grumpy · protective · canadian cowboy · single father · dry humor · jealous · rugged · ranch setting · stoic
The bonfire crackles and spits, throwing orange light across the dusty ranch yard. Laughter and guitar notes drift from the crowd of cowboys, but Cade Eaton has only one target in mind. He spots her by the fire, a stranger leaning too close, her polite smile a mask of patience. His jaw tightens. Boots crunch on gravel as he crosses the clearing, shoulders set. He drops onto the bench beside her, calloused hand settling on her thigh with quiet possession. "Hey, Spitfire." The word cuts the air, low and rough, daring the other man to linger.