Belong to You (2 page)

Still smiling, he said, “I haven’t seen you around before. If I had, I would have noticed.”

He didn’t seem anxious to let her go on her way. To tell the truth, she didn’t want to. She found herself craving his nearness, wanting to get closer to him.

“This is my first debate.” She smiled. “You were great up there.”

“Thank you.” His brown eyes studied her. “Are you from Prescott?”

She shook her head. “Not originally.”

“Where did you come from before?” he asked.

She tried to remain casual. “The southern part of the state. Bisbee area.”

“Nice place, Bisbee.” He hooked his thumbs in his jeans’ pockets. “Been a while since I’ve been. I usually stay at the Copper Queen Hotel.”

“It is a great town and there’s so much history.” She probably sounded inane as she tried to think of something to say. “You’re a Prescott native, aren’t you?”

He gave a nod. “Born and raised.”

It didn’t surprise her that he wasn’t trying to sell himself to her as a candidate. He had a confidence about him and genuine to the point that she couldn’t imagine him putting on airs or lying, for that matter. No, definitely not a real politician. She knew in her heart that he ran for office because he cared about the county and its residents.

She found herself wanting to be closer to him, wanting to get to know him.

But that would be a bad idea. A real bad idea, and it had nothing to do with her best friend’s brother being Mike’s opponent.

Mike studied Anna and sized her up. She was beautiful and all of five-one if he guessed correctly, and he was usually right on the mark. Soft brown curls fell around her heart-shaped face past her shoulders and her perfume was intriguing, inviting. Her dark brown eyes were wide and had an innocent quality to them, yet a strength that told him she stood up for what she believed in. She might be petite but he’d bet she was a fireball beneath all the softness.

And damn but she drew him in, made him want to get closer to her.

At the same time he sensed she was holding back something… An emotion, a circumstance… Something was beneath that calm, beautiful surface. He had a keen ability to size up people and he had a feeling that there was more to Anna Batista than what met the eye.

It was the first time in a long time that he’d been so attracted to a woman that he wanted to get to know her better, to find out what made her tick.

“I’m headed out to get something to eat at the Hummingbird.” He studied her dark eyes. “Would you like to join me?”

A surprised look flashed across her honey-brown features and her lips parted. For the briefest moment she hesitated. From her expression he thought she would say yes, but instead she looked apologetic and said, “I’m sorry but I can’t.”

He gave a slow nod and pulled a business card out of his shirt pocket and a pen from inside the leather jacket that he’d put on over his uniform. He wrote his number on the back and handed it to her with the handwritten side up. “If you’d like to get together sometime, here’s my card. That’s my personal cell number.”

Again she looked like he’d caught her off-guard. “Okay.” She took the card from him in her small fingers and tucked it into a purse that hung to her hip. “Have a nice dinner.”

He smiled. “Perhaps another night, Anna.” He liked the way her name tasted on his tongue as he said it. “I hope you’ll give me a call.”

“Thank you for inviting me.” She smiled but he could see a hint of wariness in her eyes. “Good luck in the race.”

Her response was a little disappointing. Maybe she’d have a change of heart and would give him a call.

“I’d best be going.” He touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. “Have a good night.”

“Good night,” she said. Did she look a little disappointed?

He gave her a nod and a smile before heading toward the back way, his thoughts staying on the beautiful woman. His mind ached to turn and watch her as she moved through the crowd.

“Great job.” Jack McBride slapped Mike on the back as he came up from behind. Mike stopped and Jack flashed a grin. “I’d say you kicked Johnson’s ass.”

Mike’s cousin, Jack, was lean but all muscle and his features were angular. He had a perpetual five-o’clock shadow that gave him a tough, weathered look. He was a rancher like most of the McBrides were, and he had a nice spread with over one hundred fifty head of cattle.

“It was a good debate,” Mike said. And it had been, despite the fact that Mike’s opponent was a rival from his youth. Mike hooked his thumbs in his front pockets as he looked at his cousin. “Don’t know about kicking his ass.”

“You sure as hell did.” Jack raised his western hat and pushed his hand through his dark hair before settling the hat back on his head. “Johnson doesn’t belong in office. He doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing. You, on the other hand, are the best damn sheriff we’ve had as far back as I can remember.”

