Chapter Two

As Dixie drove home, she wiped tears away. She hated that she still loved Logan. After what he did to her, he didn't deserve that love.

She pulled into her driveway, leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and thought about after meeting him, how he had shown up at Dewey's and asked her out. She'd been so disappointed when he left that night. She loved talking with him…

Dixie sighed when the door closed behind him, and she felt a tremendous loss.

"Who was that?"

Dixie looked at Scarlett Conway, her boss, and smiled.

"His name is Logan Townson, and I think I'm in love."

"He is gorgeous. I'm sorry I had to break up your conversation with him."

"It's fine, Scarlett. I'm hoping he'll come back tomorrow night." She looked at her. "I like him a lot."

"What's not to like? Oh, hey, I see my man finally got here. I have to say hi, then we all need to get to work. We are slammed tonight."

Dixie smiled as she watched Scarlett walk to her husband, Noah, and kissed him, making the patrons along the bar whoop and holler. They were a great couple, and everyone loved them.

If Logan was born in Clifton, Dixie wondered if Noah knew him. She'd ask him if she got the chance. She liked Logan but she wanted to make sure he was a good guy. She had good instincts about people, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

As the night wore on, she couldn't stop thinking about Logan and wished he'd stuck around longer. She really hoped he would show up tomorrow night.

She set a beer on the bar in front of Noah.

"Thanks, Dixie."

"Noah, do you know Logan Townson?"

"Yeah, I've known him since grade school. Why?"

"I met him and was just making sure he was a good guy."

Noah nodded. "He's a great guy. I heard he was back, but I haven't had a chance to see him yet."

"He said he moved back here to work on his father's ranch."

"He always said he'd come back and run the ranch. Logan and his dad are very close."

"I appreciate it, Noah."

"Of course." He raised his glass of beer in a salute and took a long swig.

Dixie made her way along the bar, taking orders, and filling the baskets with pretzels and peanuts.

Once the bar closed and the patrons cleared out, the staff cleaned up the bar, then made their way outside to head home. Dixie walked with Noah and Scarlett to their cars. She climbed into her SUV, started it, then waved as she drove out of the lot .

As she drove up to her father's house, she furrowed her brows at the sight of other cars in the driveway. It was almost three o'clock in the morning. Who would be here at this hour? Her father was supposed to have left for Helena and she was watching the house for him.

After parking, she entered the house quietly, not seeing anyone but hearing voices coming from her father's office. She knocked on the door, and the voices abruptly stopped. With a sigh, she opened the door and poked her head inside.

"Dad? I thought you were leaving for Helena?" she asked, noticing the three men sitting inside, all with serious looks on their faces.

"Uh, the meeting went longer than expected sweetie. Go ahead and get some rest, I'll be going to bed soon. I'll probably be gone by the time you get up. You keep an eye on the house, okay?" Charles McCarthy replied, staring at his daughter.

Dixie nodded and closed the door behind her before heading upstairs with a puzzled expression. "Went longer than expected? Yeah, I'd say it did," she grumbled as she climbed the stairs.

After a quick shower, she snuggled under the covers and thought about Logan. He was incredibly attractive, and she hoped to see him again. He was the first man since Eddie that had caught her interest. With a content smile on her face, she rolled to her side and fell asleep.

On Saturday night, Dixie found herself chatting with a cowboy at the bar when she spotted Logan taking a seat on a stool nearby. Their eyes met and he grinned. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she made her way over to him.

"Hi," she greeted him when she reached his side.

"Hey there. Could I get a beer?" he asked with a smile.

"Bottle or tap?"

"Tap, please."

"I'll be right back," Dixie promised, flashing a smile at him. She walked over to the bar, grabbed a frozen mug from the freezer, and filled it with beer from the tap. She took it back to Logan and he handed her the money for it, refusing to take any change.

"I wasn't sure you would make it," she admitted.

"I almost didn't. I've been working all day, so by the time I showered, it was getting late. But I wanted to see you again."

"I'm glad," Dixie replied with a smile.

"Me too." Logan took a sip of his drink and set it down.

"I have to check on the customers," Dixie said after a few moments.

"I thought you were a server?"

"I do both. If it gets busy, I'll take the drinks to the patrons. But mostly I stay behind the bar."

"Good," Logan said with a grin.

Dixie smiled. "Good? Why is that?"

"I can see you better," Logan explained, causing Dixie to blush. "You're blushing, darlin'."

