"That's my cue to scram." Evie flew into his arms. "Go, Britt. Do this for yourself. We'll take care of things here." Rising on tiptoes, she kissed his cheek, then winked at Randi before making good on her promise to flirt with Deke.

Britt thumbed through the sheets of paper. "There never seemed to be enough time-and in the early days, money-to go." He looked up. "You wave your magic wand, and-bam-I'm on my way." He shook his head. "It's all happening so fast."

"For once, somebody-or several people, in this case-is taking care of things for you." She tugged the packet out of his grip and clasped his hands in hers. "You deserve time away, doing something you love."

"But-"

"No buts. There's never going to be a good time. You must carve out moments for yourself and enjoy them."

"There's only one ticket. If I'm going, you're going."

"As I told Evie, who'd insisted I go too, this getaway is yours, and yours alone." She smiled. "I'll tag along on your next adventure." She smoothed a thumb over his knuckles. "Take lots of pictures."

"I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll go. If not for yourself, for Evie. She's been so excited and anxious about this surprise that she hasn't slept for two days. She wants you to be happy."

Inhaling one long breath, he released it, slowly. He drew her closer, urging her arms around his waist. She caught the slight tremor in his hands when he traced his fingertips along her jawline.

"I love you." His words came out on a raw whisper.

It was Randi's turn to be rendered speechless. Ever since taking down Norwood, they'd spent every available second together, though neither had said those three words to each other.

She'd been certain he would grow frustrated by the long hours she kept and the times she was too tired to make love. But he hadn't. At least not that she could tell. He'd adapted.

Some mornings he would stop by her coffee shop, order a large black coffee, kiss her temple, and head out to a job site. Friday nights he hung out with his brothers and their girlfriends at Triple B's bar, eating, drinking, and listening to the newest blues band. Sometimes, Randi would join them for dinner.

Lunchtime was their time. No matter where his work took him, she would bring him lunch. They would sit on his tailgate and talk about whatever came to mind as they ate their food.

Their lives had fallen into an easy, comfortable rhythm, but Randi lived in constant fear of the "It's not you, it's me" conversation.

She hadn't allowed herself to think about a future with Britt because she worried there would be none. Even so, she hadn't been able to stop herself from falling in love with her bear of a guy, more and more, every day.

Unable to stop herself, she kissed him. The warmth of his lips, the boldness of his tongue, the sweet gentleness of his hands, the solid weight of his embrace-all reassured her as nothing else could.

"I love you, too."

Something hot and possessive flashed in his eyes before his mouth covered hers. His rigid length pressed against her stomach, sending a spike of need straight to her core.

No doubt remembering a crowd of friends and family hovered nearby, he eased away. "I'm not going to make it three weeks without you."

"You must, and I expect you to enjoy every second you're gone." She kissed him. "I'll be here when you get back."

"When I return, I'm going to ask you to marry me. So be prepared to say yes."

Randi blinked. "Did you just propose?"

"No, I'm giving you fair warning about my intentions-in case you need to warm up to the idea."

Incredulous laughter bubbled into her throat. Her eyes watered with the effort to hold it at bay. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was laughing at him. But damn, he never did anything the prescribed way.

"I feel a hug coming on."

"We're already hugging."

"No, a real hug." He pressed his forehead against hers. "Randi?"

She closed her eyes, inhaling his intoxicating scent. "Hmm-mmm?"

"I found my spark."

Randi set her grin free.

More Steele Ridge.

Coming in 2017.

Breaking FREE.

Roaming WILD.

Stripping BARE.

The BEGINNING, A Short Prequel, Book 1.

Going HARD, Book 2.

Living FAST, Book 3.

Loving DEEP, Book 4.

Want to help Kelsey, Tracey, and Adrienne get the word out about their Steele Ridge series? Join their Dangerous Darlings Street Team, write a review, and/or recommend to a friend!.

Also by Tracey Devlyn.

NEXUS SERIES..

Historical romantic suspense.

A Lady's Revenge.

Checkmate, My Lord.

A Lady's Secret Weapon.

Latymer.

Shev.

BONES & GEMSTONES SERIES.

Historical romantic mystery.

Night Storm.

TEA TIME SHORTS & NOVELLAS.

Sweet historical romance.

His Secret Desire.

Author's Note.

From the moment I conducted an Internet search on endangered species of North Carolina and came across Canis rufus, I knew I had to share the red wolf's story through Britt Steele's eyes.

In Loving Deep, Randi and Evie presented Britt with a beautifully rendered mural showing the history of red wolves. Over on my website, I have painted a brief picture of their incredible fight for survival. Please go take a peek. Fair warning-the red wolf's story is equal parts compelling and tragic, and highly debated among scientists.

I hope you'll take a moment to learn more about this critically endangered species.

Be prepared to fall in love.

Acknowledgments.

My journey to Steele Ridge, North Carolina could never have happened without my two authors-in-crime buds Adrienne Giordano and Kelsey Browning. Their creative talent and unfailing friendship have been a constant source of inspiration and strength to me. I'm utterly amazed by the world we've created and know readers will love the Steele Ridge series as much as I do.

No thank-you would be complete without recognizing the one person who knows me best and loves me, despite my many flaws. Love you, Tim, and not just because of the surprise treats you leave on my desk.

Much gratitude to editors Gina Bernal, Deborah Nemeth, and Martha Trachtenberg for their role in polishing Loving DEEP to its present shine. You're all amazing!

Kim and The Killion Group-your covers rock!

Huge, ginormous hugs to Dangerous Darlings Street Team and Team Devlyn beta readers. Without your enthusiastic support, I could never continue living my dream.

And lastly, my deepest appreciation to every reader who has given me a chance to pull you into one of my worlds and entertain you for a while. Whether it be in a time long past or a moment in the present, thanks for traveling with me.

TEAM DEVLYN.

Edited by Gina Bernal.

Line Edited by Deborah Nemeth.

Copyedited by Martha Trachtenberg.

Beta Reads by Amy Remus, April Renn, Cricket McGraw, Isabel Seligstein Hofmann, Karen Grage, Kym Fullen Amaral, Michelle Steffen and Tara Kingston Cover Design by Killion Group, Inc.

Author Photo by Lisa Kaman Kenning, Mezzaluna Photography.

Copyright TDC Creations, Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented-except in the case of brief quotations-without permission in writing from Kicksass Creations LLC.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Print Edition, November 2016, ISBN: 978-1-944898-09-0 Digital Edition, November 2016, ISBN: 978-1-944898-06-9 For more information contact: tracey@traceydevlyn.com.

About the Author.