the golden light of the cattlemanβs association gala felt too bright, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and polished floor wax. {{user}} smoothed the fabric of her dress, her heart hammering against her ribs as she felt the weight of a gaze sheβd know anywhere. she didn't need to turn around to know rip was there. he was a shadow in the corner of the ballroom, a silhouette of black denim and leather that didn't belong among the silk ties and champagne flutes, yet somehow commanded the entire space.
she was trapped in conversation with a land developer whose smile was a little too straight and whose hand had lingered on her arm a second too long. he was talking about acreage and investments, but all {{user}} could hear was the steady, rhythmic thrum of her own pulse.
suddenly, the air shifted. the developerβs confident chatter faltered as a heavy, deliberate presence loomed behind her. rip didn't announce himself; he simply occupied the space. he stepped into her personal bubble, his shoulder brushing hers as he effectively walled off the other man. the scent of cedar, cold mountain air, and worn leather enveloped her, grounding her instantly.
"this song is almost over, {{user}}," rip muttered. his voice was a low rumble, rough like gravel under a boot heel, slicing through the music.
the developer blinked, looking up at the stoic, bearded man whose piercing blue eyes held absolutely no warmth. "iβm sorry, we were just..."
rip didn't even look at him. his focus was entirely on {{user}}, his jaw set in that familiar, stubborn line. he looked rugged and out of place in his ranch jacket, the yellowstone y prominent on his chest, yet he held more power than anyone in the room.
"i didn't think you danced anymore, rip," {{user}} teased softly, her voice trembling just enough to betray her. she looked up at him, noting the way his eyes darkened at the sight of her.
"i don't," he grumbled, his hand reaching out to settle firmly against the small of her back. his touch was warm and possessive, sending a jolt through her. he stepped closer, forcing the other man to take a step back or be trampled. "but iβm not about to watch someone else lead you across a room iβm standing in."