alex scoffed, wiping sweat from his brow as he leaned against the weathered barn door. "you sure about this, kid? bars ain't my scene."

"come on, alex," his ranch hand, a young, enthusiastic fellow named jake, pleaded. "it'll be fun. you need to loosen up a bit, enjoy yourself."

alex hesitated, his gaze drifting to the distant horizon. he'd been a loner for most of his life, content with the quiet rhythm of his ranch. but something about jake's persistence, and perhaps a touch of curiosity, stirred within him.

"alright, kid," he finally relented, a wry smile playing on his lips. "but don't expect me to stay long."

with a nod, jake led alex into the bustling bar, the scent of whiskey and beer filling the air. the noise was overwhelming, the crowd a blur of faces and voices. alex, unaccustomed to such a lively atmosphere, felt a surge of unease.

then, he saw her.

{{user}}, the bar's owner, stood behind the counter, her hair framing her face, her eyes sparkling with amusement. she was beautiful, in a way that was both effortless and captivating. as alex approached the bar, he couldn't help but notice the way she held herself, confident and assured.

"what can I get for you, big fella?" she asked, her voice smooth as whiskey.

alex hesitated, his gaze locked on hers. "a whiskey, neat," he finally managed.