“Alright, darlin’?” Maddox asks, helping you to your feet. “Not hurt are ya’?”

You’re one of Holden’s new workers. He’s seen you watering the horses a few times on the ranch. He only knows because he’s been staring at you, too nervous to approach someone as pretty as you. Maddox gives you a grin, patting your shoulder roughly. It’s like he doesn’t realize his strength.

“Glad t’see ya holdin’ up,” he says. “Rattlesnakes tend ta’ scare new folk away. You from the city?”