"Oh please, I don't blush," she protested.

Logan chuckled. "With your fair skin and red hair, it's hard to hide."

Dixie shook her head and laughed, not quite sure how to respond.

"You've left me speechless," she said.

"You've had me speechless since I first laid eyes on you," he added with a smoldering look in his eyes.

Before Dixie could respond, another customer called out for a drink, and she hurried off to fulfill their order. It was another busy night at the bar, and she knew it would be difficult to find time for Logan, but she couldn't resist talking to him any chance she got.

Over an hour later, Dixie looked over to where Logan sat only to find someone else in his place. Disappointment flooded through her until she heard her name being called. She turned to see Logan sitting at a different stool.

"Need a refill, cowboy?" she asked playfully, leaning on the bar with her arms crossed.

"Sure," he replied with a smile.

"I'll be right back." Dixie got him another beer and took his money, and he, once again, refused the change.

"Dixie?"

"Yes?"

"I'd like to take you out to dinner sometime."

"I'd like that."

"How about next Sunday night?"

"That works for me."

"Can I get your number?" Logan asked .

Dixie gave him her number and watched as he entered it into his phone. Then she pulled out her own phone.

"Call me so I have your number too," she said with a grin.

Logan smirked and dialed her number, causing Dixie's phone to ring. She chuckled and hit ignore before saving his number in her contacts.

"Did you just ignore my call?" Logan teased.

"I did," Dixie admitted with a playful smile.

"Well, I hope you don't do that when I call about dinner."

"I promise I won't." Dixie sighed as another customer called out for a drink.

"I'm sorry," she apologized to Logan.

"No problem. I was actually heading out anyway," he said as he stood up from his stool. "I'll call you this week to figure out the details."

"Okay, I'll talk to you soon," Dixie replied with a smile.

"Can't wait, darlin'," Logan said with a wink before leaving the bar.

The next Sunday, Logan came to her apartment to pick her up. She was excited to see him again. They were going to dinner at the Hartland Restaurant.

She wore a tight-fitting green dress that showed off her figure flawlessly and white stilettos.

"Wow," Logan exclaimed. "You look stunning."

"Thank you, and you look very handsome." Dixie smiled at him.

"Thanks." He handed her a rose. "For you. "

"It's beautiful, thank you. Come inside, I'll put it in some water."

Logan took off his hat, wiped his boots on the welcome mat, and stepped into the apartment. Dixie watched him walk to a shelf where family photos were on display. He picked up a photo of her father.

"That's my dad," Dixie said from beside him.

"What about your mom?" Logan asked.

"She passed away in a car accident when I was twelve."

"I'm sorry to hear that." He turned to face her. "Are you ready to go? We have reservations to make."

"Yes, I'm ready whenever you are." She smiled at him, and they stared at each other.

"You are truly beautiful," he murmured. He grinned as she blushed. "I thought you didn't blush."

"I usually don't, but you have a way of making me." She smiled.

"Let's get going before we lose our table." He offered his hand to her, and she placed hers in his. As soon as their skin touched, both felt a jolt of electricity run through them. Logan led her out of the apartment. He waited while she locked the door, then took her hand again and walked her to his truck. They rode in silence to the restaurant.

Once they found a parking spot, Logan got out of the truck, walked around to Dixie's side, and opened the door for her. He held out his hand and smiled when she placed hers in his.

"I'm starving," Dixie said as they made their way toward the restaurant .

"The smell is driving me crazy," Logan replied with a grin.

"I always have trouble deciding what to order here. Everything is so good."

"It's been a while since I've been here, so I'm excited to try something new."

At the hostess podium, Logan informed her of their reservation, and she led them to their table. She handed them menus with a smile.

"Your server will be with you shortly. Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Dixie?"

"A sweet tea would be great," she responded with a smile.

"I'll have the same," Logan agreed.

"Great, I'll be back with those."

Dixie watched Logan look around. "Is it always this busy?"

"Yes, I've never been here when it wasn't full. Grant has created an amazing place."

"Do you know him well?"

"Not really, but we've met before. He's great and just gorgeous."

Logan chuckled. "I'm sure his wife appreciates that."

Dixie laughed. "I like Jessa. She knows what she has. They come into Dewey's often. Sometimes, Grant even sings with the band."

"He's a great guy. I went to school with him. I haven't seen him in a while. To say he was surprised to hear from me would be an understatement."

