tires churning dirt sounded from behind her. Kelly’s heart stalled for a brief second before resuming its pace. Was she excited over the idea that it might be Ryder coming back to talk to her or did the idea frighten her? She couldn’t say for sure. She turned, a hand perched over her eyes, shielding them from the sun, to see who was coming. Curiosity got the best of Kelly when she spotted the tiny car carefully making its way up the rutted dirt road before finally turning onto the gravel driveway. The car came to a rolling stop near Kelly and out the side window, flaming red hair, framing a bright, cheery face, greeted her. The sigh to escape Kelly’s lips was one of relief. She didn’t want to admit how hard it was to show her face around town but at least there she expected the hostility. Just the thought of the same hostility following her home made her a bit tense. 21

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“Hey you!” Sally Andrews, a nurse from the hospital where Kyle was being cared for, moved toward Kelly with gusto. She was still big, beautiful and full of life, just the way she had been in school. Kelly wasn’t sure what to make of the warm embrace Sally held her in. As if sensing Kelly’s apprehension, Sally pulled away from her. A huge smile wreathed her dimpled face. “I haven’t had much time to do more than wave in passing these past few days.” Her smile disappeared to be replaced by a look of concern. “I’m so sorry about Kyle’s accident but I’m so glad you’re home.” Kelly was surprised at how glad she was to see Sally. There weren’t many who would openly welcome her and although she had tried to tell herself it didn’t matter, she knew it did. “Thank you. Come on in.” She turned for the door, bag in hand. Once in the kitchen, Sally right on her heels, Kelly began putting away groceries. Kelly wasn’t exactly sure what to say but the stressed silence was more than she could bear. Sally remedied the problem when she began to chat amicably while she unloaded boxes and cans onto the pantry shelves. When they were finished and both sitting at the table, Sally’s features changed from bright and sunny smiles to complete professionalism. “I’m kind of surprised to see you here.” Kelly needed to get things out in the open. Sally cocked her head to the side. “And why would that be?” “Well, when it comes to this town, there isn’t much love lost where I’m concerned.” Ryder’s threat of making sure she couldn’t find a job only made Kelly aware of just how much of the past still hung over her head like a dark cloud. Sally waved a hand in the air and smiled. “Some of the old-timers who remember your daddy might wonder, but for the most part, the rest of us thought they were way too hard on you when they sent you away.”

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Kelly didn’t know what to say. Was it possible not everyone in town wished her to hell and back for Sandra’s death? “I think you should know I’ve put in as Kyle’s home health nurse,” Sally said, pulling Kelly out of her inner thoughts. Kelly was a bit surprised to hear the news. Sally and Kyle had been involved in several heated arguments since his hospital stay began. “He needs someone who isn’t afraid of his bluster, someone who will push and keep pushing when he threatens to give up.” Sally stiffened her spine, her chin tilted at an arrogantly stubborn angle. “I’m that person.” Kelly couldn’t help but smile. The woman was like a whirlwind of activity with her sunny disposition, but something told Kelly that when it came to her job, she was all business. “How will you work it out with the hospital?” Kelly was sure they wouldn’t just let Sally off for an extended amount of time and be happy about it. Sally all but bounded from her seat at the table. Rounding it with graceful exuberance, she clung to Kelly. “Don’t worry about the hospital. I’ve already taken care of it.” Kelly thanked Sally before gathering her keys for the long trip back to the hospital. She was happy Sally had showed up and yet at the same time, she was still very angry and sad at what had taken place between Ryder and her. She silently wondered if they would ever work their difference out enough to at least be able to move on with their lives. Kelly tiredly shook her head. “Where are you going?” Kelly clutched her keys in her fisted hand, dreading the trip. “I’m going back to the hospital to pick Kyle up.” Sally once again smiled brightly. “No need. I’ve arranged for a transport ambulance to bring him once everything at the hospital is settled. What you need is a nap.”

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Sally was right but Kelly couldn’t leave Kyle alone. He might need her. The move would more than likely be a painful one. Just thinking about it made her shudder. “He’s going to need someone with him, Sally, and he’s far too stubborn to ask.” Sally eyed her. “I have an overnight bag in the car. After I bring it in, I’ll head into town and ride back in the ambulance. We can get my car later. Besides, at this point a nap isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.” Kelly knew Sally was right but it didn’t make it any easier. Kyle was all she had left in the world, besides her newly rekindled friendship with Sally. “Okay. If you’re sure.” When Sally nudged her down the hall, Kelly sighed in relief. The sound of a car engine firing to life was the last thing Kelly remembered before she climbed into bed and the darkness of sleep swallowed her.

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Chapter Two Ryder stared at his computer screen. The incessant flashing of the cursor was enough to drive the sanest man out of his mind. Nothing Ryder did brought forth the information he sought, which pissed him off to no end. Kelly’s juvenile files were sealed tighter than a tomb. The only way Ryder was going to get any information on what happened between the time Kelly was arrested and her return was to ask her or call in a few favors. With growing annoyance, Ryder realized it would probably take a combination of both to get the information he needed. Maybe it was an omen. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to know. Ryder took what the computer told him at face value and decided to drop his search for information. It didn’t really matter anyway because no matter what he found, Sandra was still dead. A phone call to the hospital told Ryder, Kyle had been released and as of last night was back at home. For the flash of a second, he wondered how Kelly was going to take care of her brother but then decided it wasn’t his problem. At least her brother was alive to be taken care of. “Sheriff Jackson?” Ryder turned to the door, eyeing his secretary. “Yeah, Martha?” “There’s been a call from the Montgomery ranch. Seems someone vandalized one of the vehicles there. Do you want me to send one of the others?” The question was asked in a professional tone but Ryder could tell from the knowing look she was giving him exactly what she was thinking. “I’ll take care of it, Martha.” It was an excuse to see Kelly. Why he wanted to see her, he would never understand and yet, there was something insisting he go to her. 25

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The fingers of one hand pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the threatening headache. His other hand idly massaged the nape of his neck. Frustration held Ryder coiled tight within its hold, it seemed as if nothing he did outside of being in Kelly’s presence made it better. The problem was that while around Kelly, there were an entirely new set of circumstances and emotions to deal with. Ryder wondered which was the lesser of two evils. He paced his office several times before leaving. He would make the thirty-minute trip out to the ranch and see what was going on, to see Kelly. It was the only way he could think of to sort things out and overcome the past. Something deep in the recess of Ryder’s heart wondered if he would ever be able to overcome the past and move on to a future. He’d never even thought of settling down and starting a family. Losing Sandra had been too hard, Ryder didn’t think he could handle it if he fell in love and then lost that person as well. It angered him beyond belief to feel his heart softening toward Kelly. Even the briefest hint of sympathy was more than she deserved, so why had he all of a sudden started thinking about the future when he’d only ever lived day to day? Everything in Ryder insisted there was and never could be anything between Kelly and him except the lust he felt every time he saw her. He wanted to play with her lush curves, to pound into her over and over again until he came, but that was it. It was lust, plain and simple. The drive to Kelly’s place seemed to take forever. His nerves were in a jumble, knotting his gut with anticipation. In the past, he’d had no reason to make the drive and under normal circumstances, wouldn’t do it now. The memories were hard to deal with. Visions of Kelly’s sedan wrapped around a tree, the body of his sister all but unrecognizable, brought back emotions so strong he was nearly brought to his knees as a result. Ryder blinked to clear his head, but instead another vision flashed before his 26

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haunted eyes. Kelly, bleeding and pale, crying as she held Sandra’s battered body in her arms, begging and rocking. With ruthless determination, Ryder pushed away all thought of Sandra. Grief wasn’t something he dealt easily with. The ranch house came into view, stealing a sigh of relief from the breath Ryder hadn’t realized he’d been holding. After stopping, he killed the engine then just sat there for a minute searching the surroundings for anything out of the ordinary. The only sound to breach the silence was an occasional thud of wood hitting wood. Ryder called into dispatch to let them know he was on scene and would be talking to the occupants. Once finished, climbed from his SUV and headed toward the front door. He took quick notice of a new outbuilding, a small shed-like structure, and idly wondered what it was being used for. It wasn’t hard to see where the damage had been done. The word murderer was slashed across the side of Kelly’s truck in red paint. Having caught motion out of the corner of his eye, Ryder stopped just short of the front porch and turned. Kelly was making her way out of the barn, slender arms loaded with planks of wood. Although Ryder didn’t remember moving, he must have because Kelly stopped dead in her tracks and turned toward him. A look of uncertainty crossed her face before she bent at the knee to release her burden. After carefully leaning the wood against the barn, she wiped her hands on her pants. Ryder stood still and waited as she headed toward him. He waited—what he really wanted to do was move toward her, throw her over his shoulder and stomp off somewhere private to slake the lust coursing through his body. Then maybe he would have some peace. Ryder was appalled by how much he wanted her. It couldn’t possibly be normal to be so sexually attracted to someone he wouldn’t give a glass of water to if her hair were on fire. The way his body reacted to just seeing her was shocking and confusing, angering Ryder with the uncertainty he felt. 27

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And yet, at the same time, he had an almost overwhelming urge to help her, to do whatever was necessary to ease her burdens. His possessive and protective instincts were running rampant, pulling Ryder in all directions, only to be outshined by a driving need to see her smile. “Sheriff Jackson.” Her greeting was hesitant but not rude. The shy, gangly teenager he remembered was gone, replaced by a guarded woman with wary eyes. She covered whatever emotions she felt well. He no longer saw even a hint of the nervous woman he’d confronted just yesterday. Ryder decided to keep things short, simple and to the point. “When did you notice that?” He pointed to her truck. “Last night.” Her answer was even, unemotional. “Did you notice anything out of the ordinary? See anyone skulking around?” Kelly shook her head in answer, her eyes still trained on her truck. Just then the screen door slammed open, startling Kelly and garnering his attention. Ryder recognized Sally immediately. She was a whirlwind of a woman with a wicked sense of humor. Without a look in their direction, she stomped across the porch mumbling the entire way. When she reached the swinging chair on the far end of the porch encircling the house, she slumped into its cushions, tilted her head back and closed her eyes.

Kelly rolled her eyes heavenward and smiled. She was sure Sally and Kyle were going to drive her to drink before all was said and done. “How’s Kyle doing?” “He’s in pain and cranky. From the looks of it, taking it out on Sally again.” Kelly couldn’t help but think Kyle was the last thing on Ryder’s mind. He was more than likely gloating over the incident with her truck, hoping it might send her scurrying out

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of town in fear. For a moment she wondered if he might have had something to do with it, then quickly decided he didn’t. Ryder Jackson wasn’t the sort to beat around the bush or pull pranks. He wanted her out of town and had no qualms telling her so. “Sally’s helping out then?” “She’s Kyle’s physical therapist.” Kelly still wasn’t sure how the woman had managed to get so much time off of her regular job at the hospital to take a physical therapy rotation. Seeing the way Kyle treated her, Kelly wondered why Sally even bothered. No matter the reason, Kelly was just grateful Sally had managed the time off and even more grateful Kyle had managed to scrape enough together to keep his health insurance policy up-to-date. Kelly watched as Ryder’s piercing blue eyes moved to where Sally sat before skating back to her, holding her in place with their depth. She tried to shake off the instant arousal skittering over her. His features were set in stone. The chiseled line of his jaw only complemented the silver at his temples and yet, his eyes gave nothing away. The fact that he was close enough to touch but held himself so far away shouldn’t hurt but it did. Almost as much as the hate she saw reflected in his every look. “Would you like something to drink?” Kelly concentrated on keeping the façade. Remaining calm was nearly impossible, but showing weakness in front of Ryder, the man she’d had feelings for since she was a teenager, the man who believed she killed his sister, would be a mistake. It would be the beginning of the end and a chance Kelly wasn’t willing to take. His gaze never left her face. He seemed to be taking stock of her every feature, of every line and dimple, of every nervous twitch of her eye. His perusal made Kelly very uncomfortable.

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“Let me look around a bit and call out someone to take fingerprints then I’ll take you up on your offer of a drink.” Kelly watched as Ryder moved back toward her truck, studying the ground as he went. He seemed completely oblivious to her presence as he snapped pictures. After several minutes, he pulled a cell phone from his pocket and made a call. He was thorough. She’d have to give him that. Without a word, Kelly moved slowly toward the house. The sound of his footsteps told her Ryder was following. She reached for the screen door only to have her hand covered by Ryder’s. His warmth radiated up her arm, sending a zing of arousal straight to the apex of her thighs. Kelly jerked her hand from beneath his, silently cursing her body’s reaction. His swift change in demeanor made her nervous in so many ways, ways he couldn’t possibly even realize. Some of the things he’d said all those years ago tore at her heart. Remembering the pain in his eyes still had the ability to make her go over and over the “what ifs”. What if she hadn’t let Sandra drive? What if they had worn their seat belts? The “what ifs” could make a person crazy. Kelly had learned that lesson the hard way. She’d worked hard in counseling to make it through and yet she always wondered. Kelly gave a shaky laugh then walked through the screen door he held open for her. Once inside, she was able to pull herself together. Being in her home, on her turf, helped her comfort level. “What can I get you?” she asked over her shoulder as she moved through the living room and into the kitchen. “Iced tea, if you have it.” Kelly jumped at his voice so close. The man did not know how to stay put. “Let me check on Kyle real quick. Once I’m done, I’ll join you.”

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Kelly handed Ryder his glass of tea before disappearing down the hall. Checking on Kyle gave her the time she needed to compose herself. There was just something about being so close to Ryder that left her feeling shaken and not in a completely awful way. When she felt as though she could walk back into the room and not jump the dark and dangerous man, Kelly made her way back to the kitchen. Ryder stood at the sink looking out the window. He turned when she came into the room, his gaze once again settling on her in the intense way he had about him. It was hard to miss the way his thighs bunched and rippled as he walked across the kitchen, his faded blue jeans hugging every muscular curve. Kelly could feel a blush steal up her cheeks, heating her face. The slight twitch of Ryder’s neatly trimmed moustache let her know he’d noticed as well. Turning from him, Kelly wrenched open the refrigerator and grabbed a can of Pepsi. With trembling fingers she popped the top and took a long swig. His eyes never left her, Kelly could feel the heat of his gaze. He seemed about ready to say something but Kelly wasn’t ready to talk about anything important with him, she wasn’t sure her nerves could take an in-depth conversation without snapping like a too-tight rubber band. “Let’s go out and sit with Sally.” Her words were a breathless rush, even to her own ears. Once again embarrassment colored her cheeks. Wasting no time, Kelly moved back outside and onto the porch, and once again, Ryder silently followed. His actions made Kelly wonder what he was waiting for because that was exactly what he was doing. Waiting. Relief washed over her at the sight of Sally, who was now lying across the seat of the swing. Being in company would have to dispel some of the tension mounting between Ryder and her. Wouldn’t it? “Hi, Sally.” The normally sassy nurse had dark smudges under her eyes but a ready smile crossed her lips when she saw the two of them. 31

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“Kelly. Your brother is an ass. Just thought I’d get that out in the open.” Kelly couldn’t help but laugh. Even exhausted and angry, Sally managed to make her feel better. “Hi, Ryder.” “Hi, Sally. Kyle giving you a hard time?”

Ryder greeted Sally with a smile but it was hard not to notice her too-bright smile and red-rimmed eyes. The woman had grit to go up against an injured Kyle. The man was a grizzly bear when well. Ryder could only imagine what a hard-ass he was while hurt, especially in a way that nearly incapacitated him. Relying on others wouldn’t come easily. Sally nodded her head. “Nothing I can’t handle,” she said, sitting upright on the swing. Her gaze swung from Ryder to Kelly then back again. “I think I’ll go lie down for a bit. It was a long night.” Ryder couldn’t even fathom what type of night she’d had but he nodded, stepping aside so Sally could pass. Kelly lowered herself onto the swing Sally had just vacated. Instead of sitting across from her where he damned well knew he should, Ryder squeezed his big frame in beside her. If the stiffening of every muscle in her body were any indication, his closeness made her uncomfortable. Well that was just too bad. Inhaling her scent on the breeze made his pulse race. She smelled light and womanly, subtle in a natural way, matching Kelly to a tee. The deep, dark part of Ryder wondered if she tasted half as good as she smelled. His wayward thoughts kicked up the heat, leaving him no choice but to shift. Trying to make room for his growing erection behind the fly of his snug jeans was not an easy task. When the quiet threatened to overwhelm, Ryder turned toward Kelly. It just happened Kelly had the same plan. When she turned, it brought their lips within inches of each other.

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Ryder stared down into Kelly’s wide brown eyes, knowing he was about to make a terrible mistake. One he would more than likely regret and yet he was no more able to stop himself from tasting her lips than he was from taking his next breath. His gaze moved from her eyes to her mouth. The way she had her lower lip tucked between her teeth damn near drove him mad with lust. “This isn’t…” Kelly’s voice drifted off as Ryder lowered his head. The first tentative touch of their lips was explosive. Heat poured through Ryder’s body in massive waves threatening to pull him under. There was no way he could keep his mouth gentle. With tongue, teeth and lips, he plundered her warm depths like a man starved. Before any thought could be given to what he was doing, Ryder threaded a hand through the short length of Kelly’s hair. The silky texture only added to his already heightened senses. “Damn, baby, you taste good.” God he wanted to fuck her. He wanted to forget the past and what was between them, to slam into her until she screamed his name. He absorbed the tiny, needful moan that left her mouth, insisting on more. Tracing the underside of her top teeth with his tongue was almost his undoing. The action must have had quite an impact on Kelly as well because she began to tremble beneath the hand cupping her breast. The slight tremor working its way through her body excited Ryder beyond belief. Her reaction was untrained and true, full of an innocence he’d never before tasted. Needing more, Ryder fondled her turgid nipple between his fingers, plucking and rolling until she writhed against him. Her movement broke the spell he’d been under. Pulling back, Ryder searched Kelly’s flushed face. When he realized where his hand was, he yanked it back as if he’d been burned, jostling Kelly in the process. “Oh hell.”

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Ryder settled Kelly back onto the seat cushions then all but leapt to his feet. He paced several feet away before turning back to her. Her kiss-swollen lips were clamped shut. Her wide eyes seemed huge in her flushed face and yet she said not a word. “Oh hell,” Ryder repeated. His words were followed by an unladylike snort from Kelly. The sound of her mirth raised his ire, instantly grating on his nerves. “What in the hell are you laughing at?” Ryder knew he was being a jerk, but the slight tilt of her stubborn chin and the poker-straight position she sat in did little to belie the slight smile curving her lips. “You. You said that already.” There was no way in hell they could get involved. No way in hell he should have kissed her. Her quick recovery when he was still trembling on the edge put him in a black mood. He scowled back at her, narrowing his eyes when her smile widened. The sight of dimples and pearly white teeth nearly took his breath away. Ryder knew if he didn’t leave now, while he had the chance, he was going to be in deep shit. “Damn, damn, damn!” Ryder muttered as he headed toward his vehicle, his longlegged strides eating up the ground in his need to be anyplace but where he was.

***** He hid in the shadows, watching as the sheriff kissed her. He’d have to be careful if he planned to scare her, to make her life miserable, terrorizing her before he got rid of her once and for all. A sick smile twisted his face. The thought of befriending the murdering bitch made him sick but he’d do it and all the while he’d watch. Watch and be happy he finally had the chance to see her suffer a little bit for what she’d done to Sandra.

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Chapter Three Sally heard gravel fly as a vehicle tore out of the yard. From her position on the narrow bed in her room, a room adjoining Kyle’s, she assumed it was Ryder leaving in a huff. She wanted to get up and make sure everything was okay with Kelly but she was tired and not in the best of moods so she stayed where she was and tried not to feel guilty for it. She’d known even before applying for the position that working with Kyle would be difficult. But even such knowledge hadn’t prepared her for the reality of seeing him struggle with mundane day-to-day activities. The typical, strong-willed cowboy, Kyle was not the type of man to put up with inactivity or relying on others to do for him what he had always managed himself. The only thing keeping him in line was the pain he felt caused by the severe break of his leg as well as the many cuts and scrapes he’d acquired after landing in a heap at the foot of the ladder he’d fallen from. If it were just a matter of getting over a few bumps and bruises, he’d have already been outside working. The soft cast he wore helped remind him he couldn’t get around as usual since it kept his leg straight, only coming off during therapy sessions. The incision running along his shin was already healing nicely. With any luck, in a few years, he’d have the pins and plates removed and never have to worry about it again. The night had been a long one, the ambulance ride out to the ranch from the hospital even worse. It was all Sally could do not to cry every time Kyle winced in pain. For the first time since making her mind up to become his therapist, Sally wondered if she were doing the right thing. Part of her knew she was. That part of her knew Kyle well enough to know he’d scare the hell out of anyone else with his black moods and yet, at the same time, Kelly 35

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wasn’t so sure she’d be able to take seeing him through the pain he would surely endure during his therapy sessions. Retaining her no-nonsense nursing tactics and sunny disposition while watching him suffer would be a challenge she was no longer sure she was up for. It was too late for thoughts of backing out now. In her rush to help and to be closer to the man she’d had a crush on since junior high school, Sally had thrown away the future she’d worked so hard for. If things didn’t work out, she was going to be stuck between a rock and a hard spot. But she couldn’t not take the risk. Something about being close to Kyle, about seeing him in more than just passing while at the grocery store, brought her feelings for him straight to the forefront of her mind. Exhaustion pulled her deep into the abyss, a place where nothing could discourage her for going after what she sought. A pounding on the wall next to her bed woke her from a wet dream of mega proportions. She bolted upright in her bed, trying to focus, only to be interrupted by another round of loud banging. Sally noticed the waning light outside her bedroom window then cursed herself for sleeping for so long. She flew from her bed when the banging began again. She’d just opened her bedroom door to see Kelly making her way up the hall at a dead run. “What’s going on?” Kelly was breathless. “I’m not sure. I checked on Kyle to see if he needed anything then went outside. I couldn’t have been gone for more than ten minutes or so. I heard the pounding the minute I opened the door.” Sally noticed the pallor of Kelly’s face. Tight lines of fear bracketed her mouth. “I’ll see what’s going on and let you know. Why don’t you go on into the kitchen and start some soup and sandwiches for an easy supper? I’ll be there to help as soon as I get things situated with Kyle.” “Are you sure?” Kelly’s hesitation was obvious, leaving Sally with no choice but to press on.

