This is Ethan's character in A Valley Of Violence, Paul. An interesting movie but I've seen better. Lol.

***

Paul rides up to your house and you reluctantly offer him food and shelter for a day or two. You don't trust him much. He proves that he's not as bad as you think. Some minor swearing and mentions war trauma. Also some innuendo.

***

You've been working your ass off, the last few days, trying to get everything cleaned up since winter will be setting and then, you won't have this decent weather to work with.

Your back aches, your feet ache and you wish something interesting would happen, just so you'd have a change of pace. Of course, after your husband left, heading out West, looking for some better paying work, you'd had plenty of excitement just from getting stuck home, alone.

You sigh, leaning down to snatch up the last sheet, carefully securing to the clothesline and collecting the wicket basket before heading inside. You suddenly hear a shout and shade your hand with your eyes, searching the horizon, thinking perhaps your husband is returning.

You spot a lone rider coming your way but instantly, you know it isn't your husband, as this rider has a dog with him. You stiffen. As if there was weren't enough of these strangers coming by, asking for handouts and a place to sleep.

The man finally reaches you and the poor dog, who looks downright exhausted, immediately sits, panting like crazy.

"Howdy, Y/N." The man briefly touches the rim of his dusty hat, smiling a little. You notice how...handsome he is and instantly, your face is burning from embarrassment.

"Can I help you?"

"I'd be much obliged if you could get my dog some water. She's thirsty."

"I suppose you all are, including your horse." You point to the water trough and the man nods, nudging his horse over to drink.

You go to the well and draw out a fresh bucket of water, giving some to the dog and the man, who's dismounted. His fingers brush against yours and a shock goes through you.

"Thank you kindly."

"You're welcome." You turn your attention to the dog, whose decided to lie down in the shade of the house. You smile.

"That's a beautiful dog you have there. Do they do any tricks?"

"She bites," the man replies. You glance at him, trying to decide if he's joking or not.

"What's her name?" You kneel down and immediately, the dog comes to you, allowing you to gently stroke her head.

"Abby."

"And yours?"

"Paul. You?"

"Y/N." You smile again as Abby leans her head against your legs.

"I reckon she's a heap better company than most people," you say, rising up.

"Damn right." You glance at Paul, who's looking at..you. You clear your throat, stepping back, trying to put some distance between you both.

"I'd hate to be a nuisance, Y/N," Paul says quietly. "But I'd greatly appreciate it if we could bunk down in your barn for a night or two."

"I reckon you could." You look him straight in the eyes. "You try anything sneaky, though and I'll fill you full of lead."

"Noted."

***
Paul joins you for supper that evening. You fry up some chicken, slicing off some of the meat to give to Abby and whip up some biscuits and canned beans.

You watch in amusement as both Paul and Abby eagerly gobble up the food, and you smile. At least they're enjoying it. Plus it's kinda nice not having to eat alone.

"This is delicious," Paul says, washing everything down with some water. You smile, reaching out to lightly touch his hand. His eyes meet yours.

"Thank you."

"Do you have a partner or..?" You see the questions lingering in Paul's eyes. They're beautiful and blue.

"Yes. He's..away, looking for better paying work at the moment."

"Must be lonely here," Paul comments.

"It is. But I can handle it." You fiddle with your fork. "And what's your story?"

"I was, uh in the army. I...left, though."

"Ah."

"It wasn't an easy decision."

"You don't have to explain why to me." You stand, collecting the dirty dishes and walk to the kitchen. You hear Paul's chair scrape back and a moment later, he's behind you, his hand touching your arm.

You turn. He looks so fragile and sad. You touch his cheek and his lips tremble.

"I have a..wife, a daughter. I couldn't face them after.. It was too damn hard."

"I'm sure." You place your hands on Paul's shoulders. He immediately stiffens.

"Stay as long as you want to," you whisper. Paul's body relaxs. He nods, stepping back and whistling for Abby, who gets to her feet.

"Thank you."

***

You hardly sleep, knowing that Paul is out in the barn. You think of how close he was standing to you. How he touched you. How you touched him. It made you...hungry for more of his touch.

Even though you know it's wrong, it's, hard to just push away those strong feelings. You've been alone too long and you need someone to help you get through it.

***

Paul does stay a few days and every time he's near you, it only frustrates you all the more. Eventually, you just mention it to him, thinking he'll scare and run. He surprises you, however.

"I could help some." Paul gently kisses you and instantly, you feel light headed and want more.

"How was that?"

You smile, gently holding one of Paul's hands, as he smiles softly, touching your cheek.

"Wonderful." You immediately return the gesture as Paul's hands grip your waist, holding your body flush against his.

"I know I shouldn't," you whisper, caressing Paul's stubbled cheek. "But I enjoy how it makes me feel."

"Me too."

"I wish you'd stay," you murmur.

"I..can't." Paul reluctantly releases you, turning and staring down at the floor. "I'm too much of a coward. The war, it ruined me. Just like it does with anyone who enlists."

You touch Paul's back and he flinches. You slide your hand up over his shoulder and he whips around, his eyes red rimmed and moist. Then..he's kissing you again, lifting you up and carrying you over to the bed.

"If you don't want this, Y/N," Paul says gruffly. "Tell me to stop."

"Don't stop."

"Good. Because I don't want to."

***

You lie in Paul's arms. He's tracing a finger down your face and you smile. He smiles lazily and you like that.

"You're amazing," he murmurs.

"Hardly."

"I..could stay a while longer, if that suits you?"

"Yes, Paul," you whisper. "Stay as long as you like." He gently kisses you and you cling to his hands.

"Then I will."

"Wonderful."