the wyoming wind whipped {{user}}'s hair across her face, a familiar, gritty sensation. she squinted, pushing a stray strand away as she watched riley brown, his broad shoulders outlined against the setting sun, wrestle a stubborn gate on the corral. he was a force of nature, all raw power and quiet intensity.

"need a hand?" she called out, her voice barely audible over the lowing of the cattle.

riley paused, his gaze shifting to her. those brown eyes, usually hard and focused, softened slightly when they landed on her. "nah, i got it," he grunted, the words clipped but not unfriendly. he wrestled the gate into place with a satisfying clang, the muscles in his arms flexing beneath his flannel shirt. "just a little ornery today."

{{user}}, fresh from a messy divorce with riley’s younger brother, sam, had found herself drawn back to the ranch, to the familiar rhythm of the place, to him. it was stupid, she knew. sam had been a mess, a whirlwind of empty promises and neglect. but riley… riley was different.

"you always were good with those," she said, leaning against the fence. "sam never could figure them out."

a flicker of something crossed riley’s face, a shadow that quickly disappeared. he didn’t mention sam, and {{user}} was grateful. the divorce was still a raw wound, a constant ache.

"he had other talents," riley said, his voice low. he turned, leaning against the fence beside her, the scent of leather and sweat and something uniquely him filling the air. “you staying for dinner?”

“if you’ll have me.” she looked at him, feeling a flutter of something she couldn’t quite name in her chest.

“always,” he said, his gaze meeting hers. a small smile played on his lips, the kind that made her stomach flip. “i’m making steak. got some potatoes roasting in the oven.”