Sheriff Woods leaned back in his chair and studied her. “Five years is a long time. Why did you wait a day after you escaped to call us?”
Anora shook her head. “I was too scared. Why are you making this to be my fault?” Her eyes widened as she glanced from the sheriff to him.
“Sheriff, I agree with Anora. It wasn’t until I chased her husband, er, Andy away that she felt safe enough to speak up,” Maverick explained as he stared Sheriff Woods down.
She nodded. “I hadn’t felt so safe in a very very long time and I never thought to feel safe like that ever again. If this is all too much trouble for you, I can hop on a bus and find my own way.” She gave the sheriff a pointed look, but her continued shaking undermined her false bravado.
There was a knock on the door and the sheriff opened it. In rushed her mother and father along with a younger version of her. Probably her sister. Maverick watched the reunion for a minute then slipped out the door. It was a private moment for her to share with her family. His job was done. His heart squeezed painfully. He didn’t know her very long, but he’d miss her.
Chapter Four
One Year Later
Anora drove her truck into the parking lot, the engine sputtering until it finally died. Sighing in relief, she leaned her head against the back of the seat. Her muscles were so tight from worrying whether she’d make it to town or not. The sight of Cindy’s Diner gave her comfort. The lights inside began to turn off one by one. She quickly got out of her truck and raced for the door. The sign said closed, but she knocked anyway.
Cindy peered out and smiled. She opened the door and ushered Anora in. “Sakes, alive! You’ve often been on my mind, and now here you are! I’m glad to see you.”
“I’m glad to see you too, Cindy. I never did get a chance to thank you before I was whisked out of town. I never got to say goodbye to anyone.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Not sure yet. My truck made it to the parking lot and died. I’ll figure something out I always do.”
Cindy walked her toward the counter. “Let me get you a cup of coffee. Have a seat.”
“If you’re closing I shouldn’t hold you up.”
“Not much to go home to. My son started college this past year, and it’s a bit quiet at my house. Tell you what, why don’t you stay the night with me? I have plenty of room. Besides there really aren’t many places to stay around here.”
“There’s my house. There’s no electricity or water yet but—”
“That’s it you stay with me until you get everything turned on. I’m not sure what condition the house is in. People didn’t take kindly to what Andy did. There’s graffiti on it. The town voted to paint over it so it wasn’t an eyesore. Maverick volunteered to take care of it.”
Her heart jolted at Maverick’s name. He was the one person on earth who’d made her feel safe. Though it might not be the same next time she saw him, she still clung to the feeling. Sometimes imagining him with his arms around her was the only way she could sleep at night.
“I would have thought you’d be with your family still.”
“It’s been a little over a year, and quite frankly I couldn’t take the hovering and worrying they did. They didn’t want me to leave their sight. At first it was nice, but as I grew stronger, it became a strain.”
Cindy nodded. “You did tell them you were coming here didn’t you?”
Sighing she nodded. She’d hoped to be normal here, but Cindy was already worried. “They weren’t too happy about it, but they understood my need to be on my own.”
“You do see their side of it don’t you? You were missing for five years.”
“We’ve had family counseling and I’ve had my own sessions. I understand, but I can’t be kept in a glass cage either. I have a long way to go, but truthfully they were making me crazy.”
“Okay, no more questions. Let’s get you to my house.” She started turning the lights off again and suddenly a truck came flying into the parking lot, spewing the gravel behind its wheels. “What in tarnation?” She approached the door. “It’s Maverick.”
Anticipation and panic filled her. How was he going to react to seeing her again? Would he even acknowledge her? She hadn’t heard from him in all this time. He was probably too busy with his ranch. She did hear from Belle but never him. Her heart beat faster, she couldn’t afford for her dream of being safe in his arms to be popped. The door opened and she held her breath.
“Anora? Your mother called and asked me to make sure you were okay.” He gave her a half smile and stood close to the door with his arms crossed over his powerful chest.
“She called you?” She swallowed hard. “I told her I’d call when I got here.”
“Well, I guess you didn’t.” She detected a hint of annoyance in his voice and part of her shriveled.
“I’m sorry she bothered you. I didn’t know she had your number. I’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you again. Cindy, can I use the phone real quick?”
“Sure, sugar, go right ahead.” Cindy smiled at her, but she didn’t miss the frown she sent Maverick’s way.
“Well, I have things to do. Good to see you.” He turned and walked out the door.
She watched him with her heart in her throat until his truck was too small to see clearly. He mattered to her. He mattered too much and she couldn’t have that. She’d had enough heartache for a lifetime. This time, it was of her own imagination and need. She’d get through, she was a survivor.
Three days later, Maverick frowned as he put all the paint and supplies needed to fix Anora’s house, into his truck. He still couldn’t believe she’d want to live there. Wasn’t it filled with bad memories? Shaking his head he jumped into his truck and drove to town. He wasn’t sure how to act around her. She was bound to be skittish and leery of men. Quite frankly she left a hole in his heart, and he wasn’t even sure how it happened. He didn’t like it one bit.
