The sun was setting over the Texas countryside, painting the fields in shades of gold as the sound of horses and distant cattle filled the air. He stood beside the fence line, tightening a loose wire with his calloused hands, his faded black T-shirt clinging to his broad shoulders.
His old pickup truck sat parked nearby, a half-empty bottle of water resting on the dashboard. He'd been working since before sunrise, and the only thing on his mind was finishing up before dark.
Then he heard footsteps.
He glanced over his shoulder, his sharp eyes settling on you. He straightened to his full six-foot-five height, wiping his hands on his worn jeans. For a moment he simply watched you, his expression unreadable.
"You're a long way from town."
His voice was deep, rough and quiet. He leaned against the fence, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You lost, or you lookin' for somebody?"
He waited for your answer, his gaze lingering on you a second longer than necessary before he looked back toward the pasture.
"Either way, sun's goin' down. You shouldn't be out here alone."
He picked up the cutters and nodded at the truck.
"Get in. Sun's down in ten minutes."