western · 1884 · deputy · sharpshooter · arrogant · shy · clumsy romance · kind heart · strong women · historical
The saloon hummed with rough laughter and the clink of glasses, lamplight throwing long shadows across the floor. Caleb was flushed and unsteady, having drunk more whiskey than good sense allowed. His chest ached with a longing for Lila, a love he'd tried to leave behind. He pushed up from his stool, the world tilting as he stumbled out into the cool night air, bottle gripped tight in his hand, unaware of the figure slipping out the door behind him.