Melanie appeared to lose her strength, groaned softly, and held her head. "You're right," she said softly. "I should have known he'd always want you. Tucker told me how Vaughn saved you from that s.e.xual a.s.sault, and how emotional he got when he thought you'd died. Not that Vaughn ever shared those emotions with me." Melanie frowned and appeared to pout. "The most emotion I ever got out of him was relief that I wasn't pregnant and anger that I'd lied about it." She stared blankly at the floor and appeared distant. "After you'd left," she said softly, "Vaughn would actually go to your house and sit on your porch for hours."

"I didn't know that," Casey said softly with surprise. "Did he tell you that?"

She snorted a laugh. "No, he never shared anything with me, especially how he felt about you." Melanie frowned with a look of embarra.s.sment. "I'm ashamed to admit it, but I followed him a couple of times. When he caught me, I questioned him. He said he was hoping to find some clue to solve the murders, but I know it was because he never got over you," she remarked sadly.

Despite the thoughts and emotions running through Casey's head, she knew she needed to say something. She could easily crush Melanie's frail ego after what must have been the worst day of her life, but she no longer wanted to destroy this woman.

"You need to move on, Melanie," Casey said gently. "There are plenty of guys out there who are crazy about you."

"You think so?" She smiled weakly and appeared tense. "So, uh, what's the deal with the big guy?"

"Diesel?" Casey asked with surprise then snorted a laugh. "If you're looking for some fun time in the sack, he's your man. Anything more serious, avoid him at all costs."

"Were you and he--?"

"Never," Casey quickly interjected, appeared almost humored, and then added an uneasy chuckle.

Melanie suddenly appeared pleased. "Would you be willing to give him my number?" she asked timidly. "I think I could use a little casual fun."

Casey smiled and nodded. "Absolutely."

Her look again turned serious. "I'm sorry for being a b.i.t.c.h toward you," Melanie announced and attempted a smile. "I know why everyone in town loves you; I just could never admit it to myself." She appeared awkward but sincere. "Could we maybe start over?"

"I'd like that," Casey replied.

It was possibly the strangest day Casey had ever had. She kissed over one hundred men, helped elevate her brother onto a pedestal she feared from which he'd never come down, overpaid for a slightly used sheriff, and now she was actually having a grown-up conversation with the woman who'd dedicated her life to making Casey miserable. Did she just suddenly turn into her mother? Casey reconsidered. She wasn't sure if she was ready to sheath her claws just yet.

Deputy Tucker made his way through the crowd still surrounding Grey, who was discussing his mayor campaign. He was in his glory talking with different business owners, mill workers, and farmers, all eager to show their support. Dina stood by Grey's said and appeared proud to be with him. Ruger and Diesel were conspicuously missing, possibly to change out of their dance costumes. Tucker approached Dina and pulled her aside, startling her. His look was serious and immediately made her nervous.

"Is something wrong?" Dina asked the handsome deputy.

He appeared reluctant to respond. "I don't know if I should say anything," he began then fidgeted, "but one of our temp police officers arrested your mother."

Dina rolled her eyes and snorted a laugh. "That's not news, Deputy Tucker," she replied callously. "Was it prost.i.tution? Drunk and disorderly? It's not like I haven't heard it before."

Tucker drew a deep breath and stared at her with uncertainty. "A little of both, I'm afraid," he informed her. "But it turned into an altercation. She'd been beaten pretty badly outside the tavern. They took her to the police station. She asked for you."

She stared at Tucker and appeared uncertain how to respond. Grey slowly approached while observing the exchange.

"Everything okay?" Grey asked.

"Uh, yeah," Dina informed him while fidgeting. She attempted a smile and affectionately patted his chest. "I, uh, need to go see my mother."

The look on Grey's face was almost shocked. "Your mother?" It was as if he immediately felt her conflicted emotions. She hadn't referred to Olivia as her mother since she was in high school. "Do you want me to come along?"

"No," she said almost too quickly then attempted a smile. "I mean, that's not a good idea. I should probably go alone."

Grey uncertainly nodded.

"I could give you a ride," Tucker announced. "I should find the arresting officer and get the report from him."

"Actually," Dina said softly, "I think I'd rather go by myself. I need time to think, and the walk will do me some good."

"Yeah, sure," Tucker replied. "I understand." He attempted a smile and walked away.

Grey took her hands in his and appeared sympathetic. "Take my jeep. I'll walk you to the parking lot," he firmly announced. "I'll ride home with the guys."

"Are you sure?" Dina asked.

Grey smiled and nodded. He kissed her quickly on the lips then caressed her shoulders. "And if you need me, just call."

Chapter Twenty-seven.

