Tempting the Marshal: (A Western Historical Romance) (Dodge City Brides Series Book 2) (35 page)
Read Tempting the Marshal: (A Western Historical Romance) (Dodge City Brides Series Book 2) Online
Authors: Julianne MacLean
“Wait a minute,” she said. “Seriously. There’s been a mistake.”
Just then, a deep voice cut through the commotion. “Can I ask what’s going on in this little gathering of yours?”
Unable to discern from where the voice had come, she looked all around through the darkness.
“Ma’am? I asked you a question.” The crowd parted, clearing a wide path for the inquiring man to approach. Jessica was finally able to get a glimpse at him, although the brim of his black hat shadowed his face from the dim lantern light spilling out of the saloon.
He moved slowly toward her, and she was taken aback by how handsome he was, with dark hair, blue eyes, and a fit, muscular build.
Closing the distance between them, he pushed his open black coat to the side. His purpose was clear as he rested his large hand on an ivory-handled revolver holstered to his leather gun belt.
His trousers—also black—were snug and worn at the knees, and his boots were spurred. Jessica hadn’t actually looked at his feet, but as he walked, the sound of the spurs jingling alerted her senses to everything about him.
Someone moved aside, and a gentle stream of light reflected off the shiny star pinned to the man’s lapel.
It read: Sheriff.
Thank God
.
He angled his head and spoke in low voice—sort of like Clint Eastwood, but not exactly. “Ma’am, you look a little distressed. Can I be of some assistance?”
His observation, which couldn’t have been closer to the truth, melted all her cool bravado in an instant, and she was so relieved, she could have grabbed hold of his shirt collar, pulled him toward her, and kissed him square on the lips.
“Yes, you can,” she replied. “I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for coming so quickly.”
He chuckled softly, but the smile in his eyes was cold and calculating.
“I wouldn’t thank me just yet,” he drawled, as he wrapped his big hand around her arm and tugged her closer. “Because by the look of things here, missy, you’re gonna be spending the night in my jailhouse.”
The crowd murmured approval, while Jessica glanced up at his ruggedly handsome features, bronzed by wind and sun, then cautiously lowered her eyes to the gun at his hip.
He shook his head at her, as if she’d been a very naughty girl, and said, “Tsk tsk tsk,” while she paused to think carefully about the best way to handle this.
* * *
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About the Author
Julianne MacLean
is a
USA Today
bestselling author of over thirty novels, including The Highlander Trilogy with St. Martin’s Press and her popular American Heiress Series with Avon/Harper Collins. She also writes contemporary mainstream fiction, and THE COLOR OF HEAVEN was a
USA Today
bestseller. She is a three-time RITA finalist, and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from
Romantic Times
for Best Regency Historical of 2005. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and daughter, and is a dedicated member of Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada. Please visit
Julianne’s website
for more information and to subscribe to her mailing list to stay informed about upcoming releases.
Other Books for your Kindle by Julianne MacLean
The American Heiress Series:
The Pembroke Palace Series:
A Kiss Before the Wedding – A Pembroke Palace Short Story
The Highlander Series:
The Rebel – A Highland Short Story
The Royal Trilogy:
Dodge City Brides Trilogy
Taken by the Cowboy – a Time Travel Romance
Colonial Romance
Adam’s Promise
Contemporary Fiction:
The Color of Forever
The Color of a Promise
The Color of a Christmas Miracle