Chapter Three

Hours later, Stone was tired as he drove home. As sheriff he was never truly off the clock. This had been his day off and he’d spent it covering a deputy’s shift. It did get you the opportunity to met Jasira Graham, his brain reminded him.

He chuckled when he recognized her blue sedan at the gas station. Glancing at his watch he frowned when he noticed it was almost four in the afternoon. It had been six hours since he’d stopped her. Maneuvering his vehicle into the station he then parked near the door before he headed inside.

“Afternoon, Sheriff.”

Stone smiled at the young woman behind the register. “Afternoon, Dawn.”

Scanning the shop’s small interior, relief filled him at the sight toward the back. Jasira stood in the corner by the coolers. He moved to the head of the aisle and stared. The blood in his body flowed to his groin. She still wore her uniform and now he got to see it all. His mouth grew dry as he took in her figure in a skirt. Stone bit his lower lip when she bent over slightly. Removing his sunglasses, he waited for her to turn around.

He wasn’t ready. Not even remotely.

Emotions rocketed through him, the most intense being possessiveness and familiarity. Like he knew her already. Like he knew she was his.

Oh Lord. Lordy, lordy, lordy! She had a figure to die for, like an old Coke bottle, all curves and swells, and he was a man dying of thirst.

Her expressive eyes widened when they saw him but she recovered quickly. He held himself immobile while she dropped her gaze and moved it slowly up his body. She was quick to hide her expression, but not quick enough. Feminine appreciation filled those deep brown pools she called eyes. Stone kept his face bland, not wanting to gloat.

Well, not outwardly.

Composure filled her features. A bottled water in one hand and her hat tucked under one arm, she walked toward him.

She’s tall. I like that. I’d say about five-ten.

“Excuse me, sir,” she murmured slipping by him in the narrow aisle.

A gentle and enticing scent followed in her wake. A perfect mixture of fresh raindrops and the scent of a crisp wind blowing across the plains. The aroma wound around him, teasing synapses and embedding itself in his soul.

Turning, Stone watched her pay and head for the door. Her voice was just as husky when she said goodbye to Dawn. The second she reached the door and began leaving, she put her hat on her head.

Don’t let her get away!

Hurrying after her, Stone caught up to Jasira when she reached her car.

“Ms. Graham.”

Jasira turned her head and glanced at him over the roof of the sedan. “Gonna write me a ticket this time, sir?” Her hand held up the clear bottle. “I promise it’s only water.”

Stone chuckled. “No ticket. I just wanted to see if you were feeling better than when we first met.” I’m so glad she’s not mad I pulled her over.

She laughed and rested her arms on the roof. “I don’t believe we’ve met, Sheriff. You know my name because of pulling me over. That’s not an introduction.”

He nodded, for she was right. Once he moved around the car, Stone stepped close and opened the door for her. His gaze stuck to her long smooth, chocolaty legs and he bit his lower lip, a groan slipping out. Gesturing for her to lower the window, he rested his arms on the ledge.

“Where do you work? And what were you doing out here?”

Her gaze narrowed slightly. “I work in Rapid City and I was out here to talk to a young man, Chaz Running Elk, and his family about the opportunities he could have by joining the Navy.” Jasira flashed him a grin. “Going to check out my story?”

He licked his lips and enjoyed the flare of heat in her eyes. “I just may, I just may.”

“Knock yourself out, Sheriff. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back. Thanks for not giving me a ticket earlier. I really appreciate it.”

Leaning in close, invading her space, he whispered, “My pleasure. And stop calling me sheriff. My name is Stone Black Hawk.” He removed her hand from the wheel and kissed the back of it, loving the silkiness of her skin beneath his lips. “Consider us officially introduced.”

Jasira’s nose flared and the pulse on her neck increased. So nice to know I’m not the only one feeling something between us.

“Nice to meet you, Stone Black Hawk.” Her lashes drifted closed briefly before she stared at him again. “It’s been interesting.”

As he was about to say something else, her phone rang.

“Excuse me,” she muttered then answered her phone. “Petty Officer Graham.”

Stone stepped back with great reluctance and she put her window up. With a small wave, she drove away. Like before, Stone didn’t move until her car had totally disappeared from view. Standing there, thumbs hooked in his pockets, Stone accepted the word that floated on the wind. Tokatakiya. The future.

She was that. His future. Nimitawa ktelo. Ohinyan! You will be mine. Forever!

He sighed and headed for his vehicle. Climbing in, he noticed Dawn watching from the window. Well, that interaction is going to be all over the Rez in no time. Stone didn’t head home as he’d intended. Instead, he turned toward the home of Chaz Running Elk.