With his thumbs in his pockets, Mike rocked back on his heels. “Are you going to be at John and Hollie’s wedding?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jack said with a nod. “Never thought I’d see John marry.”

“Yeah, it’s hard to believe he’s tying the knot.” Mike thought about his brother and the woman who captured his heart. “John found himself a good woman in Hollie.”

“All of your brothers ended up with fine women,” Jack said. “Can’t say you’ll see me settling down in a hurry.”

Mike thought about his own confirmed bachelorhood, then thought of Anna. He shook his head. “I make it a policy to never say never.”

Jack clapped his hand on Mike’s shoulder. “I have a gut feeling you’ll be next.”

Mike’s lips quirked into a smile. “I’m headed to the Hummingbird for a bite to eat. You up for dinner?”

“Hell, yes,” Jack said. “As long as they’ve got plenty of their famous peach pie.”

“I’ll bet they do.” Mike started once again toward the back door leading from the auditorium.

Jack fell into step beside him. “Then let’s get the hell out of here.”

Hair at Mike’s nape prickled. It felt as if someone was watching him intently. He casually glanced over his shoulder and met Anna Batista’s gaze. A pretty blush tinged her cheeks and she quickly looked away.

With a grin, Mike stepped into the night with his cousin. Just maybe he’d caught Anna’s attention after all. He wasn’t sure yet just how, but some way he
would
get to know the beautiful woman, and sooner rather than later.

Chapter 2

Anna’s cheeks burned as she looked away from the gaze of the man who’d captured her attention so thoroughly.

Mike McBride had just asked her out.

And she’d said no.

When Mike looked away and headed out the rear exit, Anna covertly watched his retreating form. His shoulders were broad, his ass and athletic thighs so very fine. His Stetson only added to his sexiness.

She swallowed, disappointment making her stomach feel heavy. She’d wanted to say yes so badly. The fact that he was her best friend’s brother’s enemy had kept her from accepting his invitation to dinner—she couldn’t get into a relationship with the sheriff and not upset her friend. Chandra was so close to her twin brother.

Of course Mike had only asked Anna out to eat, so what was she worried about? That didn’t mean he was interested in dating her.

But she’d seen it in his eyes. He’d pretty much made it clear he was interested. Why else would he ask her? It certainly couldn’t be for her vote—a politician didn’t take an average citizen out just to get her vote.

A thought came to her. Why shouldn’t she go out with Mike? Maybe she could meet him for drinks. Yes, she’d call him and tell him she’d have a drink or two with him.

Mind made up, she straightened her bearing and looked once again for Chandra.

“Anna.” A man’s voice had her whirling around.
Chad.

“Hi, Chad.” She gave him a smile but had a hard time putting warmth behind it. “Good debate.” Feeling nervous, she looked over her shoulder. “Where’s Chandra?”

“She’s talking with one of my aides.” Chad gave Anna a practiced smile. “I saw you with my opponent. McBride gave you his card.”

Something in his eyes told her that what he was going to say next wasn’t good. “Yes.” She gave him a bright smile. “You politicians like to score points with your voters.”

He didn’t blink. “McBride wrote his number on the back of his card.”

“How do you know that?” she asked before she could stop herself.

“Speculation.” Chad studied her. “You just confirmed it.”

Her cheeks felt warm. “Like I said, politicians—”

He cut her off. “Don’t play it down, Anna. I could see he’s interested in you.”

Her skin tingled, but this time it was from irritation. “What do you want, Chad?”

He gave her a politician’s smile. “Just making sure I haven’t lost you to the other side.”

“Of course not.” She looked past Chad and spotted Chandra. “I’ve got to meet up with your sister. See you.”

Chad gave a smile and a nod. But somehow she felt like clammy fingers crawled along her spine. He had to know her secret and he was just playing with her, waiting for the right time to talk with her about it.

She waved at Chandra, catching her friend’s attention. Without a backward glance at Chad, Anna worked her way toward Chandra who had just finished talking with a young man, who must have been one of the aides that Chad had mentioned. Chandra started toward Anna and they met up halfway.

