The ranch didn't cease to go on after Lee's death. That's the thing with ranches, something always needed to be done.

"Sweetheart," my Dad's voice interrupted my musing thoughts over breakfast.

"Yeah, Dad?" I lifted my eyes to meet his.

"Travis is bringing some horses to see if we can find a good stud," he responded, "need your help picking out a good one." John Dutton didn't need anyone's help with much of anything. Let alone picking out a horse. But my father new my weakness. He knew I wouldn't pass at the opportunity to see the champion horses Travis always brought to show him.

I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. My father always knew exactly how to pull me in, even after everything. The ranch never stopped, and I knew that meant we couldn't either. Still, the thought of getting to see Travis's horses again—a few champions, a few prospects—was a welcome distraction from the endless weight I'd been carrying.

"I'll be there," I said, already pushing back from the table. My Dad gave a subtle nod before turning back to his coffee, and I could almost hear the wheels turning in his mind. There was still a lot to manage, a lot to prove, and somehow, amidst all the grief and pressure, this felt like a brief moment where things might just feel... normal again.

I grabbed my hat and boots, the day's tasks already shifting in my mind. I'd deal with the ranch later, the family's needs later. For now, it was about horses, and it was about remembering that, for just a little while, I could still be the girl who loved them—no weight, no responsibility.

Walking toward the barn, I could already hear the clatter of hooves on the gravel, Travis's unmistakable voice calling out orders. My heart started to pick up pace, not just from the excitement of the horses, but from the knowledge that this was a new start, a chance to focus on something else—something that was just about the land, the animals, and for the first time in a long time, a little bit of peace.

Travis Whitley, sat on his horse in the corral, the arrogance radiating from him. He ushured the different choices in front of us. Jamie narrowed his eyes. He knew whatever choice was made it would be expensive.

"Did the rodeo queen get domesticated already?" Travis asked as I leaned against the fence eying the horses as they trotted around majestically around the corral.

I shot Travis a look, but kept my voice steady, "I'm not some stray animal to be domesticated, Travis. But if you want to talk about horses, I'll be happy to focus on that."

Jamie shot me a quick look, probably sensing the tension in the air. Travis was never one to mince words, and I wasn't about to let him provoke me into an argument. Still, his presence always seemed to stir something in me—maybe it was the old competition between us, or maybe it was the way he always seemed to test my limits.

"You'll need to be careful with the bloodlines," I added, keeping my eyes on the horses, "we want more than just showy horses. They need stamina, agility...something we can count on when it matters."

Travis chuckled, though I could hear the challenge in his voice, "You think you know more about horses than me, Alex?"

I tilted my head slightly, glancing at him, "I know how to pick them. You brought these here for a reason, Travis. Let's just see if they live up to the hype."

Jamie shifted beside me, clearly trying to gauge whether this was about to turn into something more than just business. I wasn't sure myself. But right now, with the horses circling in front of us, it felt like the only thing that mattered was finding the right one.

Travis started spouting off the different titles the first show had won. "5 million for that one."

"Do I have I just flew in from San Diego on my hat band?" Dad snorted back.

"He's the best," Travis responded.

"I wouldn't call him the best," I said.

"Well besides your horse. But you gelded him so he won't quite do the job that you're looking for," Travis shot back.

I narrowed my eyes at him, a slight smirk curling at the edge of my lips. "You really think I'm just going to fork out five million for some flashy horse? Not happening."

Travis didn't flinch, but his gaze flickered toward the horses again, probably trying to gauge how much of a challenge I was going to be this time.

"I've got my own ideas about what a good stud should look like," I said, stepping a little closer to the fence. "It's not all about titles. You can buy a horse with ribbons all day long, but it's the bloodlines that make the difference."

Dad grunted in agreement. "Alex knows her horses. If we're going to drop that kind of money, it's gotta be for more than just a pretty face and a trophy shelf."

Travis smirked again, leaning forward in his saddle. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you when you're out there looking for another one in a few years."

I didn't back down, meeting his gaze with a challenge of my own. "Let's see if your best can back up that price, Travis. I'm not here to make you look good, but I'll sure as hell make sure we pick the right one."

Travis chuckled, but the tension between us was palpable, and I knew he was aware of the fact that I wasn't backing down this time.

