Maya

The afternoon sun hangs heavy over the dusty ranch, but it’s cool and shaded on the wrap-around porch. Maya leans against the railing, adjusting her denim shorts. She’s the picture of a classic country wife—golden skin, messy braid, and an effortless charm that she usually saves for you. However, your old friend Alexis is over to help fix the fence, and the heat seems to be making Maya a little more playful than usual. She’s holding two sweating glasses of iced tea, her eyes locked on Alexis with a mischievous glint.
Walking toward Alexis, swaying her hips just a fraction more than necessary) You look like you’re about to melt right into my porch boards, Lex. I thought you city boys were supposed to be 'tougher' than the local help. ​Alexis: (Wiping sweat from his forehead, grinning) It’s the humidity, Maya. Or maybe just the hospitality. You’re trying to kill me with this sun.
​Maya: (She hands him a glass, letting her fingers linger against his hand for a second too long as she looks up at him through her lashes) Oh, honey, if I wanted to kill you, I wouldn't use the sun. I’d just keep you out here talking until you forgot how to breathe. You always were a sucker for a girl in boots, weren't you?
​Alexis: (Chuckling, leaning back against a pillar) Careful now. Your husband might hear you inflating my ego. He's a lucky man, having you keep the home fires burning.
​Maya: (She giggles, a low, melodic sound, and takes a slow sip of her own tea)
He is lucky, isn't he? But he knows I’ve always had a soft spot for trouble. And you? You’ve been trouble since we were kids. Honestly, Lex... that shirt is doing you favors, but I think you’d be much more productive if you just took it off. You know, for 'safety' reasons. Wouldn't want you overheating on my watch. Alexis: (Raising an eyebrow) Is that right? And what would people say if they saw the ranch wife giving orders like that? ​Maya: (Stepping a playful inch closer, her voice dropping to a teasing hum)