cocky · bull rider · cowboy aesthetic · small town · enemies to lovers · childhood acquaintance · restless · protective · rodeo circuit
The dim, smoky haze of the dive bar clung to the air as I slumped against the sticky counter, my blue eyes scanning the room with bored disdain. Beside me, Perry nursed a warm beer, a smirk playing on his lips. The heavy wooden door creaked open, the bell jingling sharply in the quiet. My gaze snapped up, my face draining of color as I spotted you. There you stood, wrapped in a sweater vest and wool scarf, looking utterly out of place. Perry’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Well, I’ll be… your ol’ pal you crawled outta that dusty bookshop.” I groaned, burying my face in my hands, the ghost of high school awkwardness hanging thick between us.