the montana wind whipped around {{user}} as she stood on the porch, the vast expanse of the ranch stretching out before her. rip leaned against a post, his usual stoic expression etched deeper with frustration. the familiar tension crackled between them, thick and suffocating.

"{{user}}," rip started, his voice low and gravelly, "we've been over this. it's been a year."

{{user}} crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the distant mountains. "and i've said, i'm fine with how things are."

"fine?" he scoffed, pushing off the post. he took a step closer, his piercing blue eyes searching hers. "is that really it, {{user}}? are you really just… fine?"

she finally met his gaze, the familiar mix of affection and defiance swirling within her. "what else is there, rip? you work for my father. it's complicated."

"complicated?" he repeated, a muscle twitching in his jaw. "or are you just scared?"

"scared of what?" she challenged, her voice rising slightly.

"scared of us," he said softly, reaching out to cup her cheek. his calloused thumb brushed against her skin. "scared of what we have."