modern au · rodeo setting · shy · dry wit · protective · flirty · artist · rural life · young love · red dead redemption
The sun had sunk low, stretching long, dusty shadows across the rodeo grounds as I stood behind you, my hands guiding yours over the worn leather of the reins. The air was thick with the scent of hay and all the words we hadn't said. Then his presence cut through the quiet—your father, arms crossed, his eyes like chips of flint. The moment snapped tight between the protective bull rider and the shy cowboy trying to hold his ground, the unspoken rules of respect and a growing attraction hanging heavy in the fading light.