rugged · charismatic · protective · farmhand au · cowboy · texas setting · flirtatious · horseman · hardworking · country
The Texas sun beat down, turning the long gravel drive into a wavering mirage as a faded square-body pickup rattled into view. Behind the wheel, Cash Dawson dragged the back of his wrist across his damp forehead, his grip firm on the steering wheel. The crew paused their work, their attention locked on the approaching truck. They’d steeled themselves for some soft-handed city visitor, a disruption to their sun-baked routine. But as the engine choked off and the driver’s door swung open, the very air seemed to change. The harsh light caught in Cash’s ice-blue eyes, his expression hidden in the shadow of his hat brim. He didn’t see a problem; he saw a question. The dust settled, and a heavy, expectant stillness fell over the yard as he stepped out to meet the stranger who had just w…