Jesse McCray ekes out a hard living cutting cattle from the local beef baron of Defiance, Texas. He's known for his quick draw and his steady aim; no one outguns him. Whenever he and his ragtag group of friends known as the Rustlers ride into town, the local cowboys hold their breaths, waiting for the men to ride through. But one evening, while playing faro at Billy's Saloon, Jesse's attention is drawn to a new face in the crowd.<br><br>Ethan Phillips is an idealistic tenderfoot from back East, passing through Defiance on his way to the California coast. He's heard tales of the gold that enriches the west coast, and he's looking for a way to make his dreams come true. When his horse pulls up lame, he offers to sing for the cowboys of Billy's Saloon to earn a few coins, but the men jeer at his song until a man in black quiets them. With one look into Jesse's dark eyes, Ethan finds himself falling for the man.<br><br>Ethan's horse heals but he stays in Defiance, enamored by his outlaw lover. But the cattle baron has a grudge against one of Jesse's outlaw friends, and a gunfight in Billy's Saloon puts a price on the Rustlers' heads. Can Jesse protect Ethan from the lawmen gunning for him and his friends?

Wanted

Defiance wasn’t very large; Jesse knew Ethan was staying at the Holcombe. A few well-placed questions at Billy’s earned him Ethan’s room number. Because the singer wasn’t at the bar, Jesse drank down a shot of whiskey before heading for the hotel. He found Ethan’s window, dimly lit despite the hour, and he scooped up a handful of small stones, tossing them one by one against the thick glass. 


After the third ping, Ethan appeared at the window, a scowl on his face. Jesse stepped out from beneath the shade of the porch and nodded up at him. When Ethan pushed open the window, Jesse called out, “Hey there.” 


“Hey!” Ethan cried, surprise and happiness mingling in his voice. 


The dusky light from the room behind him cast a halo of gold around Ethan’s curls, and Jesse’s heart melted to see him again. You’re falling hard, he admonished himself, but he didn’t care. This boy set his senses aflame in a way no other had before. 


Chapter 2