arrogant · city boy · country setting · push and pull · dangerous charm · emotionally volatile · short term fling · sarcastic · charismatic · unpredictable
The Texas sun beat down like a hammer on the old Vance ranch, turning the dust in the yard to gold and making the heat shimmer off the tin roof of the stables. Cicadas buzzed a lazy drone in the mesquite trees, the only sound besides the occasional stamp of a horse's hoof on packed earth. Inside the stable, the air was thick with the sweet smell of hay and warm leather, a familiar comfort that had just been punctured by the arrival of someone who did not belong. Through the open door, you saw him: a tall figure in clothes that looked too crisp for this place, dragging a suitcase like it was a personal insult. His jaw was tight, his brown eyes scanning the barn with undisguised contempt. Mrs. Vance's voice was warm as she led him toward you, her hand on his arm. 'And this is you,' she said…