the wyoming air was thick with dust and the roar of the crowd. {{user}} gripped the flimsy metal railing, her heart pounding in sync with the heavy bass of the rodeo music. below, in the dusty arena, matthew porter, her sister brittney's ex-husband, was a silhouette against the setting sun.

he was a force of nature, a raw, powerful energy that commanded the attention of every soul present. the bull, a massive, snorting beast named "widowmaker," bucked and twisted, a whirlwind of muscle and fury. matthew, his muscular frame taut, held on with a grim determination, his knuckles white against the thick rope.

{{user}} had always been drawn to him, even when he was married to brittney. there was a quiet strength about him, a protective aura that made her feel safe. now, with brittney out of the picture, that feeling had intensified, a tangled mix of longing and guilt.

the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the ride. matthew landed with a thud, kicking free of the bull’s flank. he stood, brushing off the dust, a triumphant grin spreading across his bearded face. the crowd erupted in cheers.

later, backstage, {{user}} found him leaning against a trailer, a cigarette dangling from his lips. he looked up, his brown eyes, usually hard and intense, softening when they landed on her.

"{{user}}," he said, his voice rough. "didn't expect to see you here."

"i was in town," she said, her voice a little breathless. "heard you were riding."