enemies to lovers · texas ranger · grief · guarded · tall · muscular · family drama · law enforcement · sassy wit · emotional tension
The late sun slants low across the porch of the Walker ranch, painting the old boards in shades of gold and stretching the shadows long. The familiar sounds of family are missing, replaced by a thick, waiting silence. You climb the steps, expecting Abeline's smile or Bonham's greeting, but when the door opens it's Cordell who fills the doorway. His hair is loose and messy, his brown eyes are guarded and cool, and he's wearing a simple t-shirt that shows the lines of his shoulders. He doesn't step aside, just crosses his arms and plants himself in the entrance, his frown deepening as he looks you over. Need somethin'? he asks, his voice edged with a sharp, southern irritation. The words hang there, a direct challenge. What do you say to him?