Dixie nervously played with the napkin on the table. "I asked Noah about you."

"Noah Conway? "

"Yeah, his wife Scarlett owns the bar."

"I didn't know that. My dad mentioned he got married, which surprised me, but I had no idea she owned the bar."

"Her uncle Dewey wanted to retire, and she bought it. She's a great boss; I love working for her."

"I'll have to introduce myself when I stop by again."

Dixie tilted her head. "So, you plan on coming back?"

"Yes, especially if you're there." He grinned. "So why did you ask Noah about me?"

"I wanted to make sure you were a good guy. He said you were."

As Logan drove them to her apartment, Dixie's nerves were on high alert. She couldn't help but wonder if she should invite him in or not. Though Noah had vouched for him being a good guy, she still didn't know Logan very well. But there was something about him that she liked. As they pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex, Dixie stole a glance at Logan, who caught her eye and smiled at her.

"Let me walk you to your door," he offered, getting out of the truck and coming around to open her door for her. As their hands touched, a jolt of excitement shot through Dixie's body.

She led him to her door and fished out her key from her purse, feeling his eyes on her the whole time. Turning to face him, she hesitated before asking timidly, "Would you like to come in?"

Leaning against the wall beside her door, Logan shook his head with a slight smirk. "I don't think that's a good idea."

Dixie grinned mischievously. "Really? Are you sure?"

"Dixie, if I go inside, I don't plan on leaving until morning," he teased playfully. "And we don't know each other very well yet."

With a sigh, she agreed. "I guess you're right. But if you change your mind and want some coffee, I can make it for you."

Logan chuckled. "It's probably best if I don't go in there."

Dixie laughed along with him. "Fair enough."

There was a moment of silence before Logan broke it by asking, "Can I kiss you?"

Her heart fluttered in response as she met his gaze and saw the desire in his eyes. "Please," she whispered.

He stepped closer and gently cupped her face in his hands before pressing his lips against hers. A wave of electricity shot through Dixie's body as they kissed, and she knew she was in trouble with this man. When he pulled away, her heart was racing, and her mind was buzzing.

"How old are you?" she blurted out, then laughed when Logan furrowed his brow.

"I've kissed a few women in my time, but none have asked me how old I am after kissing them," he replied with a chuckle.

"I'm just curious," Dixie explained with a shy smile.

"Forty," he answered, his gaze never leaving hers. "You?"

"Thirty-four," she replied, gazing up at him. "Kiss me again. "

"Yes, ma'am," Logan replied with a smirk before pressing his lips to hers once more. As the kiss deepened, Dixie couldn't resist wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing herself against his strong body. His hands roamed down to her hips before settling on her backside, pulling her closer to him as their passionate kiss continued.

When he slowly raised his lips, she whimpered at the loss. She'd been kissed a lot, but no man had ever kissed her so… thoroughly.

"Can I see you again?" he asked.

"I'd like that."

"Do you horseback ride?"

"I have. I'm not real experienced though I did like it."

"How about going with me tomorrow? My dad has a few gentle horses. I promise you, I'll put you on the gentlest horse he has."

"I'd love to go."

"Alright. I'll pick you up tomorrow around eleven. Is that alright?"

"Yes." Dixie stood on her toes, kissed his lips, entered the apartment, and after giving him a little wave, closed the door, then leaned back against it and couldn't keep the smile off her face. She couldn't wait to see him tomorrow.

Things moved quickly for them after that. They spent every spare minute they could together.

Logan took her to meet his father, and Dixie fell in love with Clint Townson. Just as she did with Logan. She fell fast and she fell hard .

Rousing herself from her thoughts, she angrily wiped away tears. She refused to cry one more tear over Logan Townson.

****

As Logan sat in his SUV cruiser, his thoughts ran back to Dixie and how much he'd loved her. After seeing her earlier, he couldn't get her off his mind. He remembered calling his boss to get off the case…

Logan's fingers tightened around the phone as he spoke to his boss. "I'm too damn attracted to her," he admitted with exasperation.

"Damn it, Townson. I didn't send you there to fall in love," his boss snapped back.

"I know that. Do you think I want to feel this way?" Logan retorted.

"I can't pull you off that case—"

"Why the hell not?"

"Because you already met her! If I pull you from that case and send in another agent, it will look suspicious. For God's sake, you can't just disappear, and we replace you with someone else. How the hell is that going to look?"