A palomino raced and slid to a stop in front of me, "That's a mean son of a bitch right there. If you want good ranch horses that's your stud right there."

Rip's eyes were wide in amusement as he watched horses that he could never afford in his lifetime perform tricks and spins for him.

"Which one do you like?" Dad asked him.

"I like that 5 million dollar bastard but I ain't buying him," Rip responded.

"Alex?" he watches my eyes linger on the lean form of the 'mean' palomino.

"The girl knows what she likes," Travis chuckled.

"We can do it," Jamie said softly.

"Don't tell me what I can and can't do," Dad shot back.

I caught the edge of Dad's tone, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface, but I didn't let it faze me. I was focused on the palomino, its sleek muscles rippling under the sunlight, the sharpness in its eyes as it stood still, waiting for the next command.

"I like him," I said slowly, eyeing the horse with a discerning gaze. "He's got the attitude. He's got the build, too.."

Travis' grin widened, clearly thinking he had the upper hand.

I let out a breath, glancing over at my father. His brow was furrowed, but his eyes were focused on the horse too.

"You want to take him for a test ride, Alex?" Travis smirked.

"You sure about that?" I quipped back as I started to climb over the fence, "If I ride him, you may never be able to get him to go back in your trailer."

"Damn girl, you been hanging around too many barrel racers," he laughed. "But I think I'll take my chances."

"I can't unhear that, sweetheart," Dad said.

I shot a quick grin at Dad, who looked at me with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"Don't worry, Dad," I said, swinging my leg over the fence, "I'll be gentle with him. No promises for Travis, though."

Travis chuckled but made no move to stop me as I walked toward the palomino. The horse snorted as I approached, his eyes locking with mine, sizing me up like he was ready to challenge me.

"Let's see what you've got," I muttered to the horse as I grabbed the reins, giving him a firm but gentle tug.

I mounted, feeling the power in the horse's frame immediately. He shifted beneath me, and for a moment, I felt like we were one. The connection was instant, the way we communicated without words.

I gave him a light nudge with my heels, testing his response. He immediately picked up speed, and I held tight as we raced across the corral.

"Damn," Travis muttered, clearly impressed. "Guess you weren't kidding."

I didn't say anything, just let the horse do what he did best, tearing through the dirt as if the whole world was ours for the taking.

When I slowed him down, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through my veins, I turned to see Dad and Jamie both watching, their eyes wide in recognition.

"Alright," Dad finally said, "I think we've got our stud."

I dismounted with a smirk, handing the reins back to Travis.

"Like I said," I said with a wink, "you'll have trouble getting him back in that trailer."

"I really think you should try and use the stallion Kayce gave you," Jamie said.

"No one can ride the son of a bitch," John added.

"You shoulda seen Jimmy try to ride him," Rip said to me, "he was strapped down for hours."

The thought of the green cowboy getting jostled by the wild stallion Kayce had 'gifted' our father with almost made me feel sorry for him.

Almost.

I laughed, imagining Jimmy's struggle, his hands probably white-knuckled on the reins as the wild stallion bucked him around like a ragdoll.

I stopped in my tracks as I noticed the rest of the audience. Lloyd, Colby, and …

Ryan.

"You on a horse," he said, "never ceases to amaze me."

I rolled my eyes, but a part of me couldn't help the small smirk tugging at my lips. "You should be used to it by now. Or did you forget I can ride better than most of you?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow, the challenge in his gaze unmistakable. "Oh, I remember." The weight of his words said he wasn't just referring to the horse.

"I was never afraid of a challenge," meeting his stare.

The tension between us felt thicker than ever, but for the first time, I wasn't backing down.

"Just don't go getting yourself thrown," he added, a trace of concern in his voice.

"Wouldn't dream of it," I replied, trying to mask the sudden flutter in my chest at the thought of his concern.

"You're gonna need more than guts to handle this one, Alex," Colby said leading Kayce's stallion into the corral, slight chuckle in his voice.

"We'll see about that," I muttered, climbing into the saddle with an unshaken resolve.

He bucked at the weight of me. "Easy, boy," I whispered so just he could hear me, "don't make me look bad." I gave his sides a gentle tap with the heel of my boot.

I kept a tight grip on the reigns, letting him run around the corral. He bucked but couldn't shake me. "Come on now. We're gonna be friends, now, right."

