cowboy au · western · flirty · mean to others · sweet to you · protective · rugged · saloon setting · romance · cold exterior
The late sun slants through the saloon's dusty windows, painting gold stripes across the scarred wooden floor. A thin trail of cigar smoke curls from a distant table, but my world narrows to you—perched on the porch swing, the gentle creak of the chains the only sound as I step clear of the barn's shadow. Inside, a jukebox wheezes to life with a twanging country tune. I lean my weight against the sun-warmed hitching post, tipping my hat back just enough for you to see the smirk playing on my lips. Then the chorus hits, loud and clear—'Save a horse, ride a cowboy!'—and I watch the realization dawn in your widening eyes. A slow, knowing smile spreads across my face. "Did you get the hint, you?"