Logan ran his hand through his hair. His boss had a point.

"You don't have a choice. You will follow through with this. Keep your emotions to yourself and your damn dick in your pants," his boss emphasized.

"Yeah, alright." Logan huffed in defeat.

"I mean it, Logan."

"Yeah, I get it." With a final sigh, Logan hung up the phone and resisted the urge to throw it across the room. He sat down at the kitchen table, trying to process his conflicting emotions.

"Something wrong, son?" His dad's voice broke through his thoughts as he entered the kitchen.

"No, Dad. Well, maybe. Hell, I don't know," Logan replied honestly.

His dad pulled out a chair and sat down across from him, studying him intently. Logan knew he could trust his father with anything.

After a moment of silence, Logan opened up about his feelings for Dixie. He knew his dad would listen without judgment or repeating anything he said.

"Well, that's quite a predicament, son," his dad mused after he finished. "What are you going to do?"

"My job," Logan answered firmly. "I'm bringing her here today to go horseback riding." He shook his head. "I shouldn't even do that."

"Son, you have a job to do. It's not the first time you haven't liked what you had to do, but it is your job," his dad reminded him. "This woman seems to mean a lot to you in just a short time, but you have to guard your heart. Not only are you going to hurt her, but you're also going to hurt yourself if you can't keep your emotions in check."

"I know. You're right, Dad. I'll try."

"It's all you can do. Just do your job but be careful."

Logan watched him leave the room and couldn't help but feel weighed down by his conflicting emotions. As he checked the clock and saw how late it was, he realized he needed to pick up Dixie in half an hour.

He stood up, grabbed his hat off the hook, placed it on his head, and walked outside into the blinding sunshine. The heat was already sweltering, but Logan was eager to see Dixie again.

"Damn, you are in trouble," he muttered to himself as he climbed into his truck and drove toward her apartment. He knew he shouldn't see her anymore, but he needed to get information about Charles McCarthy, and he couldn't do that without going through Dixie.

Parking in a spot close to her apartment, Logan stepped out of his truck and made his way to her door. Sweat trickled down his chest as he stood in front of her door, second-guessing himself. He never expected such strong feelings for a woman and knew he was setting himself up for heartache and Dixie's potential hatred.

Two weeks later, Logan sat rigidly on the plush sofa in Dixie's apartment, his back pressed against the soft cushions as he stretched his legs out in front of him. He could feel her eyes on him, giving him looks that he knew all too well. She wanted him, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to go there. Well, that was a lie. He absolutely wanted to go there, but it would only complicate an already complicated situation.

He was in too deep. He had fallen for Dixie and if his boss found out, he would be pulled from the case faster than he could blink, and they'd have to start over trying to get to Charles McCarthy some other way. As much as Logan wished to be off the case, he knew he had to stick it out.

When she moved closer to him on the sofa, he felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew he should just get up and walk away, run as far from her as possible. But then she smiled, leaning over to kiss his lips.

"I love how you kiss me, Logan," she whispered breathlessly against his lips.

"I should probably go," he said quickly, inching toward the edge of the sofa. But before he could stand up, she straddled his lap. Aww, hell.

Dixie's hands ran through his hair as she pressed her lips against his neck. "Don't you want me, Logan? We've been seeing each other for weeks now. You've met my dad, I've met yours. Let's see where this can go."

He groaned as she placed kisses along his jawline and moved up to nibble on his earlobe. Coming to his senses, Logan lifted her off his lap and sat her beside him before standing up.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," he replied unconvincingly. "I just need to go home. I have to get up early."

"Are you a virgin?" Dixie's question caught him off guard and he turned to face her, laughing.

"No."

"Then why are you running from me? Aren't you attracted to me in that way?" She got to her feet and slowly walked toward him.

Logan backed up until he hit the solid wood of the door. Dixie stopped in front of him, gazing up into his face with those alluring eyes.

"I am very attracted to you," he admitted, "but maybe we should slow down—"

"Slow down for what? We've been seeing each other for a while now, Logan. Three weeks ." She placed her hands on his T-shirt and pressed her lips against his neck once again. "I want you, so much."

"Shit," Logan muttered under his breath. This was not a good idea.

He knew he had to leave, but when she took his bottom lip between her teeth and sucked it into her mouth, he lost control. He picked her up and groaned when her legs wrapped around his waist.

"Down the hall, last door on the right."

