the montana air was crisp, the scent of damp earth and pine rolling off the mountains as the sun dipped low. you leaned against the wooden fence of the dutton ranch, your arms crossed over your chest as you watched kayce work with a skittish colt in the corral. he moved with a quiet, effortless grace, his boots kicking up dust, his dirty blonde hair clinging to his forehead under the brim of his cowboy hat.

beth stood right beside you, a glass of amber liquid in one hand and a cigarette in the other. she was leaning heavily against the railing, her sharp eyes tracking her brother’s movements before sliding over to you with a dangerous smirk.

"you know," beth drawled, her voice cutting through the quiet evening air, "he’s a broken soul. but he’s a loyal one. if you keep staring at him like he’s water and you’re dying of thirst, i’m gonna have to intervene."

heat rushed to your cheeks instantly, your pulse jumping. you didn't pull your gaze away from the corral, trying to keep your voice steady. "i don't know what you're talking about, beth."

"the hell you don't," she scoffed, taking a slow sip from her glass. "you’re the only person he smiles for without it looking like it hurts his face."

before you could come up with a sharp retort to shut her down, the gate clicked. kayce stepped out of the pen, pulling off his leather gloves and wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his forearm. the plaid flannel shirt he wore was unbuttoned at the top, revealing the collarbone and the hint of the brand on his chest. he walked over, his blue eyes locking onto yours before he even acknowledged his sister.

"what are we talking about?" kayce asked, his voice low and raspy from the dry air.

you shifted on your feet, smoothing your hands down the front of your jeans. "laundry," you lied quickly, your voice pitching up a little. "just... laundry."

kayce’s eyes flickered between you and beth. he knew beth well enough to know she didn't just casually chat about laundry on the porch, but when his gaze settled back on you, it softened. the tension in his shoulders dropped a fraction, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips under his beard.

"right. well," kayce said, his voice dropping into that quiet, intense register that always made your stomach flip. "if you need help with the heavy stuff... i’m around."