Chapter One

Two years later

Dixie McCarthy smiled as she watched people coming in and going out the door of the coffee shop. It was tourist season in Clifton, and she loved meeting new people. It was the end of August, and the Bur Oak Guest Ranch in Spring City was now closed, but the Clifton Bed and Breakfast was open for another month, closing at the beginning of October. Dixie knew the towns would soon slow down and snow would move in, and she was looking forward to cooler weather.

Her smile slipped when she saw Drew Cummings enter the coffee shop. When he spotted her, he smiled and headed toward her.

"Here he comes," Celine Nelson, the owner of The Everyday Grind, whispered.

"I hate hurting him, but what can I do?"

"Nothing. You've told him several times you're not interested. He needs to take a hint."

Dixie nodded as Celine waited on a customer, and she watched as Drew made his way to the counter.

"This place is always busy, but worse this time of the year, right?"

Dixie smiled as Drew spoke to her.

"Yes. We don't get much of a break."

Drew chuckled. "Same here. Any plans for when tourist season is over?"

"Yes. I'm doing absolutely nothing. You?"

"About the same. Maybe we could get together for dinner sometime? "

Dixie nibbled on her lower lip. Drew had been asking her out for years, and she always turned him down. It wasn't that he was a bad person, he wasn't. He was a wonderful man, but why start something when she knew it would go nowhere. No matter how many times she told Drew she wasn't interested in another relationship, he never took the hint. How could she tell any man that she'd never have a serious relationship again because her heart had been broken by Logan Townson? A man who had practically destroyed her.

"I'm sorry, Drew, but as I've said before, I'm not interested in a relationship."

"It's just dinner, Dixie."

"I'm sorry. I'd rather not."

"All right. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but if you change your mind—"

"I won't. It's not you," she quickly said, and he grinned.

"I get it. I'll see you soon. Have a great day."

"You too."

He stared at her for a few seconds, then walked out, without ordering. He was so nice, but he did nothing for her, and after going through what she did with Logan, she'd never trust another man.

Later, after leaving work, she climbed into her vehicle, and quickly lowered the windows. It was like an oven! She turned on the a/c, and hoped it worked soon. She didn't have a long drive home, but she was not a fan of the heat. Give her fall weather any day over incessant heat.

As she drove through Clifton, she smiled as she saw all the people on the sidewalks and entering shops. This time of the year brought tourists in and the town, along with the towns of Hartland, and Spring City, thrived.

Once she arrived home, she pulled up to the porch, then exited the vehicle and entered the cooler house. Her cellphone buzzed, and she removed it from her purse to see her cousin's face.

"Hey, Terri. How was your day?"

"Mine was fine. Yours, however, is about to get knocked for a loop."

"What? Why?"

"Logan's back."

Dixie gasped, grabbed the back of a chair, pulled it out from the table, and plopped down onto it.

"His dad must be worse," she murmured.

"Have you seen Clint?"

"No. I planned to visit him this weekend, but that's out now."

"Don't let him get to you, Dixie."

"I probably won't even see him."

"I hope you don't run into him, unless it's with your car," Teri muttered.

Dixie couldn't help but laugh, but she hoped she didn't see him either. God help her if she saw him because she'd let him know what she thought of him. He had no clue how much he had hurt her. He had lied to her during their relationship, and she would never forgive him for it.

Her heart ached though knowing why he was back. His father, Clint, had pancreatic cancer and wasn't doing well, and if Logan was home, it was because Clint had taken a turn for the worse. She had found out right after Logan left town two years ago, that Clint had stage two pancreatic cancer, so she was sure he was getting weaker by the day.

"I'll talk to you later," she said and hung up the phone.

Placing her hands over her face, she cried. Logan loved his father so much. They'd always been close, and she knew it would devastate him when Clint died.

She'd never forget the first time she met Clint Townson. He seemed larger than life. A big bear of a man who spoke softly but wielded a strong fist. He was tough but fair and there wasn't a person in Clifton, Hartland, or Spring City who didn't respect him. He was honest with anyone he came across and the towns would mourn when he passed.

A week later, she heard Logan had been hired as a deputy for the Clifton County Sheriff's department, which meant he was staying in Clifton. Of course he was.

"Damn you, Logan Townson."

****

Logan entered the house, taking a moment to hang up his hat before heading toward the living room. The familiar scent of his childhood home surrounded him, evoking memories of family dinners and lazy Sundays spent in front of the television.

"Dad?" he called out, his voice echoing down the hallway .

"In here, son," came the reply from his father's bedroom.