The stable area beyond the bustling fairgrounds was quiet in the darkened, evening hours. The fair was still going strong, and, as far as Casey could tell, there was still a large crowd surrounding the stage area. Grey was going to be busy for a few more hours while playing it up to his adoring fans. As she saddled her horse, she couldn't help but be happy for her brother and the evening he was enjoying in the spotlight. She saw Vaughn approach with his baton flashlight. Casey offered a tiny smile and finished saddling Storm. Now that the talent show was over and Grey was officially throwing his hat into the political arena, she no longer felt the need to spar with Sheriff Holt. Was she one step closer to being declawed?

"Sheriff--"

Vaughn stopped near her and patted the horse's large rump. His eyes strayed to the ma.s.sive scar along his hindquarters. He looked back at Casey.

"Are you sure you want to ride through those dark woods? You can leave your horse here. I'll give you a ride home." He offered a teasing smile. "I'll even let you ride up front for a change."

"Thanks, but Storm had a long day, and I sort of promised him a little playtime with the mares tonight," she replied.

Vaughn leaned on the horse's rump and studied her. There was obviously plenty on his mind. "That, uh, was quite a show you and your friends put on tonight. So, uh, how long have you been planning that?"

"Nearly two years."

Vaughn snorted a laugh and shook his head. It was as if the world suddenly made sense. "Is that why you and Grey came back? So he could run for mayor?"

Casey grinned in response. "While he was recovering, it became his obsession to realize our father's dream and end the corruption in Darwood Falls."

"And you couldn't have told me that?"

"Corruption runs deep, Sheriff," she announced firmly. "I never believed you were involved, but your history with Melanie didn't sit well with the others."

He appeared uncomfortable and straightened. "Melanie was a drunken one-night stand followed by several weeks of lies to keep me in her life."

"I know," Casey said gently while staring into his dark eyes. "What she did to you was wrong, but her mistreatment of you was nothing compared to mine."

Vaughn appeared bewildered as his arm slipped off the horse's rump and watched her without comment. She shrugged and was no longer able to look him in the eyes.

"I was consumed with guilt over my parents' death, and I took it out on you." She finally met his gaze with a strange but sincere look in her eyes. She released a shaken breath. It was difficult even talking about the attack. "You shot that man three times in the chest even though we both know he was surrendering."

Vaughn suddenly tensed to the comment. He had led the entire town, including Wiley, to believe he shot the man after he stabbed Casey, but he conveniently left out the part that the killer had been surrendering.

"Don't worry, Sheriff. No one will ever hear it from me," she softly informed him. "I know you did that for me. I was wrong for blaming you." She stared into his dark eyes with all sincerity. "Deep down, I always knew I was wrong, and I'm sorry for the way I treated you. You saved my life, and I never even thanked you." She gently placed her hand on his badge without taking her eyes from his. "Thank you, Vaughn."

Vaughn stared at her a moment as if uncertain how to respond then suddenly pulled her against him and held her in a tight embrace. Casey uncertainly returned the embrace. Vaughn buried his face in her hair and sighed softly as if some terrible burden had finally been lifted.

"Thank you, Casey," he said softly with a quiver in his voice. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

Casey pulled back just far enough to meet his gaze. She was in no hurry to pull away from him. She wanted to be in his arms, and she was no longer afraid to admit it. She caressed his badge and smiled timidly. "You know, I never told anyone except Dina, but when I was fifteen and saw you in your uniform for the first time, I had such a crush on you."

Vaughn appeared surprised by the comment and, without warning, kissed her pa.s.sionately. She was startled by the aggressive way he kissed her. Her heart immediately pounded in response. Before she could react, he just as quickly broke off the kiss. He pulled away from her, appeared embarra.s.sed, and had no idea what to do with his hands.

"I'm sorry; I've been a little--" Vaughn considered his mood and groaned softly, "--out of my mind lately."

Casey fidgeted slightly. She knew it was time to admit what she couldn't or wouldn't admit before. "There may be a reason for that," she said timidly and grimaced. "When we were drunk the other night, we sort of had s.e.x in the kitchen."

Vaughn stared at her and appeared unusually tense. "Oh--" he replied gently and fidgeted as well. "I, uh, didn't think you remembered."

Casey was surprised by his admission. "You knew?"

"It took most of the next day, but I eventually figured it out," he replied then gave her a strange look. "If you knew, why didn't you say something?"

"Like what? That you'd bent me over the counter and--"

"Okay," he quickly interrupted with embarra.s.sment. "I was a mutt in heat and hoped you wouldn't remember. I didn't want to make things worse between us."

"You didn't make things worse," she a.s.sured him.

"I was drunk and aggressive," he replied and again debated what to do with his hands. "There was potential for things to get really bad between us."

"You may have been aggressive, but I wasn't exactly protesting," she informed him then grinned almost l.u.s.tful. "You're sort of missing the point."

"What point?"

"You transformed a horrible memory into a wildly s.e.xual one. I'm no longer haunted by my own kitchen." She suddenly laughed. "Guess you should have thought of trying that when you had me locked in the back of your cruiser two years ago. We probably would have gotten along a lot better." She suddenly hesitated then muttered, "Oh, G.o.d, I sound like my mother."

