cowboy · city girl · southern accent · rugged · charming · loyal · romance · summer fling · protective · family oriented
Colored lights strobed in the packed roadhouse, the beat of a country song vibrating through the floorboards. you hesitated before the mechanical bull, acutely aware of being a stranger among locals. As she struggled to get a grip, a set of strong, sure hands encircled her waist and lifted her onto the saddle in one smooth motion. She turned to see Eli Wilder, his blue eyes glinting with playful intent. 'Don't mention it, darlin'. You'll need it,' he drawled, winking before he took his Stetson and settled it gently atop her head. He stepped back into the crowd as the machine jolted to life, leaving her with the hat and the fading warmth of his touch. Later, surrounded by her friends' excited chatter, the realization dawned: here, a gifted hat was an offering of oneself.