Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna Read Free Book Online

such painful memories.” She could always count on the gypsy not to mince words, no matter how sharp they were. “However, I’m not interested in that drifter or any other man that walks through my saloon doors.”
    “That’s too bad because you could use a good man in your bed,” Sonya countered.
    Ginger and Mary Beth exchanged glances and then broke into a fit of laughter.
    Sonya gave the girls an irritated look. “Why is that funny? I’m sure Cera’s got the same physical needs as the rest of us.”
    “My needs are no one’s business. Now, I’ve had enough of this nonsense.” Cera waved her hands at the serving girls. “Go on and get ready. We need to open soon.”
    *****
    During the lunch hour, Cera busied herself serving food and socializing with the regulars, but it didn’t help. Despite denying any interest in Jake, her lips still felt last night’s kiss, and her body wanted more. What was wrong with her? With Biggs and the Chinese Tong kidnapping girls and threatening Hu and Sadie, thinking about romance was beyond ridiculous.
    Angry at her utter lack of self-control, Cera hoped killing some tin cans would settle her nerves. Grabbing the double-barrel shotgun from under the bar, she headed through the kitchen to the back door. As she passed Sonya, she ordered her to watch the bar.
    In the alley, Cera walked over to a brick wall lined with hay bales she had set up for target practice. Grabbing some empty tin cans from a nearby pile, she stood them up on a wooden crate and then paced off several yards. Taking a deep breath, she aimed the gun carefully and shot the first two cans squarely in the middle. The sweet smell of gunpowder and wisps of smoke filled the air as she cracked the breech of the shotgun and replaced the spent shells with new ones. She steadied herself, aimed the shotgun again, and sent the next two cans flying. Reloading one more time, she hit the next can but missed the last one in the row.
    “Damn.” Rubbing her sore shoulder, she walked back to the pile and set up another row of cans.
    “That’s some fine shooting,” a male voice called out from behind her.
    Cera whirled, instinctively bringing the shotgun to her shoulder. Her cheeks turned hot when she saw Jake leaning against the kitchen doorjamb with arms crossed and a look of genuine appreciation on his face.
    “Customers shouldn’t wander where they don’t belong,” she cautioned, lowering the weapon. “They could get hurt.”
    Jake lifted his chin toward the cans on the ground. “Good thing for me you’re empty. Anyway, Sonya said it would be all right to watch.”
    “Huh. Guess I’ll have to dismiss her.”
    Jake’s expression changed to one of alarm. “I hope you aren’t serious. I would hate to be the cause of anyone’s misfortune.”
    Cera shrugged. “I’m sure cleaning out the spittoons will be punishment enough.”
    “I was serious about the fine shooting, though. Who taught you?”
    “Nobody. I taught myself out of necessity. Running a saloon’s a pretty hard business for a woman.”
    “You know, if you hold that scattergun a bit differently, your shoulder won’t hurt so much.”
    She raised a doubtful eyebrow.
    “Here, let me show you.” Jake closed the distance between them in two long strides. Grabbing her shoulders, he turned her around to face the cans on the crates. “Reload.”
    Cera’s jaw set at his command, but she did as ordered. When she raised the shotgun at the target, he put his arms over hers.
    “Oh, for goodness sake, Mr. Tanner.” She struggled against him, but the soldier held firm. “I don’t have time for your nonsense. Take your hands off me.”
    “Settle down. I’m only trying to show you the right stance. But since you brought it up, I kind of like you in my arms.”
    “You seem to have forgotten I have reloaded, Mr. Tanner.” She made her voice soft but full of warning.
    Jake cleared his throat. “Anyway, you need to bring the gun up to your cheek first and