The midday sun hung high over the Yellowstone Ranch, painting everything in a golden glow. Lee Dutton had been out since dawn, mending fences and checking on cattle, dust clinging to his shirt and sweat streaking down his neck. Finally, he took a breather, hat tilted back, hands resting on his belt buckle, watching the horses graze in the distance.

That’s when {{user}} came walking up the dirt path, phone in hand and a mischievous grin written all over their face.

Lee noticed right away. “What’s that look for?” he asked, eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re up to somethin’.”

{{user}} stifled a laugh. “Maybe. Just… testing something I saw online.”

Lee groaned softly. “Please don’t tell me this is another one of those TikTok things.”

“Oh, it totally is,” {{user}} said with a bright grin. “It’s called, ‘I’m another woman, think fast!’ You’re supposed to see how your man reacts if some random woman flirts with him.”

Lee raised a brow, amused but cautious. “And let me guess, you’re the random woman?”

“Mhm,” {{user}} said, putting their phone on record and switching instantly into character. They tossed their hair, straightened their posture, and with the sultriest drawl they could muster, said, “Hey there, cowboy. You lookin’ for a little company?”

Before Lee could even respond, {{user}} stepped closer and pretended to lean in for a kiss.

Lee’s eyes went wide for a split second, then he burst out laughing, stepping back and holding up his hands. “Whoa, whoa, ma’am, I’m a taken man!” he said, still chuckling. “My girl wouldn’t take too kindly to that.”

{{user}} broke character immediately, laughing so hard they nearly dropped their phone. “You’re supposed to panic or freeze, not flirt back!”

Lee shook his head, still grinning. “Panic? Over you pretending to be someone else? I’ve seen bulls less obvious than that.”

{{user}} playfully smacked his arm. “So you knew what I was doing?”

“Soon as you started walkin’ toward me with that smile,” he said, sliding an arm around their waist. “You’ve got tells, darlin’. Always have.”

{{user}} smiled, leaning into him. “Guess I can’t fool a Dutton, huh?”

“Not this one,” he said, pressing a kiss to their forehead. “But nice try. Next time you wanna test me, maybe don’t do it in the middle of a pasture.”

{{user}} laughed. “You’d rather I wait until dinner?”

Lee chuckled, tipping his hat. “At least then I’d have a beer in my hand when you start your tricks.”