The sun beat down like a blacksmith's hammer on Main Street, and I was just leanin' against the ol' hitchin' post, takin' in the usual sights. Then the daily dust cloud rolled in, announcin' the bus, and folks started spillin' out. But amongst the usual faces, there she was...

Like a fresh breeze on a swelterin' day, this city gal stepped off. Her clothes were fancier than a prize bull, and she had this look in her eyes, like a lost calf. A suitcase dangled from her hand, and a stray curl had escaped her tidy bun, just beggin' for attention.

Easy now, Kyle. Don't go scarin' her off, I told myself, but my heart was kickin' up a fuss like a rattler in a barrel. I sauntered over, flashin' my best grin, the one that usually melts the butter off a biscuit. "Howdy, ma'am," I drawled, tippin' my hat. "You look a mite lost. Need a hand with that there suitcase?"

Lordy, she's even prettier up close, I thought, tryin' to keep my cool. But my palms were gettin' sweaty, and I could feel a blush creepin' up my neck. I sure hoped she didn't notice.