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Giving Kelly a nudge in the right direction, she said, “Yes, I’m sure. Now you go on ahead. He’s probably bellowing because he’s hungry and feeling left alone.” Sally didn’t really believe that was the case but she didn’t think worrying Kelly would help anything. Sally steeled herself for the sight of him then pushed open his door. The sight to greet her made her heart drop to her toes, just before boiling anger spread far and wide, threatening to raise her blood pressure to disastrous proportions. “My God! Are you crazy?” It wasn’t a question she actually wanted or expected to have answered, which was good because before Kyle could get a word in edgewise, she continued. “It’s not enough you broke your leg and had to have surgery to put it back together again. Now you’re trying to break your crazy neck too!” Sally bustled across the room trying not to notice the tousled look of Kyle’s wavy brown hair or the fact that his chest was bare, exposing his athletic build and the rippling muscle he’d acquired after years of ranch work. It was impossible not to notice as she moved closer to where Kyle sat propped against the wall, crutches in a tangled heap beside him. His face was pale and covered in a fine sheen of sweat. She pushed away the bone-deep sympathy she felt and did her best to concentrate on getting him back in bed. It wouldn’t be easy to get his six-foot frame up, even with Kyle using the crutches for leverage. The thought of Kyle further hurting himself sent a jolt of fear right through her. “Did you fall, Kyle? Are you hurting anywhere besides the obvious?” The thought made her hands tremble, which made her angry. “What in the hell were you doing?” Sally was sure she sounded like a raving lunatic but there was only so much she could take without losing it and showing emotion she’d rather not advertise. “I’m fine and I didn’t fall hard.” Kyle’s declaration made her pulse slow just a little bit. Sally wanted to insist on answers but if there was one thing she knew about Kyle, it was that insisting on anything wouldn’t work. You asked and hoped for the best. When he remained silent, 37

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she cocked her head and narrowed her eyes, giving him her best no-nonsense nurse look. “I was bored, dammit! I tried to get a book but as you can see, my plan didn’t work out so well. Goddamned crutches!” Sally could only stare at him. Had he never even thought to ask for help? Probably not, she shook her head in amazement. The next few weeks were going to prove to be very interesting if Kyle’s first day home was any indication.

Kyle tried to ignore the painful throbbing of his leg but it was no use. Being unable to get himself back in bed without a large amount of excruciating pain was frustrating as hell. Asking for help to accomplish such a simple task pissed him off. When she came across the room with the blasted wheelchair, he wanted to throw something. Even with a red haze of anger clouding his vision, Kyle couldn’t help but notice Sally’s abundant cleavage or the way her petite yet curvy body moved. Having her so close, her generous curves pressing against him as she struggled to help his large frame into the seat of the wheelchair, made him ache in a completely different way. Her scent engulfed him, shimmering around him in a way that made it impossible to ignore. From his vantage point, Kyle had an unobstructed view down into her shirt. The pale mounds of her breasts seemed to beckon to him. The lacy cups covering her from his view did nothing to derail the need taking over his body. Kyle’s fingers tingled just thinking about how her soft flesh might feel. “Kyle, you’re going to have to help me if we’re going to get you back in bed without breaking something else.” Sally’s voice was strained. She might be tenacious and curvaceous, but she was petite in stature compared to his height and burly frame. Kyle gritted his teeth and helped the best he could. It was awkward and painful, but between the two of them, they managed it.

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By the time they finished, Sally was out of breath, causing her chest to rise and fall rapidly. Kyle couldn’t seem to peel his eyes away. Her rapid breaths caused her breasts to bob and sway in a mesmerizing way. Sally cleared her throat loudly, bringing Kyle’s eyes sharply to hers. It was then he knew he’d been caught. When she moved behind the wheelchair as if to push him, Kyle snapped at her. “I can do it.” She didn’t move away as he’d hoped. If she stayed close too much longer, he was bound to do something, something stupid like dragging her onto his lap to bury his face between her breasts. “Didn’t you hear me? I said I could do it, dammit!” Kyle was glad she was behind him. He didn’t want to know if his words had hurt her. Embarrassed and in pain, all Kyle wanted was to be left alone. “Well get to it then.” Her terse reply shocked him a bit. Deep inside, he couldn’t help but smile at Sally’s fiery temper. Kyle maneuvered the wheelchair to the bed then accepted Sally’s help back onto the mattress. Without a word she left the room. When she returned, she thrust a glass of water and two pain pills at him. He thought briefly about protesting, but seeing the look on her face as well as feeling the pain radiating up his leg, made him change his mind. “Rest for a few minutes while I go get you some food.” Before she left the room, Sally crossed to the bookshelf and extracted a couple of titles. With no more than a tilt of her head and a smile, she set them on the bedside table. Then she was gone and Kyle instantly missed her. He knew she liked him. Hell, she’d followed him around like a lost puppy dog as a teenager. Back then it had tried his patience the way she always seemed to miraculously appear wherever he was. He’d been ribbed mercilessly over what his friends had called his fat fan club. Only Kyle hadn’t seen Sally that way. You didn’t stick up for her either though.

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Kyle closed his eyes on a sigh, glad Sally had never come face to face with his group of so-called friends from back then. It was amazing how blind young people could be when it came to hanging out with the “in” crowd. When the door to his bedroom opened once more, Kyle cracked one eye open. Sally carried a tray. Her tongue was peeking from between her pink lips in concentration. Her eyes were trained on the tray as if she were afraid it was going to take flight. She was so damned cute Kyle wanted to gobble her up. And that was where the problem was. Sally was an independent little spitfire and would never submit to a man. It would go against her fiery nature. Kyle couldn’t imagine Sally giving him free rein of her body, allowing him to pleasure her over and over without submitting to the same treatment and there was no way such a thing was going to happen. A small part of Kyle wondered about a brief fling. Just enough to scratch the itch she’d started with her luscious curves and sunny smile. He quickly thrust the thought away. Getting entangled with a local woman for no other purpose than sex would be a huge mistake. No, Kyle was ready to find a meek, biddable woman and settle down. And God knew, Sally was as far from meek and biddable as a woman could get. Besides, he couldn’t do a damned thing about it while he was laid up, even if he wanted to. Anger at no one in particular and irritation at himself for being in such a predicament wore his nerves thin. Sally set the tray across his lap then proceeded to fuss until Kyle wanted to scream and claw his face. “I’ve got it, Sally,” he said through gritted teeth. “Just leave me the hell alone already.” Some of the shine left her eyes to be replaced by fire. With her hands on the swell of her hips she said, “One of these days someone is going to put you in your place, Kyle. All I can hope is that I’m there to see it.” 40

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Sally turned on her heel and stomped to the door. Once there, she turned back toward him. “Eat and rest, because this evening we start your therapy sessions.” With that said, she walked out the door without so much as a backward glance.

Sally walked up the hall, irritation riding her hard. Irritation with both Kyle and herself. Seeing him in pain made her nauseous. If she couldn’t stop the shaking of her hands and the roiling of her stomach, she wasn’t going to be of much use to Kyle when he really needed it. She wanted to give him more time to recover. She wanted to take his pain and make it her own, and yet she could do neither. The doctor’s orders were very concise, and since it was what was best for Kyle in the long run, she would do as ordered. But she didn’t have to like it. It took several deep breaths before Sally felt up to finding Kelly. When she finally tracked the woman down, she was carrying another load of wood to her new shed. Kelly was covered in dust and grime. Her sweat-slickened hair was plastered to her head and she looked happier than Sally had seen her since she’d come back to town. “Want some help?” “No thanks.” Kelly made the reply over her shoulder as she continued on with her work. “Just let me put this load in the shed then you can tell me what’s going on with Kyle. I’ll be right in.” Sally took Kelly at her word and headed back into the house. Once in the kitchen she began warming the soup. She took the sandwiches Kelly had made earlier out of the refrigerator and set the table for lunch. She was sitting at the table, sipping a glass of tea when Kelly came in. “Everything all right with Kyle?” Kelly asked as she scrubbed her hands at the kitchen sink.

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Sally did her best to remain nonchalant. The last thing she needed was for Kelly to see through her charade. Pity was not among her favorite emotions to be on the receiving end of. “He’s fine now. The stubborn fool tried to get out of bed and get himself a book. He’s got the crutches to get around but they aren’t the easiest things in the world to maneuver and he’s sore and bruised in places other than his leg. Stubborn is what he is.” Sally tried to make light of the situation. Not only for Kelly’s benefit, but to get things back in perspective for herself as well. “He wasn’t happy with the help getting back in bed or getting his lunch, come to think of it, but other than his ego and leg, there are no new bruises and nothing else is broken.” A little laugh escaped Kelly’s lips and she visibly relaxed. “I’m glad. I was so worried. I’m not looking forward to the next few weeks. I don’t like seeing my brother in pain.” Sally sobered at Kelly’s words. Being reminded Kyle would start his therapy tonight made her a nervous wreck. Tormented brown eyes stared back at her and for the first time she could remember, Sally wasn’t sure what to say. After a minute, she decided only the truth would do. She grasped Kelly’s hand in her own, the friendly gesture bringing them emotionally closer together. “I’m not going to lie to you, Kelly. Therapy is not an easy thing to endure, especially for a man like Kyle. He’ll be uncomfortable for most of it and in bad humor through the rest. Our main goal is to keep his muscles working. It can be very painful with an injury like Kyle’s. Until he’s able to manage some things again on his own, he won’t be happy and his pride won’t allow him to quit or accept pity, so we’re more than likely in for a long few weeks.” The slender hand she held in her own squeezed tight. “I’ll do whatever needs done to help Kyle get better.” 42

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Sally couldn’t help but smile. “I know you will, Kelly. Just remember not to let him bulldoze you or give up and of course he’ll need whatever strength we’ve got to spare. Other than that, he’s got to do much of it on his own, and if I know him at all, we’ll suffer for it.” Kelly laughed then and so did Sally. It was so good to have Kelly back home. Sally wanted to tell her but something held her back. She didn’t know what had happened to Kelly over the years but whatever it was, it had profoundly changed the young woman she used to be. One of these days, Sally silently vowed, I’m going to see the light back in her eyes and hear the glorious laugh she used to share freely.

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Chapter Four A week had passed and yet it seemed no matter what she did, Kelly couldn’t forget the taste of Ryder’s mouth against hers. Remembering the way she’d felt as he caressed her breast still left her breathless. Sexual frustration was a new experience, one Kelly didn’t relish. She might not be a virgin but she was damned close. Fear of commitment had kept her a loner and being picky, extremely picky in comparison to most women she’d met, meant Kelly hadn’t had a sexual relationship in longer than she cared to admit. Unless one counted her battery-operated buzzing buddies. In such a case, she could be considered a nymphomaniac. Kelly couldn’t help but give an unladylike snort at the thought. Pushing thoughts of Ryder aside, Kelly concentrated on her latest project. She was making a horse head wall hanging for a friend and was very happy with the way it was turning out. Working with the wood, keeping it in as natural a form as possible was extremely rewarding for Kelly. The way the pieces all fit together at the end, like a mosaic, complementing each other without the contrasts of blindingly bright paint made her intarsia very popular among the people who bought them. No matter how hard she worked at it though, thoughts of Ryder just wouldn’t go away. Kelly made one last intricate cut with the scroll saw then unplugged and covered the piece of equipment in exchange for something that would cause less harm if her mind continued to wander. With a weary sigh, she began cleaning her work area. Anything was better than being in the house while Kyle suffered through his therapy.

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Just the sound of his grunts and curses was enough to bring tears to her eyes. Ever since the first day, Kelly had made a habit of being outside while Sally worked with Kyle. That first evening had been sheer torture and before it was over, Kyle had called Sally every name in the book. Although she was ashamed to admit it, Kelly had silently cursed her friend as well. She’d wanted to talk to Sally, to insist she lighten up, but Sally had fled out the front door before giving her the chance. Thinking maybe she’d get the chance to talk to Sally tonight, Kelly left her woodshed and headed to the house. She’d gone no more than a few steps when the back door flew open and out bolted Sally. Deep, racking sobs clutched her friend, making Kelly’s heart rate speed up until she thought her chest would burst. Had something happened to Kyle? Was he hurt or in pain? With the intention of calling out to Sally, Kelly opened her mouth, only to snap it closed when Sally fell to her knees at the side of the house. The sound of retching met Kelly’s ears and in that instant, things became crystal clear. Sally might seem like a no-nonsense nurse while on duty, but her reaction made it abundantly clear just how much she cared for Kyle. Bypassing Sally’s location, Kelly went into the house where she soaked a face towel in cold water. After wringing most of the moisture from the small towel, she went back outside. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.” Kelly handed the damp cloth to Sally, a friendly smile on her face. “Thanks.” “Everything okay?” Kelly couldn’t help but ask.

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“Just fine.” Sally’s chin quivered in her attempt to hide the emotions tearing her up. “Kyle is doing great. He’ll hate me by the time we’re done but at least I know he’ll be healed.” The last came out on a stifled sob catching Kelly off guard. The entire episode had Kelly off guard. Sally had always been cheery and happy, to see her in such emotional turmoil was a new experience. “He won’t hate you, Sally. He’s a hard man when healthy, strong and stubborn for sure, but not cruel. He’s just extremely frustrated right now.” Sally nodded her head and gave a wobbly smile. “I know. It just really bothers me to see him hurting.” It was a sentiment Kelly completely understood.

***** He was hard and aching just the way he had been since their kiss. Ryder tried to fight his overwhelming attraction but it was no use. It seemed the more he wanted to forget, the more his mind conjured up her image as well as the feel of her body against his, the taste of her lips. Ryder cursed a blue streak at the realization there would be no staying away from Kelly. If only he hadn’t kissed her. If only he hadn’t tasted her. If only. The “if onlys” were going to drive him crazy. For the first time since Kelly’s return, Ryder thought about taking things further. He could seduce her into a one-night stand and get her out of his system. Or possibly start a no-strings-attached affair. A bit of hot and sweaty sex was all he cared about. With the woman who killed your sister? Ryder cursed again but didn’t let the silently voiced reminder sway him. Sex was sex, right? He was a grown man and God knew she was a woman. He could get things started then leave whenever he was damned good and ready, without losing a part of himself in the process. Couldn’t he? 46

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Choosing to ignore the silent question, Ryder settled in for what promised to be a long day’s work. He still had no clue who had left graffiti on Kelly’s truck. So far nothing else had happened but Ryder wasn’t about to take any chances, which was why he decided to include Doug Pennington, a new friend and a damned good investigator, on the case. There was a gruff knock at the door before it opened and Doug walked in, quiet as a church mouse. It boggled the mind how such a large man could move around in absolute silence. Doug was several inches shorter than Ryder’s six-feet-seven frame but he was far from being small or a lightweight. He was new to town but not new to law enforcement. Ryder knew little to nothing about his personal life and figured it would stay that way. Privacy seemed to be Doug’s middle name so Ryder kept his mounting list of questions to himself. “Come up with anything?” Ryder decided getting right to business was the way to do it. “Not a damned thing. Whoever did the painting covered his tracks well and hasn’t bragged about it around town.” Ryder sighed. He’d checked himself and had not come across so much as a clue so the news—or lack of it—didn’t surprise him. “Thanks, Doug.” “No problem. Let me know if anything else happens or if you need anyone to watch the place.” Ryder nodded but said not a word. Just the thought of another man insinuating himself in Kelly’s life, in any shape or form, made him see red. Jealousy was an emotion Ryder wasn’t familiar with and yet, it was the one blinding him. He’d decided on an affair with Kelly, a no-strings-attached fuck-a-thon, and until it was over, she belonged to no one but him. Now he just hoped Kelly didn’t run the other way screaming when he came calling.

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The same thought rolled through Ryder’s lust-induced mind as he finished his work. It didn’t let up on the drive to the ranch either, so by the time he made it, he felt as randy as a teenaged boy getting his first blowjob. Ryder took several deep breaths before he climbed from his vehicle. At the same time he heard noise coming from the direction of the barn he spotted Kyle sitting on the porch, his leg elevated. “Kyle.” Ryder knew Kelly’s brother didn’t hold him in high esteem. “Ryder. Need something?” Nodding his head, Ryder moved to the porch. He braced his foot on the first step before asking, “How’s the leg?” “On the mend. Was there something you needed?” It took an effort not to smile at Kyle’s belligerent tone. “I came to talk to Kelly about the damage to her truck.” At the mention of the graffiti to Kelly’s truck, Kyle’s hands clenched into whiteknuckled fists. “She’s in the barn, more than likely working herself to death.” Ryder had already turned to walk away when he heard Kyle’s angry words. “Damned woman doesn’t listen!” This time Ryder did smile.

With effort, Kelly wrestled a bale of hay from its perch on the stack, to the floor where she could reach it easier for tomorrow morning’s feedings. It was a good thing she personally only had to worry about feeding the horses and not the cattle. Her heart was still beating a hasty rhythm and her hands still shook. Coming home to find a note staked to the front door of her house with a hunting knife was not her idea of fun. Knowing someone had the balls to infiltrate her brother’s property in the middle of the day while Kyle and Sally were home alone scared the shit out of her.

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Deciding not to say anything was probably as far from the right choice as she could get but Kelly wasn’t sure what else to do. If she brought up the note, Kyle would probably injure himself further trying to protect Sally and her. Kelly shook her head and muttered to herself. Calling the cops also apparently did no good. She had yet to hear a word about the damage to her truck. No, this was something she’d keep to herself and from now on, Kelly planned to be extra alert. It appeared the creep wasn’t out to hurt her family at all, just her. And that was something she could deal with. Or so Kelly thought until a noise from behind her had her nearly jumping out of her skin. A hulking shadow blocked the doorway and for a moment, Kelly’s entire body trembled in fear. It only took a minute to realize it was Ryder. There was no mistaking his larger than normal frame hovering in the doorway. For a brief moment, the sickening note flashed through her mind.

I’m watching you, you murdering bitch. They might have let you get away with killing Sandra but I won’t…

“Kelly?” For some reason Ryder’s voice calling to her made Kelly feel safe. She didn’t want to dwell on the how or why, she just knew it to be so. “I’m here.” He made his way toward her. When he finally came close enough so Kelly could see his face, she couldn’t help but suck in her breath. His eyes were shining intensely with want and need. The sharp lines of his face, as well as the flat line of his mouth, beckoned to her. He didn’t seem at all happy about being in her presence.

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Without a word, Ryder descended upon her. Stalking her until she was backed into a corner, trapped between his muscular body and the rough wooden planks at her back. He leaned into her, his big body all but covering hers. The way he rested one large hand against her head, caging her in, made Kelly shiver in a good way. “Ryder?” “Yes or no, Kelly.” His voice was low and gravelly. Every nerve ending clamored to life, screaming for attention. Knowing damned well she should say no didn’t stop a breathless “yes” from slipping through her lips. His kiss was devastating, leaving her breathless and weak. Even then, Ryder didn’t stop. His tongue traced her mouth, tasting every corner, lingering over her tingling lower lip before he nipped it. The sharp bite of pain startled Kelly causing her to gasp, which in turn allowed Ryder to plunge deeper. His tongue was relentless in its pursuit. His hands felt strong and capable as they held her face still, one on either side of her head, buried within her hair. The rough wood at her back caught several strands, pulling, but Kelly could care less. The tiny bit of pain only seemed to fuel the inferno already blazing inside her body. Ryder moved his attentions to her neck then the sensitive spot where neck and shoulder met. When he suckled hard, Kelly moaned at the blinding sensation, arching toward him in urgent need. She wasn’t sure whether it was her breathy moans or aroused movements, but something dragged Ryder back to reality. For a moment he merely stared at her, as if she were a stranger. Then, just when Kelly thought he would curse her and walk away, Ryder pulled her to him and lowered them both to the straw-strewn floor.

Ryder knew taking her on the barn floor was wrong but it didn’t seem to matter in the least to his pulsing body. He had to have her. Now.

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The feel of her heaving chest beneath the palm of his hand made him keenly aware they were still dressed. A situation needing to be remedied as quickly as possible. Wordlessly, he tugged and pulled until he could slip the shirt over her head. Once free of the offending garment, her skin bare for his touch, Ryder couldn’t help but lower his mouth for a taste. Kelly’s nipple pebbled beneath his tongue. A mindless whimper escaped her lips on a gasp as Ryder worried the turgid peak between his teeth. The sound slammed into him, leaving him weak with need. “Tell me you want me.” She was warm and sweet beneath his tongue and, for a moment, he was lost. How easy it would be for her to consume him, to make him forget their relationship was all about the sex and nothing more. “Tell me,” he growled the command against her breast, needing the closeness, craving her taste. “I…I want you, Ryder. I’ve always wanted you.” The words left Kelly’s mouth in a rush, causing Ryder to still against her. He closed his eyes, willing her words away but it was no use, because when she moved against him, pressing her warm center against the throbbing length of his cock, Ryder lost track of all thought. With urgency unlike anything he’d ever experienced, Ryder divested Kelly of her jeans and boots. Her panties swiftly followed, leaving her quivering body completely nude beneath him. There would be no kissing, no cuddling, just raw, uninhibited sex. Unable to wait a second longer, Ryder opened the button fly of his jeans, donned a condom he’d retrieved from his wallet then plunged into the silky depths of Kelly’s warm and willing body.

