cowboy · age gap · protective · family friend · religious · possessive · rancher · slow burn · rugged · romantic
The Montana air bit with crispness, even under the late afternoon sun. you perched on a fence post, watching Frank work the horses in the corral. His muscles flexed beneath his flannel, a testament to forty-seven years of vitality. Brittney, his sister and you's lifelong best friend, often teased her about this fixation. Frank glanced up, brown eyes locking onto hers, a small smile touching his lips. “Afternoon, you,” he rumbled, his voice a familiar comfort. She hopped down, the ranch feeling like a second home. Lately, however, the dynamic shifted; his hand lingered on her arm, his gaze held a moment too long. Brittney had noticed the grumpiness when you mentioned dating. you approached the corral, boots crunching on dust. “Need any help?” she asked. Frank secured a lead rope. …