Cowboy Casanova

Chapter One

"Cowboy Take Me Away"

Annie took a deep breath before opening the bar door, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. A quiet hush fell over the room as the door swung open, and curious faces turned to look at the newcomer. In a small town like Big Timber, where everyone knew everyone, Annie's presence sparked immediate intrigue. She was a heavy-set girl with a determined look in her eyes.

The townsfolk had never laid eyes on her before, and their gazes remained fixed upon her, silently questioning her purpose for stepping foot in their beloved pub. Annie couldn't help but feel a slight unease under their scrutiny, but she knew she had no other choice. She needed the right direction to ride after spending five days on the road with her horse, Lightning.

Lightning, a beautiful horse, had been a cherished gift from her father on the previous Christmas. Living just outside the city, they had the space to accommodate the horse and had formed a special bond with him over time. Now, Lightning carried all of Annie's belongings packed neatly on his back.

Summoning her courage, Annie made her way towards the bar, her steps measured and purposeful. The bartender, a keen observer of all who entered his establishment, immediately caught sight of the young girl and approached her with a welcoming smile. He recognized the flicker of determination in her eyes, the hint of vulnerability mingled with a fierce resolve.

"I haven't seen you around." He spoke with a heavy Australian accent. Annie decided to ignore this comment. She wanted to leave this bar as quickly as she came.

"Do you know the way to Bill Dallas?"

"Old Billy? One of his new wives?" The bartender asked with a big grin making the people around the bar laugh.

"Uh no. I am his granddaughter." Annie told him.

"Granddaughter? When did Bill have children?" The bartender replied surprise clear in his eyes as he slapped the towel over his shoulder.

"Which one is your grandma? I bet Josie." One of the men at the bar spoke.

Jesse Jones, accompanied by his brother and loyal dog, occupied a seat towards the back of the bar, quietly observing the unfolding scene. His piercing gaze swept over the girl, scanning her from bottom to top, not once but twice. Unbeknownst to Annie, her presence had stirred something deep within him, a primal desire that sent a surge of arousal coursing through his veins.

Jesse was no stranger to the townsfolk of Big Timber; in fact, his reputation preceded him. He was renowned for his thriving cattle business, boasting the best-selling stock in the region. With vast expanses of land under his ownership, he commanded the most acres of any landowner in the area. When it came to his ranch, he spared no expense, always ensuring he had the finest cattle, the most robust herds, and the best of the best. However, Jesse was not merely known for his prosperity and success. He carried a reputation for his tempestuous temperament, a man capable of unleashing his wrath upon those who crossed him or failed to meet his exacting standards. Despite his fiery disposition, one thing was undeniable: Jesse paid handsomely for the services he required, making him both feared and sought after as an employer. His anger was accepted as he brought enough money into Big Timber. As Jesse's eyes lingered on Annie, his mind began to weave a web of tantalizing fantasies, envisioning her in his bed, succumbing to his desires.

"That is some meat I want a bite from." His brother Carson said leaning forward and tipping his head a bit back.

"Fuck off. This one is mine." Jesse said stacking his claim right away.