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Clutching his ass in her hands, she urged him to move, an unspoken order Ryder refused. “Do. Something.” She was panting as if she’d run a mile. Ryder couldn’t help but smile in triumph. She was just as lost as he was. “What is it you want, Kelly? Tell me what you need.” Her big brown eyes snapped open, settling on his face. “You! I want you. To move. In me. Now, Ryder.” She was so damn hot, Ryder wasn’t sure he would survive the intensity. Even without much foreplay, she was wet with desire, all but sucking his rigid shaft into her fist-tight pussy. Ryder allowed her time to accommodate his size before starting a slow and steady rhythm. The second he moved however, he knew it was a lost cause. There could be no slow and steady. Not when Kelly’s body was so warm and inviting. On the verge of losing control, he hammered in and out of her, struggling against the magnetic pull threatening to send him over the edge. When the pull was too strong, Ryder folded under the pressure, losing the control he normally held so proudly. His body shuddered and tightened, spilling into the condom protecting them. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard Kelly call out. The vise-like grip of her sheath pulsed around him and although he didn’t want to be, Ryder was glad she’d climaxed so thoroughly. Finally able to breathe, he pulled himself from Kelly, tore the condom from his now flaccid cock and fastened his pants. The last thing he wanted to do was see the look on her face, to witness the confusion he knew he’d see there, but there was no way around it.

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Her brown eyes were wide but not condemning. Ryder had expected to see hurt and anger, possibly even hate. What he hadn’t been prepared for was the complete and utter lack of any emotion. It was crazy to be angry but he was. His anger should have been aimed at himself, but instead he felt an overwhelming need to make Kelly understand what had happened between them. He’d used her. Used her for nothing more than sex. The guilt was vicious, already eating at him, leaving a bad taste in his mouth and yet, Ryder couldn’t bring himself to comfort her or himself. Instead, with ruthless determination, he pushed all emotion aside and settled for what he knew. The one thing in his life he held in high regard. His job. He ran a slightly trembling hand through his hair then opened his mouth to apologize before deciding against it. Dammit! Ryder silently cursed himself for what he saw as a weakness, the inability to push his guilt aside. Sighing, Ryder turned away from Kelly. “We have been unable to come up with a suspect to connect with the vandalism to your truck.” He was all business now. Pulling a small notebook from his pocket he turned back toward her then added, “There were no prints to lift and with so many different shoeprints in the area, it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever find a clue there.” Ryder wanted to insist she say something instead of looking at him as if she could care less, as if she were used to being let down by those in uniform. Finally, Kelly seemed as if she’d pulled herself together. “I figured as much.” She said the words with no heat, no caring. Ryder wanted to shake her. “Has anything else happened?”

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“Nothing worth mentioning.” Kelly couldn’t help but mutter the words sarcastically under her breath as she turned her back to him. She knew exactly what he was up to, what his plan had been. Hell, she could even understand his reasoning. He was angry and pretty much hated her. For a moment, as he’d stilled against her, Kelly thought she might have been wrong but no such luck. If Ryder thought using her would help him past the years upon years of hurt, anger and hate he’d harbored, he had another think coming. Kelly liked good sex as well as the next person but now, in the aftermath of experiencing such physical closeness with the one and only man she’d ever truly had any real feelings for, she realized what a mistake it was. Having a sexual relationship with Ryder without craving more would be impossible. The only problem was, there would be no going back. Even as her sated body hummed with renewed desire, her conscience nagged and her heart ached. He moved in close until Kelly could feel his heat at her back. “If something else has happened—” “I said I’ll let you know if you’re needed.” The lie slipped easily from her mouth. She had no plan to ask for further help unless it was absolutely necessary. Ryder mumbled a string of wickedly foul words before stomping around Kelly then through the barn doors. His departure was both a relief and a curse because although she regretted their sexual encounter, she still longed to be held in his arms. Once dressed, Kelly left the barn. The rest of the day was spent in her woodshed trying to forget the feel of Ryder’s mouth against hers, the warmth of his large body and even the embarrassing knowledge that he didn’t even bother to remove his clothes for their tussle in the straw. It was an impossible feat. Night came before she was ready. Finding herself alone in bed only made the regret she felt deepen, but Kelly refused to let it get her down. She’d go on as she always did and be stronger for it.

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***** Kelly was up and out of the house before the sun. Keeping busy would be a necessity if she was going to forget Ryder and all that had happened between them. In reality, forgetting Ryder was impossible but she was going to give it a damn good try even if it meant working herself into a stupor. Deciding on an early morning ride, one she could consider both business and pleasure, Kelly headed to the barn to saddle up Frosty, her Appaloosa. He’d always had the ability to make her feel better. Frosty’s white coat covered in black freckles was soft beneath her hand and his antics always made her laugh. He was a gelding who thought he was a stallion and never hesitated to let those around him know it. It felt great just being close to the large yet gentle animal. Kelly had missed him so much while she’d been gone. Kyle had said, one day long ago, that he would keep Frosty for her until her return if at all possible and he’d kept his promise. Kelly idly wondered why she hadn’t been riding since she’d returned to the ranch and decided to get in as much time as possible between working in her woodshop and helping Sally with Kyle. “Want some help with that, missy?” The gruff voice came from Albert Sims, one of the older ranch hands still hanging around. He was of an undeterminable age and had been around as long as Kelly could remember. At one point in time, she had pictured this man as her father, replacing the one who evidently had never cared enough to hang around. A man who hadn’t cared enough about any of them to stay, leaving her mother alone to take care of the ranch, which had been in her family for years. It had been whispered among the adults that her father had only married her mother in hopes of getting the ranch, something Kelly’s grandfather had made sure would never happen. Albert had been sweet on her mom, that much Kelly knew for sure. Just thinking about her mom hurt, an ache Kelly wasn’t ready to deal with so she did the same thing

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she’d done since her death, she pushed the aside the pain and overwhelming emotions, concentrating instead on Sims. “Nope, but thank you.” His wide smile met the crinkled corners of his eyes, warming Kelly’s heart. He nodded once then ambled away. Kelly finished what she was doing, crooning lovingly to Frosty before hoisting herself into the saddle. The wind curled through the short locks of her hair and made her eyes water as she trotted over the flat field behind the house. She hadn’t gone far when she felt her saddle give. Reining in her mount, Kelly slowly brought Frosty to a halt. She swung her leg over the animal’s rump in an attempt to dismount but instead, she hurtled to the ground at an alarming speed, the heavy leather saddle not far behind. Kelly landed with a thud, gasping at the pain shooting through her knee. After taking a mental inventory of her limbs and the severity of any injuries, she struggled to her feet. Although her knee throbbed, it wasn’t something she couldn’t deal with. Saying a silent thanks for her safety and for the fact she wasn’t hurt too badly and hadn’t yet ridden too far, Kelly led her mount toward the ranch yard and into the safety of the barn. “Sims,” she called. Instead of the graying ranch hand, William Coltrain came racing forward. His brow arched in question. William was only younger than her by two years if she remembered right and had the habit of popping up at the most inopportune times. “You okay, Miss Montgomery?” “Had a problem with my saddle in the pasture behind the house. Will you send someone to get it?”

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“You okay?” He was as stubborn as a mule and as persistent as a terrier. Kelly figured he was worried but she wasn’t in the mood to be coddled or to admit what she believed had happened. “I’m fine, just landed on my knee and need to ice it down a bit.” Kelly headed out of the barn her mind whirling over what steps would need to be taken to ensure not only her safety but the safety of those around her. “Oh and William?” She knew her request would raise questions but it was a chance she’d have to take. “When my saddle makes it home, could you please lock it in the office? And don’t mention my accident to Kyle, it’ll just add to his worry.” He nodded, only this time there was no semblance of a smile creasing his suntanned face. Once in the house, Kelly gathered an ice pack from the freezer then headed to her room where she made a phone call. Although she wasn’t one to ask for favors, it seemed like the only choice she had.

***** Ryder tried to stay away, he had even taken on an extra shift at the station but no matter what he did or didn’t do, he was drawn to Kelly like a pyromaniac to a match. Over the past two days, he’d had plenty of time to think through their relationship and although the feelings of guilt still remained strong, he knew it was for the best. After all, how in the world could he have feelings for the woman who was responsible for the death of his little sister? Plain and simple, he couldn’t. There was no way around it. Of course, that didn’t stop Ryder from driving out to the ranch. What he found upon his arrival brought him up short. A huge four-wheel drive truck was parked beside the house. Its bed was loaded with what appeared to be a cage or kennel of some sort.

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Ryder walked toward the house, toward the lean and wiry man leaning against the porch railing. Closer inspection brought him face to face with assessing hazel eyes, sharp eyes that missed nothing. Ryder’s first impression was that the man he now faced was in law enforcement in some capacity. “Sherriff.” The greeting was to the point, the man nodded toward Ryder’s SUV cruiser. “Jackson. Ryder Jackson.” The man nodded before stretching a work-roughened palm out. “Ash Colton.” Ryder had a million and one questions but first and foremost was the need to make sure Kelly was okay. “Kelly around?” The question was simple enough and yet Ash Colton remained quiet. Ryder was just about to repeat the question when Sally all but bounced out the door. The woman had more energy than considered normal. “Hi, Ryder. Kelly’s in the barn with Hunky’s brother, Hunky Jr.” The merry twinkle in Sally’s eyes told Ryder she knew exactly what she was doing. Without a word, he spun on his booted heel and stalked his way to the barn. Knowing she was in there, where only two days ago they’d made love—had sex, dammit, Ryder reminded himself, cursing under his breath. The fact she was in there, possibly doing the same with another man sent angry heat coursing through his veins. Quickening his pace, Ryder soon found himself at the entrance to the barn. The wide open double doors let plenty of light in, enough for Ryder to see the smile on Kelly’s face just before she flung herself at the muscular man standing before her. The man Sally had referred to as Hunky Jr. He’d taken only a single step toward the embracing couple when the low rumbling of a dog’s growl reverberated through him. The sound stopped him dead in his tracks.

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The low rumble had also alerted Kelly and her friend—Ryder sneered at the thought—and now they both faced him. One with obvious hostility, the other face—the one he couldn’t seem to forget—was once again completely devoid of emotion.

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Chapter Five Kelly wasn’t sure what to think about Ryder showing back up at the ranch. She wanted to bash his skull and kiss him senseless at the same time. Damned man! He continued forward, even as the dog growled. His movements were slow yet sure. Kelly murmured words to ensure her new protector wouldn’t attack, noticing Ryder’s brow rise as she did so. When Ryder stood no more than mere inches from her, she turned to Jace Colton, Ash’s younger brother and made introductions. “Jace, this is Sheriff Jackson.” Ryder stiffened at her tone, or was it the frigid use of his title? The reason didn’t matter in the least to Kelly. She expected nothing from Ryder and the sooner she was able to pound the fact through her thick skull and stop seeing his naked body in her mind the better off she’d be. “Sheriff,” Jace said, stretching a hand out in greeting, a crooked smile curving one side of his wide mouth. Kelly felt like calling him a traitor but realized just how childish she was being. Ryder returned the handshake then turned his full attention to her. “I need to speak with you, Kelly. Alone.” He briefly looked back to Jace making sure he’d been heard. Although seemingly relaxed, Kelly knew Jace well. She knew his hazel eyes missed nothing. He wouldn’t leave until she let him know she was okay with it. The problem was, Kelly didn’t know if she was okay with it. Being close to Ryder without touching him was sheer torture. Knowing he regretted what they shared as much as she did hurt even more.

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The tension inside the cavernous barn was so thick, Kelly was afraid it would smother her. Her gaze drifted from Ryder to Jace then back again. Ryder’s overly large body was wound tight. He stood rigidly erect as if waiting to pounce. Jace was the complete opposite. He lounged against a stack of hay bales as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Even at six feet tall, Jace was a good seven inches shorter than Ryder and although he could certainly take care of himself, Kelly wasn’t willing to pit the two of them against each other. Knowing neither man would relent, Kelly spoke softly to Jace. “It’s okay. I’ll talk to him.” As an afterthought, she said, “Take Shadow with you.” Jace shook his head then motioned to the large black dog firmly planted not ten feet from where Kelly stood. He moved closer and when they stood toe to toe, Jace brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “He stays with you, Kelly. Always.” Jace touched her again, his manner soothing yet intimate in a way that confused Kelly at first. She knew she wasn’t Jace’s type. She’d always known. He and Ash liked things a bit different, a bit more intense than Kelly would ever be ready for. She opened her mouth to speak when Jace leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose before moving to her ear. “Just look at him, sweetie. The man’s about ready to blow a gasket. He’s so easy to rile it’s funny, Kel.” Jace winked, turned to Ryder with a look of warning then left the barn. Kelly couldn’t help but smile. Jace’s stocky frame was just disappearing from sight when Ryder pounced. “What in the hell is going on here and who in the hell was that?” Ryder’s voice made her heart ache and her gut clench. Kelly was so tired of being baby-sat, she could just scream. After years of being alone and independent, having others around who thought they needed to watch out for her was getting old. She also knew if she didn’t answer Ryder, he would never leave. 61

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“Not that it’s any of your business, but Jace and Ash are private detectives who raise dogs like Shadow for protection.” “Private investigators? What new has happened that you would need to hire a PI?” Shaking her head, irritation and wariness taking over, Kelly answered Ryder. “Nothing new has happened. I’ve known Jace and Ash for several years. A while back, they were tearing down an old barn on their property, making way for more kennels. They donated the wood as well as some worktables to me in order to make myself a woodshed.” This time it was Ryder’s turn to look utterly confused. Kelly wondered what he thought she’d been doing in her shed. “Is that what you do in the shed behind the house? You work with wood?” His question seemed sincere, as if he were really interested in what she did. “I do all kinds of woodwork but my favorite is intarsia.” Ryder appeared adorably confused. It was very hard for Kelly to remember just how angry and hurt she was when he actually acted as if he cared. “I’d like to come to your woodshed and see your work sometime…if it’s all right?” It seemed like he added the latter as an afterthought. She knew if he stepped close, pulled her into the cradle of his arms and kissed her until she was breathless with need, she would be useless to stop him. Why after so many years had she thought she could handle returning home? The question had plagued Kelly over and over the past couple of days and she wasn’t sure she’d ever have the answer. Shadow moved between Ryder and her, the hair on the scruff of his neck standing on end, his teeth bared and wicked-looking. Kelly felt safer just knowing his big, furry body was near but she wouldn’t take the chance of him mauling Ryder so she gave the command that would ease his worry, keeping her voice firm just as Jace had taught her.

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“Yes, that would be fine.” Kelly assumed after giving her agreement Ryder would do one of two things. He would either make a move to touch her, which she wasn’t at all sure she could fend off, or he would leave. What she wasn’t prepared for was his further interest in her woodworking abilities. “How about if you show me now?” Kelly looked around the interior of the barn before coming to a decision. She wasn’t sure why he wanted to see her woodshed but for some off-the-wall reason, the thought of showing him what she was able to create with her hands excited her. Besides Kyle, no one had really ever cared what she did in her shed. On the way there, he asked, “When did you say they were going to leave?” Kelly gave Ryder her best scowl. She knew exactly who the they were he was talking about. “I didn’t.” Then, because she was tired of the arguing, tired of being on edge, she added, “I’m tired of being scared so I called Ash and Jace. They train dogs for personal protection and law enforcement and I knew they could help.” It was an honest answer. One she could give without going into detail about the small things that had been taking place since her arrival. Things she knew were meant to scare her away.

Ryder wanted to ease her fears. Just knowing she was scared bothered him in ways he couldn’t even make excuses for. He wanted desperately to harbor the hatred he’d spent the last ten years perfecting but there was something about her vulnerability that softened him. “You shouldn’t have to be scared, dammit, baby.” The softly spoken endearment rolled off his tongue so easily it was spooky. The need to say more gripped Ryder tight. Only knowing they had made it the short distance to Kelly’s woodshed saved him from saying or doing something neither of them were ready for.

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It took his eyes a while to adjust to the dimness of the shed’s interior but once they did and his vision cleared, it was impossible not to stare in awe. Besides the wood and saws, there were finished pieces hanging to dry, Ryder assumed, from pegboards on the walls. The different scenes took his breath away as did the fact that Kelly had not only learned such a craft but evidently mastered it. Her work was absolutely stunning, something Ryder made sure she knew. The pink of her cheeks and her stammered words of thanks told Ryder not too many people were aware of exactly what Kelly did in her little shed. If they were, she would be a very rich woman. “How long have you been doing this?” Kelly turned from him so Ryder couldn’t see her face or read her expression. “I took a woodworking class at the detention center I was sent to and fell in love with the craft. One of the first things I ever bought myself once I was on my own and had a job is a scroll saw.” Seemingly unconscious of her actions, Kelly reached down and rested her hand on Shadow’s head. Even though he didn’t want to be, Ryder felt pride for all she had accomplished over the years. He’d never given thought to how she might have turned out, but never in a million years imagined this. Ryder took another look around her sanctuary and knew right off that was exactly what it was to Kelly, a place to get away. To be honest and fair Ryder couldn’t keep his feelings to himself. Kelly deserved to hear the words. “I’ve never seen anything so beautifully made as the things you’ve created in here. You should be very proud, Kel.” Kelly’s brown eyes widened fractionally, making Ryder even more aware of how close they were. Golden specks lightened her irises, drawing him in. Pulling him so close both physically and emotionally, Ryder couldn’t help but reach out and take her in his arms.

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Their kiss was one of give and take. Kelly took all he offered then gave even more of herself in return. Ryder’s lips tingled as her tongue traced them. Pulling back, he stared into her face. Even with dirt and sweat streaking her cheek, she looked beautiful. The short cap of her hair made her look like a pixie, a tall pixie, but a pixie nonetheless. Dark circles lay beneath her eyes, bringing attention to the fact she was working herself too hard. Ryder wanted to change things for her. Even as the thought entered his mind, he decided not to dwell on the reason why. To do so would only bring the knowledge that he was forsaking Sandra’s memory. He couldn’t let the past cloud his mind. Not yet. Her mouth was soft beneath his. Her taste, the feel of her lips slanting beneath his, silently begging for more spurred Ryder on. The need to feel her heated flesh against his fingertips became almost unbearable. “Beautiful.” He whispered the words while tugging her shirt from the waistband of her jeans, baring the milky white flesh of her abdomen to him. “Ryder.” He didn’t want to talk. The last thing he needed was a conversation but there was no ignoring the unsure pitch of her voice. “We can’t do this here. Everyone is probably sitting on the porch just watching and waiting.” Damn! It took several deep breaths to get his libido back in check. He kissed Kelly’s neck, holding her close until he no longer felt like he wanted to throw her to the floor and pound into her hot body over and over again. “I’ll come back and pick you up after your company leaves and Kyle and Sally are asleep.” There was a quiet tenseness about her, warning Ryder his words had hit a nerve. Kelly shook her head then stood back, her face stark and all he could think about was

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the way she’d backed away from him. Now, after all the kissing and touching, she acted as though he were contagious. “What now, Kelly?” His words were curt. Ryder knew the tone could cut to the bone. It had taken him years to perfect it. “I won’t sneak around, Ryder.” “I’m not asking you to sneak, Kelly. I work all day so the only time I can have you by my side is at night. And in my bed, by my side, is where I want you, Kelly.” His excuse sounded lame, even to his own ears. From the look on Kelly’s face, she thought the same. Ryder wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her off to a secret destination where they wouldn’t be interrupted. A place where he wasn’t constantly reminded of what held them so far apart even when they were touching skin to skin. The look on Kelly’s face told him it wasn’t going to happen. He took a step closer, almost desperate. “I can make you want to be by my side every night, Kelly.” She looked at him with no emotion whatsoever on her face. He waited for an excuse, something he could argue with, but nothing came. Kelly remained silent only shaking her head in answer. An answer that, for reasons unknown even to himself, pissed Ryder off. Afraid he would say something he’d only end up regretting, Ryder turned away from Kelly and left the woodshed.

***** No amount of work could take her mind off Ryder. It seemed like the days crawled by at a snail’s pace. She was once again alone, except for the company of Kyle, who was well on the road to recovery and Sally who seemed to grow more and more distanced every day. 66

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Kelly was a bit worried about her spunky friend. Sally seemed to be agitated about something and if she guessed right, it wasn’t only Kyle. Making her way to her sanctuary, her woodshed, Kelly softly commanded Shadow to stay on the back porch where she had just set a fresh bowl of food next to his watering dish. Her new companion whined as he watched her leave the porch but made no move to follow, staying just as he’d been instructed. Ash and Jace had only stayed for one day following Ryder’s last visit. Just enough to allow her and Shadow time to become acquainted as well as finally meeting Kyle. They left with admonishments to be careful and keep in touch. Kelly spent the next several hours perfecting the fairy intarsia she was working on. By the time she finished, it was as dark as pitch outside and her eyes burned with fatigue. During the short walk back toward the house Kelly felt as if something were wrong, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. She made her way slowly to the porch while trying to remain calm. Her heart was pounding against her chest, stealing the breath from her lungs. Remaining in the shadows, Kelly worked her way around to the steps only to find Shadow lying across the top step and he was as still as a statue. It took everything Kelly had not to cry out in anguish and race for her new friend. Instead, she did everything possible to retain her wits. It took several minutes of standing still, quietly listening, before she felt confident enough that whoever had been there was gone. She leapt over Shadow and onto the porch, flinging open the back door. In her haste, she nearly knocked the door into the chair Kyle was sitting on, Sally straddling his lap as they kissed passionately.

