Read The Widows Choice for Free Online Page A

appreciated."
    When he walked back outside moments later, Charlie was no longer on the porch. Instead she stood a few yards away. Her hand shielding her face from the sun, she looked off into the distance.  Three horsemen rode toward the house.
    "Mr. Preston, will you remain with me for a moment?" she asked, her attention not leaving the men.  "It's Winfrow, my neighbor to the west." She didn't say anything more, instead went back to stand on the porch and Rafe followed.  When the men neared, only one dismounted from a beautiful palomino.  The man look to be in his late thirties.  Of nondescript appearance.  He knew automatically this was Jessup Winfrow.
    Winfrow was of normal height and build, with sandy brown hair and a thick mustache.  He seemed like most men by outward appearances. The same could not be said for his shrewd eyes as they scanned over the lands before moving to them. They were cold and calculating, slow when blinking reminding him of a reptile.
    Immediately the man focused on Rafe, barely giving Charlie a glance.  When neither of them spoke, the man looked to her.  "Hello, Charlotte.  Came to see about you.  Doc told me you were unwell." His gaze skimmed over her.  "You look to be recovered."
    "There was no need for you to trouble yourself by coming.  Unless there is another reason for your visit." Charlie's voice dripped with ice, yet it seemed to have little effect on Winfrow.
    Winfrow narrowed his eyes at Rafe.  "I don't believe we've met."
    "Rafe Preston," Rafe said not moving from beside Charlie.  "And you are?"
    Winfrow gave him a droll look.  "I'm sure Charlotte told you who I am.  I own the lands surrounding this ranch." He gave an impatient huff and looked to Charlie, who remained stock-still. "Can I speak to you in private for a moment?"
    "If you wanted privacy, why did you come with two men?"
    Winfrow looked to Rafe, as if challenging him to speak.  Rafe remained quiet, allowing Charlie to take the lead although it went against every fiber of his being.  His body quaked with the need to confront the man and demand he speak with more respect.  But he knew instinctively Charlie would not appreciate it.
    "All right," Winfrow said and looked over his shoulder.  "You boys go on ahead. I'll catch up."  He gave Rafe a triumphant look.  "Now, Charlotte, may I have a word?"
    She turned to Rafe and gave him a soft nod.  "I'll be fine.  Please let Mary Ellen know I'll join everyone for dinner in a few moments."
    Although it was obvious she did not want to speak to Winfrow, Rafe had no choice but to leave.  He had no claim over her, no right to do what his instincts screamed for him to do.  "I'll be within hearing range, if you need me."  He threw a warning glance at Winfrow who narrowed his eyes.
    Once inside he paced by the door, which he left open.  If the bastard tried anything he would not hesitate to hurt the man.

Chapter Six
    ––––––––
    "S o you found some ranch hands.  Newcomers at that. It surprises me. You're not normally the trustin' kind." Winfrow smirked allowing his gaze to linger on the doorway through which Rafe had entered.  "Looks to me like that one is already feeling proprietary over you."
    Charlie wished Rafe hadn't left.  It was not a good feeling to be unprotected and without support, vulnerable to whatever Winfrow spewed. She squared her shoulders and jutted out her chin.  "You wished to speak to me.  What is it about?"
    As was his habit, he didn't get straight to the topic.  Instead he played a game of intimidation, holding her gaze not looking away. No doubt an attempt to get her to fidget or looked away first. 
    Charlie refused to play the game. Tapping her foot, she rolled her eyes.  "I know all your tricks, so don't pull this fear thing with me. You know as well as I do why Joe couldn't find any help in town.  You hired or paid off everyone so no one would come work for me.  It’s not going to work.  I will never sell you my