If he had to describe her, he’d call her brave. It would probably be easier to hide in her room for the rest of her life. She went through some nasty times. It wasn’t his problem. Painting over the graffiti was his problem. He pulled into her driveway and all looked quiet. More than likely she was still living at Cindy’s.
The weather was crisp and almost too cold to paint, but he’d get it done. He promised the town and if he had to redo it come spring, so be it. With a drop cloth in place and brush in hand, he dipped it into the paint and started what looked to be a boring job. What type of person writes Sicko, Leave, Go to Hell on a front of a house? Good thing the house was brown and one coat would take care of it. Glancing at his watch, he figured he’d be done by lunch.
He was half way done when the front door slowly opened. Anora peered out. Her red hair was disheveled as though she just woke up. Her sky-blue eyes widened and her mouth formed and O.
“What? Oh, the graffiti. Thank you, Maverick. It’s been hard seeing it each day. I was inclined to do it myself, but Cindy told me not to. She said you offered.”
“I did offer. Anyway, I’m almost done.” He stared at her, drinking in the sight of her. “You doing okay?”
“Of course. I’ve been to hell and back, of course, I’m fine,” she said in a faltering voice.
“I wouldn’t think it’s an, of course, type of thing. I bet there’s a lot of baggage that comes with surviving being kidnapped.”
She stared at her pink slippers. “I’ve had therapy. I’m good to go.”
“That’s good, but still… Did you sleep last night?” It didn’t matter what her response was, the dark circles under her eyes was his answer.
“I tend to cat nap these days. I’m fine, though.”
“Belle will be home soon for winter break. I know she’d love to see you.”
She smiled brightly. “I’d love to see her. I hope she calls while she’s in town.”
“She will.” The ensuing silence grew uncomfortable, and he stopped staring at her. “I need to get this done.”
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“Sure. Thanks so much, Maverick. Everyone has been so nice to me.”
“Why wouldn’t they be?”
“Oh, I don’t know. At home, I was a curiosity, not a real person. People asked about me while I stood next to my family. They never talked to me. Here, I feel at home. I’m a real person, not some kidnapping victim.”
“I understand now why you came back. I see you as a survivor. Not a victim. I see you as an independent woman trying to make a life for herself and I admire you.” His heart thudded as she blushed.
“I’d better get dressed. Thanks again, Maverick.” He watched her close the door. His name on her lips lifted his spirits. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know her better. It was doubtful she was looking for another husband. It was just as well, he liked his life the way it was. Belle would be back in time for Christmas. He’d have to do all the shopping and she’d do the cooking.
He finished painting, put all his supplies in the truck and gave the house a long look. She’d be fine. He shrugged his shoulders. She wasn’t his responsibility, and it sounded as though she wanted to be on her own. It was good to see her though and to know she was okay. He’d spent a lot of time over the past year wondering how she faired. Sleepless nights were to be expected, and she looked good otherwise. It was time to let go.
Anora leaned back against the front door and sighed. He was gone. She’d spent the last half hour watching him through the peephole. Part of her wanted to open the door and step into the circle of his arms, and part of her wanted to jump back into bed and hide her head. Her heart thumped. His curly brown hair and blue eyes enthralled her. She was pitiful for sure. No one would want damaged goods like her. Hell, she was afraid of her own shadow.
She walked into the bedroom, grabbed clean clothes and headed to the bathroom. A nice hot shower would clear her head. She looked in the mirror and slowly traced the big circles under her eyes. She wasn’t one for much make up but if ever there was a time… She’d get some at the store. Twenty minutes later she was dressed and feeling much better. Her heart slowed and she felt almost normal.
A thud on the front porch alarmed her, and she quickly looked out the peep hole. No one was there, but she saw something on the porch. Probably something Maverick left behind. Slowly she opened the door and saw a brick laying there. She scurried out, grabbed it and ran back in, locking the door behind her. The words written on the brick startled her. Die Whore. There was no mistaking who they meant the warning for. Someone wasn’t thrilled she was back in town.
She quickly made the rounds, checking each door and window. She did it too often, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. Andy had become somewhat of a celebrity while in jail. Women from all over sent him mail and marriage proposals. Shuddering, she shook her head. What was wrong with people? She grabbed her cell phone out of her pocket and debated who to call. Sheriff Woods hadn’t impressed her at all. She quickly dialed Maverick’s number before she chickened out.
“Yep?”
“I hate to bother you—” Darn, she shouldn’t have called.
“Is everything okay?” The concern in his voice melted her reserve.
“Someone threw a brick at the house and it has Die Whore written on it. I was going to call the sheriff but—”
“Keep the doors locked I’ll be right there.” He hung up.
Life was hard when you doubted every decision. Why couldn’t she just be normal? She paced back and forth staring at the brick. There was nothing normal about getting a brick thrown at your house. Perhaps she should have called the sheriff. It wasn’t Maverick’s job to take care of her problems. Everyone had told her to buck up, Andy was in jail and she was safe. She’d been right, not to believe them.
She continued to pace, check the time and look out the peephole over and over until Maverick finally arrived. She threw open the locks and flung herself into his brawny arms, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Thank you for coming.”
