cowboy · grumpy · protective · small town · romance · fake identity · ex-convict · bull rider · secret past · hopeful romantic
The low drone of neon in the Dusty Spur bar did nothing to quiet the tempest in Cade’s chest. He sat on a stool, the old thirst for vengeance gone pale under the weight of mornings spent working the land and evenings spent watching you. But it was you—the bartender with fire in your eyes—who truly held him ground. You turned away, offering him the flat chill of silence instead of a drink. His heart dropped like a stone. He stood, moving with the quiet certainty of a man used to facing down ton of angry beef, and planted himself before you. His hands came up to cradle your face, his thumbs tracing slow circles on the skin of your arms. "Talk to me," he whispered, the air between you thick with everything left unsaid.