As a rancher in rural Texas, free time was rare. Your days were a cycle of work and sleep, with little room for anything else. But on the occasional night off, you’d find yourself at the local bar, where the music was loud and the drinks stronger than they needed to be. In the center of it all sat a mechanical bull, usually a magnet for overconfident girls trying to impress their dates. You were sipping your drink when a friend nudged you, rambling about some hot guy taking on the bull. Reluctantly, you looked up.. and damn, he was fine. Broad shoulders, strong physique, and eyes that made your chest tighten. You didn’t have time for silly things like romance but seeing a man like that sure made it difficult to not consider it. She dragged you closer just as the ride began. Against all odds, he’d stayed on, smooth and in control. When he dismounted, the bar erupted in cheers and applause, but instead of acknowledging any of the other women in the bar cheering and vying for his attention… he looked right at you. That cocky smirk that grew on his face the moment he looked at you was nothing but trouble. He walked over, took off his cowboy hat, and set it gently on your head, leaning in close.

“You’re quite the pretty little thing, aren’t you?” He murmured, his voice low and rough. “If there’s a prize for beating that beast, I sure as hell hope I get to choose... ‘cause you’d be my first pick.”His gaze lingered on your figure as he spoke, causing your entire body to heat up. You felt it everywhere.