He stared at her with a strange look on his face then snorted a laugh. His hands finally settled in his pockets, giving him an insecure look. "I'm pretty sure you would have killed me at the mere suggestion."

Casey offered a tiny smile and shrugged. "I probably would have been more open to the offer than you think."

Vaughn stared at her a moment in silence then suddenly groaned, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her pa.s.sionately with some added aggression. Despite that he took her by surprise, Casey immediately returned the kiss this time, which quickly turned aggressive as they caressed and groped each other. There was no hesitation on either of their behalf, and it was quickly escalating. She held him back and broke off the kiss before things got out of hand. Casey remained in his arms, l.u.s.tfully caressed his chest, and looked seductively into his eyes while grinning.

"There's room for two in the jetted tub at my house."

Vaughn suddenly groaned and failed at an attempt to hide his l.u.s.tful grin. He was reluctant to release her as he held her close and firmly caressed her body.

"I'll make an excuse to leave," he said with a soft moan. "I can be there in an hour."

Casey grinned and seductively raised her brows while caressing his shoulders. "Don't be late, or I'll start without you."

Vaughn groaned again and kissed her wildly. His l.u.s.t was rising fast, and his hands started traveling her body. Any moment, she was certain he'd start undressing her. Casey pulled away, smiled warmly, and held him back.

"One hour."

She kissed him quickly on the lips then mounted her horse before he could react and rode away. Vaughn groaned while smiling l.u.s.tfully, watched her ride across the fairgrounds, and collapsed against the barn. Everything finally seemed right in his world.

"Sheriff," Ruger was heard from nearby.

Vaughn straightened and looked at the corner of the barn. Ruger casually approached with an emotionless expression. It was almost obvious he had witnessed some or most of what had just happened. Ruger was the dreaded fatherly figure, and his reaction could have a huge impact on their future. Vaughn appeared tense then resumed his authoritative demeanor.

"You just missed Casey," Vaughn replied simply.

"Yes, so I see. I wanted to make sure she got off okay," Ruger informed him then sneered, "but it sounds like you're taking care of that later."

Vaughn's entire body stiffened, and he appeared instantly annoyed. "Nice of you to eavesdrop, Ruger," he muttered lowly while hiding his displeasure to the comment.

"I think you should know; Casey's only been with one other man," Ruger boldly informed him. "She's not the sort of woman who sleeps around."

"Grey had mentioned her past relationship," Vaughn replied and appeared uncomfortable with the subject.

"So you understand why I'm protective of her."

Vaughn glared at him with arrogance. "She nearly died in my arms, so you'll understand why I'm protective of her," he informed Ruger and showed he wouldn't be intimidated. "I fell in love with Casey the day I'd met her only to be devastated when I learned she was only fifteen. I've waited a longtime to be with her, and I finally have my one chance. Trust me; I'm not going to blow it, and I'm certainly not going to be intimidated from pursuing her either."

Ruger appeared unimpressed with Vaughn's candor. "Being like a father to her, I'd be very displeased if you did anything to hurt her. However--" Ruger's look suddenly turned cold and harsh. "--as her former lover, I wouldn't hesitate to break your neck without thinking twice."

Vaughn stared at Ruger with a stunned look. "You?" he gasped. "I thought Diesel--?"

"Diesel? Seriously?" Ruger announced with a somewhat shocked expression. "She'd never go for his type. I'm surprised you'd think she would." He shook his head while maintaining his serious look. "What happened between Casey and me was a mistake that ended over a year ago. That relationship was probably my biggest regret, and, believe me, I have quite a few."

"Why would you regret it? You're obviously very close," Vaughn announced.

"Sleeping with your commander's daughter is one of those lines you just don't cross," he informed him. "Our relationship was complex. She was filled with so much anger and rage, that I opted for the radical solution. I know it was wrong, but it was my last option to bring her back." He took a deep breath and stared at Vaughn. "Our current relationship is as it should be."

Mitch.e.l.l was heard talking over Vaughn's radio. "Sheriff, we have a situation at the rabbit building."

Vaughn groaned, removed his radio, and responded, "What's the situation?"

"Someone opened the pens," came Mitch.e.l.l's reply. "We have rabbits everywhere."

Vaughn groaned softly and appeared defeated. "Okay, I'm on my way," he said into the radio then looked at Ruger with irritation. "You'll be happy to know that I won't be keeping my date with Casey. That should give you some added time to successfully turn her against me."

Ruger shook his head with defeat. "You really haven't been paying attention, Sheriff. I know how Casey feels about you even if she refused to admit it to even herself. Honestly, she could do a lot worse," he informed him. He straightened proudly. "Diesel and I will take care of your bunny situation. You keep your date."

Vaughn stared at him and appeared surprised. "Seriously?"