CHAPTER 16
The sun slumped near the horizon, casting shadows that hugged the two-story dwelling like a saddle cinch. Jesse Gardner’s house. Charley’s stomach felt as if it had been lassoed. She urged Omega closer to the paint-peeled fence, then stopped when the front door of the house swung open.
Jesse strolled onto the porch, wiping the barrel of a shotgun with a cloth. “That’s far enough.”
Charley rested her elbows on the saddle horn. “The rifle’s a nice touch.”
“So is the g*n slung against your hip.” He placed the rifle alongside the porch railing, then sauntered down the steps.
“Out here, you never know when you’ll come across a rattlesnake.”
Jesse took hold of her horse’s bridle and looked up at her. “I’d invite you in, but it’s gettin’ late.”
Charley stiffened. “This won’t tak
