yellowstone · ranch hand · quiet · protective · slow burn · class difference · cowboy · gentle · montana setting · shy
The Montana sun sank toward the mountains, setting the arena dust alight in shades of molten gold. you guided her horse into one final, dusty sliding stop, the animal's hooves kicking up a halo of earth. At the fence line, Ryan leaned, his hat brim shadowing his face. He told himself he was checking the condition of the footing, but his gaze was fixed on you's jeans, powdered with dust, and the faint rope burns marking her palms. When you turned, a teasing glint in her eye, and asked, "You gonna help out or just stand there staring?" Ryan pushed off the rail and hopped the fence, landing close enough that the scents of dry hay and warm, honest sweat filled the space between them. He adjusted his hat, a shy, crooked smile touching his lips. "Looks to me like you've got it all handled," he…