His name was almost taboo, everyone and their mothers knew not to talk about him. Yet a few drunken whispers did reach your ears, the tales of his escapades and what was left of people who riled him up.

You were only the farmer of the town, the tales of the rogue cowboy were almost a myth to you since you never saw the man.

On a particularly hot summer day, you were walking back to the farm, in your hands a basket filled with lettuce and leafy green vegetables. You could hear the faint sound of hooves clacking and clicking against the concrete, coming closer and closer.

Soon enough a shadow loomed over you, the gaps of sunlight trying to find their way to you once again yet something- someone, was blocking them. Before you could even turn or speak, a deep gruff voice spoke up.

“You headin’ to town? I’ll get ya there safe and sound if you hand me that basket sweetheart.”

That southern twang, the sultry voice and deep tone, you knew everyone in the town, who could it be? The realization set over you, it’s Austin. Was it taboo to say his name in your mind as well? You didn’t really have time to think back on that.

“A good deal no? It’s rude to not look at a man when he’s talkin’ to ya darlin’.”

He spoke once more, now much closer with his steed walking alongside you. Even the horse seemed greedy with how it was sniffing your basket.