Taking a deep breath, and knowing better, he carried her to the bedroom. He lowered her onto the bed, but she climbed off and walked to the middle of the room. With deliberate movements, she unbuttoned her blouse, revealing a lacy black bra that barely contained her firm breasts. Next, she slid her sweatpants down to pool at her feet.

Each article of clothing that hit the floor made his cock even more pronounced. When she stood before him in all her naked glory, he removed his wallet from his pocket, retrieved a condom and tossed it to her. She laughed as she caught it but quickly sobered when he stood fully nude in front of her. He watched as her eyes roamed over every inch of his body; it was almost tangible.

Their eyes met and their bodies reacted like magnets. His gaze intensified and his cock throbbed at the sight of her body. He moved closer to her and reached between her thighs, feeling slick wetness that proved just how eager she was for him. A soft moan escaped her lips upon contact.

He let out a deep growl as he drew them together; their lips crashed together in an intense and passionate kiss. Their tongues danced together, exploring each other's mouths hungrily. His hands grasped at every inch of flesh he could find before finally settling between her legs again where he found her wet and ready for him.

She gasped out his name like a plea as she rolled the condom down over his throbbing cock. He lifted her up once more and placed her on the bed. Then he positioned himself between her thighs and thrust deep inside her, eliciting moans from both of them as waves of pleasure coursed through his body. Her nails dug into his back as she arched her hips, meeting his every thrust.

Their bodies moved together in a frenzied rhythm, consumed by their own carnal desires. The sounds of flesh against flesh, moans, and heavy breaths filled the air, intensifying the steamy atmosphere.

Just as they both reached their peak, he whispered fervently, "I will never get enough of you." With that, he pressed his lips to hers once more and then they collapsed onto the bed, exhausted and spent. They lay intertwined, their hearts beating in unison as they basked in the afterglow of their intimate moment .

"You're no virgin," Dixie said between breaths, causing Logan to laugh.

They spent as much time together as they could, fell in love and it terrified Logan. He remembered meeting her father, and he wanted to arrest the man right then, but he knew he couldn't. He had to play his part and get Charles McCarthy to like him enough to let down his guard. Logan knew he'd never come out and admit what crimes he'd committed, but getting into the house was a big deal and if he could find a way into McCarthy's office to look around, he might find something that would be enough to get a search warrant.

Logan hated lying to her, but he hadn't intended to fall in love with her. If he hadn't, he wouldn't think twice about betraying her, but since he had, it made his gut ache knowing how much she was going to get hurt. He knew when the time came to arrest her father, Dixie would hate him. She'd realize that he had used her to get to her father and she'd never forgive him. Of that, he had no doubt, and he'd lose the woman he loved.

By mid-September, he had all the evidence he needed to arrest the man and get a warrant to search the premises. He called Agent Shepherd to let him know it was time.

Logan was just sick about it. This was one case he wished he'd never been on. Not if it meant hurting Dixie and it was going to destroy her. Not only that her father had been arrested, but that Logan had been the one to arrest him and used her in the process.

After telling his dad he was going to arrest McCarthy, he climbed into his truck, met up with three other agents, then drove to Charles McCarthy's home.

Logan's heart raced as he approached the door and lifted a hand to knock. He hesitated, hoping that Dixie wouldn't be here, but deep down he knew she would find out about this soon enough.

The door swung open, and his breath caught in his throat as Dixie appeared before him. She smiled briefly before her expression turned to confusion at the sight of the three men with Logan. Then her eyes widened when she saw the protective vest he wore with FBI stitched on it.

"Logan? What's going on?"

"Is your father here?"

"Yes, why?" Dixie's eyes darted between Logan and the men.

"Ms. McCarthy, I'm FBI Agent Luther Shepherd. We have a search warrant." The man stepped forward, showing her a piece of paper.

Dixie's eyes widened as she took it and stared at the document, then back at Logan. "What is this all about?"

"We need to get your father, Dixie," Logan urged, his voice filled with firmness.

Dixie's shock was evident on her face as she stepped aside to let the agents enter. Logan followed behind them, watching as Dixie stayed frozen in place, tears forming in her eyes.

"You lied to me," she spoke through gritted teeth. "You used me to get to my father for who knows what reason."

"He's being charged with embezzlement and money laundering from a financial institution," Logan explained. "We're here to take him into custody."

Dixie stared at Logan with disbelief and hurt, in her eyes. "You specifically met me to get to him, didn't you?" Her voice shook with anger.

