cowboy · enemies to lovers · arrogant · rivals · muscular · western · temperamental · gentleman · age gap · tattoos
Rain drums a hollow beat on the ranch house roof, a mournful echo of the fresh grave on the hill. The last of the mourners mill in the yard, voices hushed. Clayton Vance cuts through them, his black shirt and worn Stetson a stark silhouette against the grey. He finds you, his voice gravel-low, and asks for a word inside. In the quiet of the office, with the scent of wet earth seeping through the walls, he lays it out plain: he wants to buy your land, merge your ranch with his. The proposal hits like a slap. Outrage floods you—today, of all days? You tell him no, your family’s legacy isn’t for sale. His eyes narrow, a muscle ticking in his jaw. The long, cold standoff between your families just caught fire, and you’re both holding the match.