Page 2 of Saddle and Bound

We pass through the impressive wrought-iron gate, and as the car proceeds along the driveway lined with towering pines and firs, I can’t help but look around, trying to absorb every detail. The trees flanking the entrance open up, revealing a breathtaking landscape that leaves me speechless.

To our right, a vast olive grove extends as far as the eye can see, the silver leaves of the olive trees dancing in the light breeze. To the left, I glimpse a lush orchard, branches laden with ripe peaches and golden apricots. The air is infused with their sweet scent, mixed with the pungent aroma of wild rosemary.

Further ahead, I spot an enclosure where several horses graze peacefully. Their sleek coats shine under the sun, and the sound of their occasional neighs breaks the silence of the countryside.

As the car advances, I notice several wooden cabins scattered across the property. Some are hidden among holm oak groves, others overlook small, thriving vegetable gardens. Each structure seems to have its own unique character, inviting exploration.

In the distance, a field of hay bales creates a golden expanse stretching to the horizon. Spots of vivid red dot the field on the sides—wild poppies, I imagine—adding splashes of color to the landscape.

As we approach the end of the driveway, I finally see it: the main house. It’s a limestone farmhouse, imposing yet welcoming, with olive-green shutters and a red-tiled roof. A veranda shaded by a pergola of flowering wisteria extends along the facade, promising a cool retreat from hot summer days.

The car stops in front of the house, and for a moment, I remain motionless, overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding me. Sunrise Ranch is more than I could have ever imagined: a corner of paradise that leaves me speechless. At this moment, overwhelmed by everything around me, I forget all that was bothering and annoying me earlier.

A group of young people is waiting for us in the garden. Two girls run toward us.

“Robert! Rosie! You’re finally here!”

The shorter of the two is a bundle of energy, with long, wavy light brown hair and bright hazel eyes. The other is her exact opposite: tall and with a rebellious air accentuated by piercings and tattoos.

I get out of the car, stumbling on my heels. “Nice to meet you,” I say, trying to smile despite my nervousness.

“We’re so happy you’re here!” exclaims the one with long, wavy hair—she must be Valentina. I’m immediately swept into a hug and receive two kisses on the cheeks. The other girl does the same, but with less energy. Lexy... if I remember correctly.

“How was the trip?” someone asks.

I’m about to answer when a male voice makes me turn abruptly.

“Hey, princess, careful not to break an ankle!”

I find myself standing face-to-face with a man who looks like he’s walked straight out of a forbidden fantasy.

He’s tall, broad-shouldered, and muscular, with long brown hair that falls in unruly waves, framing a face almost too handsome to belong to reality. That crooked smile he’s wearing, equal parts maddening and devastatingly sexy, hits me like a bolt of lightning.

His deep brown eyes, sharp and unashamedly confident, are framed by lashes so thick they might as well be illegal. A light dusting of scruff shadows his strong jawline, adding a rugged edge to a face that’s already doing far too much damage to my self-control.

He’s dressed in a snug, well-worn tank top that clings to every ridge of his sculpted torso, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. His broad chest commands attention, and the way his body narrows to a lean, powerful waist is downright scandalous. Paired with faded, low-slung jeans and mud-caked boots, he exudes an effortless, rugged charm that feels both untamed and dangerously attractive.

Pull yourself together, Rosie,I scold myself fiercely.

I fight to look away, but the heat climbing my face betrays me. My thoughts are spiraling wildly, every nerve in my body seeming to betray my better judgment.

Why on earth is my mind entertaining such inappropriate thoughts about a total stranger, one who already feels like an absolute pain?It’s probably just the exhaustion from traveling,I tell myself. But even as I try to rein in my thoughts, I can feel my irritation brewing.

I don’t even know his name yet, but somehow, I already know one thing for sure, I’m going to argue with him, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

"Excuse me?" I reply, feeling irritation rising.

"I'm Alex," he introduces himself, ignoring my tone. "If you want to survive here, I suggest you leave those stilts in your suitcase."

Before I can respond, another guy intervenes.

"Don't mind him. Alex doesn't know how to behave. I'm Chris, Val's boyfriend. Welcome!"

I smile weakly, grateful for the interruption. In the following minutes, I'm overwhelmed by a sea of names and faces. Fran, Diego, Aurora... all so welcoming, so different from the anonymous crowd I'm used to. After the energy of the group of young people, Maria, my father's future wife, welcomes me with her usual kindness and hyperactivity that reminds me of her older daughter, Valentina, or Val, as they apparently call her.

"Come, I'll show you your room, you must be tired," says Val, taking me by the arm after all the introductions... which will take me a lifetime to remember.

As we head toward the house, I find myself standing next to Alex, who’s almost blocking the entrance. Val says something to him, but I don’t hear a word because I’m too distracted.

---