Logan couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze as he nodded silently.

"You bastard!" Dixie cried out as she slapped him across the face.

Logan shook his head as two of the agents stepped forward to grab her for hitting him.

"I hate you, Logan. Everything you told me was a lie."

Logan's heart clenched at her words, but he knew he deserved them. "Not everything," he whispered, his eyes locked on hers.

But it was too late. The damage was done and Dixie's trust in him shattered like a mirror dropped on a hard floor. He could only watch as she turned away from him, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes, once filled with love, now held nothing but hurt, betrayal, and contempt.

His heart clenched in agony, knowing how much he had hurt her. It was never his intention. When he first felt the spark of attraction toward her, while looking at her photo, he should have immediately requested another agent to take the assignment then and there. But he knew he had no choice but to take the case. He knew Dixie hated him now, but it was nowhere near the hate he held for himself .

Logan stood next to the door, unable to tear his gaze away from Dixie's retreating figure. She refused to look at him, cutting him off completely. When he heard Charles McCarthy yelling in anger, Logan straightened up, ready to step in if necessary. Two agents held onto McCarthy's arms tightly and led him toward the door.

McCarthy stopped them and glared at Logan with venom in his eyes.

"You son of a bitch," he snarled, his voice thick with hatred. "You used my daughter, didn't you?" Logan remained silent, meeting the man's gaze head on. McCarthy laughed bitterly. "The pleasure I get from this is that she hates you now, and hopefully she will never forgive you. Although, it probably doesn't matter to you. It was all just an act for you, wasn't it?"

Logan's heart twisted painfully as he looked at Dixie, still refusing to meet his eyes as tears continued to flow down her face, each one tearing him apart. He wanted nothing more than to go to her, take her into his arms and tell her that he did love her. But instead, he found himself shaking his head, unable to speak as he glanced at the men restraining McCarthy, then he stepped closer to him and read him his rights. He looked at the two agents holding onto him.

"Just get him out of here," he said through gritted teeth.

"I will never forgive you," Dixie whispered, but he heard her.

After looking in her direction, Logan followed the men out the door. He saw three other agents walking toward him. After speaking with him for a few minutes, they entered the house to carry out the search warrant.

Logan sighed as he climbed into his truck and started it. After glancing at the house once more, he drove off, his mind went back to when he first met Charles McCarthy…

"Dad, this is Logan Townson, Logan, my father, Charles McCarthy," Dixie introduced them.

The men shook hands and Logan did all he could not to handcuff him right then and there, but he played his role. The more time he spent with Dixie, the more he made sure they visited with her father every week. After a while, it seemed like McCarthy trusted him and Logan let him.

One day, he was in the man's office, taking photos of papers on the desk, and McCarthy walked in and stopped when he saw Logan at his desk.

"Mr. McCarthy, I was walking over to the window and knocked some of your papers on the floor. I'm not sure what order they were in, but I just put them on the desk. I apologize, sir." Logan stared at him, and he was sure McCarthy knew he was lying, but he smiled and nodded.

"It's fine. I usually have them scattered everywhere on the desk. It's not the first time they've been out of order, but why are you in here?"

Logan glanced at the bookshelves along the wall .

"I like to read, and I was interested in seeing what books you have. Maybe I could borrow one."

"I see. Well, feel free to look, but next time, please let me know you want to come in here."

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, son. No harm done, but this is my personal office. The door is usually locked." McCarthy glanced at the door and back at Logan.

"It wasn't or I wouldn't have come inside."

"Hmm, well, that's on me then. Get a book if you want, then I need to get to work." McCarthy smiled.

Logan nodded, smiled, and almost gagged at having to be nice to this man who stole millions of dollars from unsuspecting bank customers. He sighed as he walked to the bookshelves, chose a book, then after glancing at McCarthy, he left the room.

The town of Clifton was rocked by the news. The shock that Charles McCarthy, the CEO of one of the largest banks in town, was stealing money was something most of the town couldn't comprehend, and then to find out that Logan had been undercover to bring him down, left them speechless.

When it came time for Logan to head back to Butte, his father shocked him by telling him he'd been diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer. Logan knew then he'd return to Clifton sooner than planned, but for now, he packed his bags and headed back to Butte. Leaving the woman he loved behind. He had tried calling her, but she didn't pick up, and even though he'd be back to take over the ranch because of his father's illness, he knew he'd never see her again.