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“Good God, Kel. You scared the shit out of me.” Kyle gave a nervous chuckle even as Sally struggled to remove herself from his lap. If Kelly weren’t so scared, she might have laughed at walking in on her brother and Sally in a bit of a compromising position. Kelly flicked the porch light on then bolted back out the door. She reached Shadow in a matter of seconds. He was still breathing. Kelly gave a silent thanks to the man above. “Call Doc Howard, Kyle.” She couldn’t keep the tears from her voice and for the first time since some bastard had invaded her territory, Kelly thought she might lose it. Kyle did as she asked. After calling the vet and the sheriff’s office, he hobbled on crutches to the porch where she sat on the floor holding Shadow in her arms, crooning nonsense. “We’ll need to call the sheriff too, Kyle.” Kelly looked up into her brother’s concerned face. “Already done. What’s wrong, Kel? What happened to Shadow?” Kelly’s composure cracked. Great racking sobs tore at her chest even as tears streaked her face, refusing to stop even when she felt wrung out. “I don’t know what’s wrong but someone was here again, Kyle. I know it. I felt it…him…before I reached the porch.” Kelly ended on a hiccough, praying Doc Howard would be able to save Shadow. Kyle’s eyes narrowed. “Again? What do you mean by ‘again’, Kelly?” Kelly swore then thanked her lucky stars when she heard tires spewing gravel. Either Doc Howard or someone from the sheriff’s office had made it.

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Chapter Six She wouldn’t be able to ignore the last little surprise he’d left for her. He covered his mouth before a laugh could make its way between his lips and give his presence away. He then hurried off into the dark. Watching her approach the porch, fear haunting her every step struck him as funny. If he had to act like her friend, treating her with respect, even though he hated her with every fiber of his being, the least she could do was be afraid and jump at every little noise she heard.

***** Kyle heard the vehicle as well but it didn’t stop him from asking the question first and foremost in his mind. Moving toward Kelly slowly on his crutches, Kyle repeated, “What do you mean by again, Kel?” God she looked scared. Her pale face and wide eyes searched his, beckoning him to understand. Kyle knew he wasn’t going to like what she had to say. “There uh…there was a note on the door one day when I came home.” The hair on the back of Kyle’s neck stood on end. He wanted to ask questions, to insist she tell him everything but knew his sister well and yelling would either make her clam up or feel as though she had to defend herself, so he waited. “It was a threatening note, Kyle.” Kyle cursed, as did the man standing just off the porch. He was concealed by shadows but Kyle knew it was Ryder. His large frame couldn’t be mistaken. What caught Kyle off guard was that Ryder had managed to sneak up on them without his knowledge.

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“Do you still have the note?” There was an edge to Ryder’s voice Kyle didn’t particularly care for. The man had hurt Kelly enough. Kyle was going to make sure it never happened again. Nodding her head, Kelly chewed nervously on her lower lip while keeping her gaze trained on Kyle. “I’ll get it after Doc Howard gets here.” Her voice cracked as she pulled Shadow farther up onto her lap. Kyle felt Sally move up behind him. Her scent enveloped him, giving him warmth and reassurance when he most needed it. “Doc Howard’s pulling up.” Her voice was soothing, low and seductive, even without trying to be. Just hearing her voice again brought back not so distant memories. Kyle could still hear their argument and see the surprise on Sally’s face when he’d shut her up by pulling her close and ravaging her mouth. The damned woman would argue with a dead man if she thought she’d win. He could still feel the weight of her on his lap. Her full, luscious curves, the way her breasts filled his palms then overflowed between his fingers as he squeezed them. Her small, mewling sounds of hunger still wafted around in his head. Kyle intended to intimately inspect every inch of her body. More than anything, he wanted to taste her sweetness and play with her until she screamed his name. Only then would he plunge into the warmth of her body. The feelings coursing through him at the thought of taking Sally were shocking. Kyle was forced out of his lust-induced stupor when Doc Howard appeared off the back porch. The old vet’s shockingly white hair was like a beacon in the night. His gruff voice was filled with compassion as he gathered Shadow into his arms. “You go on with Sheriff Jackson now and I’ll take care of this one.”

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It was clear Kelly didn’t want to release her new friend. When Ryder stepped forward, Kyle tightened his hands into fists. If he made a wrong move, broken leg or no, Kyle was going to lay him out. Kelly must have noticed his tenseness. “I’ll be fine, Kyle. Why don’t you go back inside with Sally? You need to prop your leg up.” Kyle watched at the door as Ryder led Kelly around the side of the house. “She’s right, Kyle. You need to sit down and prop your leg up.” Sally laid a hand on his arm. Warmth radiated straight down to his cock, causing it to throb painfully beneath the thin fabric of his sweat pants. “I’ll sit if you’ll join me. On my lap. Again.” Sally’s full cheeks blushed beautifully before she fisted her hands on the ample curve of her hips. “I didn’t join you the first time. Dammit, Kyle, you could have hurt yourself by pulling me onto your lap. Damned fool.” Sally muttered the last as she shook her head in exasperation. “Well I didn’t hurt myself so it doesn’t matter. And the next time you sass me back like you did before, arguing and nitpicking, I won’t pull you on my lap, I’ll pull you over it.” Sally gasped as if mortified but her thin shirt couldn’t hide what the thought did to her body. Her nipples were large and erect, standing out, beckoning Kyle’s mouth and hands. “Come here.” His command was spoken low, for her ears only, but there was no mistaking the intensity. It radiated off Kyle in waves. He had to taste her mouth again before Ryder and the rest of the men descended on them.

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The strong beat of her heart thumped against her chest making her breathless. He’d kissed her in anger, pulling her onto his lap, hands everywhere. Sally could still taste him on her lips. She could still feel his hard length beneath her. There had been nowhere to go, nothing to do except follow her instinct and do as her body demanded. She’d rubbed against him like a cat in heat, purring nearly as loud at every touch and fondle of Kyle’s fingers and now he was asking for more of the same. Sally went to him without an ounce of fear. She wasn’t a virgin but had been until her twenty-first year when she’d finally given up on ever getting Kyle to see her as anything more than too young. And then, she’d only managed to lose her innocence to an arrogant ass only worried about getting his own. Just her luck. All those years of being looked upon as a pest or overlooked altogether had been hurtful and hard. Knowing the reason made it bearable though, even if Sally did think his reasoning was nonsense. Being nearly ten years older than her had evidently made it very easy for him to pretend she didn’t exist, until he’d ended up in the hospital, on her floor, unable to care for himself. As a nurse, someone who took great pains to help people get better, Sally wouldn’t have wished an accident on anyone but if an accident was what it took to finally get Kyle to see her for the woman she was, Sally would take the opportunity and run with it. Her entire body ached for him and only him—his touch, his taste, the feel of his tongue dueling hers. The warm recess of his mouth as his lips suckled her neck was too much to bear. Good grief, she was going to come just thinking about it. Sally looked deep into Kyle’s hazel eyes, wishing she saw more in their depths than just lust. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, her nerves a jumbled mess. The action brought a rumbled growl from Kyle. 72

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“Sally darlin’, I’m not good at waiting.” No more than the truth, Sally thought as she moved closer to where Kyle sat. She looked over her shoulder toward the door before turning back to him. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Kyle’s irritation became more evident at her words. “Not here and now when anybody can come in, Kyle.” Her words finally seemed to penetrate his thick skull. He nodded in agreement then said, “Just a kiss then.” Sally couldn’t deny him the kiss no matter who might walk in. Stepping forward, she straddled his legs then placed a hand on each of his shoulders, leaning in close without bumping his injured leg. When Kyle fisted his hands in her hair, pulling her even closer, Sally thought she would expire on the spot. The feel of his work-roughened fingers moving from her hair to trail against her cheek sent shivers up her spine. His lips were warm and dry against hers. When Kyle opened his mouth, their breath mingled, driving Sally wild. “More,” she panted into his mouth. Kyle chuckled then deepened the kiss. The combination of his wickedly sensual tongue and the feel of his hands moving along her face, as if he couldn’t get enough of her, had Sally so hot her panties were wet with arousal. She was straddling his lap again, snuggling her chest against his, her head buried in the crook of his arm while his tongue swept her mouth in pure, unadulterated need. The rock-hard thighs beneath her were nothing compared to the solid length of his cock nudging her entrance through the thick fabric of her jeans. Kyle’s hands were now on her hips, rocking her back and forth, rubbing her in all the right ways. “Oh God.” She was going to climax right there in the kitchen, sitting on Kyle’s lap. The thought both embarrassed and intrigued her.

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The feel of him beneath her, hot and hard, pulsing against her core made Kelly see fireworks. Her body was overheated from the inside out and although she tried to fight the overwhelming sensations, there was no stopping them from engulfing her in wicked pleasure. “Kyle. We can’t. Oh…oh my—” Sally’s words were cut off by the orgasm that stole her breath. Kyle’s mouth was once again on hers, muffling the sounds she couldn’t help but make. Sally’s body trembled. She couldn’t hear anything over the pounding of her heart and the soothing words Kyle murmured against her cheek. When she could once again breathe, Sally sat up and stared at Kyle. “I said I wasn’t going to do that.” Kyle smiled. “We’re not done yet either, darlin’.” Sally opened her mouth to deny Kyle’s claim but was cut off. “Kelly should be coming in soon. I’d appreciate it if you’d see her settled in her room. I’ll see the sheriff off then meet you in my room so you can help me get settled. How’s that sound?” Sally smiled at Kyle’s words. She couldn’t wait to help Kyle get settled. The thought made her core pulse to life all over again. When he winked, she giggled and felt better than she had in weeks.

***** A few minutes later, Ryder and Kelly came through the kitchen door. “Doc Howard and my crew left.” Kyle nodded to Ryder before turning to Sally. Her luscious lips were kiss-bruised, her cheeks flushed. She looked absolutely beautiful. Kyle watched as Sally helped Kelly get Shadow up to her room. His stubborn sister refused to leave Shadow in the kitchen although the vet assured her he’d be fine once the anesthetic he’d been darted with wore off, but Kelly would hear none of it.

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And much to Ryder’s obvious frustration, she called Jace and Ash to let them know what had happened. The pain in her voice stirred Kyle to violence. He promised retribution to whoever was tormenting his sister. The only thing stopping him from putting his hand through the wall was the thought of more painful therapy. Ryder waltzed across the room to the table as if he didn’t have a care in the world. When he pulled a chair away from the table and sat down, Kyle wanted to beat him senseless. “Are you going to do anything to find this bastard or am I going to have to hire the Colton brothers to bring him in?” Ryder’s gaze snapped up, his eyes fierce and narrowed. “They’ll damned well stay away from Kelly!” Ryder stood so quickly his chair toppled to the floor. “What in the hell is it to you, Ryder? You’ve done nothing but spend the last ten years hating and seeing my sister suffer for it. Now, after all this time, you pretend to care or is it just your dick doing the thinking for you?” Like a whirlwind, Ryder spun toward the table. Leaning in close, he came nose to nose with Kyle. “If you were back to your old self, I’d knock you down for that one.” Kyle decided now was as good a time as any. Time to finally start opening up some of the doors Kelly and Ryder had locked so long ago. If things were going beyond just hate between his sister and the sheriff, things would have to be cleared up. “Don’t tell me you’d side with Kelly on anything, Ryder. Hell, you almost killed her, how could you pretend to protect her from anything, much less some psycho hellbent on terrorizing her? If I hadn’t made it my business to know you as well as I do, I’d be wondering if you were the one doing the scaring.” Ryder’s face had turned to granite. He showed no emotion at all. “What do you mean I almost killed her?”

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Kyle rammed a hand through his hair. It was so hard to relive the past, so hard to speak of the things he couldn’t change, but it was the only possibility of making the future livable and hopefully enjoyable for Kelly. “Kelly couldn’t stand the place they sent her. She was sixteen and used to the ranch. Riding horses, open places and coming and going as she pleased was all she’d known. She was so damned embarrassed she refused any contact or visits with Mama and me. She even refused our letters. Sent every one of them back.” Kyle remembered vividly the heartache her refusals had caused their mother. Kelly had written only one letter, letting them know she couldn’t write or accept anything. Kyle still had the letter. He still remembered the anguish it had caused. “A month went by without word. It was during the second month she’d been gone we got the call. It was from someone at a hospital. Kelly had tried to commit suicide, she’d slit her wrists and they weren’t sure whether or not she’d make it. You know the really fucked up thing?” Kyle asked, although he expected no answer. “Mama’s heart gave out that night after hearing the news so no one even went to see her. Good God, man! She was lying there dying and I couldn’t even go see her because Mama was gone and I didn’t know what in the hell to do.” He looked up as Ryder cursed and paced to the window but Kyle wasn’t done, not by a long shot. “When I finally got a chance to go see her, it was to tell her Mama was gone and she’d missed the funeral. You can’t imagine what it did to her after Sandra.” Kyle didn’t expect anything from Ryder in the way of an emotional outburst but he expected for the man to do his job and find whoever was tormenting Kelly. “I wasn’t ever sure she’d get over it. Still don’t know if she has, but what I do know is that I’ll do whatever I have to, to protect her. And as the sheriff, you’re expected to do the same.” Once again those piercing blue eyes settled on him. “I know my damned job, Kyle. I’ll find the bastard who’s responsible.” 76

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Ryder’s hand shook as he placed his hat on his head. A stricken look was settled on his face but he asked no questions. Things would be different now, Kyle knew. He only hoped Kelly would forgive him for speaking up. He hoped she wouldn’t let her pride stand in the way of her future. There would be a lot to deal with if Kelly were to stay home permanently. Several of the old-timers had nothing better to do than sit and talk of the past, a past Kyle knew Kelly would just as soon forget as relive. Kyle had worked his fingers to the bone to keep the ranch afloat. He’d made a silent vow to himself that Kelly would have a home to return to once she was ready, if ever she was ready. He hadn’t planned for the accident that brought her home, but it had been a blessing in disguise. Except for a few in town and the sick bastard stalking her, it seemed no one thought bad of Kelly. From what Kyle had heard both in the hospital and by word of mouth since coming home, most were glad she’d finally returned home and were glad to see her again. Kelly, it seemed, was staying close to the ranch as much as possible, more than likely to prevent any confrontations she thought might happen. Kyle hoped things would change and that soon she’d start venturing out. He’d never had any doubt about Kelly’s innocence and in many ways it still pissed him off that she’d sold out and taken responsibility for something she wasn’t guilty of. Even before he’d heard the story, several years later, from her own lips, he’d known she was innocent. Knowing some might still think less of her due to it made Kyle angry as hell. As soon as he was up and around, Kyle planned to help Kelly do whatever necessary to clear her name. In the meantime, he was going to work his ass off to get better and get back to work on the ranch. Sitting around wasn’t his idea of fun.

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Chapter Seven All through the next day, Kyle’s words tumbled through his mind, a domino effect almost bringing Ryder to his knees. It was hard to imagine Kelly, the carefree teenaged girl he’d known, in a hospital due to a suicide attempt. She’d been so full of life, so free. Until you helped put her away. Ryder pulled his SUV to the side of the road. His hands shook at the thought. The possibility of such a severe mistake was hard to stomach, but he had to know. Already, he could see Kelly was not the person he’d envisioned over the past ten years. How could he have been so wrong or was he? And what happened all those years ago? For the first time since the accident that had killed his sister, Ryder was ready for an explanation. Ready to learn the truth based on fact and not the emotion that had overtaken his better judgment so long ago. He only hoped it wasn’t too late to get to the truth. And God forbid, if the truth were even worse than what he’d believed since the day he had found his dead sister’s battered and bruised body cradled in Kelly’s arms. Sleep the night before had been elusive. Ryder had tossed and turned, trying to remember the chain of events that had taken his sister from him as well as trying to forget the feel of Kelly’s soft body pressed against his. Knowing there was someone out there trying to hurt Kelly made things even more confusing. It was in Ryder’s blood to want to protect, but the way he felt toward the bastard who was scaring Kelly had nothing to do with the need for justice. He’d made up his mind at the crack of dawn to move out to the Montgomery ranch where he could keep an eye on Kelly until the perpetrator was caught.

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Without thinking too much about why he felt the necessity to watch over Kelly, Ryder pulled his vehicle back onto the road and headed toward the ranch. Ryder didn’t notice the scenery or how beautiful the day was, he just wanted to see Kelly, to find out if what Kyle had told him the night before was true. The answer was already there in the back of his mind and yet, he couldn’t grasp the fact Kelly would do something as stupid as trying to take her own life. But Kyle had no reason to lie. The ranch yard appeared to be deserted when Ryder pulled up. He’d already called the office to let them know where he’d be. Until he was sure Kelly had enough protection during the day, Ryder planned to stay by her side or drag her with him if he had work to do and no one to leave her with. A small smile curved Ryder’s lips at the thought. Kelly wasn’t going to be happy when he broke the news to her and set out some new rules. Ryder pulled around to the back of the house then killed the engine. He was climbing out of his vehicle when Kelly stepped out of her woodshed, Shadow at her heels. She looked rough, worn to the bone and not in a good way. It was still early enough she should have been sleeping after what she’d been through the night before but there she stood, staring at him her face streaked with dirt and a pair of work gloves on her hands. The thought of pulling her close and comforting her sprang to mind but Ryder couldn’t let himself do that just yet. Right now, more than anything, he needed to know the truth. His long strides ate the distance between them, putting them toe to toe before Kelly managed to sputter a protest. In the next breath, Ryder clutched her hand in his. “Call your dog off,” he commanded, not loosening his hold on Kelly, even when she did as instructed. With deft fingers, he stripped off her glove.

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His heart sank when he came in contact with the thick ridge of scar tissue that should not have been there. He dropped her hand as if he’d been burned and still she didn’t say a word, just stood there in utter silence, her face chalk white and her eyes huge against the paleness. Ryder gathered her other hand and repeated the process. Rage and guilt boiled over until Ryder thought his head would explode. “I can’t believe you would do something so stupid!” Kelly tried to jerk her hand away from him but Ryder held fast, not budging an inch. “Why, Kelly? Why?”

There was no answer to Ryder’s question. She’d been young and stupid and oh-so naïve. Kelly had let guilt eat away at her until she couldn’t have cared less whether they had banished her to a remote island never to be heard from again. At that point in her life, living was far more painful than the thought of death. Kelly looked down at her wrist then up to Ryder. “Please let me go.” It was a plea she hated uttering. Kelly felt as though she might crack if he didn’t release her. She needed time to catch her breath, time to get herself back under control. It was as if her words startled Ryder out of whatever emotion had been holding him. He muttered a vicious curse, released her hand then backed away. “I’m sorry. I had no right but I had to know.” His voice was hoarse, laced with worry. “No, you didn’t.” Stay in control, Kelly. Keep yourself together. Don’t reveal your weaknesses or he’ll pounce. Kelly silently reminded herself of lessons learned the hard way. She had to keep Ryder at arm’s length or run the chance of losing what was left of herself. She might

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have loved him as a teenager—loved him still—but she could never admit it. To do so would be to open herself up for all sorts of trouble. “I asked you why, Kelly? I think I deserve at least that much.” Slapping him was out of the question but she sure wanted to. Instead, she warily moved around him, not at all surprised when Shadow made her way around Ryder as well. Kelly opened her mouth to blast him with a fierce denial that she owed him anything and yet, the words wouldn’t come out. Maybe through her, Ryder could find a bit of closure. “At the time, I was young and stupid. I let my future be determined when I should have fought for it. I was scared and weak and thought dying would make it better for everyone.” Kelly whispered the last, battling tears that threatened to spill. It was hard to announce her mistakes and weaknesses to anyone, especially Ryder. Ryder just stared at her as if he couldn’t figure out what to say. His gaze was piercing and terribly uncomfortable. “Damn, Kel.” His cursed response was rough, full of emotions he never used, at least not in her presence. “I don’t want to talk about it, Ryder. It’s over, in the past, so forget about it.” Kelly said the words knowing it wouldn’t happen. He wouldn’t forget about it, probably couldn’t, just as she couldn’t. His face was hard, unyielding in a way Kelly hadn’t seen in years. The back screen door creaked open just as Ryder opened his mouth in what Kelly was sure would have been a relentless interrogation. Heaving a sigh of relief, she turned toward the house. Kyle stood on the threshold of the back porch. “I heard a car.” He gave no further explanation, nor did he retreat back into the house. Kelly knew Kyle would stay put to make sure everything was all right. Especially since he’d evidently felt it was his place to enlighten Ryder about the secrets of her past.