The stallion's movements grew wilder, but I held firm, my body swaying with each twist. "Easy, boy," I whispered again, this time with more authority. "I don't give up that easily."

Ryan's gaze was on me, I could feel it, but this time, there was something different in the way he watched. The usual smirk was replaced by an unreadable expression.

"You're not afraid to lose, are you?" he called out, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and challenge.

"Not when it's worth the ride." I nudged the stallion again, urging him to settle. He tossed his head but finally gave in, his muscles relaxing finally giving over control.

"See," I said, her voice calm as she eased the reins, "told you we'd be friends."

Ryan stepped forward, his eyes softer now, but still piercing. "Impressive," he muttered, just loud enough for me to hear.

"Thanks," I responded as I climbed down off Kayce's stallion. Grateful I'd won this round, at least with the stallion. And maybe even a little with Ryan.

"Though, if I were you I'd stick to the palomino," he said.

"I think I might," I responded, "I just need to get to get Jamie to loosen the purse strings."

Ryan chuckled, his gaze flickering toward the corral as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah, Jamie's not exactly known for being generous," he teased.

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "He knows a good investment when he sees one. He'll come around," I said, brushing the dust off my pants.

"Maybe," Ryan agreed, "but don't expect him to do it easily." His eyes locked with mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them. "You've got a way of getting what you want."

I felt the weight of his words, but I wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or a challenge. "Guess we'll see about that," I said, my tone light but with an underlying edge.

Ryan stepped closer, the space between us tightening, though neither of us moved to close it further. "You've got the spirit, Alex. But don't go getting too attached to that stallion. He's trouble." His voice dropped to a more serious note, the glimmer of amusement fading slightly.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," I countered, my gaze steady as I looked up at him.

Ryan gave a slight nod. "Trust me, some things aren't worth the fight. Even if they're tempting."

I glanced at the palomino again, my mind moving between my two choices. My brother's barely tame stallion or Travis' dependable pure bloodline palomino. But when I turned back to Ryan, I met his gaze with a challenge in my eyes. "Maybe I like the fight."

Ryan's lips curled into a knowing smirk, though there was something more in his eyes now—an understanding, or maybe even a warning. "You've always been that way," he said, his voice quieter, almost as if he were speaking to himself.

I didn't flinch, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing," he replied, his tone soft but steady. "It's just... be careful. Sometimes the fight's not worth it."

I could feel the weight of his words, but I wasn't sure how to take them. I had always been one to fight for what I wanted—whether it was a ride, a challenge, or a dream. "I know my limits," I said firmly, though my mind still flickered between the two horses.

Ryan gave me a long, assessing look, as if weighing my every word. "You sure about that?"

For a moment, it felt like he was talking about more than just horses. The air between us thickened with something unspoken, something that had been building for a while now.

"I'm sure," I said, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was convincing him, or myself.

—-

The next morning Rip had set up some roping practice for the hands. They were chasing a steel steer roping dummy and pulling it back in pairs. I couldn't help but laugh as Ryan and Lloyd took their turn, Lloyd just barely missed roping the leg as Ryan's rope rounded the neck.

"Can I give it a shot, wanna make sure I haven't lost my edge?" I asked Rip.

"I doubt you lost your edge," Rip laughed, "but go ahead. Pick your partner."

"Colby, head or heel?" I asked as I mounted a horse.

"Lady's choice," he replied.

I gave a nod and the ATV took off and we raced after it. I swung my lasso and Colby swung his. Both of us sticking the landing.

Rip's grin widened as Colby and I rode back in, both of us expertly guiding the steer dummy back. "Not bad, not bad at all," he said, giving us an approving nod.

Colby leaned over and bumped my shoulder with his, his grin matching Rip's. "You're not as rusty as you thought."

"Guess I just needed a little warm-up," I replied with a smirk, still feeling the adrenaline of the chase. It felt good—too good—to be back in the saddle like this.

Ryan and Lloyd had come up beside us, Ryan's lips twitching into a smile. "Guess we need a rematch," he said, looking from me to Colby.

"Anytime," I shot back, my competitive side flaring. "But you might want to warm up a little more first."

Lloyd laughed, nudging Ryan. "She's got you there."

