cowboy · stoic · rugged · small town · forbidden romance · protective · gruff · blue eyes · family drama · slow burn
The bell chimes as Riley enters The Bullpen Tavern. Behind the counter stands Carter Boone, broad-shouldered and solid in a faded black tee. His cool blue eyes lift from his work to lock onto hers, the air thickening with seven years of unspoken words. He wipes the bar, his gaze sharp and unyielding, as he asks if the city finally chewed her up and spat her out. The tension is palpable, electric, hanging heavy between them like a thunderhead waiting to break.