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Shoulders stooped in exhaustion and regret, Kelly slowly headed to the house. She’d taken only a few steps when Ryder’s hand on her arm stopped her. “It may be in the past, Kelly, but it’s far from over.” He was always so calm, so damned cool and collected it made Kelly want to scream. Saying nothing, she continued toward the back porch where Kyle still stood, leaning on his crutches, watching. The glaring look she gave her brother as she stalked by him was unmistakable. He winced at her obvious anger but smartly remained quiet. He’d give her time to cool down before bringing up the subject. Kelly knew her brother well. Kyle never did anything without first thinking it through. Knowing he’d thought it through and had still come up with the conclusion that Ryder needed to know was beyond disturbing. “Kyle.” Kelly heard Ryder’s voice greet her brother as she made her way into the kitchen to begin breakfast. It was Kyle’s response she was unprepared for. “Come on in, Kelly’s about to start breakfast.” Throwing herself onto the floor, kicking and screaming in a fit of rage, sounded like a good idea. Or better yet, leaving the two idiots to fend for themselves. It was evident neither one of them deserved more than cold cereal. Instead, she gritted her teeth and went on about her business. It wasn’t until the two, who had been mortal enemies for the last ten years, began talking that Kelly realized remaining calm and quiet was not an option.

Ryder knew Kelly was pissed off before she said a word. The way she snapped the cabinets shut and clanged the pots louder than necessary told just how big of a snit she was in. The dog even seemed to know better than to get in her way. With his head on his paws, Shadow laid up against the wall, never taking his eyes off his mistress.

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He kept a close eye on her, ready for just about anything when he brought up the reason for his visit. “I think it’s a good idea if I stay on the ranch until we figure out who’s threatening Kelly.” Kyle didn’t seem overly excited about the prospect but he had Kelly’s best interest at heart and would do whatever necessary to keep her safe. “I’d like to tell you to take a flying leap since there’s no way in hell I want you around my sister, but with my leg and these damned crutches—” Kyle kicked the offending equipment with his good leg “—I’m not much good at protecting her. I thought about calling Ash and Jace back but decided against it unless absolutely necessary.” Ryder decided not to take the bait. Kyle knew damn well what he thought about the Colton brothers hanging around Kelly. The bastard took pleasure in rubbing it in. It took longer than he thought it would, but when Kelly finally made her presence known, she went all-out. She spun around, her brown eyes narrowed with deadly intent. “I don’t need a damned baby-sitter, you especially, and I don’t want you on the ranch. Between me and the hands, everything will be taken care of.” “Now, Kelly,” Kyle began, only to be cut off. With her hands on her hips, Kelly nailed her brother with a gaze so intense Ryder was sure it would scare the shit out of a lesser man. She looked like a warrior woman with her height and lean, muscular build. “Don’t fucking now Kelly me. I said I don’t need a watchdog, and if I did, it wouldn’t be someone who’d just as soon feed me to the wolves as protect me from them.”

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Ryder sat quietly at the table and tried not to let her words hit their target. He was well aware just how angry she was but he had a job to do and he’d do it even if he had to tie her to the chair to get it accomplished. He tried not to let that vision progress but it didn’t work. Before he could blink, the mental imagine of her nude body strapped down while he sank his head between her spread thighs, tasting and teasing her pink folds, popped into his mind. The raging erection the vision brought was not only a painful reminder of just how bad he wanted her but it reminded him of what he could never have. If Ryder found out what he’d believed over the years was true, he’d regret every second spent with her and hate himself for forsaking Sandra’s memory, all for a piece of ass. On the other hand, if he found out Kelly was innocent and had been falsely accused and sent to a juvenile detention center for two years of her life because he’d been too blinded by grief to see the truth, he wasn’t sure he could ever forgive himself. Either way, they were screwed. There was no way a relationship could work with so much going against them. And Ryder didn’t think there would be many more, if any, tumbles in the hay. Ignoring Kelly’s tirade, he focused on Kyle. “The ranch is yours so I’m asking you, since Kelly’s too stubborn to admit when help is needed. Can I stay on out here until we catch this guy?” Kyle stared at Ryder in a way he didn’t much care for. He seemed to come to a decision in a matter of minutes. Turning to Kelly, he said, “Sorry, Kel. I know it’s the last thing you want but I can’t keep you safe and I won’t take the chance of losing you again.” With those words said, Kyle turned toward Ryder and nodded. He struggled to his feet with the help of a set of crutches. “Don’t make me regret the decision,” was all he said before he left the room, leaving Ryder with Kelly, who was apparently hell-bent on denting every pan in the place. 84

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Watching as Kyle hobbled off, crutches thumping along the hardwood floor of the old ranch house, Kelly tried to dismiss Ryder from her mind. The rough and rigid scars on her wrists would forever be a reminder, always there taunting her with the knowledge that at some point in time she’d been so desperate and so alone that her only way out of the pain was to end her life. The thought still had the ability to make her feel sick. No one should ever feel so desolate. No one! And Kelly didn’t plan to ever allow herself or her heart to be so thoroughly destroyed again. He was still staring at the doorway Kyle had disappeared through when she slammed a plate down in front of him. Her hostile actions brought Ryder’s eyes up. A lifted brow and tightly closed lips warned of his irritation. Ryder turned back toward the table as if he expected her to have breakfast with him. Kelly went to the kitchen sink where she stared out the window for a minute, trying to get her bearings. She braced her hands on the sink then let her head roll forward on her neck. Sometimes it felt as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. “Come sit down and eat, Kelly.” Ryder’s voice, although low, was rough and commanding. “I’ve got work to do.” Kelly fled through the back door, nearly tripping over Shadow on her way, before Ryder had the chance to do or say anything to sway her. Inside her woodshed, she felt more at peace, free in comparison to when she was surrounded by others. It was her sanctuary, which was why Kelly was so pissed off that she couldn’t keep Ryder off her mind. When a large shadow filled the already open doorway, Kelly wanted to scream. “Not now, Ryder.”

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When he stepped into her small workspace, it seemed as if he sucked all the oxygen out of the air, leaving Kelly breathless. “Now is as good a time as any, Kelly. We’ve got things we need to talk through.” He was either incredibly ignorant or incredibly arrogant, probably a combination of both. “I won’t talk to you about it, Ryder.” He stepped even closer. His body heat radiated over Kelly, making her knees weak. The pleasant scent of Ryder’s cologne all manly and musky melted around Kelly, making matters worse. “Maybe not today, baby, but you will, that much I can promise you.” He was determined, a trait of his Kelly was all too familiar with because it was a trait she herself carried. Ryder grasped her hand in his and for a second Kelly feared he’d make a spectacle of her scars again. She couldn’t bear it, the feel of his fingers on a part of her that was ugly beyond belief. “Kelly.” His tone had gone calm, too calm and serious, even more so than normal. “I can’t.” Pain lanced through her heart. There was no way she could talk about that time in her life with anybody, much less Ryder. Kelly pulled her hand from his grip then turned away from him. It was hard enough knowing Ryder thought she was capable of causing harm to Sandra, someone she’d cared for like a sister, but to see the pity on his face because she was weak was too much. Ryder moved up behind her, so close the full length of his body brushed against hers. His shaft was hard and warm against the uppermost swell of her ass, making it hard for Kelly not to thrust herself back at him. His weight caught her off guard, leaning over her until her hips were pressed hard against the shelf holding her wide array of woodworking supplies.

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A shiver worked its way up her spine like tiny fingers plying her flesh when Ryder nipped the curve of her neck from behind. His voice was anything but calm this time. “I won’t push right now, Kelly, but sooner rather than later you’ll tell me.”

***** The rest of the day seemed to crawl by at a snail’s pace. Kelly stayed outside for most of it with Ryder never very far behind. When she worked in her woodshed, he sat on the back porch steps watching and waiting. For what, Kelly wasn’t sure. Supper that evening was a tense affair. There was an undercurrent of lustful need zinging between Sally and Kyle that could be felt throughout the room. They sat in terse silence as if afraid that by speaking to each other, whatever was holding their feelings back would snap, opening the dam for what was surely an overabundance of mindnumbing emotions. Kelly chased the food around her plate, idly wondering when the two stubborn fools would realize they were in love. Tired of staring at her plate and no appetite to speak of, she excused herself from the table and began cleaning up after the meal Sally had so graciously prepared. The woman went above and beyond what were considered the duties of a physical therapy nurse. Not for the first time, Kelly wondered why Sally was living with them during Kyle’s therapy and why she didn’t have other patients to contend with. There was much more going on than met the eye, but not being one to pry, Kelly was content enough to sit back and watch Kyle muddle his way through whatever there was of a relationship with Sally. Her faith was shaky at best, but in this instance, Kelly wanted more than anything to believe that in the end everything would work out for Sally and Kyle. A sigh of relief left Kelly’s lips when she finally finished with her chore of cleaning the kitchen. Kyle and Sally had already left for the living room where the television could be heard. 87

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Ryder sat at the table, his gaze boring into her with an intensity that made her heart beat faster and faster. Kelly made her way around the table, but when she moved toward the door, Ryder blocked her exit. “I’m coming to you tonight, Kelly.” He pulled her close, until their bodies were touching and his heat made her knees weak. Kelly couldn’t force her feet to move. He wasn’t holding her in any way or otherwise forcing himself upon her, Ryder was merely standing before her, so close her core throbbed in remembrance. She wanted to tell him not to come but couldn’t force the words through her lips. If she were smart, she’d lock her door when she finally made it to her room. Yes, that would be the smart thing to do but something deep within, the part of her that longed to feel the silky length of Ryder’s cock buried deep within her folds, knew she wouldn’t do it. Kelly thought she’d easily get away with ignoring Ryder’s words but he was having none of it. “If you don’t want me there, you’ll have to say so.” He waited, cocking his head to the side as he studied her every feature. Kelly was sure she was blushing. She could feel her cheeks heat and yet, she couldn’t tell him to stay away. She craved him, craved the feel of his body against hers, the sound their lovemaking would thrust into the otherwise silent room. She lowered her head to shield the hunger in her eyes. With one finger, he tilted her chin up until she was looking him in the eye. “Will you keep me from your room, from you, baby?” Kelly wanted to look away, to do anything except answer but she couldn’t. Zoning in on her mouth, moving until his lips were a mere breadth away from hers he said, “Answer me.”

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“No.” The single word held a wealth of information if the heat in Ryder’s eyes were any indication. Kelly wanted to scream when he pushed even further. “Tell me you want me to come to your room.” She shook her head in denial, dislodging the finger Ryder held beneath her chin. Instead of returning her gaze to his in the same way, he clutched her hair at the nape of her neck. The slight tingle of pain shot wicked tendrils of pleasure all over her body just as he knew it would. Pulling her in close, he breathed against her mouth a command Kelly wished she could ignore. “We shouldn’t.” Ryder moved impossibly closer, all but melding their bodies together. “You might be right, baby, but there is something here, something between us, and unless we see what it is and where it’ll lead, we’ll never know. Can you go on always wondering ‘what if’?” “I already do. I can’t make love with you knowing you hate me.” This time it was Kelly who whispered the words against Ryder’s mouth, wishing with all her might that things were different. “Aww hell, Kel. I don’t hate you. I thought I did and even tried real hard to make it so but standing here, holding you in my arms, changes things whether we want it to or not.” “I—I don’t know.” “Deep down you do know. I’ll have the words now, baby. Tell me you want me to come to your room.”

Ryder was poised on the edge of a precipice, his patience waning. He wanted Kelly with a passion so fierce it threatened to swallow him whole.

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The confusion in her eyes mirrored the same feelings deep within himself. Feelings of unrest, of craving and needing something he knew damned well he should resist. Only this time, there was no resisting, no backing out. Ryder wanted to hear the words from Kelly, words that would invite him into her bed and into her body. “Tell me I can come to you tonight, Kelly. Tell me you want me between your thighs, burning you up until you can’t contain your screams of lust.” Her eyes went wide at his words. No longer of normal size, her pupils dilated until Ryder could barely discern the color of her irises. “Please. Yes.” “Yes what?” Kelly groaned at his insistence. “Come to my room tonight, Ryder. I want you. I need you.” Kelly’s whispered plea was consumed by Ryder’s mouth. Slanting his lips across hers, his tongue delved deep in need of so much more than a casual taste. When Ryder finally released Kelly from his hold, she skittered past him and out of the kitchen as if the hounds of hell were nipping at her heels. Ryder slumped back into his chair at the kitchen table, put his face in his hands and wondered what in the hell he was doing. Even the uncertainty of what he was getting Kelly and him into wouldn’t keep Ryder from making his way to her room later after Sally and Kyle said their goodnights.

***** He made sure Shadow was still peacefully slumbering in the kitchen before making his way to Kelly’s room where he opened her door without a sound. After closing and locking it behind him, Ryder turned toward the room at large. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness, just long enough for Kelly to rise from her prone position on the bed.

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She wore only an overlarge T-shirt from the looks of it. Moonlight spilling through the bedroom window made the thin cotton nearly transparent, showing the outline of her legs as she moved to her knees, arms outstretched in welcome. Tugging his shirt from the waistband of his jeans, Ryder made his way to the bed. After pulling the shirt from his body, he met Kelly for a scorching kiss, one that left them both breathless and in need of more. Ryder lowered Kelly to her back then nuzzled her neck, suckling and kissing his way across her smooth flesh. “Damn, baby,” he started, only to be interrupted by heated words as they tumbled from Kelly’s lips. “Don’t talk. I don’t want to talk.” She was pulling him toward her body, her hands roaming across his lower back, over the swell of his jeans-clad ass. “I want you to take me, to do with me what you will, but I don’t want to discuss it. I’ll tell you if you do something I don’t like.” It was like every man’s wet dream come to life. Ryder should have realized the implication that by remaining silent, their lovemaking was less personal but he chose to ignore the niggling unease her sultry plea caused. He said not a word as he slid down the length of Kelly’s body, leaving a line of love bites in his wake. He would mark her now and deal with the consequences later. The only thought Ryder had at the moment he reached her silk-covered mound was that he was dying for a taste.

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Chapter Eight Breathing might be a necessity but it was something Kelly could hardly manage as Ryder lifted and spread her thighs. The warmth of his breath fanned across the damp crotch of her panties, setting her every nerve on edge. It seemed as if he played with her like that for hours, fingers lifting the elastic leg band of her panties yet never inching forward enough to actually touch her. The feel of his lips, tongue and teeth on her inner thigh made Kelly want to scream with need. When she thought she would explode and could no longer take it, she threaded her fingers in his hair and tugged. Her actions earned her a chuckle and a sharp smack to the hip. Kelly couldn’t hold back the yelp that burst from her lips at Ryder’s unexpected treatment of her. “Hey! What was that for?” “My will, Kelly. Remember? You want me to take you and do with you what I want.” His words were low, pouring over her like warm waves. Kelly opened her mouth only to have her unuttered words silenced by a finger across her lips. “No talking, baby. Your rules, not mine.” Kelly narrowed her eyes at Ryder, the arrogant bastard. Breath hissed between her clenched teeth when he dipped his head and laved the turgid bundle of her clit through her panties. Kelly really wanted to counter with an acidic retort but such a reaction might make him stop, and that was something she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. Throwing her head back in irritation and bliss, Kelly once again threaded her fingers through Ryder’s hair and tugged. A purr of delight echoed from her lips when Ryder started to peel her panties down. When she didn’t raise her hips fast enough,

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Ryder swatted her other hip, earning him a narrowed glare to which she received a wicked smile and a wink. When she was finally free of the tiny silk garment, Kelly rose to a sitting position then made to remove the wash-worn, oversized T-shirt she liked sleeping in, only to have Ryder stay her hands. No words, just the sharp shake of his head and a glint in his eye warned her. With a huff, she dropped her arms to her sides. Ryder chuckled then crawled up her legs until he was once again in her space. Straddling her thighs, he held her with one arm behind her back then lowered them to the mattress where he immediately suckled a nipple through her shirt. It seemed he was all about teasing and torturing her. Although sexually frustrated, Kelly was all for playing Ryder’s little game. When the front of her shirt had two damp circles, both of which clung to the sensitive peaks of her nipples, Ryder finally stripped her of the offending garment. The cool air of the room made her gasp as it came in contact with her damp flesh. Kelly was so hot, so achy and needy, she no longer cared about the unspoken rules or about Ryder’s tendency toward being in control. She just needed relief. She inched one hand up her body until it reached the underside of a breast. Going farther, Kelly finally made contact with a nipple, one she proceeded to pinch and roll between her fingers, all the while watching Ryder. His eyes became glazed with emotion. His pupils were dilated and his breathing heavy. Kelly couldn’t help but smile at how fast the tables had been turned. The narrowing of eyes was all on Ryder’s part this time around. Kelly’s smile grew. She lifted a brow in challenge as she continued to pluck and pull at her nipples, moving from one to the other. Ryder, evidently always up for a challenge, gathered her wrists in his hands then lifted them until they were stretched over her head where he shifted his hold. Now with

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both of her hands in the grasp of one of his, he was free to do what he pleased with his free hand. It didn’t take long at all before his fingers roamed down her body to her slick entrance. He followed her folds then circled her clit, getting impossibly close without ever touching the needy bundle of nerves.

Ryder was wound so tight he knew once he got the length of his cock buried deep inside Kelly, it would be a downhill tumble. All of a sudden the need to feel her hot sheath clamped around him became overwhelming. With shaking hands, he pushed himself away from Kelly and in seconds was completely naked. Without thought, he crawled back up her body, settling on his haunches between Kelly’s splayed thighs. He wanted to see his cock disappear between the fleshy pink lips of her pussy, to get a good view of her flush body as she took him in. Need caused his cock to throb painfully. Ryder positioned Kelly’s splayed thighs over his then guided the head of his cock to her cream-coated entrance. The feel of her fist-tight channel had all thought of moving slow fleeing Ryder’s mind. Groaning, he bucked his hips forward while watching through a lust-filled haze as every inch of his shaft slid into her wet and willing body. It wasn’t until a sense of overwhelming pleasure cascaded over his body Ryder realized he’d been in such a hurry he hadn’t protected them. “Aw hell!” Ryder couldn’t help but curse at the thought of leaving the confines of her tight little pussy. He lowered his weight until he covered her. When remaining still enough to calm his body became too much, Ryder cursed again then lowered his forehead to Kelly’s while taking several slow, deep breaths.

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Kelly was having none of it though. She wound her long legs around his hips, locking her ankles at the small of his back, she bucked up at him, her need to climax clearly expressed in every feature of her face. “Stay still, baby.” Wide eyes stared back at him. Her body was on fire just as his was. Passion so primitive it nearly left Ryder breathless was shining from her eyes. As did the intent to disregard his command to stay still. Grumbling beneath his breath, Ryder pulled himself from Kelly’s warmth. When he jumped from the bed, lunging for his wallet still buried in the back pocket of his pants, Kelly made to move. “Stay.” The single word was clipped and cold, his frustration mounting. Ryder turned back to the bed, not at all surprised Kelly was nowhere near the spot he’d left her. He moved with precise steps, tearing the condom from its wrapper along the way. Understanding shined in her eyes then a flush of embarrassment pinked her cheeks as she watched him roll the thin covering over the erect length of his cock. “On the bed. Knees and elbows.” Kelly jumped at his voice then scrambled to do as he asked. The flush of her cheeks moved lower, encompassing the soft rise of her breasts before she lowered herself to the position of his choice. The sight of her heart-shaped ass and womanly thighs framing the pouty lips of her sex sent a shudder of want up Ryder’s spine. Their “no talking” rule was quickly going out the window. “Do you have any toys?” Kelly looked at him over her shoulder. “In the nightstand drawer.” Ryder retrieved the bullet that was nestled between a bottle of lube and a romance novel then moved behind Kelly on the bed.

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With the toy in hand, no time was wasted plunging every inch of his cock back into the tight confines of her pussy. A shiver ran through Kelly’s body when he moved his hand up her back caressing her smooth flesh before burying his hand in the short locks of her hair where he gave a little tug. Kelly’s moans of pleasure played over and over in Ryder’s head as he plunged deep.

She was close, so close tiny spasms racked her body, pulling at Ryder’s shaft as it pistoned in and out of her slick passage. Kelly clenched her inner muscles, earning her a rumbled groan in response. When Ryder’s hand came down on the swell of her ass, shooting a loud smacking sound into the noiseless room, Kelly climaxed with a shuddering scream. Ryder didn’t stop. He merely slowed his pace until her breathing returned to normal then demanded, “Again.” Kelly didn’t think she had enough energy to do it again until Ryder shifted positions. He released her hair and instead leaned forward over her back in order to reach around so he could place the now buzzing bullet against her clit. “Oh! Ryder…” her voice trailed off when his lips settled on the back of her neck. He kept his thrusts languid yet deep. His movements, along with the soft buzz of her toy, had Kelly perched on the edge of a mind-numbing climax once again. Ryder’s lips at the back of her neck became more insistent and soon Kelly felt the sharp sting of his bite. How he knew she enjoyed a bit of pain with her pleasure Kelly had no idea. When his body tensed and his cock swelled and pulsed within her, Kelly knew Ryder was coming. The intensity with which he came, thrusting deeply into her, sent Kelly over the edge.

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The next climax grabbed her and refused to let go, leaving her exhausted in its wake. Kelly collapsed beneath Ryder, her body sated and blissfully sore. The shifting of the bed warned her Ryder wasn’t having the same problem she was staying awake. Kelly mumbled what she hoped was a generous response to their sexcapades before drifting into a deep slumber.

***** The next morning rolled around way too soon. When Kelly reached for the spot next to her, she wasn’t surprised to find it empty, although the tug of pain lancing her chest did come as a surprise. She’d known last night when she’d agreed to allow Ryder into her room and her bed there was no way anything of importance would or could come from the union. So why then was she hurt by his absence? Shedding even a tear over what couldn’t be made her angry. Feelings of uselessness overwhelmed Kelly, forcing her from the cozy comfort of her bed before everyone else was awake. Not wanting to make a spectacle of herself by blubbering in front of her family, Kelly raced to shower and dressed before heading downstairs in the subtle light of predawn. She tiptoed up the hallway and into the kitchen, hoping to hell she wouldn’t wake Ryder who was supposed to be sleeping on the couch in the living room. Once in the kitchen, she set bowls and spoons on the table as well as boxes of cold cereal. After retrieving a large bowl of fruit from the fridge, Kelly and Shadow made their way out of the house and into the relative safety of her woodshed where she planned to spend the rest of the day.

