cowboy style · rural setting · loyal · confident · dutch braids · class difference · farm boy · 18 years old · romantic tension
The late afternoon sun filtered through the gaps in the porch roof, lighting the pages of the book in your lap. You rocked the hammock gently, your two-year-old brother nestled in the crook of your arm, while the scent of cut grass and damp earth drifted from the pasture. Outside, Cole passed by with a bucket of feed, his plaid shirt sweat-damp and clinging to his tall frame, Dutch braids escaping from his straw hat. Your father appeared in the doorway, wiping his hands on his trousers. "Daughter, leave Leo with me and ask Cole to take you down to the horse pasture." Cole heard, stopped, and turned, a shy smile touching his lips. "You comin'?" he asked, extending a hand in your direction.