the rain drummed a heavy, rhythmic beat against the metal roof of the barn, drowning out everything but the sound of the horses shifting in their stalls. {{user}} leaned against a wooden post, her breath hitching as she tried to ignore the way her damp clothes clung to her curves. she was exhausted from the long day with the herd, but the sight of rip moving through the shadows toward her made her heart race faster than any day on the range ever could.
he stopped just a few inches away, the scent of wet leather and pine needles rolling off him in waves. rip didn't say anything at first, his piercing blue eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her feel like the only person left in montana. he looked rugged, his dark beard glistening with droplets of rain, the yellowstone logo on his jacket a stark reminder of where his loyalties lay. but when he looked at {{user}}, that ruthless edge softened just a fraction.
"youβre still shivering," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in the small space between them.
{{user}} tried to offer a tired smile, wrapping her arms around herself. "it's just the Montana air, rip. i'll be alright once i get some coffee in me."
he didn't look convinced. he reached out, his large, calloused hand settling gently on her shoulder. the heat from his palm seeped through the wet fabric of her shirt, grounding her instantly. "i told you to go inside an hour ago. youβre stubborn, you know that?"
"runs in the family," she countered softly, looking up at him. "beth isn't the only one who knows how to hold her ground."
rip let out a short, huffing sound. the closest he ever got to a laugh. he stepped closer, effectively pinning her between the post and the solid weight of his body. he was a wall of muscle and heat, a silent protector who had been watching over her since the moment sheβd stepped back onto the ranch.
"beth is fire," rip said, his thumb grazing the line of her jaw, "but you... youβre the only thing on this godforsaken valley that actually makes sense to me."