*****

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The next few days followed pretty much the same path. Kelly stayed outside either working with the horses or in her woodshed. A few more small things happened, things intended to scare her, things she tried her best to ignore. Ignoring the fact that someone was hell-bent on scaring her was virtually impossible with Ryder trailing her every step. He acted like a professional bodyguard during the day and lover extraordinaire at night. One of Kelly’s few great pleasures in life was watching the budding relationship between Kyle and Sally. Things were about to get explosive between the two of them, Kelly only hoped they were both prepared for the battle and the outcome. At the same time, the men were also increasingly annoying Kelly with their highhandedness. Anytime Ryder was called away, he left implicit instructions on protecting her as if being followed around by a trained dog, her Shadow, wasn’t enough. Ryder’s protective tendency toward her shouldn’t have worked at pulling down the barriers she’d so long ago erected to protect her heart but it did nonetheless. It was hard to remember she was just a part of his job when he came to her so lovingly every night. She’d said she wouldn’t do it, she wouldn’t sneak around and yet it was exactly what they were doing. Knowing Ryder and she were going at it hot and heavy every night with Kyle sleeping right up the hall left a heavy weight on Kelly’s conscience. She felt as though she was losing sight of her true self, the one she’d worked so hard to find. She was sure that at any moment, she’d break down in a fit of tears and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to stop their affair or even talk over what was between them. Talking was the one thing they never managed to accomplish while between the sheets.

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Chapter Nine Sally stood in the kitchen doorway and watched Kyle saunter into the living room. Well, as much as a man could saunter with crutches wedged beneath his arms anyway. His athletic frame easily held his body’s weight, causing the muscles in his biceps to bulge with every movement. A heavy weight settled in Sally’s chest. Kyle was becoming more and more independent, no longer in need of her care. She was pleased he seemed to be healing so fast but her happiness wasn’t complete due to the fact Kyle would no longer need her services as a physical therapy nurse. A deep, shuddering breath helped keep the tears burning her eyes at bay but nothing could quite contain her hurt and fear. Her need to help Kyle recover had been so all-consuming, she had given little thought when it came to giving up her job. But now that things were winding down and Kyle would soon be cleared by the doctor, Sally realized just how precarious her future looked. The small savings account she’d acquired by working hard over the past few years would only last a few months with rent and other bills waiting to be paid. Although her financial problems seemed like an overwhelming burden, the part that scared her to death was knowing once she was out of Kyle’s everyday life, she might very well be out of his life for good. Sally knew the doctor’s appointment Kyle had scheduled the following morning would be a catalyst to the end of their time together. Knowing things would soon be coming to an end made her want, more than ever, to show her love for Kyle, heart, body and soul. They’d done things together, wickedly naughty things but actual intercourse hadn’t been among them. Sally decided things would change. Before the night was over, she

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planned to do much more to Kyle than take the length of his hot shaft into her mouth or let him stroke her wet folds with his talented tongue. Tonight, she was going to go all the way and hope like hell she didn’t end up with a shattered heart because of it. Kyle made his way to the couch then, after carefully leaning his crutches down, he lowered himself to the cushioned surface. “You going to stand there and watch me all day or come over here and join me?” Kyle’s voice jarred Sally out of her melancholy thoughts. Embarrassed at being caught ogling him, yet trying valiantly to hide it, Sally made her way into the room and over to the couch. She needed to be near Kyle and was very thankful he seemed to want her close. “Were you enjoying the show, baby?” His teasing words matched the glimmer of mischief shining from his eyes. “Watching you enter a room is a definite treat but watching you leave is…” Sally let her words trail off while overexaggerating a delicate shiver. Kyle laughed. The deeply rich sound of his voice caused Sally’s core to weep with need, dampening the crotch of her panties in the process. “Minx.” Sally smiled a sassy smile, hiding her inner turmoil. She’d say nothing about her job or lack of one, nor would she beg Kyle for his love or any type of relationship he wasn’t willing to give freely. Kyle pulled her down on his lap and Sally couldn’t help but snuggle into his warmth. “You know the doctor is going to release me tomorrow.” Her body involuntarily stiffened at his words. “I know. I’d like to go to your appointment with you, if that’s okay? Then I figure I can have my stuff packed and ready by tomorrow evening so things around here can get back to normal.”

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Kyle’s arms tightened almost painfully around her. “That’s not what I was getting at.” He growled the words against her neck, pulling her close enough Sally felt as well as heard the rumbled words. “I, of course, want you to go with me but we’ll see about after that. What I was trying to say was, since you and I both know I’ll be getting a release tomorrow, there is no excuse for you to be worried about me any longer.” Kyle paused before adding, “In bed or out.”

The feel of her beneath his fingers as he drew lazy circles reminded Kyle just how much he longed to have Sally completely nude beneath him. “Glad to hear we’re on the same wavelength.” Her voice was a husky whisper, her lips smiling as they pressed to his. “You mean no more fighting about the possibility of hurting my leg? No more excuses about the damage you might cause my poor little body?” Kyle couldn’t help but tease. Sally emitted an unladylike snort. “There is nothing at all little about you or your body, Kyle, so stop teasing.” She sat forward, arms crossed beneath the very generous swell of her breasts. “I have every right to worry about your injury and your recovery. I am your nurse after all.” She didn’t let him squeeze in one word before barreling on. “Besides, I’m not much lighter than you are. All you needed was for my big ass to land on you. Hell, an accident like that might have caused more damage than even your fall had.” Kyle knew she was trying to be funny, to keep the mood light, but hearing her talk like that about herself lit a fire under him. Probably a bit on the gruff side, Kyle jerked Sally around until she was left with no choice but to stare him in the face. “Don’t ever let me hear you talk like that again!” He knew his voice was thunderous but there was no help for it. Hearing Sally talk about herself in such a derogatory manner had his blood boiling. And to be sure she understood just how serious he was, Kyle added, “We’ll settle up later.” 101

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Kyle swatted Sally’s thigh to give her an idea of how he planned to settle up. She gasped then groaned as she nuzzled closer to his chest. Her sweet womanly scent was potent, leaving him hard, throbbing and ready. When he nudged her thighs apart, her head snapped up damn near catching him in the jaw. “Not here,” she hissed. “Someone might walk in.” She was adorable in a completely womanly way. When angry, her brown eyes narrowed, the flecks of gold dotting her irises seeming to glow with heat. “Kelly’s outside, working herself into a stupor more than likely, which means Ryder is within sniffing distance, probably growling about how stubborn she is.” Kyle was so torn when it came to Kelly and Ryder. He could see just how much Kelly loved Ryder. He knew damned well there was nothing he could do to sway her feelings even if he wanted to. That right there was the crux of the problem. Even with everything that had transpired over the last ten years and the tragedy just before, Kyle wasn’t sure he’d keep Kelly and Ryder apart now, even if he could. The thought made him feel like a traitor. He couldn’t protect Kelly before but he damned well should be able to now. “Kyle.” Although low, Kyle heard urgency in Sally’s voice. He looked into her face then down to where her hands were clamped around his wrist, tugging before he realized he’d tightened his hand on her inner thigh. “Damn. I’m sorry.” Kyle snatched his hand away, afraid to touch, afraid to look just in case he’d left a mark on her pretty, pale skin. She leaned in and kissed him, her tongue barely brushing the seam of his lips. “Nothing to be sorry about, Kyle. You’re upset about Kelly and worried about what’s going on between her and Ryder. I understand.” Kyle knew then and there she understood. It was an understanding born of love. He’d not really noticed before, but now, this instant, it was right there before his eyes

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for him to see. The way she held on to him. The way she listened, really listened without interrupting before giving her own opinion. She loved him! It was a revelation Kyle would have run from before but not this time. This time, like a jolt of lightning out of nowhere, Kyle took the love shining from Sally’s eyes, beating from her heart, and returned it tenfold. His kiss was slow and deep, tasting and testing. Nibbling her lower lip drew a gasp of pleasure before a deep moan urged him on. Kyle stroked Sally’s face with his hands then broke the kiss. Holding her in place, her gaze locked to his, so he’d be sure she understood the full impact of his words, Kyle let go what he just realized he’d been holding. “I love you, baby. More than I ever thought possible, I love you.”

***** Kyle’s words rang through Sally’s head for the rest of the evening. It was hard to forget how she’d embarrassed herself by bursting into tears, clinging to him as if he were her lifeline. He’d been gentle, yet persistent. “I hope those are tears of joy, Sally.” Wordless and awed beyond belief, she’d not been able to utter a single word, much less a proclamation of love. With a smile on her face and tears soaking her cheeks, she’d nodded then kissed him with more exuberance than ever before. Not long after, Kelly stalked through the door, Ryder hot on her trail. And now she was stuck at the dinner table making idle chitchat when what she really wanted to do was get Kyle on the first available flat surface so she could mount him and ride like the wind. “Thinking of me?” Kyle asked the words in a whisper against the shell of her ear. It wasn’t until then that she noticed Kelly and Ryder had both taken their leave and Kyle was standing behind her, ready to pull her chair out in gentlemanly fashion. 103

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Sally felt heat rise in her cheeks but wouldn’t let it stop her from pursuing what she’d been thinking about. “Yep, I was. I was thinking about how I wanted to get you naked then climb on top, burying your cock deep inside me. Then I’d ride you until you came groaning my name.” The look on his face was absolutely priceless. Sally couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her smiling lips. Kyle groaned in return then pinned her with his gaze. “Sounds like heaven, baby, but we’ve got something to settle first.” He pulled her chair from the table, allowing her the space needed to stand then swatted her rear. “You get a head start because I’ve got these to deal with,” he said, motioning to the crutches tucked under his arms. His smile was completely predatory, like an untamed beast after its prey. “Be in my room, naked and on my bed by the time I get there and you’ll get your ride.” Sally didn’t wait for another word before she took off up the hall at a quick pace. Kyle’s laughter and parting words made her head spin. “You’ll get your ride all right. Right after I spank your delectable ass.” She made it to his room in record time and without running into Kelly or Ryder, which was a good thing. Sally was out of breath with anticipation by the time she’d undressed and was just climbing on his king-sized bed when the door slowly opened. His smile was wicked, tilting up the corners of his mouth, causing Sally’s vaginal walls to spasm and the thick cream of her arousal to coat her inner thighs. With deft movements, Kyle turned the straight-backed chair that had been sitting in front of his desk around and lowered his large frame onto it. Sally felt her mouth drop open in shock. She knew exactly what he had planned. She tried not to delve into the part of her that longed for such dominant actions. Instead, she waited for Kyle to make his next move. “I can see by the look on your face that you understand what I plan to do.”

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Sally felt her head jerk forward in something she hoped resembled a nod. The cheeks of her ass tingled and her core ached for his touch. “Do you have anything to say?” The words “I love you” tumbled from Sally’s mouth before her brain could kick in long enough to hold them back. It was not at all the way she’d planned to tell Kyle how she felt. His smile changed from wicked to heated in seconds. “Come here.” His voice was a soft rumble, one that sent shivers down Sally’s spine. She obeyed his softly spoken command and moved across the room until she stood completely naked before him. Kyle parted his jeans-clad thighs and, with his hands on her hips, pulled her close. “I didn’t know until today just how bad I needed to hear you say those very words.” He took a second to nuzzle the soft flesh just below her navel before patting his lap. “Lay yourself across my lap, baby. Let’s get this over with so you can go for your ride.” Sally gave no thought to protesting. She wanted to feel the swift sting of his hand on her ass nearly as bad as she wanted the stiff length of his shaft deep in her pussy. The first swat landed dead center of one cheek and caused her to gasp at its intensity. A small whimper escaped as the heat spread straight to her core. “You are the most lusciously beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on. It may take many more of these,” Kyle said as he continued to ring smack after swat on her vulnerable backside, “but you will come to agree with me.” By the time he finished, Sally was seeing stars she was so hot. Her ass stung and burned, even as it sent wave after wave of unrelenting heat to every nerve in her entire body. Kyle helped her off his lap then reached for his crutches. When he was balanced before her, he leaned in and nipped her bottom lip before swirling his tongue over the

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small hurt. “Undress me before I explode,” Kyle growled the command as he lowered himself back onto the chair. Sally wasted no time dropping to her knees before him to carefully remove the slipon shoes he wore. Once finished, she looked up, beckoning with her eyes just how much she wanted to lower the zipper of his jeans and take his length into her mouth. “Not tonight, darlin’, at least not yet. Now get me naked so we can get this ride started.” Kyle stood once again, long enough for Sally to pull his pants and briefs down his legs. He was smiling at her, watching and waiting with a bare minimum of patience. Sally gave Kyle a sassy smile in return then continued to undress him garment by garment until he was gorgeously nude and delightfully aroused. It only took a matter of seconds for Kyle to make his way to the bed and get comfortable on the plush surface. With his arms bent behind his head, he smiled, a smile that drew Sally like a moth to flame. Within the grasp of his fingers, he held the small foil packet needed to protect them. Sally, always eager to touch, opened the packet with a flourish then proceeded to sheathe Kyle’s erect shaft before climbing astride his hips. Urgent need caused her to grasp his length, direct it to her sopping wet entrance and lower her weight in nearly one blur of movement. It was exquisite torture the way he spread her channel, widening her and filling her, leaving no room for anything but overwhelming sensations. “Damn, baby!” Kyle’s voice was a guttural whisper. “Ride me, Sally. Ride me.” With his cock buried deep within her body and their love radiating between them, Sally did just that.

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Chapter Ten He wanted to follow her, to use her stupidness at leaving alone against her but didn’t dare. Not when he knew one of her watchdogs would soon follow. No, he was smarter than that. He’d bide his time, sure it would take no more than a few minutes, and then he would follow. Just knowing she was walking around free while his Sandra was dead and buried made him mad as hell. He may have never asked Sandra out or courted her properly but she would have been his. Of this, he had no doubt.

***** She was set in her ways, stubborn to a fault and an absolute menace to society. Those were Ryder’s first thoughts when he awoke at the crack of dawn to once again find Kelly gone from the house. “This is the absolute goddamned last time,” he muttered as he stomped into his boots. Ryder’s only solace was knowing she’d have Shadow with her, protecting her. Buttoning his shirt along the way, Ryder headed through the kitchen and out onto the back porch where he intended to interrupt whatever Kelly was working on in her woodshed. She needed a good shake and possibly as ass whipping for heading out alone. Again. It was obvious when he reached the still padlocked door of Kelly’s woodshed that she wasn’t inside. For a second, crushing fear ripped through him. Without wasting any time, Ryder headed for the stables only to find them nearly empty as well. “Hey, William,” Ryder called out to the young ranch hand who was busy feeding the animals. He ambled over in his slow, long-legged, cowboy way making Ryder want to light a match under his ass. “Sheriff.”

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“Have you seen Kelly this morning?” He looked Ryder in the eye as if gauging his intentions before answering. “She headed out just a few minutes ago. I bet if you hurried, you could catch up with her, she didn’t seem to be in that big of a hurry.” Not leaving Ryder the choice whether or not he was finished with the conversation, William headed back to the far side of the stables and his morning chores. Pissed off beyond belief and ready to tear someone apart because of it, Ryder stalked his way across the yard and into the house to collect his keys before following Kelly into town. He’d been on the road for several minutes when he spotted Kelly’s truck. Just keeping her within his line of vision, Ryder followed. He wasn’t too surprised when she pulled through the gates of the cemetery. She’d made it a habit of visiting her mom’s gravesite although, as far as Ryder knew, she had yet to visit Sandra’s. He thought back on the first day he’d spotted her there and how much hate and anger filled his heart. It seemed like so long ago and yet, it wasn’t. Somewhere along the way, things had changed drastically. Ryder bypassed the main entrance gates then parked his marked SUV. Not wanting to leave Kelly alone for long, he followed her at a distance. Just knowing someone could be watching her from afar, waiting to hurt or scare her, made Ryder’s blood run cold. He wasn’t willing to take any chances, not even for the sake of giving Kelly the privacy she so obviously needed. She made her way up the long rows of those already gone with Shadow close behind, before finally coming to a stop in front of Sandra’s headstone. Ryder wasn’t sure what he felt. All he knew was he wouldn’t interfere as he once might have. Her voice shook as she spoke. The words coming from her mouth were low and anguished, even from a distance.

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Knowing damn well he was wading into her private time didn’t matter, Ryder had an overwhelming urge to hear what she was saying. He needed to know what had happened all those years ago on the night of his sister’s death. Without a sound, he moved closer, close enough to hear Kelly’s tearful words, to see her lovingly clean Sandra’s headstone with her bare hands, yet hopefully far enough away Shadow wouldn’t make his presence known. It was a good thing he was squatting down, his back resting against the trunk of a tree because had he not been, his knees surely would have buckled beneath the weight of guilt almost blinding him. “I was so mad at you, Sandra. How could you have lied to me? How could you have put us in such a situation?” Kelly’s voice cracked and great wrenching sobs tore from her chest. Ryder remained where he was although he ached to hold her, to pull her close and soothe the hurt. “You said you weren’t drinking. You even gave me a hard time because I was and I believed you. I h-handed you the keys to my car.” She gulped air in as if it might very well be her last breath. Ryder had heard enough. He now knew beyond a doubt, she’d not been responsible for his sister’s death. And in the same instant knew he had been responsible for everything she’d gone through.

The rustling of leaves startled Kelly and roused a deep rumbling growl from Shadow. Still on her knees in front of Sandra’s grave, she spun to see who was there. When she saw Ryder, Kelly murmured low to Shadow, calling her protector off. Ryder dropped to his knees before her, taking her in his arms. His crooned words were meant to comfort but instead, did just the opposite. And for the first time since the accident, Kelly couldn’t get the words she’d held deep inside out fast enough.

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“I didn’t know. I didn’t know.” She repeated the words over and over, reliving in her mind the way Ryder had looked that night. How his tear-streaked face had been full of hate and anger. “It’s okay, Kelly.” She shook her head in denial. It wasn’t okay. It would never be okay again. “I didn’t know. Until they read the autopsy report in court, I didn’t know Sandra had been drinking. I don’t even know what she was drinking but it wasn’t beer. I just felt so guilty because I had been. I couldn’t get over seeing her in my mind, over the fact that it had to be my fault.” Kelly pushed herself away from Ryder. She didn’t deserve the comfort of his touch. “It was my idea to go out. I knew a group was meeting and I knew they would be drinking. I wanted to go, not Sandra. Me!” Kelly knew her voice was getting louder. She could feel the hysteria rise in her throat, threatening to choke her, but she couldn’t let it consume her yet. Not until he knew everything, not until she got it all out. “I’d never drank before, and as far as I know, neither had Sandra. She didn’t really want to go but she did, for me.” Kelly had an overpowering urge to shake Ryder when he just stared at her. “Did you hear me? She went because I asked her to and then because the beers I drank made me sick, she drove home.” Kelly put her hands on her face, her last mumbled words nearly incoherent with grief. “I didn’t even know what had happened because I was asleep when we hit the tree. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my best friend and it all happened because I wanted to go out drinking.” Ryder’s face was moist with tears when he pulled her in for a kiss. “I’m so sorry, Kel. So, so sorry, baby.” He held her like that for what seemed like an eternity. For the longest time they stayed just as they were with Ryder holding her as if she were precious to him. Kelly was waiting for him to finally understand what she’d told him, to push her away with

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anger in his eyes and words of hate on his lips but he didn’t, he continued to hold her, to cry with her. For what, Kelly wasn’t sure. When she could once again speak, Kelly pulled away from Ryder. “If this is pity, I don’t want it. It took me years of counseling to realize I didn’t kill Sandra but I couldn’t save her either, and that will always live with me, Ryder. When I held her that night, waiting and praying someone would show up, I wanted to die. And then when I finally worked up the courage to make sure it happened, I couldn’t even do that right. The one to suffer for my mistake that time was Mama.” Kelly rubbed the ridged scar on her wrist. She was crying again. Shaking her head, Kelly gave a cynical laugh. Waving her hand in the air, she said, “I may not have killed Sandra but what I did to Mama and Kyle made it hurt just as badly as if I had.” It took Herculean effort for Kelly to pull herself to her feet, but she managed it. “It’s so much easier to forgive others than it is to forgive yourself. Thank you for listening, Ryder, thank you for giving me all you have even when you hated me, but I don’t think I can do this anymore. Loving you is hard enough but a one-sided affair isn’t something I can handle.” She heard Ryder curse behind her. “I think I understand what you mean about forgiving yourself.” His words wafted on the breeze to her ears but didn’t click. It wasn’t he who needed forgiveness.

Ryder watched Kelly walk away with Shadow morosely following, head lowered as if she sensed her mistress’s mood, but couldn’t bring himself to follow. How had things gotten so messed up? Why hadn’t he listened to the tearful pleas of the teenaged girl she had been and how in the hell, after all these years, was he going to make it better? Pulling his phone from the clip on his belt, Ryder punched in Doug’s number. “It had better be good.” An irritated voice answered the phone.

