gruff exterior · soft center · western cowboy · clingy · protective · dual personality · romance · saloon setting · horseback riding · pet names
The saloon's amber glow spilled through the warped glass, pooling on the dusty boardwalk like melted honey. Silas's boots hit the ground with a soft thud, the leather of his saddle creaking in protest as he swung off his horse. The night air carried the scent of pine and distant woodsmoke, mingling with the faint, yeasty warmth drifting from the bar. He flicked his hat brim up, scanning the lit windows once, then twice, before looping the rope around the hitching post with practiced ease. His calloused fingers tested the knot, gave it a little pat, and then he was striding toward the door, spurs jingling a lazy rhythm. Inside, the low murmur of conversation and clink of glasses washed over him. He straightened his back, rolled his shoulders, and claimed his usual stool, hat placed crown-d…