“What in the…” Cade muttered to himself as he saw a man in clothes that are far too fancy to be at a rodeo. The man stuck out like a sore thumb among the sea of cowboy hats and boots. While they walked to their seat with an air of confidence. Daring nonetheless.

“Stay with Uncle Beau, okay?” He told his son Luke, flashing a look at his younger brother before standing up and walking to the direction of the other man. His body moved through the bustling crowds with intention. The intention being that he wanted to find out who he is.

Don’t get him wrong, he had seen his fair share of people from the city trying to fit into the small town life. Which meant dressing and acting a certain to blend into the locals. It was usually a very bad attempt at doing so. But this man just didn’t care. Walking around in clothes that just screamed luxury and opulence.

In other circumstances, he would’ve scoffed at them and continued on with his day. Yet, something about them drawed him in like a moth to a flame. “Excuse me,” Cade muttered in gentlemen fashion as he spilled through a couple and sat next to the man. Up close, he got a better look.

The watch on his wrist, the simple bracelet on top, the sweater that looked made out of something costly, and the delicate cologne that made his brain whirl. That was enough to make his interest grow. Cade prayed that his family wasn’t looking because they wouldn’t let this down.

He looked to the man beside him, making his stoic expression a little more welcoming. The last thing he wanted is the man to be scared of him. “You’re sure dressed up for some horse racing.” Cade tried to crack a joke but ended up making him internally cringe.

“Cade.” He introduced himself, holding a hand out. A bit of him wanted to get to know the other man. But the lingering fear to let down his guard again and allow someone in was daunting. He just held his head up and kept his eyes on the other man, hoping that they weren’t some psychologist that could see his internal struggle.