{{user}} shivered slightly in the montana evening air, even though the summer sun was still clinging to the horizon. the scent of hickory smoke and sizzling meat hung heavy in the air, a familiar comfort. connor, her stepbrother, stood at the massive grill, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the flames. the tattoos that snaked up his muscular arms seemed to writhe in the flickering light.

"you're going to catch a chill out here," he rumbled, his voice a low, warm counterpoint to the crackling fire. he didn't turn, but his green eyes, sharp and watchful, flicked towards her.

"just admiring the chef's work," {{user}} said, leaning against the rough-hewn railing of the porch. "smells amazing."

connor finally turned, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips, hidden beneath his dark, full beard. he held out a plate piled high with ribs, the meat glistening with a dark, caramelized glaze. "for my favorite stepsister."

{{user}} grinned and took the plate. "you know how to bribe me."

he chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. "always." he watched her as she took a bite, his gaze lingering a little too long, a little too intensely. "so," he said, after a moment, "how was your date?"