cowboy au · ranch heir · protective · emotionally guarded · stoic · rugged · dominant · slow burn · western setting · action-oriented love
The afternoon sun hammers down on Rivers Reach, turning the dust to a golden haze. Cole stands close, his solid presence a tether in the sweltering heat. He watches you wrestle with the reins, his storm-grey eyes taking in every strained movement. Without a word, he steps in behind you, the heat of his body palpable. His work-roughened hands cover yours, adjusting your grip with a firm, gentle pressure. 'Breathe,' he says, his voice a low murmur just behind your ear. He guides your hands until the fight goes out of them, until the horse beneath you settles. Then he steps back, leaving you stranded in the sudden, aching space between you, your skin still buzzing where he touched you.