Page 31 of Saddle and Bound

Before meeting him, my life was orderly, predictable.

I knew exactly who I was and what I wanted. Or at least, I thought I did.

But now? Now I'm not so sure anymore.

I lean against the fence, letting the rough wood slightly scratch my hands. It's a real, tangible sensation, so different from my aseptic life in Los Angeles.

"What are you doing here, Rosie?" I ask myself out loud. "What are you really looking for?"

Fucking cowboy!

Irritating, frustrating, charming Alex. With his sarcastic comments and his smile that makes my knees weak. With his passion for this land and this lifestyle that I can't fully understand, but that intrigues me more and more.

I realize that, despite our arguments, despite the harsh words we've exchanged, a part of me can't wait to see him again. To exchange more banter, to feel that spark of electricity again when our eyes meet.

"You're crazy," I tell myself, shaking my head. "Completely crazy."

But maybe a little madness is exactly what I need. Maybe it's time to stop being the perfect and controlled Rosie that everyone expects me to be. Maybe it's time to let go a little, to see where this strange adventure takes me.

As I walk towards the house, my phone vibrates frantically. I pull it out and see a flurry of notifications from the "Cowgirl Bootcamp ????" group chat. I roll my eyes, but I can't hold back a smile.

Val has renamed the group

Lexy: ?? RED ALERT GIRLS! ??

Val: What? Did you break a nail feeding the horses? ??

Aurora: Or worse... did you run out of self-tanner? ??

Lexy: ?? Ha-ha, you're hilarious. No, BOMBSHELL news! The guys have organized an evening!

Me: An evening? Like... with people and things?

Val: No, Rosie, with cows and hay ?? Of course with people! Aurora: Wait... WHICH guys exactly? ??

Lexy: Our favorite cowboys, of course! ??

Me: Define "favorite" ??

Val: Oh, don't be difficult, Rosie! We all know you can't wait to dance with a CERTAIN cowboy ??

Me: That "certain cowboy" can go take a hike ??

Aurora: Uh oh... trouble in paradise? Spill the beans, Rosie!

Me: Let's just say Mr. Shiny Boots decided to be a jerk today

Lexy: Oh no! What did he do?

Me: Nothing important. Just the usual arrogant and unbearable Alex

Val: Wait a minute... I have an idea! ??

Aurora: Uh oh, Val has an idea. Should we be worried?

Val: Let's make those cowboys eat dust! Tomorrow night we'll be so sexy they won't know what hit them!

Lexy: I like how you think, sister! Operation "Cowgirl Revenge" is officially underway! ??

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