Lauri Robinson by Sheriff McBride Read Free Book Online

lingering in the middle of her back. “I said I arrested Nathaniel Kingston. He’s in the Blue Spring jail.”
    She covered her gasp with one hand and spoke into her palm. “Nathaniel’s here?”
    “Yes, but there’s nothing for you to fear. I wired the governor’s office in Ohio. As soon as Jeb prints up the wanted poster, I’ll file it with the district attorney. They’ll transport Kingston to Ohio where he’ll be tried.”
    “For what?”
    “For kidnapping you, for falsely arresting your cousins and whatever other charges I think I can make stick.”
    A shiver raced through her body. She pushed at his solid chest with both hands. “I knew it. I knew you were no different than him.” Tears stung her eyes.
    His grasp tightened, holding her in front of him. “Who?”
    “Nathaniel! You’re just like him. Nothing will stop you from getting what you want.”
    His brows furrowed. “Well, maybe I am like him. I might have to contemplate kidnapping if you don’t marry me pretty-damn soon.”
    This time she did break out of his hold and stomped across the dry grass. Tiny puffs of dust swirled around her shoes as she put distance between them, needing the space to think clearly. “I will tell you just what I told him.” She twisted about, stared at him. “I will not marry a man who cares about no one but themselves.”
    He looked thunderstruck. “Is that what you think? That I don’t care about you?” He shook his head and pointed toward the churned grasses behind him. “Do you honestly think I would have ridden into a herd of stampeding longhorns if I didn’t care about you?” He leaped forward, grasping one arm solidly. “Hell, woman, I love you!”
    It was her turn to be dumbfounded. Had he said he loved her? She pressed a hand to her throat to keep from choking on the heart trying to beat its way up her windpipe. Her normally sane mind needed a moment to get past his declaration. When it did, and she felt capable of speaking, she said, “Well, that really doesn’t matter. I still can’t marry you.”
    “Doesn’t matter?” he thundered. “Why the hell can’t you marry me?”
    “Because Blue Spring is your town , you’ve said so yourself.” She twisted, but his grasp tightened.
    “Yeah, so? My family worked damned hard to make it a good, thriving town. A place where people want to live and can prosper.”
    “A place you can rule!”
    He stepped forward and wrapped his fingers around her other arm. It was a moment before he spoke. “As the sheriff, I oversee the law, but I don’t rule anyone.” His hands stroked her arms from shoulder to elbow. “What are you talking about? What are you so afraid of?”
    His soft, loving voice opened that vulnerable spot in her chest where all her fears, hopes and dreams were kept. They poured out, making a long, heavy sigh escape her lungs. “I can’t marry a man who claims to own a town. I can’t be a part of something that belittles people while others flourish. I saw it in Paradise. Firsthand, I watched my family destroyed all because one man wants to rule the world.”
    A deep frown marred his face. “Is that what you think of me?”
    She didn’t, not really, but all the signs were there. Her gaze went to the ground near their feet. She couldn’t take the chance he might be different.
    He cupped her face, forcing her to look up at him again. “Hannah, have you looked around Blue Spring? Have you seen anyone belittled? Have you seen anyone destitute or impoverished?”
    Her mind searched for a few minutes, trying to visualize a downtrodden or forgotten neighbor in the small town. None emerged and she shook her head ever so slightly.
    “And you won’t. The McBride’s are a determined bunch. We want everyone in Blue Spring to prosper, not just us.”
    Dare she hope? Could he be telling the truth? She searched his face, looking for a hint of deceit, and found none.
    The corners of his mouth lifted, his smile revealing he’d read her mind.