Guardian Ranger (Shadow Agents 2)

What?

Jasper’s warm gaze turned back to her. “Seems that Whiskey Ridge could use a sheriff, and I know someone who could pull enough strings to get me that job.”

“I’m good with strings,” Logan added, offering a shrug.

Veronica knew her eyes had widened in surprise. “Y-you’re staying here?”

“Is this where you’ll be?”

A nod.

“Then this is the only place I want to be. We’ll build our home together. Live together. Be happy here.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m happy wherever you are.”

“Ah, damn,” from Cale. “Get a room before I poke my eyes out.” But she’d heard the happiness in her brother’s voice. Cale just wanted her safe. He wanted her to be loved.

And he knew that Jasper loved her.

The danger was over. Time for the living and loving to begin. She had everything that she wanted right there in front of her, and Veronica wasn’t about to let him go.

They’d survived a killer’s deadly game. Now it was time for the happy ending that they both deserved.

Time for love and a new life.

Jasper took her hand and led her outside, away from the others. The rain had finally stopped. The sun shone down on them, lighting the town.

Jasper turned toward her. “I’m sorry, Veronica.”

She stared back at him, her body held carefully still. “Sorry?”

“I wish I’d never lied to you. I wish I could go back and start things over.”

“I don’t want to go back.” She didn’t want to hear apologies or regrets. She much preferred it when he just talked about loving her. She stepped toward him, put her hands on his chest. “I just want to go forward, with you.”

“It’s so fast. What if you change your mind?”

He was afraid. Her big, tough ranger. Afraid he wasn’t worthy of love. “Do you trust me, Jasper?”

“With my life.”

The words had her heart beating faster. “Then trust me when I say that my mind won’t change. I love you. I’ll love you today.” She leaned up. Kissed his lips. “And I’ll love you for every tomorrow that comes.”

His hands locked around her, so tight and strong. “I want you so much that the need I feel scares me.”

“I think that’s how love is supposed to be.” Not perfect. Not gentle. But wild and dark and consuming. “Because that’s the way I feel for you.”

Not safe.

Not easy.

So much...so much it scared her, too.

Then his lips were on hers. He kissed her with a savage need. A need she felt for him, too. Finally, finally they were safe. Cale was clear. It wasn’t about a mission or evidence or the EOD. It was just about them.

About the new life that they were going to start, together.

Scary, consuming...not perfect, but just what they both craved.