Brook Lynn had never been so proud of another human being.

After they’d filled out the paperwork, they’d taken Steve and Sparkles to PetSmart for necessary supplies, then the local vet to be examined. The experience had bonded them. At least, Brook Lynn hoped so.

Were those car lights flashing behind her? Thinking someone had an emergency, Brook Lynn eased to the side of the road. But the driver didn’t pass her. He stopped behind her and got out.

Jase.

She would recognize his towering silhouette anywhere.

Sparkles slept in the passenger seat. Trembling with a sudden deluge of concern, she entered the night. The pulse in her throat thundered.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Yes. You’re not in my arms.”

She felt instant relief...followed by a flood of need. She stopped, allowing him to come to her... He pinned her against her car, his nearness playing havoc with every inch of her body. She trembled. She flushed with languid heat. She had to fight to breathe.

“You couldn’t wait until I got home?” she asked, winding her arms around his neck. “I’m glad.”

Moonlight couched his features, painting him with fantasy and shadows. “I would wait forever for you, but I’m also glad I don’t have to.” He flattened his hands just over her shoulders, letting his strength completely surround her. “Besides, I have to talk to you about something, and waiting was killing me.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “What?”

He licked his lips. “If Daphne won’t move to Strawberry Valley, I might have to move to the city. I have to be near Hope, Brook Lynn, but I don’t want to be without you.”

His tone begged her to understand, but he needn’t have worried. She’d begun to wonder what would happen when Daphne’s visit ended. And the more time she’d spent with Hope today, the more she’d come to realize Jase would be filled with a need to protect the girl, to give her what he’d never had. An unbreakable family. Brook Lynn would never deny him that chance.

“I don’t want to be without you, either, and I won’t. I’ll come visit you as often as—”

“That’s not good enough. I want you to come with me,” he said softly.

She had wondered if he’d ask—and had already made up her mind. “Yes. Yes, I will go with you.”

He closed his eyes, expelled a breath.

Oh, this man. “I love you, Jase Hollister,” she said.

His lids snapped open.

“That’s right,” she continued. “I love you so much I don’t want to imagine my life without you. I would follow you to the ends of the earth.”

Like a panther, he moved quickly. He was flush against her and framing her face with his big, hot hands in less than a second. “You love me?”

Chin trembling, she nodded.

“I have to have you. Here. Now.” He didn’t give her time to respond, but slammed his mouth against hers, his tongue thrusting deep and sure.

Her inhibitions burned to ash. She grabbed hold of him, certain she had reached a point where she couldn’t let him go ever again. His taste invaded her senses, reminding her of all she’d been missing. His chest, so close to hers, felt like a wall of steel, a drum beating beneath it.

He tore at the snap of her shorts, jerked the material down, along with her panties, then tore at the waist of his pants. The moment they were open, he pulled his underwear down just enough, lifted her by the waist and, as she wrapped her legs around him, surged inside her, filling her up. She’d grown wet the second he’d kissed her—the second he’d backed her up against the car, really—and now her body welcomed him with a rush of hot relief.

He fisted the hair at her nape, forcing her head back. The next kiss he fed her was hard, punishing...luscious. Fire ignited in her blood, burning her up, burning so perfectly.

“You feel so good,” he praised. In. Out. He thrust and thrust and thrust, and she felt the car rocking against her backside. Their moans blended with the hoot of an owl, the call of a coyote. She inhaled the sweet scent of strawberries and wildflowers.

“Not letting you go,” he said.

“Never.”

“You’re mine.” He reached between their bodies and pressed against her sharpest desire. Climax came hard and fast, and she erupted, crying out as satisfaction claimed her. He followed her over the edge, spilling inside her as she clenched around his length.

They stayed like that, locked together, shuddering against each other, until the muscles in her legs gave out. Slowly she slid to the ground; but still Jase didn’t pull away from her. He sagged against her, the bulk of their combined weight held up only by the car.

His warm breath fanned over her neck, tickling. She toyed with the ends of his hair.

“Move in with me,” she blurted out. “While Daphne and Hope are here.”

The darkness hid his expression. “You’ll have to forgive me. My brain isn’t functioning at optimal levels right now. I think you drained the smart right out of me. But...did you just ask me to move in with you?”

“Yes.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “If you don’t want to—”

Lights flashed in the distance. With a screech, she pushed him away and scrambled to right her clothing.

He laughed before tucking himself back into his pants. “You are too cute when you’re about to be caught in a compromising position.” In a snap, he sobered. “Get inside your car, honey. Now. Lock the doors.”