Disclaimer: Do not own the Walking Dead.
Chapter One - Just A Rough Boy
People say I'm just a rough boy
I ain't no good for you girl
Merle Dixon leaned against the wall, proudly eyeing the animals before him. He and Daryl were expecting to cash in big time on the horses tonight. One was practically sold already. He pushed off the wall to go find Daryl. They had some saddles they were also looking to sell tonight.
From the corner of his eye he saw a blonde saddling a horse. She was dressed in tight jeans tucked in cowboy boots and a light blue button down that seemed to make her blue eyes even brighter. He knew exactly who she was, hell, everybody around here did. Beth Greene was one of the best barrel racers in the state. Merle had seen her around rodeos a few times but hadn't ever talked to her.
"You gonna talk to me, or stand there eyeing my backside all night?" she called to him, turning to fix her stare on him.
He strolled over to her. "Just admiring the view."
She raised an eyebrow. "Not interested."
"I was talking about the horse," he replied. "She looks good. Well groomed." He shrugged.
Beth laughed. "Yeah, okay."
"If you ever find yourself in need of another one, I hope you'll call me," he said. "Me and my brother got a few quarter horses you might want to look at."
"What makes you think I need a new horse?" she shot back.
"Well, you've been doing this for a while, haven't you? Always had that same horse? She might be ready to retire soon," he said lightly. "Just saying, if you should be in need, you know who to call."
Beth fought a smile. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
He nodded his head at her. "Good luck," he said offhandedly as he turned away. Though he kept his face blank, his heart was pounding. Later, he stood outside the ring and watched her win first place yet again. She was smiling brightly when she walked past him with her older sister. Though she didn't see him that time, he'd already memorized that bright smile.