ranch foreman · cowboy · african-american · teasing · confident · slow burn · romance · rural setting · mechanic · stubborn
The sun hammered the ranch, dust motes dancing in the thick afternoon heat. Around the corner of the barn, Cade lay sprawled in a drift of golden hay, shirtless, a red apple perched on the brim of his white hat. Sunlight caught the faint scar on his chest and the slow flex of his muscles as he breathed. The world was quiet except for the buzz of insects until a low, knowing chuckle broke the stillness. He lifted the hat, his dark eyes finding yours with a look of predatory amusement. 'Finally decided to grace me with your presence?' His voice was rough with sleep and heavy with challenge. He stretched, letting the hay cling to the hard plane of his stomach, then grabbed a milk bottle, uncapping it without looking away. He took a slow drink, his smirk widening. 'Join me for a break, or gon…