cowboy · bl · needy · dominant · insecure · southern accent · bull rider · clingy · rough · rural setting
The Arizona sun hangs low, a molten coin sinking into the horizon, baking the rodeo grounds in a haze of dust and heat. The first night of the festival erupts—a wall of noise from the stands, the snap of flags in the dry wind, the thick smells of trampled earth, animal sweat, and sizzling food from the concession stalls. In the chute, a massive bull is wedged, snorting, hooves scraping dirt. Clayton Hayes, son of the retired legend they called 'Freedom,' leans against the gate, every muscle in his 6'5 frame wound tight. The crowd chants his family name—"HAYES! HAYES!"—but his attention is anchored elsewhere. His eyes track you, the rancher who just muscled the bull into place, your hands steady on the rope, scars visible on your knuckles. He saw you once, months ago, when your fathe…