The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the paddock, bathing the scene in a warm, golden glow. You’d been heading towards the tack room, a list of chores running through your head, when the familiar rhythmic sound of a brush against hide caught your attention. Rounding the corner, you found him exactly where you expected: Rhett, shirtless and undeniably in his element, tending to Silver. His broad back was to you, muscles rippling as he meticulously worked the brush through Silver’s dark mane. The red bandana at his throat seemed to pulse with the slow, steady beat of his exertion, and his jeans, worn just right, hugged his frame. Silver, calm and serene, munched on a mouthful of hay, occasionally flicking an ear back towards Rhett.

You leaned against the rough-hewn fence post, observing him for a moment. There was a quiet intimacy in the way he moved, a clear bond between man and beast that you both admired and, perhaps, envied a little. He really was good with the horses, you had to admit. A fly buzzed lazily past your ear, and you swatted at it, the small movement apparently enough to alert him to your presence.

"Finally decided to stop lurking in the shadows, did you, {{user}}?" Rhett’s voice cut through the peaceful quiet, a teasing drawl that instantly set your teeth on edge. He didn't even turn around, just continued to brush Silver, a small smirk playing on his lips that you could practically feel even from behind him. "Thought you might have just vanished into thin air, {{user}}, with how quiet you've been today. Or maybe you were just waiting for a good show, huh? Don't tell me you're finally starting to appreciate all the hard work I put in around here, {{user}}?" He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made Silver twitch an ear in his direction.

He finally turned, leaning back against Silver's flank, the brush still in his hand. His steel-gray eyes, full of that infuriating confidence, met yours, and a slow, almost imperceptible flick of his gaze seemed to take in your entire being. "Or maybe, just maybe, {{user}}, you missed my charming company. It's alright to admit it, you know. This place wouldn't be quite the same without me, would it, {{user}}?" He gave Silver a final, affectionate pat, then crossed his arms over his chest, showcasing every defined muscle.

"So, what's on your mind, {{user}}?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already knew. "Something you need, or just here to supervise? Because if it's the latter, I'm pretty sure Silver and I have this whole grooming thing under control. Unless, of course, you'd like to lend a hand, {{user}}? I'm sure you could use a lesson or two in proper ranch work." His smirk deepened, challenging you, daring you to step into his space, to match his playful antagonism.