The Old Man's Back in Town by Ann Charles Read Free Book Online Page B

me.”
    Come back to me, Montana.
    That explained why he kept saying that in my dreams. My throat tightened. Careful not to jar my shoulder, I scooted over, patting the bed next to me.
    He glanced at the door then climbed in next to me, mindful of the needle in my arm. He brushed his beard stubble over my forehead as he held me close. “You missed Christmas.”
    “You’ll have to make it up to me at New Year’s.”
    “It’s a deal. Do you remember saying you’d marry me?” he asked.
    It was my turn to laugh. “Good try, Andersen.”
    “Laugh it up, Montana, but Santa left you a little package under the tree.”
    “Isn’t that sweet,” I said, still smiling. “But Santa knows I like my packages big.” I reached down and squeezed him through his fly. “This will do me just fine.”
    His surprised cough morphed into a raspy chuckle. “I can’t believe I’m in love with such a salty wench.” The tender brush of his lips over my temple smoothed away the last burrs of my resistance.
    “Okay,” I said, staring up at the television as Clint Eastwood rode off into the horizon.
    “Okay what?”
    “I’ll wear your ring.”
    He sat up, gaping down at me. “No shit?”
    “No shit.” I reached up and ran my knuckles over his scruff. “But I’m keeping The Ugly Rooster.”
    He grinned. “You’ll have to make moving back worth my while.” He bent down, his lips feathering over my face. His hand traced my contours through the cotton pig-covered gown. “Let’s start with those tassels and spurs.”
    I caught his roving hand and held it over my heart. “Don’t forget the chaps and thong.”
    “Trust me, Shooter, I won’t. I think I’ll include them in my wedding vow.”
    The End … for now.*
    *(Stay tuned for an all-new full-length novel about Montana and Joel—the first in the Goldwash, Nevada mystery series—coming in early 2014.)

Also by Ann Charles
    The Deadwood Mystery Series

Nearly Departed in Deadwood (Book 1)

    WINNER of the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
    WINNER of the 2011 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
    “Full of thrills and chills, a fun rollercoaster ride of a book!”
    ~Susan Andersen, New York Times Bestselling Author of Burning Up
    “Ann Charles has written an intriguing mystery laced with a wicked sense of humor. Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way.”
    ~Deborah Schneider, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009 & Author of Beneath a Silver Moon
    Overview…
    “The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass.”
    ~Violet Parker
    Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet Parker’s daughter could be next. She’s desperate to find the monster behind the abductions. But if she’s not careful, Violet just might end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed.

Seeing Trouble
    (From the Deadwood Shorts Collection)

    From the Multiple Award-winning, #1 Bestselling Ghost Horror and Women Sleuth Author of the DEADWOOD MYSTERY SERIES!
    A short 39-page collection to entertain and add background story for more Deadwood fun!
    Overview…
    What do you get when you combine a chicken named Elvis, a locked diary, and a secret Violet Parker does not want share with her daughter?
    Seeing Trouble is the first of many short stories involving the characters of the Deadwood Mystery series. (Bonus character interview, illustrations, and short story included.)
    Haven’t read any of the Deadwood Mystery Series books yet? Don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers in this short story.

The Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series

Dance of the Winnebagos (Book 1)

    Bestseller in Women Sleuth Mystery and Romantic Suspense!
    “Ann Charles delivers laugh-out-loud dialogue, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding suspense.”
    ~Vicki Lewis Thompson, New York Times Bestselling Author
    “…two thumbs up and a standing ovation for laughs, sighs, thrills, and an