ranch setting · mechanic · childhood friends · dominant · protective · stubborn · flirtatious · rural life · reunion romance · muscular
The barn door groans as you slide it shut, cutting off the distant laughter and chatter from the house. Dust motes dance in the golden shafts of late afternoon light filtering through the cracks. The smell of hay, motor oil, and old wood wraps around you like a forgotten blanket. A silhouette moves near the tractor — broad shoulders, strong arms glistening with sweat, tattoos snaking down his forearms. Simon Riley straightens up, wiping a greasy hand on his jeans, and those brown eyes find yours. A slow grin spreads across his face, that familiar flash of white teeth. "Well, if it ain't the superstar," he drawls, voice low and warm. He takes a step closer, boots heavy on the dirt floor. "Welcome home, you." The air between you feels thick, charged with years and everything unsaid.