Page 373 of Conveniently Wed
Shenandoah Valley
Josiah cantered into town and swung from his stallion. He liked to get in and get out without much ado. One of these days, if he ever hoped to remarry and have a family, he was going to have to change his loner personality, but not today. He tethered his steed on the hitching post outside the general store and took the steps two at time. He had one hand on the door and the other removing his hat, when a woman’s shriek split the air.
He whirled around. Was that trouble coming from the saloon again? Sure enough. But usually the girls in there didn’t put up much of a fuss. Curiosity got the best of him, and he headed in that direction. He picked up his pace as the scream intensified.
The swinging doors pushed wide as he entered. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, but when they did, one fist clenched, and he straightened to his full height. The other hand cradled his gun in the holster.
“Unhand her this minute.”
Two unsavory men swiveled around at the sound of his voice. A feral glint danced in their eyes. “What’s it to you. We’re just having a little fun.”
“Perhaps you boys don’t understand what a scream from a lady means. Usually, it means she’s not enjoying your company.”
Josiah looked into the brilliant blue eyes of a black-haired beauty and a memory twigged. Was that the same girl he’d rescued long ago?
“Let me go,” she said, confirming his suspicions.
His hand stayed steady above his gun.
She pushed her way free, but one of them grabbed her arm.
“Not so fast.”
Her brows flew up, and her eyes doubled in size as Josiah’s gun flipped from his holster. He aimed it at the man.
“I will shoot, and they didn’t call me Bullseye in the war for nothing.” He held his hand steady and calm.
One of them twitched.
“Both of you will be on the floor before your hand touches your gun, so don’t even think about it. Now let her go.”
The one who had the hold ogled her up and down. His stare, a mixture of lust and evil, crawled over her. Josiah itched to pull the trigger.
“She’s a fine one. But not worth a bullet.” His wiry grip unclasped.
She scurried across the room to Josiah’s side.
“Go on. Out of here.”
To his surprise she bent down and pulled a small six-shot revolver from her boot and pinned it on them. “We will back out together.”
He loved the spunk, and his heart tripped a beat. That had not happened in a long, long time.
“After you, my lady.”
They backed out. She slid the gun back into her boot. He kept his eyes on the door, just in case, then turned to her. She was halfway down the street before he caught up to her.
“Wait.”
She did a half turn but kept on walking. “Just because you got me out of a bind doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”
“A thank-you would be sufficient.”
“Thank you,” she said over her shoulder before turning down a side street.
He found himself pursuing her without understanding why. As his long strides caught up, he touched her arm.
She flinched and turned with fire in her eyes. “Are you like all the rest? Can’t keep your hands off?”
