Page 22 of Saddle and Bound

His name evokes a storm of conflicting emotions within me. On one hand, there's this undeniable physical attraction. Those deep, intense eyes that seem to look straight into my soul. That long, wild hair that gives him a rebellious, untamed air. His crooked smile, that body sculpted... he's undeniably attractive, in a rugged, primordial way that makes my knees weak.

There's something so... authentic about him, so far from the refined and polished men of the city.

He's like a force of nature, wild and free like the horses he adores. And then there's that sweet and caring side I glimpsed last night during our dance under the stars. The way he held me in his arms, strong but gentle, as if I were something precious.

But on the other hand, there's everything else. His arrogant attitude, that constant teasing, making me feel out of place. His conviction that I'm just a "city princess" incapable of adapting to this life.

And maybe he's right, isn't he? This isn't my real life. I'm here only temporarily.

No, I can't afford to complicate things. It's better to keep my distance, to return to our "enemies" relationship. It's simpler that way. Safer. Even if a part of me craves that contact, that connection I felt last night, I must be rational.

I decide that from today on, I'll go back to treating Alex like the arrogant cowboy he is.

No more moments of weakness, no more moonlit dances or night swims.

I have to remind myself why I'm here: to help my father and then return to my life in the city.

With this new determination, I prepare to face the day. It doesn't matter how attractive Alex is or how alive this ranch life makes me feel. I must stay focused on my goal. As I get dressed, I cast one last glance out the window. Alex is still there, working with the horses. His movements are fluid and confident, in perfect harmony with the animals. For a moment, my heart races. His long hair waves in the wind, and even from this distance, I can see the concentration in his eyes. There's a wild grace in him that takes my breath away. Then I grit my teeth and look away.

He's just an arrogant cowboy, I mutter to myself.And you're just passing through. Don't forget that, Rosie.

But as I leave my room, ready to face another day at the ranch, I can't help but feel a twinge of regret. I firmly ignore that little voice inside me that rebels against this decision, that whispers to me that maybe I'm making a mistake.

I go down the stairs, trying to focus on the familiar sounds of the farm waking up. The scent of freshly brewed coffee welcomes me in the kitchen, where I find my father and Maria chatting quietly. "Good morning, honey," my father greets me with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"

I nod, trying to look as fit as possible even though I actually feel a bit like a corpse.

"Yes, thanks. The rooster was an... interesting wake-up call."

Maria laughs. "You get used to it, believe me. Soon you won't even hear it anymore."

I sit at the table, gratefully accepting the cup of coffee Maria hands me. As I sip the hot drink, I try to plan my day. I need to do some shopping (I need more practical clothes and I can't keep dipping into Val's seemingly inexhaustible wardrobe), I need to focus on work, on the accounts, on anything that keeps me busy and away from...

"Hey, princess. Ready for another day of hard work?" Alex's voice makes me start. I turn to find him leaning against the doorframe, with that usual crooked smile of his. His hair is tied in a messy ponytail, and there's a smudge of dirt on his cheek.

He looks so... at ease, so in his element. For a moment, I forget my resolution. Then I recover and raise an eyebrow.

"Always ready, cowboy. Don't underestimate me."

His smile widens. "Don't always feel attacked, princess."

There's a spark in his eyes that makes me tremble internally. But I maintain my neutral expression, reminding myself of my decision.

Enemies.

We're enemies.

"Well," I say, standing up. "I'd better get to work then." I walk past him, deliberately ignoring his scent of leather and pine.

I can't afford to be distracted.

I can't afford to forget who I am and why I'm here.

But as I walk away, I feel his gaze on me. And I can't help but wonder if I'm really doing the right thing.

Chapter 13

Alex

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