Logan walked along the hallway, the hardwood floor creaking beneath his boots, and entered his father's room to see him buttoning a shirt. His dad stood tall and proud, despite the illness that had taken hold of him.

"What are you doing?" Logan asked, curious about his father's sudden change in routine.

"I thought we'd go to lunch at the diner," his dad replied with a smile.

"Seriously?" Logan couldn't hide his surprise.

"I'm not dead yet, Logan. I can still enjoy a good hamburger," his dad said playfully.

"You're not supposed to have red meat or foods high in fat," Logan reminded him, concern creeping into his voice.

His dad let out a heavy sigh as he sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Logan with tired eyes.

"Logan, I'm dying. I know it and you know it. Let me enjoy some things before I go."

Logan quickly blinked back tears. He didn't want to lose his father.

"I don't want you to get sick," Logan whispered.

"Hell, son, I am sick. One hamburger isn't going to hurt. I'm not going to sit in this house and wait to die," his dad replied firmly.

"I know, Dad. Alright. We'll head for the diner, but don't go overboard," Logan conceded, knowing how stubborn his father could be.

"On one of Connie's burgers? Why would you even think that?" His father grinned mischievously.

Logan couldn't help but grin back and shake his head. He knew it would do no good to argue with Clinton Townson. A more hardheaded man he'd never met, unless it was himself.

As they drove to town, Logan glanced at his father to see a smile on his face as he looked out the window at the scenery whizzing by. For a brief moment, everything felt normal again.

After pulling into the parking lot of the small diner, Logan and his father entered, causing a hush to fall over the patrons. One by one, they rose from their tables and greeted the duo with handshakes and kind words. Logan was aware of his father's popularity in the towns of Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland, and knew he would be deeply missed once he passed.

A smile spread across Logan's face as Connie, the owner of the diner, approached them. She enveloped his father in a warm hug before turning to Logan and doing the same.

"It's so good to see you both," she said, wiping away a tear.

"Good to see you too, Connie," Logan replied. "We'll have our usuals. Dad? Would you like to sit at the counter or grab a booth?"

"The counter," Clint answered with a grin as people continued to wave and greet him warmly. "I've missed this place."

Logan felt a lump form in his throat. No one could understand how much he would miss this man who had been such a pivotal part of his life. He had never once resented his father, even during their arguments fueled by their similar personalities. They loved and respected each other, and Logan couldn't imagine life without him.

As Clint excused himself to use the restroom, Logan fiddled with his glass of lemonade.

"How is he holding up?" Connie asked sympathetically.

"Not well. He insisted on getting one of your burgers even though he knows they're not good for him." Logan shrugged.

Connie reached out and touched his hand tenderly. "Let him enjoy his time, Logan."

"I'm trying, Connie. I keep reminding myself to let him live what little life he has left, but then I worry that if I don't make him do what he should, it will shorten his time even more."

"We both know that's not how it works. Your father is happy to be here today, you can see it."

"I know." Logan glanced toward the back of the diner as he saw his father return, but he was constantly stopped by people wanting to chat, causing Logan to let out a small chuckle. "He'll have a nurse with him, starting tomorrow until…" He shook his head.

"He'll need someone there since you have to start your job." Connie looked at Clint. "Everyone loves him," Connie whispered.

Logan nodded in agreement, unable to find the words to express just how cherished his father was. He knew he should be resting in bed, but his dad's happiness was obvious, and he couldn't deny him this day out. No matter what he said, his father would do as he pleased.

When they drove home later, Logan glanced at his father.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, son. I'm fine. Just tired." He looked at him. "Thank you for taking me. I enjoyed the day."

"Me too, Dad."

"Do you know what I want to do tomorrow?"

"What?"

"I want to go for a horseback ride. Just a short one."

"It will be damn short," Logan growled but grinned when his father chuckled.

"You're as stubborn as your mother used to be."

"Bullshit. I get it from you. Don't try to put that on Mom."

When he drove up to the house, he watched as his dad opened the door, then walked to the porch. Logan walked behind him in case he lost his balance. It killed him to see this bear of a man barely able to climb the three steps to the porch.

"We'll go for a short ride in the morning. You know your nurse will be here around noon."

"I don't need a nurse," his father snapped.

"Yeah, bitch all you want. You're getting one. I can't be here during the day once I start my job."

"Okay, son. Did you call Ash yet?"

"Yes. He said he'd be by to talk to you about it."

"Okay. I don't see why he wouldn't continue to grow feed here, but since the contract is with me, he'll have to write up a new one for you. I want you to stay here, Logan."

