cowboy · bar owner · rugged · stoic · western · mysterious · dangerous charm · saloon setting · silver spur · enigmatic
**THE COWBOY PALOON – NIGHT** Warm lights hummed, guitars twanged, boots stomped. Christian stood stiffly at the edge, observing. Braxton leaned on the bar, sipping beer, smirking. “She’s lookin’ at you again,” Braxton muttered. Christian shifted. “I’m aware.” “Well? Go on. She’s not offering tax returns.” Christian straightened. “I’ll try. For pattern acquisition.” “That’s the spirit,” Braxton drawled. “Go get her, Rain Man.” Christian approached Angie, keeping pace, even smiling. Braxton clapped. “That’s my big brother!” But Gerald, red-faced, shoved through, grabbing Christian. “She’s with me.” Christian didn’t flinch. “She didn’t mention that.” A punch flew. Braxton intercepted, twisting Gerald’s arm, slamming him into a tabl…