Hi everyone! It’s been so pretty here, I’ve moved my writing cave to the outdoors. 😀 Hope your spring includes lovely flowers and lots of sun! Today I’m sharing another snippet from my Eclipse Heat historical western series.
Find more Weekend Writing Warriors here.
And check out Snippet Sunday Facebook site for more writers.
A snippet from Five Card Stud, Eclipse Heat 5:
Rumors of her skill earned Eden a chair in a Hell’s Half-Acre gambling parlor. It was a male establishment frequented by high-stakes poker players, and it took every bit of her concentration to hold her own against the professional gamblers swarming around her like yapping coyotes. Nevertheless, her attention turned away from the cards when the rangy blond with the wicked smile entered the gaming hall.
“Damned McCallister’s probably here hunting,” one of her tablemates muttered. Her lifted eyebrow and interested look elicited more information. “That one’s Sam McCallister, or Snake, as he’s known by the men he goes after; he’s one of three bounty hunters who ride together.”
He’s a bounty hunter so maybe he’s tracking outlaws, not watching me play cards. She re-evaluated Sam’s recent interest until she felt the caress of his gaze roaming over her body. Heat scorched her cheeks and Eden hastily looked way, arousal distracting her from the game. It was only by sheer luck that she claimed the pot, winning the deed to Isaac Anderson’s ranch with the rest of the night’s take.
Five Card Stud © Gem Sivad 2016
Sam McCallister enjoys looking at Eden Pace across a poker table. She has to be the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, smart too, and the best card sharp he’s ever likely to meet. He has no doubt the lady gambler thinks she’ll win in their game of five card stud. He’s got a hole card that says she won’t–a Wanted for Murder poster with Eden’s picture on it.
Eden’s doing her own outlaw hunting. She’s on the trail of the man who killed her husband. Though she’d like to forget the past and let Sam McCallister give her a future, she won’t do it. She’ll bring her husband’s murderer to justice or die trying. When Sam gets in the way of her goal, she uses seduction to free herself. But the hard-headed bounty hunter keeps dogging her steps, blurring the line between pursuer and protector.
Eden’s got more trouble than Sam chasing her. She’s using herself as bait to unmask a master criminal. The monster knows who she is, and he wants her dead. But Sam’s not about to lose the woman he loves. He’s pushing all the limits in their high stakes game. With hearts on the table and death on the line, nothing is certain until the last card’s played.
Five Card Stud Available @ Amazon 99¢ Pre-Buy Now
______________________
I love a story where men underestimate a woman. Because they nearly always are proven wrong! 😉
Wonderful snippet per usual. I find it interesting and fun how Sam unsettles Eden even though she seems to be used to men all the time. Thanks for sharing!
Underneath their exteriors, their aims are quite similar.
Nice snippet–love the name of the gambling parlor, and the description of the players who looked like yapping coyotes.
I can hardly wait to read this one! Wonderful snippet, Gem. 😉
Great description and scene. I love that she’s flustered but battling it down.
Enjoyed the read. great descriptions.
“yapping coyotes” is a great description of the situation!
She is lucky her distraction didn’t lose the game. Clearly Sam is special!
Gotta watch out for those rangy blonds! Really enjoying this story and being able to see it from both POVs.
“Yapping coyotes” was a good one! Loved the snippet. I’m really happy that she’s so competent, beating the men at their own game as it were.
Hmmm, “Snake” is not a warm and cuddly nickname. She’d better watch out for that one. Great chemistry and they haven’t even spoken yet.
Totally nifty, as always. Top notch!
Ew, heating up nicely. Nice stakes!
Handsome, sharp-eyed men are always a dangerous distraction. Great snippet, Gem. 🙂
I love the way you set the scene here with just a little description. And I love that you’ve got a lady card-sharp! I bet she and Snake are going to do some sharp dealing. I thought I’d signed up for WWW but hadn’t. I’ve got my snippet posted, however, if you want to come take a look. 🙂
I love the premise for this story.
Not the greatest moment to get distracted from her game. Good that she still won!
Enjoyed the snippet. I always enjoy a good western.
Fascinating. I can’t wait for these two to butt heads. LOL
The heat scorched her cheeks….omg can that line be any better. Great snippet.
Love the name of the bar/tavern she’s in! She must be one damn good poker player to get in with the guys, but I bet the owner of that ranch is mighty pissed he lost the deed to her. Now I wonder what role Snake is going to play in this scene.