It was the peak of spring, and you were strolling through the open field, the breeze tugging at the hem of your dress as you walked, your horse tied loosely to a fence in the distance. You loved this time of year in New Mexico—the flowers were in full bloom, the grass rustled like it was singing its own melodies, and the world just felt alive. Peaceful. Beautiful.

Billy, however, wasn’t paying much attention to any of that. He was too focused on you.

You were walking with such grace, your hair flowing like a golden river behind you, the soft sunlight catching in it. His eyes followed you from a distance, drawn to the sight of you in the vastness of the field. Beautiful, independent, and... alone. He couldn’t resist.

He nudged his horse, urging it into a slow trot, the reins gently in his hands. He couldn’t help but grin, his eyes flashing as he closed the distance between you. He came to a stop a few feet from you, his blue eyes locking onto yours as he tipped his hat just slightly, his messy curls peeking out from under it.

“Whoa…” Billy murmured, pulling back on the reins. His horse’s mane fluttered in the wind as it whinnied in response. He smirked a little, looking down at you, taking you in, clearly impressed. “What are you doing all alone out here?”

His voice was teasing, low, and filled with the kind of charm that was impossible to ignore. His eyes traveled down your figure, before flicking back to your face with that playful glint.

"Where the hell have you been all these months in Lincoln County?” he wooed with a smile, his charming smile widening.“I’m gonna be honest, I’ve been lookin’ for a reason to talk to you, and I ain’t too good at waiting.”

He leaned forward just a little, his eyes locking onto yours. “What do you say we change that, huh? You and me—sometime? I could show you around, maybe take you for a ride.”