She looked up at him, wanting so much to just throw herself into his arms. But that would be bad, she told herself. Run away.
She pulled her wrist away, relieved when he allowed it. "I have to go," she whispered again, pretending that her voice didn't quiver with awareness. Or fear? Most likely both, where Mike was concerned.
Rushing out of the diner, she hurried to her car, not daring to look back. She couldn't look back. No way could she look back. Because she knew with one hundred percent certainty that Mike was watching her. And those eyes! Goodness, they saw everything! Absolutely everything!
Chapter 4
Two days later, Halley sunk down a bit lower in the darkened auditorium of the Jefferson high school. Why had she bothered to come here for this ridiculous town meeting? She usually avoided these things, not bothering to come and hear the speakers, because nothing of any import was discussed at these meetings. Normally, she just read about the issues in the local paper the following day. If she had something to add to the debate, she could just e-mail the appropriate person. Or even better, stop them on the street, which is what most of the other residents of Jefferson did.
She wondered how horrible it would be if she slipped out the back. Would anyone notice? She was here to listen to the mayor speak, but he wasn't saying anything new! The man was just droning on about highway repairs, grant submissions to both federal and state agencies, beautification projects, and something about a marketing plan to draw more tourists to the area.
Why was the man trying to draw tourists to Jefferson? There wasn't anything to do around here! The mountains were beautiful, and there was a river running down from the mountains, but this was a ranching community. Shouldn't the mayor focus more on issues pertaining to ranchers? She didn't care if trees were planted on the outskirts of town in an effort to lure people driving on Highway Ninety to stop and have a bite to eat or stay a while at the motel. There was only one in the area anyway. And it was normally filled up during the summer months, booked to capacity with cowboys working the ranching circuit until they headed back to their homes for the winter.
She sighed and sunk lower, wishing she'd never come to this town meeting. She'd just been hoping for something different.
A large form took the seat next to her and, without even turning her head, she knew that it was Mike. There wasn't any other man who made her stomach do flip flops like it was right at the moment. And no man smelled as good. It was like he brought the outdoors inside. No citrus smells for Mike. Nope, he smelled like fresh air and sunshine. And man!
Whew! He was potent.
Mike almost laughed at Halley when she crossed her arms over her chest. Boy, was she furious with him. And all because he'd sat down next to her.
Maybe it also had something to do with him leaning slightly closer to her, causing their shoulders to touch. Yeah, that was intentional. He liked touching her. She got all feisty and grumpy. It was definitely a cover for that crazy chemistry that they shared and he loved exploiting it.
Of course, he'd like it even more when she stopped fighting it and they could enjoy this sizzling chemistry constantly zinging between the two of them. He liked it just fine now because Halley was cute in a sexy, sassy way. And he truly enjoyed the chase. He respected her more because she didn't just give in. But his body would appreciate a bit more enjoyment and maybe a little less chase!
Leaning over, he whispered in her ear, "Should we count how many times he says 'data' or 'spectrum'?"
Halley slapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing. He wasn't so kind. He didn't care for the mayor and knew that the man had higher aspirations. He was a newcomer to Jefferson and Mike thought that the guy was only using the mayor's office here as a springboard to state office. Mike didn't like people using his town, hence the animosity between himself and the mayor. Thankfully, the mayor had no authority to fire him. Both of them been elected by the fine people of Jefferson. Since no one else ever ran for sheriff, it was a pretty easy election.
After a curious glance from someone sitting several rows ahead of them, she got her amusement under control. "You're being disrespectful," Halley whispered, not turning her head to look up at him.
"What was that?" he asked, leaning over again so that his lips were dangerously close to the sensitive shell of her ear.
Halley glared at him but he kept his eyes forward, as if whatever the mayor was saying was of the utmost importance.
"You heard me just fine," she snapped at him, but he heard the small snort when the mayor used both words in his next sentence.