Ezra neatly shuffled the cards in his hands, performing several tricky manipulations as he did. He was bored. He hadn't had a decent card game in weeks. Either he was becoming too well known around the area or the recent lack of new arrivals in town was to blame.
He tilted his chair back and glanced around the quiet saloon. Ezra was on the verge of considering some new diversion to break his boredom when the doors to the saloon swung open and in walked the most beautiful woman the gambler had ever seen. He immediately straightened in his chair and put all four legs on the floor.
He let his gaze wander over the young woman as she went to the bar and ordered a drink. Her jet-black hair tumbled loosely over her shoulders and down her back in waves. She wore a small green hat on her head and as she sipped her drink, Ezra could see one dimpled cheek. Her dress was a dark green and she brushed at it with one gloved hand trying without much success to remove some of the dust that covered it.
She asked the bartender a question then turned and surveyed the quiet bar. Realizing Ezra was staring at her, she nodded her head, giving him a shy smile. The con-man reciprocated. He noticed that her eyes were a deep blue, almost violet in color and realized that she held his gaze, never looking away.
Suddenly she sat down her drink and moved toward his table. The gambler got to his feet and waited for her.
"Excuse me sir, I was told by the gentleman at the bar a game of chance might be had at this table, was he correct?"
"Indeed he is," Ezra smiled. "May I introduce myself, Ezra Standish at your service."
"A pleasure Mr. Standish. My name is Jessica Wiley."
She moved to take a seat at the table and Ezra said, "Please allow me." He pulled out a chair and held it for her as she sat down.
Jessica smiled across the table at him as he reclaimed his seat. "You don't seem surprised at my inquiring about a game? Why is that Mr. Standish?"
"Well Miss Wiley, I have traveled quite extensively over the years and I have seen all kinds of players. While most of my dealings were with gentlemen, there have been a few ladies amongst them."
"Then you have no objection to playing a few hands with me?"
"None whatsoever."
"Good," she smiled. "Shall we begin?"
Ezra pulled a deck from his jacket pocket and laid the pack on the table. "Do you have a particular game in mind?"
"I usually like to begin with five card stud."
"Alright," Ezra nodded and as he dealt the cards, he realized he was no longer feeling bored.
O – O – O – O
A few hours later, Jessica pulled her winnings from the last hand toward her before saying, "Thank you Mr. Standish for providing me with your company and several well played games of chance. It would appear you and I are equally matched in our talent."
"So it would seem," he replied. Jessica was indeed an accomplished player and the con-man found he was very attracted to her.
Ezra stood as did Jessica. She smiled and said, "Well I must be saying good evening. I need to retire to my room. Thank you again."
As she turned to leave, Ezra touched her arm, "If you don't think this too forward of me, might I walk you to the hotel, Miss Wiley?"
Seeming to think it over for a minute she replied, "I have no objection, but please call me Jessica."
"Alright, but only if you call me Ezra."
She gave him a dimpled smile. "Alright…Ezra."
Offering his arm, she lightly laid her hand on it. They walked out of the saloon and down the plank sidewalk toward the hotel.
The night was a pleasant one, as a cool breeze rippled through the various fires dotting the street. The moon was full and bright, casting a silvery glow over everything it touched.
The twosome walked in silence, comfortable in each other's company. When they finally reached the doorway to the hotel, Jessica said, "Thank you again for escorting me and the night's entertainment. You played exceedingly well and I enjoyed myself immensely."
"I too enjoyed my evening. Perhaps we might engage in another round tomorrow?"
A shadow clouded Jessica's face for a brief moment before she replied, "I shall look forward to it."
"Till tomorrow then."
As she started to enter the hotel, Jessica turned back suddenly taking Ezra's face into her hands. Standing on her tiptoes she kissed the surprised gambler. At first it was soft, almost innocent then she deepened it, taking his tongue into her mouth.
Ezra responded by pulling her into his arms, pressing her soft body against her. He returned the kiss igniting a fire inside him. He felt almost giddy from the sensations it was creating. Her lips were soft and the faint scent of lavender clung to her hair and shoulders.
Finally, she came up for air, her face flushed and shining. She gazed longingly into his green eyes.
He gazed back, a thousand different feelings coursed through him.
"I really should go." Jessica murmured.
Swallowing deeply, Ezra replied, "Of course my dear."
This time as she turned, she entered the hotel slowly crossing the floor before disappearing up the stairs without a backward glance.
Ezra stood staring at the door unable to move. It took him several minutes to collect himself before he slowly turned retracing his steps back to the saloon.
O – O – O – O
The next morning Ezra fairly bounded down the stairs entering the saloon. He had decided to ask Jessica to breakfast, having spent some time attending to his morning toiletry. He wanted to look his best for her.
He entered the hotel a few minutes later and approached the desk clerk, "My good man, could you tell me which room Miss Wiley is in?"
The clerk stared at Ezra for a moment before saying, "Miss Wiley checked out early this morning sir. She caught the morning stage about two hours ago."
Ezra's face fell and he sputtered, "What, but why? Did she say where she was going?"
"No sir, but she left a note for you."
Handing him a folded piece of paper, the gambler walked outside and slowly opened it.
Dearest Ezra,
I am sorry to leave you so suddenly after what happened between us last night, but I felt it was for the best.
Last night was wonderful and I shall always remember you and our kiss. You are an incredible man and I shall never forget you.
Always,
Jessica
As he refolded the piece of paper, he touched it briefly to his lips before placing it in to his vest pocket.
"Always." he whispered.