I came to see what was happening.” Lucas kept his voice low and smooth. “What do you want, Mister?” The woman’s voice was young but steady. The front door opened a crack and a shotgun barrel appeared. He moved silently down the rough, exterior wall and edged onto the slumping porch. After all, they didn’t know him from a hole in the ground. “Hello? Can you hear me? I’m here to help.” He didn’t blame them for not answering. There were no windows on the chimney side of the cabin and he approached from that direction. Do you need help?” The night air was still and becoming chilled as the residual heat of the day faded from the ground. Lucas called out, “Those men are gone now. However, he didn’t want to get shot at himself. At least one bullet had made it inside and someone could be injured. The birds were quiet but still fluttering about inside. Lucas crawled back to the chicken coop and crouched in the darkness. “Damn bitch! She done shot me!” The injured man emphasized his outrage by shooting into the air.

He’d hit something, but it wasn’t clear what. Lucas had gone for the leg, not wanting to deal with a killing. The man let out an outraged howl as he fell. One man stepped forward into the clearing, shaking his gun in the air. He discerned two hulking shadows barely visible at the edge of the trees. Glowing moonlight fell on the outside of the cabin but it was completely dark inside. He moved silently, tree to tree, until he knew he was close. Lucas considered turning them loose, but he wanted these men to ride out and quick like.

The mounts were prime horseflesh with quality gear. He slipped away from the chicken coop and into the trees, skirting around toward the location of the shooters. “Hey now! Don’t be shooting at us!” The indignant screech was followed by another gunshot and the sound of shattering glass.

The chickens renewed their squawking protest. Buckshot flew everywhere, falling far short of the targets. Two shots exploded from the cabin, one after the other. Western Kisses can be previewed or purchased on the following sites.Īmazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All RomanceĪudra and Lucas, two character from my story Romancing Rosalie (from Western Kisses), have a book of their own! Who knew so many readers wanted a Christmas-themed historical romance? I’ve been very fortunate this year to be a part of the USA Today Bestselling anthology Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances. Take a moment for yourself during this busy season and curl up with a good book!Īll commenters on my blog will be entered to win a $5 gift card! So hop around with us to celebrate the best romance books of the season. Romance books enhance our holiday traditions.

Western Kisses by Carré White