"I already told you I would, Dad. I'll keep the ranch and take care of it. I have a job here now, so I'll be fine."

"What about Dixie?"

"What about her?"

"You two living in the same town will be tough."

"Nothing I can do about that. I'll probably never see her."

"I'm sure she knows you're back by now."

"I'm sure she does, too. We're adults, we'll be okay."

Clint laughed. "No, you won't. You loved her. Still do."

"I had a job to do, Dad."

"I know. Logan, I'm proud of you for what you've done with your life. You did what you wanted and now, you don't because of me."

"That's not true, Dad. I knew all along that I'd return to Clifton eventually to take over the ranch."

"Yes, but you didn't know you'd fall in love and lose that woman because of your job. I know it had to be hard for you to lie to her, but as you said, you had a job to do. But you two loved each other. It's a damn shame."

Logan didn't say anything. His dad was right. It was a damn shame. Logan had loved Dixie more than any other woman, and he'd never have her in his life again.

*** *

When the blue lights flashed behind her, Dixie exhaled, and pulled onto the shoulder of the road and lowered the window. She looked into the side mirror, watched as the door opened, and saw him step out. When he put his cowboy hat on and tugged it low, she sighed and watched that long stride come toward her. The closer he got, the more she focused on the fly of his jeans. Oh, man . She knew what was behind that fly and she shivered.

"License, registration, proof of insurance, please," his deep voice ran over her like warm molasses.

"Are you kidding me?" she asked as she stared straight ahead.

"No, ma'am, I am not kidding you. Do I have to ask again?"

"You cannot be serious," she grumbled as she reached into the glovebox.

"I'm very serious. You were fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit."

She handed him the documents.

"I heard you were back and became a deputy. A step down for you, isn't it?"

"It's still in law enforcement, and that bugs the hell out of you."

Dixie gasped. "It does not! I don't care what you do." She glanced over when she saw him crouch beside the door and look in at her. He wore aviator sunglasses, but she knew his eyes were dark blue. As she stared at his handsome face, a slow, sexy grin lifted those damn perfect lips. Couldn't he have gotten ugly?

"You just keep telling yourself that." He handed her back the documents, without checking them, and straightened up. "Slow your ass down."

She took the documents, then wrapped her fingers around the steering wheel and squeezed them until they hurt, crumpling the paperwork. Glancing into the side mirror, she watched him saunter back to his patrol SUV, and couldn't take her eyes off that tight ass of his in those Wranglers. His long legs eating up the distance quickly. After he opened the door of his vehicle, he removed his hat before getting in.

Dixie blew the horn, making him look her way. She held her hand out the window, raised her middle finger, then pulled onto the road, and drove off.

"Fuck you, Logan Townson. Why do you still have to look so damn good?" She sighed. He was too good-looking. That was his problem, or maybe it was hers.

****

Logan shook his head. The one finger salute didn't surprise him one bit. That was Dixie. Damn, she looked good, and he knew he had a snowball's chance in hell of ever getting her back.

Sighing, he got back into his vehicle and watched her drive away. He couldn't help but think back to when they first met. To when he had a job to do, and he had to use her to do it…

As he passed by the bakery, a woman stepped out and practically collided with him. Logan wrapped his arms around her, to prevent her from toppling over and potentially injuring herself.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you," he apologized, his tone laced with genuine concern as he helped steady her.

"It's alright, I'm fine," she reassured him. She looked at him, and his stomach clenched when their eyes met.

"Hi," he said with a grin, locking eyes with her.

She continued to stare at him with bright green eyes.

"Hello," she managed to say, seeming mesmerized by his presence.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Dixie McCarthy," she replied.

"Logan Townson," he introduced himself, offering his hand for her to shake.

"It's nice to meet you," she said softly.

"The pleasure is mine."

"Well, thank you for saving me. I should probably get going."

"Yes, ma'am. I hope we cross paths again, Dixie McCarthy." He touched the brim of his cowboy hat and turned to enter the bakery.

So, that was Dixie McCarthy, the woman he needed to get close to in order to bring down her father. It was going to be a tough task for Logan, both physically and emotionally. Her photo had not done her justice. She was undeniably beautiful, and his heart skipped a beat when their eyes met. But he had a job to do, and he couldn't let his personal feelings get in the way. Logan had grown up in Clifton but luckily, the McCarthy family hadn't arrived until after he had left for college. This meant he didn't know them personally and could hopefully gain their trust as he tried to gather evidence against Charles McCarthy.

When he left Clifton after high school and attended college, he still wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. He knew when his father retired, he'd return home and take over the ranch, just like he'd promised he would.

