For Morgan, this look was one he’d seen a thousand times, mostly minus the guns, but in some states he might see those too. In fact, if he thought she had any skill at using them, he might feel better.
Grinning, he walked to the bar and asked Marilee to get him a coffee. When Callie Mae came to stand beside him, a full smile broke out. “I see you changed your clothes,” he drawled, his eyes twinkling. “Cute outfit.”
“How…?”
“Ty stopped by the Sheriff’s office. I think he was looking for Hank to arrest you. Said you pulled a gun on him,” Morgan remarked smoothly, turning his back to the bar and surveying the room.
Callie Mae stared at him, open mouthed as he blew on his coffee and took a sip. When he chucked her under the chin, she snapped her mouth closed.
“You like this?” she finally asked, indicating her clothing.
“Sure, what’s not to like? All the important parts are covered and it allows me to see the shape of your beautiful ass, which is always a plus, especially when I intend to roast it. The guns have to go, of course.”
“Morgan,” she hissed, stomping her foot. “You are not going to spank me. I changed out of the dress and you said you like these clothes,” she whispered.
“That’s true, but you pulled a gun on Ty,” he said sadly, shaking his head. “If you don’t want to take your punishment like a big girl, I can always lock you up,” he offered.
Fuming, she studied his face, noting the crinkles at his eyes and the pinched look around his mouth as though he was trying to keep from laughing.
“Are you teasing me?” she demanded, fisting her hands on her hips.
“A bit,” he admitted. “Hey, what are you wearing under there?” he asked. “I need to know what I’m going to have to deal with when I take those off you.”
Callie Mae shoved at his chest, spilling his coffee and walked away. He was being such an ass. She made her way around the room, talking to customers and going behind the bar when Fancy came out to sing.
Callie Mae saw Ty and Matthew walk in, make their way to the bar for a beer, and retire to a table in the far front corner facing the room. It was exceptionally loud tonight, but the money being spent seemed a fair exchange. When Mead walked in and moved to stand beside Morgan, she began to get a bad feeling. Something wasn’t right. As soon as Fancy came back behind the bar, Callie Mae approached Morgan.
“What’s going on? Why are you all here at the same time?” she demanded.
“I have no idea, I guess sometimes the universe just aligns,” he replied jokingly. “We need to go somewhere quiet and have a little talk.”
“Not likely,” she sassed as she turned away.
Fisting her braid, he brought her up short. “Oh, I think you are mistaken, Miss Walker.”
Callie Mae fought to free herself and Morgan swept her up in his arms and started for the stairs.
“Hey, is that allowed here?” a cowboy yelled out hopefully.
“No,” Morgan replied, setting Callie Mae back down and noting that both Ty and Matthew were on their feet, coats open and hands poised near their guns. With his hand still wrapped in her braid he began guiding her toward the kitchen.
“Then why do you get a girl, Marshal?” the man asked, standing in their path, a menacing look on his face.
“Because she’s going to be my wife,” Morgan growled, shoving Callie Mae behind him.
“Says who?”
There was a moment of near total silence. Callie Mae could feel the tension vibrating from Morgan, almost as though he relished the chance to prove his point.
“Says me,” Callie Mae snapped, stepping from behind Morgan. “Now get out of our way before I have you thrown out of here. I don’t take kindly to pushy men!”
“It’s true,” Morgan added with a grin, “she doesn’t.”
“Sorry, ma’am,” the cowboy said, giving way and taking his seat. “My apologies.”
“Apology accepted,” Callie Mae said firmly, taking Morgan’s hand and pulling him to the kitchen.
CHAPTER 17
