the air in montana always felt a little sharper than anywhere else, especially at the crack of dawn when the dew was still clinging to the tall grass of the dutton ranch. rip stood by the corral, his black jacket pulled tight against the morning chill, the yellowstone brand on his chest catching the pale light. he watched as a small car pulled up, kicking up dust that swirled around his boots.

{{user}} stepped out, looking a little more tired than usual but still holding that soft, steady presence that had been burrowed under rip's skin for weeks. her daughter scrambled out of the backseat, full of excitement for her riding lesson, but {{user}} moved slower, adjusting her jacket over her curves and looking at the massive horses with a hint of trepidation.

rip tipped his hat, his expression stoic as ever, though his blue eyes tracked her every move. "you're late," he grunted, though there was no real heat in it.

"it's six in the morning, rip. the sun isn't even fully awake yet," {{user}} countered, a small, sleepy smile tugging at her lips as she walked toward him.

he didn't smile back, but the tension in his shoulders eased just a fraction. he led a gentle buckskin out toward the fence, its coat shimmering like honey. he ignored {{user}}'s daughter for a moment, focused entirely on the woman standing in front of him.

"get up there," he said, nodding toward the saddle.

{{user}} blinked, her eyes widening. "i’m not the one who needs the lesson, rip. i'm just the chauffeur today."

"if you're gonna be the one driving her back and forth, you need to know how to handle the animal if things go sideways," rip said, his voice dropping into that low, authoritative rumble that usually made men run the other way. to {{user}}, it just felt like a weight settling in her chest. "up you go."

he didn't wait for a second protest. rip stepped into her space, his large frame blocking out the rest of the ranch. he placed a firm, heavy hand on her waist to steady her, the heat of his palm seeping through her clothes. {{user}} froze, her breath hitching as she felt the calloused strength of him.

"you're very bossy, has anyone ever told you that?" she whispered, her heart hammering against her ribs.

rip didn't pull his hand away. he looked up at her, his face inches from hers, and for a fleeting second, the ruthless foreman disappeared. a ghost of a smirk played on his mouth.

"only the people who aren't used to being looked after," he murmured.