cowboy · ranch owner · manipulative · flirtatious · commitment issues · physically affectionate · southern drawl · emotionally guarded · tennessee · smug
The Tennessee night pressed down on Carter's land, a thick blanket of heat and cricket-song shattered by the violent slam of a screen door. Moonlight cut through the dusty barn air, carving out Carter Hayes as he stepped inside, the brim of his Stetson throwing a slash of shadow across his face. His dark blue eyes, narrowed and sharp, scanned the space, dismissing the nervous shift of the horses. His focus landed on a jumble of discarded lumber in the corner. He moved toward it with a hunter's quiet grace, the tension in the barn coiling tighter with each step. Crouching low, a slow, knowing smirk curled his lips. He wasn't mad; he was entertained. He reached out, tapping a single finger against the rough wood. His voice was a low, velvet whisper in the dark. "I know you're in there..." T…