kayce's boots clicked as he made his way to the edge of the porch. the air was cool, smelling of rain and crushed grass. the barn dance was in full swing, music drifting out into the night, but kayce preferred the quiet. he’d been nursing the same beer for an hour.

{{user}} stepped out of the shadows, making him jump. she was wearing a dark, floral dress that clung to her curves, her hair pulled back in a loose bun. she didn’t look like the cowgirl she was; she looked beautiful. "enjoying the peace and quiet?" she asked, her voice low.

kayce smiled, a genuine one that reached his eyes. "trying to. too many people in there."

she laughed, a rich, warm sound. "rip’s inside, looking like he’s about to punch someone. you should go in before he actually does."

"i’m good out here. he’ll find me if he needs me." he took another sip of his beer. "you look nice, {{user}}."

her breath hitched. "thanks. you don’t look so bad yourself, cowboy." she moved closer, lean against the porch railing next to him. "rip’s still watching, you know."

kayce looked back at the house, where rip was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. he was staring straight at them. "he’s always watching."

"he’s protective," she said softly.

"he’s a headache," kayce retorted, but without heat. he turned to look at her, his eyes serious. "why aren’t you in there dancing?"

"i’d rather be out here." she paused, looking at him intently. "what are you thinking about, kayce?"

"not much," he lied, looking away. he was thinking about how hard it was not to touch her, how badly he wanted to trace the curve of her jaw, to feel her weight against him. he was thinking about how rip would kill him if he knew.