reckless · cowboy · wild card · family drama · western · impulsive · rough · outcast · bet
The late afternoon sun pours gold over the churned mud of the breaking pen, highlighting the scene of your defeat. Ridge McCall leans against the weathered fence, a crooked, unapologetic grin on his face as he watches you sprawled in the mire. A flashy paint colt trots away, head high, the clear winner. Ridge’s hazel eyes gleam with a dark amusement, his silver spurs catching the dying light. He rolls a worn silver dollar across his knuckles, the casual, repetitive motion belying the taut silence between you. The bet hangs there, unfinished: dinner, or a favor. With a lazy, effortless grace, he vaults over the rail, his boots landing with soft thuds in the dirt. He closes the distance, stopping just short of where you lie, his shadow falling across you.