Once he looked through courses to take, he decided to go into law enforcement of some kind. He never dreamed he'd work undercover for the FBI and since he did, no one but his father knew about his job.

He'd been hired almost immediately after graduating at the top of his class. He'd been on several undercover cases, but the one involving Charles McCarthy was a big one. The FBI had been watching him for quite a while, and he was tough to pin down. He covered his tracks well and no charges ever stuck. Once it was discovered he had a daughter, the plan was set in motion. It wouldn't be the first time an agent had to get involved with a family member to get close to the criminal. It was just a job, and he knew when he met Dixie McCarthy, his heart wasn't going to survive her, but he'd do what he had to and move on.

He had gone to Dewey's a couple of nights later. It was time to get to know Dixie McCarthy.

Logan sat in Dewey's bar, watching the crowd. He got to his feet when he saw Dixie weaving her way through the tables, carrying a large tray filled with drinks .

Logan knew she worked here since he'd been briefed on her. She also worked at a coffee shop in town. He shook his head as he remembered looking at the photo the FBI had of her. She was a stunning woman, and he was surprised that she was still single at the age of thirty-four.

According to the file, Dixie McCarthy was a well-liked woman, and men seemed to flock around her, but she wasn't the type to hop into bed with just any man. She lived with the man she'd been with for five years, but according to sources, she didn't want to get married, and he did, so that ended the relationship.

Logan couldn't take his eyes off her as she laughed and joked with the customers. As she headed back behind the bar, she glanced around and her eyes widened when she saw him, making him grin. He raised his beer bottle to her and nodded.

She set the tray down and walked toward him. Folding her arms on the bar, she smiled at him.

"Hi," she said.

Logan touched the brim of his hat. "Hello, Ms. McCarthy."

Her eyebrows shot up. "I'm surprised you remembered my name."

"Come on now, Dixie. A woman as beautiful as you? How could I forget?"

"What a charmer you are." She laughed.

"Do you remember my name?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Logan Townson," she said proudly.

"I'm impressed." He grinned.

"Are you married? "

"No, ma'am. Are you?"

"Nope."

"What's wrong with the men you know?"

She laughed and he couldn't help but chuckle.

"It's not them, it's me. I'm not interested in getting married." She shrugged.

"I see."

"Do you want to get married?"

"We barely know each other," he teased but chuckled when she narrowed her eyes. "I'd like to one day."

"What do you do?"

"I, uh, work on my father's ranch now."

"Now?"

"I just moved back to Clifton from Butte. I worked on a ranch there and decided to come back. Once my dad retires, I'll take over."

"So, you're from Clifton?"

"Yes, born and raised. After high school, I left for college. Once I graduated, I didn't know what I wanted to do."

"Are you still figuring that out?"

"Not really. I always knew I'd inherit the ranch, but I wanted to add some studies to help out in that." He shrugged.

"Dixie, I need you." A woman with red hair smiled.

"I have to get back to work. Can't piss off the boss."

"No, that wouldn't be a good idea." When Dixie smiled and turned from him, he wrapped his fingers around her wrist, making her face him again. "I'd like to see you, Dixie."

"You are seeing me," she teased .

"Damn, I can see you're not going to be easy."

"That's because I'm not easy."

"I never thought you were, but you're going to make this difficult, aren't you?"

She leaned her arms on the bar, then touched his cheek, and he felt it all the way to his toes.

"I don't think I will, this time. I'd like to see you too."

Logan took her hand in his, kissed her palm, and smiled.

"You tell me where and when, and I'll be there."

"I work three nights a week here, and I also work at the local coffee shop, The Everyday Grind two days a week."

"What nights are you here?"

"Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays."

"Hours?"

"I come in at four and work until we close at one in the morning. Not much time for dating. I work at the coffee shop on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays."

"Okay, well, you figure it out and let me know, darlin'. You might not be easy, but I am."

When she laughed, he grinned. He liked her. A lot, and that wasn't good. Not at all.

"I'll see what I can do, but since I am here tomorrow night, maybe you could stop in again."

Logan got to his feet, waved a bartender over and paid for his tab, then looked at Dixie. He touched the brim of his hat and smirked.

"Looking forward to it. Goodnight, Dixie McCarthy."

"Goodnight, Logan Townson. I do hope to see you again."

"Count on it, darlin'." He nodded, turned, then made his way through the crowd, and out the door.

Shaking his thoughts away, he started the cruiser, checked traffic, and drove back toward town. He would always love her, but he knew she'd never believe that.