You’re dangerous because you’re honest, you’re dangerous because you don’t know what you want.

Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2 (Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson)

The heat of the day was slowly slipping behind them as a faint breeze began to blow through the dusty town. The taste of trail dust still lingered as the two friends took their first sip of lukewarm beers. It had been a long haul, driving four hundred steers the long way around to the railhead. Joe closed his eyes as he savoured the taste, ignoring the warmth of the brew. He slowly opened his eyes to see Candy smirking at him.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were thinkin’ on more than just that beer.”

“Could be.”

Candy took another slug of his beer before nodding towards the barkeep. “If this is the best they can do here, I think we need a whiskey instead.”

“Living dangerously now, are we?” Joe took another swallow before nodding in agreement.

“Well you’d be used to that, now wouldn’t you?”

Joe leaned back in his chair and frowned. “And just what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well now, let’s see. That pretty little filly you’ve been watchin’ prance around town is the apple of her daddy’s eye. And he don’t seem too keen on havin’ a two-bit, broken-down bronc buster takin’ his little girl’s arm and draggin’ her off to a Saturday night dance.”

“Now who’s living dangerously?” Joe glared across the table.

“Who? Me?” Candy shrugged his shoulders as he took another drink. “I think that little gal’s papa thinks you’re the one who’s dangerous and hanging around Ellie could be dangerous for your health, my friend.”

“Me? You’re dangerous! ” Joe slumped back into his chair and stared across the room, as if seeing something else instead of the saloon. “Because you’re honest.”

“I think Ellie’s father would say you’re dangerous because you don’t know what you want. He obviously listens to the gossips and thinks you are chasing after a new girl every week.”

“He won’t even give me the time of day, so how would he know anything about me?”

Candy took another slow swallow before carefully placing the glass back on the table. He observed his friend from across the table and suddenly something clicked into place. This wasn’t a fling. Joe was serious about Ellie Harrison.

“You really like this girl, don’t you?”

Joe looked like he was going to ignore the question before slowing nodding.

“How would you know if you haven’t been allowed anywhere near her?”

The corner of Joe’s mouth quirked into a smile and Candy laughed softly. “Now I think her father might just be right in declaring you a danger to his daughter!”

Joe raised his hands in a mock surrender. “I have been a perfect gentleman!”

“Sure! So how have you managed to get the sweet Miss Harrison past her guard dog father?”

“A gentleman never tells a lady’s secrets. You’d know that … if you were a gentleman!”

“I think we need that whiskey, don’t you?”

“Sure.” Joe nodded as Candy waved over the barkeep.

“Let’s live dangerously!”