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“Doug. Ryder here.” “Go ahead.” Doug’s voice perked to alertness, all thought of sleep clearly gone. “I’m at the cemetery. Kelly just left, heading back toward the ranch. Think you could catch up with her and stick around until I get back?” Doug agreed, no questions asked, and since he lived close by, he’d be tailing her in a matter of minutes. Ryder liked that about the seasoned cop. He did his job and left it at that. After snapping his phone back into its holder, Ryder knelt beside Sandra’s grave. “I miss you, sis, but things are going to be okay. For the first time in ten years, things are going to be okay.” He had no idea how long he knelt there talking to Sandra but when he finally headed toward his unit, the sun was riding high in the sky. Ryder felt it from his heart to his toes. Kelly loved him. She’d said as much. There was no way in hell Ryder was going to let her go. But first, he had some forgiveness to beg for, some things to set right. Before leaving the cemetery, he made his way to Kelly’s mother’s resting place. Placing one hand on her headstone, he asked for forgiveness. “I promise to do my best to make it up to her, Mrs. Montgomery, to make the rest of Kelly’s life as happy as possible.” Ryder stood to his full height. “You’ve got my word on it.” He left the cemetery with a lighter heart in so many ways and yet, an underlying fear of losing Kelly kept him on edge. He needed to figure out who was stalking her and why. Once done, he could concentrate on winning her forgiveness. Ryder was just climbing into his vehicle for the trip home when his cell phone rang. He didn’t even have the time to acknowledge the call before Doug’s voice blasted over the earpiece. “You’d better get back to the Montgomery Ranch.”

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Ryder’s heart thundered in his chest. Just thinking someone might have hurt Kelly made him blind with anger. “What’s happened?” He wanted the bare minimum and knew Doug would give him just that. “Someone was in the house, Ryder. In Kelly’s room. She’s pretty shaken up.” Ryder saw red, his curses enough to singe the hair off even the saltiest sailor. “I’m on my way.” His vehicle spit gravel when the tires caught, fishtailing him back onto the main road toward the ranch and Kelly. He made the trip in record time. Bringing his SUV to a jarring halt, Ryder threw the door open then bounded for the house. He had to see for himself that Kelly was okay. The sight of her pale face still streaked with tears made him want to howl in rage. Hadn’t she already been through enough? Hadn’t he seen to it himself by being judge and juror in her time of need, even before any professional involvement in law enforcement on his part? She must have sensed his thoughts, witnessed the anger lining his face because she stepped forward, placing her hands on his chest. “I’m fine, Ryder. It just took me off guard, that’s all.” Ryder looked to where Doug stood, leaning against the kitchen counter. Doug gave a slight shake of his head, letting Ryder know Kelly was putting on a brave front. Kyle’s thunderous look mirrored his own. “Sally and I were at the doctor’s. We pulled up just about the time Kelly was heading into the house. Doug was right behind us.” “Sit down before you fall down, baby.” Ryder kept his voice calm, his touch soft when what he really wanted to do was snatch her up and carry her off someplace safe, someplace where she could never be hurt again. When she was sitting at the table, a glass of tea in hand, Ryder turned to her. “Tell me what happened.”

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She took a deep, shuddering breath before saying, “I came in the kitchen door like always. And yes, it was locked. I left Shadow in the kitchen then went to my room to change. I’d just made it through the doorway when I noticed them.” She looked up at him then, her big brown eyes wide with fear. “Them what, Kelly?” God! It damn near killed him to remain impersonal, professional. “My panties. My panties were on my bed, cut to shreds. The scissors were stabbed into my pillow with a note attached. I didn’t even see what the note said, I just freaked and screamed.” “Is everything still there, just the way you found it?” Kelly nodded her head in answer, her eyes pleading with him for help. Ryder, uncaring of who was in the room, moved closer then pulled her against him. He leaned down until he could breathe in the scent of her shampoo. “He’s gone too far this time. He’s getting careless. We’re going to nail him, baby. I promise you.” Over Kelly’s head, Ryder motioned for Doug. “Call the guys. We’re going to catch this asshole and when we get him, I’m going to show him exactly what it feels like to be scared.” Officer Doug Pennington smiled in a way that had nothing to do with happiness, making Ryder very grateful he wasn’t on the man’s list of enemies.

***** Nothing else happened over the next few days but Kelly wasn’t grateful for the fact, she was pissed. Mad at whoever was interrupting her life and angry as hell at the men who wanted to protect her but were instead driving her slowly insane with their hovering. The only good thing to come out of it all was the closeness between Ryder and her. Kelly wasn’t sure how or even if they could get over all that had happened in the past,

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but she was more than willing to give it a shot. The alternative, a life of misery without Ryder in it, was not even an option at this point in the game. It was late in the morning and Kelly was starting to feel, even more so than the last few days, like a captive. A damned prisoner in her own home. It rankled every independent bone in her body. “I’m going to work in my woodshed today if I have to bash someone over the head to accomplish it.” She muttered the words beneath her breath, finally allowing some of her anger a much-needed vent. “What was that, darlin’?” Kelly shrieked and spun, spilling her Pepsi all over Ryder in the process. It was completely unnatural for a man of his size to be able to move so silently. “Don’t do that, dammit!” When her heart was once again beating a normal rhythm, she put her hands on her hips to stop their shaking. “It’s not polite to sneak up on people.” Kelly added the last bit in hope of covering for just how off guard she’d been caught. The look of understanding in Ryder’s eyes was enough to make her weep but Kelly wouldn’t allow herself the luxury. To do so would mean the bastard making her life miserable had won. She couldn’t let herself cry, not yet. Not until the asshole was caught and she had the pleasure of watching the police drag him away in cuffs. Not when she felt as though she would break if she let even one tear slip by. Ryder pulled her close. His body was warm and welcoming, making her throat burn with unshed tears. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He sounded as if he were soothing a hurt child and for some reason that brought Kelly’s ire up. Pulling herself from his hold, Kelly shook her head in denial. She wasn’t scared, and she wasn’t going to hide in the house anymore.

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“I’m fine, Ryder.” She knew damned well she was being a bitch but couldn’t seem to help herself. “I’m not scared, I’m frustrated.” Kelly huffed out a breath then stalked across the hardwood kitchen floor, her shoes ringing out with each step. When she was across the room, facing the window over the sink, she spoke again. “I’m not going to hide in the house anymore. I want…no, I need to go outside.” Her words sounded brave, even to her own ears, but the coward in her couldn’t bring herself to turn and look at Ryder. To see the disapproval and possibly even anger in his gaze. Kelly felt a slight shift in the air around her just before Ryder’s bulky arms snaked around her waist from behind. His warm breath wafted over the back of Kelly’s neck, causing a shiver to run the length of her spine and back before settling into her now erect nipples. “I know, Kel, but today isn’t good.” Ryder turned her head with a hand on her cheek then proceeded to kiss her until Kelly thought for sure her toes would curl. Lifting his mouth from hers, he said, “Doug is working right now and I’ve got to make a quick run into town to take care of some paperwork. Sally and Kyle will be here with you but I think it would be better if you stayed in the house for the night.” Kelly wanted to argue, to rant and rave and scream but Ryder gave her no time. Instead, he turned her until she was facing him and their bodies touched before lowering his mouth to her neck where he suckled lightly. She moaned in delight, thrusting her chest out, a blatant invitation to touch, which Ryder gladly did.

The weight of her breast against his hand made him ache in ways most men only dreamed of. Ryder knew exactly what she felt like, her taste and the scent of her soft flesh. She was his woman, his love. His.

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Now he just had to figure out who the hell wanted to hurt her and how to keep her safe until the psychotic bastard was caught. Kelly arched her back, rubbing the turgid peak of her nipple harder across his palm. Needing no further urging, Ryder caught the cloth-covered peak between his fingers, plucking and pulling until Kelly gasped at the bite of pain and zing of pleasure he’d given her. When her movements grew more frenzied, Ryder wedged a thigh between her legs and urged Kelly to take what she needed, to find her release against his thigh. He kissed and coaxed her all the way then held her tight when her spent body sagged in his arms. She was so damned gorgeous, so passionate and caring. Just the thought of something happening to her made him sick with fear. The sound of a throat clearing from the doorway brought Kelly’s head up. Ryder released his hold on her and watched as she smiled sheepishly at Sally before heading to the kitchen table where she plopped down into a chair. Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment making her look absolutely adorable. Not many six-feet-tall women could be considered adorable but Kelly, with her short, chestnut, pixie haircut and wide brown eyes, was definitely one of them. “Don’t mind me,” Sally said as she quickly grabbed a can of soda out of the fridge. When Sally was gone, Ryder moved back to Kelly. He intended to pick up right where they’d left off, with Kelly’s body melted against his, her eyes sated and content. His cock hardened at the thought. Just thinking about Kelly’s lithe body was enough to bring Ryder right to the edge of release. Kneeling on one knee before Kelly, Ryder pulled her close then snuggled his face into the softness of her belly. Her scent was the most sensual aphrodisiac he’d ever encountered. “No more hiding, Kelly. No more pretending when others are in the room. From now on, everyone will know how we feel about each other.”

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“I’m not sure how that is, Ryder. I know I love you but so much has happened, so much that I’m not sure we can get past. Such as, how will the town feel when you’ve taken up with the woman who they believe killed your sister?” Ryder knew how she felt about sneaking around behind Kyle’s back and even though he imagined Kyle knew what was going on, he wanted any deceit on their part to come to an end. He wanted the world to know how much she meant to him. “I can’t answer all your questions right now, Kel, but I do know the folks in town don’t wish you ill. If you’d spend some time in town, you might come to believe me. And yes, I know we’ve got a lot to work through.” Ryder lifted his head, snagging her gaze with his. The feel of her face beneath his fingers as he brought her head down for a kiss was warm and welcoming. He could see the doubt written clearly across her features. “This is going to work, Kelly. We’re going to make it work.” Her quirky smile made his lips curve with joy. “I love you,” she said on a rushed breath, before taking his mouth in a heated kiss.

***** Kelly tasted Ryder on her lips for the rest of the day and when evening rolled into night and he still hadn’t made it home, she longed for a fresh taste. Antsy beyond belief, Kelly made her way up the hall to the kitchen and then out the back door to her woodshed with Shadow right behind her. She breathed deep upon entering her special space. It smelled of fresh-cut wood, warming Kelly to her toes. Without wasting time, she got right to work. There was no telling how soon Ryder would be back. And sure as shit, if he found her out in her woodshed with no more than Shadow for protection, there was going to be hell to pay.

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Kelly had no idea how much time had gone by when her eyes started to water. At first the irritation was just that, irritation. It took several seconds before her brain processed the fact that she smelled something burning. She searched her small woodshed checking each outlet in hope it was just a short in a wire somewhere. When she couldn’t find anything unusual, Kelly decided to check the outside of the shed. It wasn’t until she reached the door, and found it barred from the outside that she began to panic. Her throat was starting to feel raw and burn. Her eyes watered so bad she could hardly see through the tears. Shadow whined at her feet, only adding to her panic. With the back of her hand, she felt the door. A sob of relief escaped her lips when it was cool to the touch. “Fire!” Kelly pounded her fists against the door. Her heart sank. What if the house was on fire and not the shed? What if Sally and Kyle were hurt because of her? Kelly shook her head as if to clear it. She had no time to think of such things. She needed to find a way out of the shed and fast. Kelly made her way around the building, feeling each wall the same as she had the door, trying to gauge where the fire was, if there was a fire. She knew where the danger was before she even reached the back wall. Heat radiated in waves toward her. Backing away, she looked around for something, anything, to help aid her escape. She’d just decided to take a saw to the wall of her shed when she heard yelling from outside. “Kelly, are you in there?” It was Kyle’s voice. There were others with him. Kelly could hear their voices but couldn’t quite decipher what was being said. She opened her mouth to answer but only ended up coughing and choking when she inhaled, filling her lungs with smoke.

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“Dammit, Kelly! Answer him.” That was Ryder. He’d made it back and just in time. Kelly moved closer to the door, to safety. She was given no time to attempt an answer before the door of the shed burst outward, nearly coming off its hinges. Ryder was there. With unsteady hands he held her close, helping her out the door and into the ranch yard. Kelly sucked in the fresh air, taking in as much as she possibly could. Her throat burned something fierce but otherwise, she felt fine. The thought of what could have happened made her feel faint, and once her body started shaking, she couldn’t seem to stop it. Kelly sat down on the first flat surface she could find, afraid she’d fall down if she didn’t. “Talk to me, baby. Are you hurt? Were you burned at all?” Ryder’s hands shook nearly as bad as hers as he checked her from head to toe. “I’m fine. You all got here in time.” Her thoughts were jumbled but one thing stood out. “Where’s Shadow, Ryder? Is he okay? Did you get him out? Please…” Kelly was unable to hold back her tears. “Please tell me you got him out.” “Shadow’s fine, Kelly. It’s you we’re worried about. You’re in shock,” he said without speaking to anyone in particular. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” Without more than those few words spoken, he leaned down to pick her up. Kelly stopped Ryder with a palm to his chest. When he turned to look at her, she leaned in, brushing her lips lightly across his. “I’m fine. Really.” Ryder dropped to his knees before her. His face was pale, his eyes wide and bright with unshed tears. The sight made her heart soar with happiness. With a firm grip, she pulled Ryder to her. After staring into his frightened eyes for a minute, she rested her forehead against him. “I’m okay, sweetie.” “You’re sure? Be sure, baby.” His voice was a soft whisper only she could hear. “Positive.”

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Ryder watched her for a minute longer before nodding his head. The smile to cross his face was glorious but only lasted briefly before a worried scowl once again settled across his features. He turned toward Kyle, who looked ready to commit murder. “Is everything taken care of?” Ryder asked Kyle, motioning to Kelly’s woodshed. “Seems like it was more of a smokescreen than anything. Very little actual fire damage and William took care of it with the garden hose.” Ryder thanked William before turning back to Kyle. “I’m taking Kelly upstairs. We’ll talk later.” Kyle made his way to Kelly. “You okay?” Kelly rose to her feet and planted a big kiss on Kyle’s cheek. “I’m fine. I just need a bath and a drink.” She pulled him into a hug. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Kyle nodded then pulled away. “We’re going to get whoever it is that’s doing this, Kel.” “I know you will, Kyle. You’ve always taken care of me, even when I wouldn’t let you.” A look of pain flashed across his features before he turned and moved back toward Sally.

***** The shower had been wonderful, as had the several glasses of water she’d guzzled after returning to the house. Kelly was drifting somewhere between sleep and wakefulness when Ryder entered the room. He’d just about screwed her into a stupor right there in the shower. Kelly couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Once he’d seen firsthand that she was perfectly fine, not a scratch or burn on her, he’d lost all control of himself. The way he’d pinned her against the cold shower tiles and surged into her in one swift movement, would live in her mind forever. “What’s that smile for?”

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Kelly hummed in response. It was about all she could manage. The bed dipped beside her as Ryder quietly climbed beneath the sheets, his body as gloriously nude as hers. “I’ve got to touch you, baby. I need to feel you against me again, to make sure you’re really okay.” “I’m fine but I want you to touch me anyway, almost as bad as I want to touch you.” Kelly moved to turn over but Ryder stopped her with an arm over her waist, his palm flat on her stomach. With his chest to her back, spooning her body into his, he said, “Just like this, sweetheart. Slow and easy.” Ryder parted her thighs with delicious pressure, lifting her top leg. Then placing her knee over his thigh, he began to fondle her folds gently. So gently she was almost undone before he ever really got started. “Oh God.” Sensual tension coiled in Kelly’s body. She attempted to close her legs, only to be stopped by Ryder. His hand was curled around her inner thigh, squeezing slightly, pulling her legs wider apart. The fingers of his other hand delved deep within her folds. He scissored his fingers back and forth, stretching and teasing, until Kelly couldn’t help but moan with pleasure. “Mmmm, yes,” he purred against the side of her neck. “Just like this. Stay just like I put you, baby.” His wicked command warmed Kelly from head to toe. Her pussy gushed just imagining what he might do if she didn’t follow his orders. He only let her go long enough to sheath himself before sliding into her body slowly from behind. Their position rubbed differently than any other time they’d made love. He seemed to fill her full, stroking her inner channel more intimately than ever before.

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“I want you again, like in the shower, with nothing between my body and yours.” It hadn’t even dawned on Kelly that they hadn’t used any protection during their frenzied shower sex-a-thon. She waited, wondering what else Ryder would have to say about it, if anything at all. When he said nothing more, Kelly let the subject drop. It wouldn’t likely factor in since it wasn’t her fertile time of the month. Besides, the things Ryder was doing to her, the way he was tempting her body, overwhelming her senses, left her little choice other than to participate fully. His shaft powered into her before retreating ever so slowly. From the position they were in, Kelly could feel every delicious inch of him. He was hot and thick and so damned long he bumped her cervix. A climax of gigantic proportions threatened, making Kelly’s body quake with need. “That’s it, baby. Let go and come for me.” Ryder’s voice rasped against every overly sensitive nerve ending. The feel of his lips against the back of her neck pushed her until Kelly saw stars. When he flicked her clit then probed the flesh where his cock entered the tight sheath of her pussy, Kelly shattered. Wave after wave of intense please ripped through her body and she screamed her release. Ryder was right behind her. His body stiffened before he thrust one last time, completely within the tight clasp of her body then bellowed his release. Sleep came, deep and fast, claiming Kelly, keeping her safe from the fright and stress of the past several weeks.

***** He stared up at her bedroom window, sick at the thought of what was going on in there. Instead of being scared silly or even hurt, she was whoring herself to the sheriff, a man who should never have gotten so close. Anger raced through his veins. Everything he’d done for Sandra, for her memory, was for nothing if the bitch didn’t suffer like she 123

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was supposed to. Because as things stood now, he was getting antsy. Hanging around the ranch, acting like one of the good guys, was making him sick. It was time dispatch her to hell and then leave the area. No one would ever suspect him. No one would know and he’d get away with avenging Sandra’s death. The last thing he thought before sneaking back into the shadows was that it was finally time to finish it.

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Chapter Eleven He hated leaving Kelly more than anything. Someone had crossed the line one too many times and was going to pay dearly for it. Whoever it was had gone from trying to scare Kelly to trying to hurt her and Ryder wasn’t about to let that happen. He also couldn’t shake the feeling all hell was about to break loose. With an abundance of impatience, Ryder pushed away the thought. Kelly wasn’t in danger. She finally realized just how serious he was about her not leaving the house unless someone accompanied her. She was safe and sound. It had only been a week since the fire but he knew those seven days must have felt like a month to Kelly. She was probably pacing the house even now, cursing a blue streak in his name or ready to tear him to shreds the minute he walked through the door, but she was safe and that was all that mattered. Ryder finished the last of his paperwork, cleared his desk and prepared to go home. Home? Since when had he started thinking of the Montgomery Ranch as home? Hell, he’d never even thought of his own small place as home. It was merely a spot to crash at night, but it had never been a home. Ryder figured the old adage “home is where the heart is” was true, at least in his case. The drive out to the ranch wasn’t a long one but he wanted to be there so badly it seemed to take forever. The need to see Kelly, to feel her long, lithe body pressed tightly against his nearly took Ryder’s breath. Never in a million years would he get enough of her.

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It had taken an overwhelming amount of willpower not to call her throughout the morning. Ryder knew just how hemmed in she was feeling. He didn’t want to make matters worse by calling and checking on her every ten minutes. Now though, as he pulled up to the house, Ryder wished he had called because he missed the sound of her voice. The way it dipped low and turned husky when he talked dirty to her. After lunch, he’d have to take her to her room and show her just how much he needed her. Prove to her that in time they could work through everything standing in the way of their happiness. Ryder made his way through the back door and into the kitchen. There wasn’t a soul in sight. He tried not to let the fact that no one was around scare him but something just didn’t feel right. “Kelly.” Ryder bellowed, hoping to dispel the uneasy feeling he had snaking up his spine. Sally bustled into the kitchen. Her shirt was buttoned wrong. The hem of her skirt was tucked into the elastic waistband. Ryder attempted to cover his chuckle with a cough before spinning around. “Sorry I interrupted,” he said, his back to Sally. “I got a bit concerned when I didn’t see anyone.” “You didn’t inter—” “Your skirt, Sally.” Ryder heard a mortified groan from behind him. This time, he couldn’t quite cover his mirth. “Your eyes are safe now.” Ryder turned to face Sally. Her full cheeks were pink. She looked beautiful. “Believe me, sweetheart, it wasn’t my eyes I was worried about, it’s my life. Kyle would have killed me had I looked my fill.” His words made even more color bloom on her cheeks. His wink made her giggle.

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“What in the hell are you hollering about?” Kyle grumbled as he hobbled up the hall on one crutch. He was improving more every day. “I got worried when I didn’t see Kelly.” Ryder wasn’t about to apologize. Kyle glared at him. “She went to the cemetery.” His pulse leapt at Kyle’s words. “And you let her!” Good God, what could the moron have been thinking? “Did she at least take Shadow with her?” Kyle’s glare turned into a menacing scowl. “Shadow’s on the back porch. William went with her.” The fact that William had accompanied her should have made him feel better. William had been working on the ranch for the better part of a year from what Ryder knew. Yet his instincts were screaming. The warning was too much to ignore. If Kelly had managed to get herself into trouble again, he was going to set her ass on fire. Right before he loved her until she was too sore to get out of bed.

