Still Breathing by Kat Beaumont (Pelican wash book 1)

Fifteen years ago, Tyler Colt left his home town, running from everyone and everything. He went to California and became one of the best quarterbacks the NFL had ever seen, before a scandal effectively ended his career in its tracks. Now he's home and he has to face his past, including the best friend he left behind, the best friend he's been in love with since they were both teens.

Austin Grant never wanted to see Tyler Colt again, not after he ran, disappearing without a word. Austin moved on with his life, did his best to forget, but now Tyler is back, and they're working together on Austin's ranch. With a nosey small town, judgmental horses, and a tornado, Tyler isn't the only one who has to face his past, and soon Austin realizes that he doesn't want to keep fighting the attraction that's always been between them.

Tropes you'll find:
Small Town 
Ex Best Friends to lovers 
cowboy/football star
It's always been you