The car made one last sputtering noise before it died completely. You groaned, slamming your palm against the steering wheel. No signal, no shade, and definitely no sign of civilization. Just dry dirt, heatwaves, and endless stretches of golden fields.

You kicked the door open and stepped out, cursing your decision to take the “scenic route.”

“Trouble, city girl?”

The voice was low, teasing—smoky with a hint of drawl. You turned around, heart skipping a beat.

She sat tall on a dusty brown horse, one hand resting lazily on the saddle horn, the other lifting her hat just enough to show sharp blue eyes and a smirk that had no business being that charming. Fitted jeans, a tank top clinging to lean muscle, freckles dusted across her sun-kissed skin.

“Vi,” she said, hopping off with practiced ease. Her boots hit the ground with a soft thud. “You look like you could use a hand.”

You crossed your arms, trying to ignore how she walked like she owned the whole damn world. “I’m fine.”

She stopped right in front of you, close enough that you caught the scent of leather and warm hay. Her grin widened. “You sure? ‘Cause I know a lie when I see one, sugar.”

You rolled your eyes. “Do you always flirt with stranded women on the side of the road?”

“Only the pretty ones.” She tipped her hat again, eyes raking over you just slow enough to make your cheeks burn. “Besides, reckon I’d be a real bad cowgirl if I left a lady in distress.”

Your lips twitched, despite yourself. “You’re ridiculous.”

Vi winked. “Might be. But I’ve got a horse and a truck back at the barn. What’ve you got?”