He held her for a bit, then ushered her inside and closed the door.
“Lock the door!”
He turned and stared at the locks. “Four deadbolts?” He locked them and turned, his brow furrowed as he gazed at her.
“I feel better with more locks.” She handed him the brick. “Here. What do you think?” She bit her bottom lip.
“Pack a bag. You’re coming home with me. Let’s get you settled at my place and then I’ll call Sheriff Woods.”
Anora nodded. “Will you come with me to the bedroom so I can pack? I’m just so jittery right now.”
“Lead the way.” He followed her and she saw him frown when he saw the windows. “Did you nail these shut?”
“No,” she whispered. “Andy did.” She couldn’t look at him after that. Quickly she packed some clothes and grabbed her toiletries. “Did I thank you for coming? I can’t remember if I thanked you.” A tear trailed down her face. Grabbing a tissue she wiped it away and handed one bag to Maverick. “Let’s go.”
Once they were on their way, she swallowed hard to keep from crying. She’d been dry-eyed far too long. She sat with the brick clutched in her hands until he reached over and took one of her hands in his and gave it a squeeze. Surprisingly he held it the whole way out to his ranch.
Chapter Five
Maverick stood, leaning against the front of his desk trying not to glare at the sheriff. He didn’t understand the problem. He didn’t think it was a threat. Rather it was a prank and it should be ignored. Anora’s body tensed harder by the minute, and Maverick could tell she was biting her tongue.
“Well, Sheriff, thanks for coming out. Mrs. Garrity looks done in, and I’d like to see if she can get some rest.” He stood and walked to his office door, expecting the sheriff to follow, which he did. “Take care now.” He led him to the front door, opened it and slammed it as soon as the sheriff left. “Darn good for nothing, ass,” he growled.
He walked back into his office and his heart tightened. Anora looked white as white could be. Her legs were crossed, her arms were crossed in front of her chest and her jaw looked to be clenched. Darn. Leaning down he lifted her up into his arms and marched to her bedroom. Gently he laid her on the bed and as he started to pull away, she clutched his arm.
“Please don’t leave me alone.” Her big blue eyes were so expressive, he was a goner.
“Sure, I’ll sit with you for a bit.”
“Do you think maybe you could hold me? Just for a little while? The only time I feel safe is when I’m with you.”
Nodding he laid next to her, wrapping his arms around her. Neither said a word and he could swear he heard his heart pounding through his chest. While it was nice to be needed, could he take on the responsibility of Anora? Did he even want to? Her breathing deepened and he slowly slipped off the bed. The dark circles under her eyes convinced him to try. She deserved a break and it might be hell on his body, wanting her so much, but she would find security and friendship here on his ranch.
He shook his head as he walked down the stairs. Who was he kidding? The ranch was already safe. It was him she needed to be kept safe from. She didn’t have to know. He’d keep a distance between them. He always had the ability to act indifferent if he needed to. Darn, he’d need to. Everything would be fine as soon as Belle arrived. He could hand Anora over to her and they could be best friends.
Darn her husband to hell and back. He made coffee and watched as the heavenly smelling liquid filled the pot. He poured himself a cup and went to the front door. He opened it and nodded to Cooper, his foreman.
“I can’t get used to you being able to see me coming to the door on your security system. It gives a man the creeps,” Cooper said as he shook his head. He was a tall man, powerfully built with dark red hair and blue eyes.
Maverick smiled at his longtime friend. “You have to keep up with the times. We haven’t lost a horse since I put it in.”
“You never lost one in the first place. It was that scum, Garrity who tried to rob you. I hear he’s in prison f
or a very long time.”
“Shh.”
Cooper cocked his brow. “What’s going on?”
Maverick nodded at him to come in and closed the door. “Anora is asleep upstairs.”
Cooper’s brow furrowed as he frowned. “What the heck?”
“She moved back to town and someone threw a brick at her house. It had the words Die Whore, written on it. I brought her here.”
Cooper followed him into the kitchen, and grabbed a cup and filled it with coffee. “Well, I’ll be. Will her presence make you smile once in a while?”
“No, but Belle will be here tomorrow. That’s reason for both of us to smile.” He chuckled as Cooper’s face grew red. “Going to pop the question this Christmas?”
“Heck no, she’d throw the ring back at me. We’re not there in our relationship yet. Besides I thought we pledged to be bachelors for life.”
Maverick raised his mug in agreement. “To bachelors and may no woman worm her way into our cold, hard hearts.”
Cooper laughed. “I need to go, the farrier is here and it will take the rest of the day to get the horses hooves trimmed. I’ll be around. I want to meet Anora.”
She walked into the kitchen and gave Cooper a slight nod. “You can meet me now.” She gave him a smile.
Darn! How much had she heard? “Anora, this is Cooper, Cooper, this is Anora. Cooper is my foreman. He actually does most of the work around here.”
Cooper winked at her. “Nice to meet you. Don’t let him fool you. He works harder than anyone I’ve ever known.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.” She walked to the big bay window. “It’s beautiful.”
Love Before Midnight Page 4
