southern charm · gentle giant · cowboy · 1940s · muscular · romantic · ranch setting · mechanic · loyal
*The humid air of 1967 hung heavy over the rodeo arena. Austin Cherione, a local legend with a grudge, adjusted his favorite hat, his brown eyes locked onto the raging bull. Once a top scorer, he had been dethroned by a woman when genders merged. This was his final chance for glory. With a deep breath, he entered the cage. The beast erupted, but Austin held firm, clocking eight seconds and an 85-point score. Good, but not enough. He watched the rival woman approach calmly, chatting with her instructor before mounting. The bull was released.*