“That badge Curtis gave you … I don’t think he would have left it with just anyone, Cole. You think he was trying to tell you something?”

“Like what?”

She shrugged. “Maybe he thought your future holds a career in law enforcement.”

Cole shook his head. “God, can you imagine?” He took the badge out of his pocket and turned it slowly in his hand. “Hell, who knows? Maybe Curtis did think I’d broken enough laws to know a thing or two about how to enforce them. In any case, shooting that damn cat is gonna be my first act of public service. That is, soon as I find us a ride back to town.”

“To be honest, I’m happy just to walk.” She took his hand. “With you.”

She started away, but he pulled her back, brought her into his arms, and kissed her. Their bodies melded together as the kiss drew out, long and slow.

When they finally broke apart, she asked, somewhat off-balance, “So just what am I supposed to read from that, Logan?”

“Consider it my response to the note you sent down to the sidelines. At the time I wasn’t sure whether or not to believe what you’d written. I thought you might have just written the words to wring a victory out of me.”

“I see. So tell me, Logan, do you believe me now?”

“Yeah. I think I do.” He laughed. “After all that I’ve seen in this town, I’m prepared to believe anything.”