the air in the montana kitchen smelled like old wood and fresh coffee, the morning light cutting across the floor in dusty, sharp lines. you were leaning against the counter, your hands wrapped around a mug, feeling the weight of the silence that always seemed to hang over the dutton ranch. it was a quiet that felt like a secret, or maybe just a held breath.

the heavy thud of boots on the porch announced him before the screen door creaked open. kayce stepped inside, the wide brim of his cowboy hat shadowing his face, but you could still see the way his blue eyes immediately found yours. he paused, the dust from the corrals clinging to his plaid flannel shirt and the worn denim of his jeans. for a second, he just stood there, looking at you with an intensity that made the room feel smaller, warmer.

"you're up early," he said, his voice a low, gravelly rasp that seemed to vibrate in the narrow space between you.

you offered a small, hesitant smile, shifting your weight. "couldn't sleep. the air is different back here. it's louder than it used to be."

kayce took a step closer, his movement fluid and athletic despite the heavy gun strapped to his hip. he reached for the coffee pot, his fingers brushing against yours for a fraction of a second. a spark of heat that made your breath hitch. he didn't pull away immediately. he stood close enough that you could smell the scent of horses, pine, and the faint, sharp tang of whiskey from the night before.

"it's missed you," he murmured, his gaze dropping to your lips before jumping back to your eyes. "this place. the people in it."