***** Kelly peeked at William from the corner of her eye. He seemed nervous, not at all like his normal self. She wondered if he hadn’t really wanted to accompany her to the cemetery? “If you don’t want to stay with me, you can just drop me off then pick me up when you’re finished with your errands.” William acknowledged her offer by saying, “I don’t have any errands to run.” “Um, okay.” Kelly wasn’t sure what else to say. It seemed as if every time she tried to initiate a conversation, William clammed up. Before long, he started mumbling. “What was that?” Kelly asked when William said something loud enough that she knew he’d spoken yet so low she couldn’t hear him. Instead of an answer, she received a strange look. William wasn’t acting like himself and that worried Kelly. Something wasn’t right. 127

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He continued to mumble beneath his breath. Kelly tried to remain calm but the farther they got away from the ranch, the more agitated he seemed. She was starting to get a really bad feeling. “I’ve changed my mind, William. I’m not feeling very well. Why don’t we head back to the ranch?” Kelly tried to keep her voice nonchalant. Evidently her ruse didn’t work. Instead of turning around and heading back to the ranch as she’d hoped, William accelerated to the point where Kelly was holding onto the truck’s armrest for dear life. When they reached the cemetery gates, William didn’t slow down. He took the turn at such a high rate of speed Kelly thought for sure they were going to flip. Instead, the truck fishtailed on the gravel. He drove like a madman down the narrow dirt lane until they’d reached the area where Sandra was buried. He stood on the brakes, bringing the truck to a screeching halt. “William!” Kelly screamed as she braced herself against the dash. “What in the hell are you doing?” “Shut up.” Kelly closed her mouth, afraid so say another word. William’s rude command and the look on his face were enough to keep her quiet. He was acting nothing like the man she’d thought she’d come to know over the past few weeks. Deep down, in the pit of her stomach, Kelly feared she wasn’t going to make it out of whatever William had planned for her alive. The thought of never seeing Ryder again brought stinging tears to her eyes. “Tears aren’t going to save you.” His voice was devoid of any emotion. Why hadn’t she noticed the cruel set of his jaw or his uncaring eyes? Had she just never looked? Kelly wanted to scream at him but was afraid it would just set him off.

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“Follow me out this side.” William said the words as he opened the door and slid from the driver’s seat. Kelly did as instructed. Her entire body was shaking with fear. What was going on? Why was William acting crazy and, oh God, what did he intend to do with her? He knelt by Sandra’s headstone, polishing its marble surface with his bare hands. “I loved her.” His voice shook with emotion but none remained in his gaze as his eyes locked onto hers. He pulled a gun from his coat pocket making Kelly tremble with fear. “I loved her and you killed her.” Kelly was shaking her head before he finished the sentence. “It was an accident. An awful accident. Sandra was like my sister.” She wasn’t just trying to appease him, she meant exactly what she said. “Shut up you liar!” William roared, jumping to his feet. “It was you. I heard you tell Ryder it was you. You were standing right here and you were crying like you actually cared. I heard you!” His voice rose in pitch until he was all but screaming. “You wanted to go out and talked Sandra into going with you. If it wasn’t for you, she’d still be alive right now.” Oh God. He’d been following Ryder and her. Listening to them, watching them. Her skin crawled just thinking about the things he’s heard and seen. “I’ve been waiting, Kelly. Waiting and planning for years but you never came home. Not even when your mama died. I thought for sure her death would have brought you home.” His words were cruel. Kelly’s heart broke just hearing them. “What? Couldn’t leave the boys and parties long enough to come back?” “I wasn’t—” “Shut your lying mouth!” William’s words thundered, startling birds from the trees around them.

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The gun in his hand was now pointing at her chest. Kelly took a step back then stilled when he lifted the barrel to the level of her head. “Why?” It was the only word she could seem to get out. If he was going to kill her, she wanted to know why. “I loved her. She didn’t know it, no one did. But I did love her and you took her.” He sounded very matter-of-fact. “I’ve waited years but I couldn’t wait anymore. It’s eating me away. I needed to know you had suffered just like my Sandra. The only way I could think of to get you back was an accident on the ranch.” He seemed to be on a roll. “I hired on and worked with Kyle everyday until my chance finally came. We were working on the roof so I messed with the ladder, knowing it wouldn’t hold Kyle’s weight.” Kelly couldn’t help it, she started to tremble. William had caused the accident that had nearly killed Kyle? “I didn’t mean for him to get hurt as badly as he did. I was real sorry for that.” Had she heard him right? He was sorry Kyle had been hurt? He planned to kill her and had nearly killed Kyle and he was apologizing? Something in Kelly snapped. She couldn’t help it. She started laughing and couldn’t seem to stop.

***** Ryder followed his instincts. He’d called for backup as soon as he’d left the ranch. Without lights or sirens, Ryder stopped his SUV out of sight and went the rest of the way on foot. He’d just spotted William and Kelly, who was being held at gunpoint when Doug met up with him. They stayed together only long enough to form a plan of attack before Doug split off to circle around from the other side.

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Ryder silently made his way closer to where William and Kelly were. He could hear every word the sick bastard was shouting and hated him for hurting Kelly with their cruelness. It was bad enough he’d caused her so much pain over the years, there was no way he was going to let William cause her any more harm. Kelly was stiff in William’s arms but not fighting. The look on her face seemed resigned as if she expected to die. The sound of her tense laughter tore at his heart. When William lifted his gun to Kelly, Ryder wanted to roar with anger. How dare someone, anyone, threaten his woman in such a way! He wasn’t going to make it. Ryder kept to the shadows, hiding beneath the trees as he made his way to the cover of William’s truck but he wasn’t going to make it. His heart thundered in his chest. It felt as though it were crashing painfully against his ribs. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he lost Kelly, if he wasn’t quick enough to save her. He was nearly to the truck and hopefully a clear shot of William when he spotted Doug. His arms raised, his service revolver trained on William. “Sheriff’s Department, put your weapon down and release your hostage.” Ryder wanted to yell a warning to Kelly but then William changed his aim from Kelly to his direction and pulled the trigger. The man had to be certifiably insane was Ryder’s thought as William continued to shoot in his direction. Fear tightened his gut as he remained safely behind William’s truck. If Doug was forced to shoot and missed, hitting Kelly instead, life as he’d just learned to enjoy it would end. Everything that happened next seemed to take place in slow motion. A popping sound met his ears a second after red bloomed on William’s chest. It was then Ryder knew fear unlike any he’d ever felt before. “Kelly!” Ryder’s anguished cry echoed on the air as William collapsed taking Kelly with him.

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“Kelly! Dammit, you’d better be all right, baby, don’t you dare die on me.” The words tumbled from his mouth as he ran the rest of the way to her. The sound of sirens wailing in the distance let Ryder knew more backup was close by but he didn’t care. He could hear Doug’s voice but couldn’t take the time to stop and see what he was saying. He had to help Kelly! “She’s fine, Ryder.” Doug’s words penetrated the thick fog clouding his thoughts. Ryder, who was still several feet from Kelly, looked toward her. She was on her hands and knees, scrambling away from William’s body. Her face was splattered with blood and covered in tears, but her wide brown eyes were open, blinking against the bright sunlight. “Kel?” He couldn’t keep his hands from shaking as he helped her to her feet and away from William, who remained motionless on the ground, his face a death mask of shock, his unseeing eyes staring, void of any life. Her mouth open and closed like a fish out of water but nothing came out except choking sobs. Ryder held her close, never saying a word until her crying subsided and she could once again speak. “He—” she hiccoughed “—he hurt Kyle.” Out of all she had been through, it wasn’t herself Kelly thought of first, it was those around her. Ryder still wondered how he’d misjudged her so badly all those years ago. “Will you bring my car?” He said the words low to Doug who moved to stand after checking William’s body for any signs of life. Doug quickly brought Ryder’s cruiser to the scene of the shooting. After helping Kelly to her feet and into the passenger’s seat, he turned to Doug. “I wouldn’t have made it in time.” Ryder didn’t even want to think about the “what ifs”. “Thank you. I owe you one.”

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Chapter Twelve Curled up on her side with soft blankets pulled up to her chin, Kelly thought back on the events of the day. It was still hard to believe William was the one who’d been causing all the trouble. He’d seemed so friendly. Up until the point where he’d started acting so strangely on the way to the cemetery, she never in a million years would have suspected him of all that had happened. She should be afraid to sleep, afraid of possibly having nightmares. She should be upset, crying, hysterical even, but she wasn’t. She was sad, sad at the thought of losing Ryder. Now that everything was fine, he’d be moving back into town. It didn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t see each other, but things still wouldn’t be the same. Maybe he was already packing his belongings, preparing to leave. Hell, after all the aggravation she’d put him through, he was probably glad to be leaving. Kelly sighed, sorrow already weighing heavy on her chest. When the door creaked open, she lifted her lids and watched Ryder make his way across the room. He was dressed in nothing but a pair of low-slung drawstring pants. His wavy brown hair glistened with moisture. The smell of shampoo tickled her senses. His gaze never left her, only making Kelly all the more aware of exactly how much she was going to miss him. Ryder dropped to his knees at the edge of the bed, his face so close to hers Kelly could feel the warmth of his breath. “It’s okay now, baby. He’ll never be able to hurt you again.” It wasn’t until he whispered the tender words and his thumb stroked a tear from her cheek that Kelly realized she was crying.

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Only he misunderstood the reason behind her emotions. Kelly sat up, pulling the sheet with her. “I’m not worried about William.” Ryder sat on the edge of the bed. Kelly could tell he wanted to pull her close and hold her tight but for some reason, he didn’t. Damn, what if he wanted to leave? Kelly forced the dark thought to the back of her mind. If he wanted to leave, he would leave, and knowing Ryder, there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Even knowing that, Kelly wasn’t willing to just give up. She was willing to give it her all, to put her heart on the table. “Then what is it, Kel? Why are you crying?” She took a deep, shuddering breath, said a small prayer for their future then said exactly what was on her mind. “I don’t want you to leave me.” A beautiful smile curved Ryder’s lips. “I’ll never leave you, sweetheart. You’re mine now.” His words lifted the ache from her chest. Kelly’s tears fell in earnest now, tears of joy. Happy tears that helped close the doors on a past better forgotten. “You mean it, don’t you? Even after Sandra, you still love me?” Kelly knew the minute his control snapped. He’d held off as long as possible before pulling her into his arms. His kiss was one of longing, a kiss so deep, she was no longer sure where he ended and she began. He took her mouth slow and deep, sweeping his tongue, torturing her with his taste and his heat before pulling away. “I was a damned fool. I’ll always have regrets, baby, but if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I’ll do everything within my power to make it up to you.” Rising to her knees on the bed, Kelly let the sheet drop. Cupping Ryder’s face in her hands, she kissed him, putting her all into every stroke of her tongue. When she finally 134

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pulled back, he looked almost as ready as she felt. But first, first they had so much to work out, so much to talk about. “You have nothing to be forgiven for, Ryder, nothing to make up for. We’ve both made mistakes, big and small. Just knowing you love me and no longer blame me for Sandra’s death is like a new beginning. I’m not sure I’ll ever believe all that has happened, all that has changed in such a short time, but as you said before, we can work it out.” “I meant it to, baby. Loving you after all the years I blamed you is the last thing I expected. Knowing what I know now makes all that happened before hard to deal with, hard to forgive myself for but with you at my side, I know it can be done. We can do it Kelly. As I said before, you’re mine and I’ll do everything in my power to keep you. Forever.” “Everything within your power, huh?” A rumbling growl echoed from deep within his chest as Ryder moved close once again. He settled his hands on her waist then moved them down over her hips, making Kelly wet and ready in the blink of an eye. He leaned in for a kiss, a chaste kiss he settled against her forehead that made her giggle. “Anything and everything, just name it.” “Hmmm, anything. I think I like the sound of that.” This time she gave a sexy little laugh. “Okay, cowboy, how about we live in sin for a while, really give the town something to talk about, and in the process see where all this leads?” Kelly’s words caught Ryder a bit off guard. He was the one who should have been doing the asking, the insisting, not her. She’d beat him to the damned punch and now she looked as though she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. When she tried to scramble from the bed, Ryder was on her. Literally. She wiggled and writhed beneath him in an effort to escape. Her cheeks were flushed with what was more than likely a combination of embarrassment and arousal.

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Ryder nudged her legs apart then settled his erect shaft in the void her spread thighs created. He held both of her captured wrists in the grasp of one hand while tilting her head just the way he wanted it with the other. “I’d love to live in sin with you, but I’d love to marry you even more.” He kissed the translucent lid of one eye and then the other before moving to her temple. Kelly’s gasp prompted Ryder to continue. “No pressure, Kel. We’ve got a lot to work out yet, a lot to deal with and when we’ve made it to that point, I’ll be the one doing the asking.” Ryder kissed and nibbled his way to the pink shell of Kelly’s ear. His words were rough with emotion. Just knowing Kelly wanted him was enough to make him want to howl with the sheer joy of it. “You really think you might want to marry me?” The damned imp seemed surprised. “Yes, I do.” He couldn’t help but chuckle when she undulated beneath him, trying to get even closer, a sly smile on her face. Ryder stilled her with his weight against her hips. “Ryder.” Her frustrated grumble brought a smile to his mouth. By the look on her face, a look of pure, unadulterated wickedness must have crossed his features. “Uh-oh, I’m not sure I like that look.” “Oh you’ll like it all right. You’ll like everything I do to you. Every thrust of my cock into your tight little pussy.” He dipped his head, nipping her bottom lip without the benefit of laving the sting away. “Hell, I’ll bet you’ll even enjoy every last second of the spanking I’m going to give you.” Her eyes grew wide, darkening to the color of rich chocolate in the process. “Spspanking?” The stuttered word came out at a pitch higher than usual.

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“Oh yeah.” His shaft grew impossibly harder, throbbing at the thought of how the smooth, round globes of her ass would feel against the palm of his hand. “It’s going to be hot and fun this time, but if you ever find yourself in danger again, whether it’s your fault or not, I’ll spank your ass raw.” Kelly gulped at his words. “I…uh…” her words trailed off as she stared at him. It was as if she were trying to figure out whether or not he was serious. “I mean every word I just said. Understand?” Kelly continued to watch him, her big brown eyes gazing deep into his. “Yes, I understand.” Ryder levered himself away from Kelly, missing her warmth immediately. “Good.” He lightly swatted her thigh. “Up on hands and knees. I want to fuck you while I spank you.” Kelly moved faster than Ryder had ever seen her. In the blink of an eye she was positioned just as he’d asked. The sexy little smile she threw his way as she peered at him over her shoulder slammed into him like a freight train. It was nothing though, compared to the way she wiggled her hips, enticing him to sink into her. “No, Ryder, I don’t want anything between us.” Her eyes were glued to the condom he’d just fished from the bedside table. He climbed back onto the bed, this time coming up so close behind Kelly the head of his cock brushed her wet entrance. Ryder dropped the condom beside her on the bed, leaving her the option of changing her mind before laying a hand on her hip. His smile when she jumped was one of sinful intent. Ryder rubbed circles across her hip and lower back, loving the way the warmth of her skin felt beneath his fingers. He smiled when she purred and waggled her hips in invitation. No way was he giving in so soon. Tonight Kelly would be begging for mercy before he was finished with her.

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Ryder was going to kill her with pleasure, Kelly was sure of it. When he dipped the head of his shaft just inside her soaked entrance, she couldn’t help but moan in delight and frustration. She also couldn’t help but thrust her hips back in hopes of burying his length deeper within her body. Smack! The sound of flesh against flesh sounded loud in the room, startling a yelp of surprise out of Kelly. It took a few seconds before the bloom of heat across the flesh of her ass cheek followed. “Stay still, baby.” Yeah right, like that was going to happen. It wasn’t until the next swat landed, a bit harder than the first, that Kelly realized she’d said the sarcastic words out loud. “Oh yeah, it’s going to happen. Every time you move without my permission, I’ll stop doing whatever it is I’m doing to your pretty, little pussy.” He chuckled when she groaned and mumbled a string of curse words. Kelly thought she’d burst into tears when he moved away from her. Tiny spasms surged through the walls of her vagina in an attempt to hold onto him but Ryder obviously had other ideas and he wasn’t about to let any of her uttered protests sway him. “Ahh,” Kelly sighed when Ryder was once again settled behind her. The first feel of his tongue on her from behind nearly had her leaping from the bed. “Mmmm. Damn, baby, you taste good.” His tongue was warm and wet against her opening. He licked and suckled her folds before making her crazy with need. “Oh God.” Her breath rushed past her lips. The feel of his hands on her, spreading her for his pleasure was exactly what she needed. A mind-shattering climax was just out of reach, just beyond her body’s ability to grasp it. Kelly thrust her hips back at the same time she plunged a hand between her thighs to play with herself.

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Slap! Once again, heat bloomed on her ass but this time it was followed by absolutely nothing. He’d stopping loving her with his tongue, stopped kneading the flesh of her ass with his big hands. He just stopped and all because she moved. Thoughts of torture rolled through her mind. Her body trembled with need. Whitehot arousal coursed through her body at mach speed, wreaking havoc on every overly sensitive nerve ending. Ryder came up behind her, his impressive erection finding a home between her throbbing nether lips as he bent over her back. “I told you not to move or I’d stop,” he growled against her back. Kelly whimpered with need. “Tell me what you want, Kel.” The command in his voice was unmistakable. “I want you to fuck me hard and fast, Ryder. I need you!” He was in her in an instant, hard and deep and so big Kelly’s body struggled to accommodate his girth. His larger-than-life presence overwhelmed her senses. But his lack of movement frustrated her beyond belief. “Ryder.” Kelly winced at the whiny sound of her voice. “I’m going to fuck you hard and fast, just the way you want, baby, but first I need for you to understand how much more than a simple fuck this is.” “I know, Ryder. I know.” Kelly whispered the words, needing to feel him move inside of her. “It’s always been more than a fuck to me.” He tensed against her briefly before kissing the base of her neck. When he finally moved, pulling his shaft nearly free of her body before pushing back in, Kelly thought she would shatter into a million pieces. “It’s always been more to me too, baby. Even when I wasn’t sure, my heart knew.” Ryder pulled free, changing their positions so Kelly was on her back with him staring deep into her eyes. He spread her thighs wide then plunged into her once again.

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When he was buried deep within her body, he leaned close, tenderly kissed her lips and whispered words of love Kelly was sure she’d never get used to hearing.

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Epilogue With his back braced against the bar, Doug watched Andrea Parelli over the rim of his whiskey glass. She was sleek and svelte. Her sophisticated ways and polished look were the complete opposite of the women he usually pursued. She fit right in at the wedding rehearsal dinner just as Doug had known she would. Andrea’s face lit up with a smile as she talked to Kelly and Sally. The three women had been inseparable, renewing old friendships and making new ones, enjoying each other’s company since she’d been hired as the wedding coordinator for their double wedding to Ryder and Kyle. Seeing Andrea so happy after all she’d been through was enough to make Doug’s pulse race. As the days wore on, it got harder and harder for him to hold back. Soon he would ask for more than just friendship. Changing their relationship would make him more than the man who’d taken it upon himself to help and protect Andrea. He’d be her lover. Would it be enough? Could he ever be enough to rid Andrea of the heartbreak and loss brought on by the death of her husband, a man who had been Doug’s best friend since childhood? Just remembering Antonio brought a smile to Doug’s face. Along with the memories came guilt. Doug had no use for the emotion so he pushed it ruthlessly aside. Things between Andrea and him would soon change. There was no help for it. Doug could no longer keep his hands to himself. He had to touch her, to taste her. The need to feel every inch of her naked body beneath his while he thrust his cock into the tight sheath of her pussy, kept him awake at night. The thought of losing Andrea’s friendship was almost enough to discourage Doug from the path he’d chosen. He had no desire to hurt her, but to deny his feelings, as well 141

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as the ones he’d seen blazing across her face when she thought he wasn’t watching, would only postpone the inevitable. Doug set his empty glass on the bar then made his way across the room until he was swallowed up by the laughter and joy of the occasion. When Andrea turned her gaze to his, Doug did nothing to conceal the want and need he felt in ever fiber of his being. Her eyes widened fractionally before becoming heavy-lidded with desire. The tip of her pink tongue peeked out from between her teeth to wet her full lower lip. Andrea’s actions made Doug’s shaft throb to life. The instantly hard length was a reminder of how long he’d been without a woman, how long he’d waited for her to show him a sign, any sign, that she was ready to proceed past being merely friends. Doug nodded his head fractionally, letting Andrea know he’d accepted her actions for what they were, a sensually unspoken challenge. Things were about to get interesting.

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About the Author Maggie Casper’s life could be called many things but boring isn’t one of them. If asked, Maggie would tell you that blessed would more aptly describe her everyday existence. Marrying young and being loved by a great husband and four gorgeous daughters should be enough to make anybody feel blessed. Add to that a bit of challenge, a lot of fun and an undeniably close circle of friends and family and you’d be walking in her shoes. Speaking of challenges and fun, when not writing, Maggie’s alter ego spends her time fighting fires and treating patients as a Lieutenant and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the local fire department. These awesome people are like her second family, no picking and choosing, they’re just stuck with her. A love of reading was passed on by Maggie’s mother at a very early age, and so began her addiction to romance novels. Maggie admits to writing some in high school but when life got in the way, she put her pen and paper up. Seems that things changed over the years because when she finally decided it was time to put her story ideas on paper, the pen was out and the computer was in. Took her a while to catch up but she finally made it. When not writing, Maggie can usually be found reading, doing genealogy research or watching NASCAR.

Maggie welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Also by Maggie Casper Christmas Cash Maverick’s Black Cat – with Lena Matthews O’Malley Wild: Hayden’s Hellion O’Malley Wild: Honoring Sean O’Malley Wild: Zane’s Way O’Malley Wild 4: Tying the Knot

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com