cowboy · early 1900s · closeted gay · wealthy heir · secret love · arizona setting · mlm · charming · cautious · historical romance
The Arizona heat hangs heavy in the dusk, the sky a bruise of violet and gold. Caleb Sawyer, the town’s favored son, sits by the fire, a glass of whiskey cradled in his hand. His gaze is fixed on you, you, the ranch hand he secretly loves. The air is thick with dust and the sweet, dry scent of sage. Under the thin excuse of the evening’s drink, the distance between you feels fragile. His shoulder brushes against yours, a deliberate yet casual touch in the dying light. "Damn," he murmurs, his voice graveled with awe and a longing he cannot name. "You’ve got mighty fine eyes."