“Where have you been?” Chandra asked. “You disappeared.”

“Lost you in the crowd.” Anna shrugged. “Got waylaid and then escaped and made it here.”

With a laugh, Chandra said, “By who?”

Anna felt a moment’s discomfort. “Your brother for one. He made it clear he wants my vote.”

Chandra laughed. “That’s my brother.”

“Chandra,” A female voice interrupted and Anna turned and saw that it was Leigh Monroe. Leigh caught sight of Anna and said as she reached them, “Hi, Anna.”

“Haven’t seen you around for a while,” Anna said. “What’s up?”

Leigh hesitated.

“Leigh broke up with her boyfriend again not long after I broke up with Neal,” Chandra said. “They split before last Christmas, got together again, then just broke up a few days ago.”

Anna reached out and touched Leigh’s arm. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s all good.” Leigh’s throat worked and it looked as if she wanted nothing better than to change the subject. “We—we’re just friends now.”

“Leigh and I are going to Jo-Jo’s to check out the guys,” Chandra said. “Want to join us?”

Anna had the feeling that Leigh and Chandra were going to be talking more about the men who had broken their hearts recently than checking out the men, and she didn’t want to interrupt. She also thought about her decision to call Mike. He was the only man she wanted to check out right now.

“I’ll take a rain check,” Anna said. “Where are you parked?” she asked Chandra.

“Out back.” Chandra pointed toward the rear exit.

“I’m in front of the auditorium.” Anna jerked her thumb in that direction and took a couple of steps back as she spoke. “I’ll call you.” To Leigh she added, “See you later, Leigh.”

The two women waved and Anna waved back before heading out into the auditorium. As she walked, she pulled her cell phone out of her purse along with Mike’s business card, and then punched his number into her phone. After another deep breath, she raised the phone to her ear.

A beat later, Mike’s deep voice came on the line. “Sheriff McBride.”

“Hi, Sheriff.” Anna swallowed as butterflies batted around in her belly. “This is Anna Batista. We just met.”

“Hi, Anna.” He had a smile in his voice. “Taking me up on dinner?”

“Why don’t we have a drink?” She would play it cool. “I can meet you at Nectars.”

“That would be fine,” he said. “What time?”

She gripped her phone tightly. “How about eight?”

“Perfect,” he said. “I’ll see you then, Anna.”

“See you,” she said before she disconnected the call.

Her hand gripped the strap of her purse until it ached. When she walked down the steps from the stage to the auditorium, she saw that the auditorium was mostly deserted now. She hurried up an aisle and out the front entrance.

Now she had two hours to kill and she had no idea what to do with the time. She settled on going shopping. It was a Wednesday and still early enough that plenty of stores would still be open.

The air was cool when she stepped out through the double doors. Fortunately she’d had a good parking place, so she reached her Honda in no time. She unlocked the car and grabbed a sweater from the backseat and slipped it on.

After she got into her car, she called her aunt to tell her she wouldn’t be home for dinner then started the vehicle. Which store should she start off with? She decided to check out the sales at her favorite dress boutique. She put her car into gear and headed to the store.

Right now she was feeling unsettled. The feeling likely had something to do with Chad looking right at her when he was talking about illegal immigration.

Shopping was a comfort and would get her mind off of the subject. Like some people ate or smoked for comfort, she shopped. She had a closet full of shoes and stylish clothing. She usually bought things on sale—she was a smart shopper—but she probably spent more than she should.

Okay, truth was that she did buy more than she should, but she only bought what she could afford.

She had a great reputation as an event planner and was paid well. She worked not only in Prescott and Flagstaff, but traveled to parts of the Phoenix metro area. Her work frequently took her out of town, but she didn’t mind the travel and she loved planning and executing the events. Weddings were her bread and butter, but birthdays, parties, conventions, and trade shows also brought in a good income.

Her favorite boutique was open like she’d thought and she found a parking spot directly in front of it. Devora Snow was dressing a mannequin as Anna walked into the store. Bells jangled as she entered.

“Anna.” Devora smiled. Blue and purple streaks of color in her dark blonde hair glimmered in the shop’s lighting. “What are you up to?”