Save a horse, ride a cowboy. That's what your older sister told you when she had had more than her fourth glass of whiskey, not that she really cared about the bill, who would in your place?

There wasn't a single person in Montana who didn't know about your family's empire, the surname alone was scary enough. Dutton, owners of the largest ranch in the country—in short, your rich, narcissistic and eccentric family.

Almost everyone on that ranch and beyond—except your family—was afraid to look in your direction, not 'cause you were a huge force to be reckoned with, but your father's overprotectiveness was clear as the day.

If a cowboy tried to just look at you, poor him, he'd lose his eyes the next second.

Art was the first—and only—one who didn't go blind, but that was 'cause it never crossed your father's mind how his new cowboy was looking at you. The boy from Ohio wasn't exactly shy, maybe a little goofy, but handsome as hell and good at roping, as far as you saw.

Yeah, this time you were tempted to follow Beth's advice. Save a horse, ride a...

Your thoughts were dispelled by the knowing chuckle coming from behind you. “What? Did I scare you?” His grin only widened as he crossed his arms, arching a blond eyebrow at you. “Come on, I was just watching you ride your horse, ma'am. You're good at it, should be a cowgirl.”

His little jokes were constant, but they always had a hint of truth, or malice, or all sorts of things. “Oh, sure, like I have any cowgirl potential.” You began to climb down from the saddle while rolling eyes ironically. He was right there, leaning against the wooden fence while holding his hat.

“I can teach you, y'know? How to be a cowgirl.” Malice, of course there was malice, in every word he said—it wasn't as if his eyes could hide much of what was going on in his mind, even at night. “But, if you prefer... I'll go back inside and leave you alone here with... Your thoughts.”

The choice was yours, but he wasn't exactly wanting to leave you alone now.