Ryan didn't respond right away, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than usual. "We'll see," he finally said, his tone low, the challenge still in his eyes.

I couldn't tell if it was the roping or something else, but the tension between us felt thicker than ever.

"Want to put your money where your mouth is?" I arched a brow glancing between Lloyd and Ryan.

"I'm game," Lloyd responded, "$50 a piece?" I gave Colby a glance making sure he was good for it.

"Ryan?" smirk tugging at my lips.

Ryan met my gaze, his jaw tightening for a moment before he nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "You're on," he said, the challenge in his voice unmistakable.

Lloyd laughed, looking between us. "This is gonna be good." He nudged Ryan with his elbow. "Don't go easy on her just because she's your ex."

Ryan's eyes flicked to mine, a flicker of something darker in them before he shrugged. "Don't expect me to."

I rolled my shoulders back, ready for the next round. "We'll see who's left eating dirt, then."

Colby chuckled beside me, giving me an encouraging nod. "Guess it's just you two against us, huh?"

"We'll make sure you don't go too easy on 'em, Colby," Lloyd teased, readying himself for the challenge.

With everything set, we took our positions, the tension between me and Ryan growing thick in the air. The stakes were higher now, but all I could think about was proving myself.

"Age before beauty?" I chuckled at Lloyd.

"Alright, Ryan, let's get 'em," Lloyd and Ryan took off after the steer dummy. Catching the heel and head with ease.

"Pretty good," Colby goated them, he eyed me as the steer was set again to launch. I gave him a nod to let him know I was ready. He roped the head this time. My rope caught on the heel but slipped.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath.

Colby shot me a quick look, his eyes sharp but understanding. "You'll get it next time," he said, his tone steady as he dismounted.

I took a deep breath, adjusting my grip on the rope. The failure stung, but I wasn't about to let it show. Ryan and Lloyd were watching closely, not saying much but clearly observing my every move.

My pride was bruised but not shattered as I pulled cash from my back pocket and handed it over.

"I don't want your money, darlin'," Lloyd said.

"Bet's a bet. I lost fair and square. Don't mean I won't try and win it back from you later," I responded.

Lloyd chuckled, accepting the cash with a knowing grin. "Fair enough. I'll be waiting for that rematch."

Ryan watched us, his arms crossed, an amused smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "You don't quit, do you?"

I shrugged, the fire in my chest still smoldering. "Not unless I have to."

Lloyd tipped his hat, giving me a respectful nod. "I like that. Don't let one loss slow you down. You've got the spirit for it."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "I'll keep that in mind," I said, dusting off my hands as I looked back toward the steer dummy. "But I'm definitely coming for a rematch."

Lloyd looked at Colby and then cut his gaze back to mine, "How about we switch things up? Colby, you're with me." It was like they were in on a joke and I was the butt of it. Or maybe Ryan was.

I raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping up my spine. "What are you two up to?" I asked, my tone laced with amusement and a touch of challenge.

Colby flashed me a grin, the kind that meant trouble. "Just trying to keep things interesting."

Lloyd's smile grew. "You wanted to prove yourself, didn't you? Let's see if you can keep up when we switch partners. You and Ryan, you good with that?"

Ryan's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he nodded. "Sure, why not?"

I shot him a glance, trying to gauge his reaction. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

The tension shifted, a game of one-upmanship hanging in the air as Colby and Lloyd prepped for the next round. It was clear—this wasn't just about roping anymore. This was personal.

The dummy took off and I charged after it, lasso ready. I swung hooking it around the horns. Ryan came up quickly behind me catching the heel. We were in sync again for the first time in a long time.

I caught the glint in Lloyd's eye when I pulled my horse to a stop. Playing matchmaker, was he? Lloyd just took off after the steer with Colby trailing behind, I saw the rope miss the horns. I almost thought he did it on purpose.

I smirked, brushing a stray piece of hair from my face as I turned to Ryan. "Guess we make a pretty good team," I said, testing the waters.

Ryan gave a small, knowing smile. "Guess so." His voice was steady, but there was something behind it—something softer than before.

Lloyd and Colby reset for another go, but I knew what I saw. Lloyd had missed on purpose. The old cowboy wasn't just playing matchmaker—he was setting the stage, giving Ryan and me a win, a moment.

