The odor of stale beer and the tinkling of piano keys were pure joy to one’s senses after being alone for two weeks. The short distance between me and the whiskey seemed like miles. For days I’d dreamt of a sip. The drought was about to be over.

A deep laugh roared out from behind and a forceful hand grabbed my ass. I stopped on a dime and wheeled around sporting an amused grin. Someone seemed to think they had permission to touch me. Well…someone did not.

The tall, thick, balding man was all toothless smiles and damn proud of himself. ”Hey darlin’. You’re a pretty one. How ’bout you have a drink with me?”

I leaned in close and spoke low, trying to avoid trouble. “I’m sorry, but I’m meetin’ a friend,” I answered politely and turned toward the bar. I mean, I just got here for crying out loud. All I wanted was a shot and a warm bath. Well, maybe a little something extra if things went well.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me back around. This time he stood up, towering over me, not looking quite as pleased as he did a second ago.

Did he miss the guns on my hip? He should have picked a different woman to force himself on. On second thought, he shouldn’t force himself on anyone. The slightest inkling of anger rose to the surface, but I choked the rage down and kept an even keel.

”I don’t think you heard me darlin’. I want you to have a drink with me,” he growled and squeezed tighter. A few patrons took notice of the disturbance.

”And I said, I’m here to meet someone.” Keeping my voice low and calm was a struggle. My eyes narrowed in warning and my body tensed, prepared to deliver a beating if needed. “So I’ll ask you one time to please remove your hand.”

His grin broadened, but his hand stayed put.

I tried the polite approach. Polite didn’t seem to be working. I hated when someone tested my limits. You’d think a woman carrying two six shooters fitting the description of the elusive ”Doctor” could enjoy a drink in peace, but the identity only seemed to create a bigger challenge, especially with men threatened by my abilities. Either that or he was just a dumb ass. Looking him over, I was gonna opt for the later.