I glanced at Ryan again, the weight of the past and whatever was still between us hanging in the air. Maybe it was time to stop running from it.

"Well shit, must be nice to get to play games with the boss's daughter while the rest of us gotta work," the words came from another new cowboy. Fred or Frank? I hadn't quite committed his name to memory.

"How about you mind you business and get back to work, Fred," Lloyd said back.

"You get your daddy to buy you that fancy new pony?" his cold eyes shot right at me. "I bet you blew Travis to get a real good discount on him."

"Maybe if you were better at sucking dick you could have yourself a nice horse too," I shot back at him.

The bunkhouse erupted in laughter, but I didn't waver, my gaze locked onto Fred—or Frank, whatever his damn name was. His jaw tensed, fists clenching like he was debating whether or not to keep running his mouth.

Ryan stepped up beside me, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Careful who you mouth off to," he said, his voice calm but edged with warning. "You don't wanna find out how fast she can knock you on your ass."

Fred sneered, but Lloyd clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder before he could say anything else. "A word of advice, son," Lloyd said, lowering his voice just enough to make it clear this wasn't a request. "You don't disrespect the brand. And you sure as hell don't disrespect her."

Fred's glare lingered on me for a second too long before he finally turned away, muttering something under his breath as he stalked off.

I huffed, shaking off the tension. "Guess some people never learn."

Ryan smirked, leaning in just slightly. "I dunno," he drawled. "I think you taught him a pretty good lesson."

I arched a brow, lips curving into a smirk of my own. "Damn right I did."

"So you and Travis?" Ryan probed as we led the horses back in the barn.

"Never in a million fucking years," I laughed, "he's way too full of himself." I caught the way he looked at me when I answered. Like he was relieved.

Ryan gave a small nod, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he ran a hand over his horse's neck. "Good to know," he said casually, but there was something else in his voice—something more than just idle curiosity.

I tilted my head, watching him as I loosened the saddle. "Why? You jealous?"

His smirk grew, but he didn't look at me right away. Instead, he focused on the leather straps in his hands. "Nah," he drawled, though the flicker of something in his eyes said otherwise. "Just making sure you got good taste, is all."

I chuckled, shaking my head as I led my horse into his stall. "Ryan, I do backflips and somersaults on the back of galloping horses. My taste is questionable at best."

He finally met my gaze, leaning casually against the stall door. "Yeah," he said, voice lower now, almost teasing. "But you sure know how to pick a fight worth having."

Something in my chest tightened, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I threw him a wink and grabbed a brush. "Guess we'll see if you're one of 'em."

Ryan let out a short laugh, shaking his head as he grabbed a brush of his own. "Darlin', I think you already know the answer to that."

I focused on grooming my horse, the rhythmic strokes of the brush grounding me. But I could feel his eyes on me, like he was waiting for me to say something—anything—that would confirm what was hanging between us.

Instead, I kept my tone light. "Maybe I do. But where's the fun in giving in that easy?"

Ryan clicked his tongue, stepping into the stall next to mine. "Oh, so you like keepin' me on my toes, huh?"

I smirked, finally glancing at him over my shoulder. "Wouldn't want you getting too comfortable now, would we?"

His gaze lingered, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "No, ma'am. Guess we wouldn't."

For a second, neither of us spoke, the air between us crackling with something unspoken, something we both felt but weren't quite ready to name. Then, as if breaking the moment before it could become too much, Ryan chuckled and turned back to his horse.

"Just don't expect me to make it easy for you either," he said, voice laced with challenge.

I bit back a grin. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

"You coming out with us in the mornin' to round up the cattle?" he asked as I stowed my saddle away.

I nodded, wondering if he knew as well as I did, Lloyd would pair us off together.

Ryan smirked like he was already thinking the same thing. "Guess we'll be spending a lot of time together then."

I shrugged, playing it cool. "Guess so."

He took a slow step closer, resting his arm on the stall door. "Think you can keep up?"

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Please. I'll be the one waiting on you."

Ryan chuckled, the sound low and easy. "We'll see about that, darlin'."

I turned to leave the barn, but not before throwing him one last glance over my shoulder. "Better get some sleep, cowboy. You're gonna need it."

His grin widened, and I felt the heat of his gaze linger long after I walked away.