Page 34 of Saddle and Bound

Could I be coming down with something?

"Hey, Alex!" Diego calls out to me, his voice carrying easily across the yard. "My cousin Jake and his friends will be here soon. They said they’re bringing tequila, too!"

Jake’s a bull rider, just like Diego. They train together often, and you can tell they’re tight. There’s always a bit of competition between them—they’re two of the best, after all—but it’s the kind that drives them forward. Friendly, if not a little fiery.

Thanks to the two of them, bull riding has taken off around here. Before they hit the circuits, it wasn’t a big deal in these parts. Now, more and more guys are getting into it. Between our ranch and Jake’s, we’re building something that’s starting to feel pretty substantial.

Jake’s family ranch is near Sunrise Ranch, so he’s around a lot.

I nod, forcing what I hope passes for enthusiasm. Truth is, the thought of having more people here sets me on edge.

Especially knowing Rosie will be here.

She will, right?

Rosie.

Just her name is enough to make my stomach clench.

Maybe I really am coming down with something.

After our last squabble, I don't know what to expect. Part of me wants to apologize, another part wants to provoke her again. And a part, a part that I'm desperately trying to ignore, just wants to take her in my arms and...

“Earth to Alex!” Chris’s voice pulls me back. He’s standing in front of me, grinning.

“You alright, buddy?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mumble, running a hand through my hair as I grab a log for the bonfire. “Just... thoughtful.”

Chris claps me on the shoulder. “Relax. It’s going to be a great night.”

I nod again, forcing myself to focus as I help him stack wood. The physical task steadies me a bit, though the knot in my stomach doesn’t ease.

The sky turns a vibrant orange and pink, the first stars peeking through. The bonfire crackles cheerfully, casting dancing shadows on the sand.

All around me, the others are laughing and joking, their energy buzzing with excitement. And yet, all I can think about is whether Rosie will show up.

And if she does... what the hell I’m going to say to her.

Chapter 19

Alex

Jake and his friends arrive, bringing with them a wave of laughter and energy. Jake's sister, Mia, is with them, along with a couple of her friends. The atmosphere immediately becomes more lively.

Chris takes his guitar and starts strumming a few chords. His husky voice rises in the evening air, singing an old country song we all know.

It's at that moment that I see them arrive.

The girls make their entrance on the beach, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. They're all beautiful, dressed to impress. But my gaze immediately finds Rosie, and the rest of the world fades away. I vaguely hear Diego choking on something... but it seems so distant.

Rosie is wearing a pair of denim shorts that look incredible on her, showing off her muscular legs. A top that accentuates her chest in a way that makes heads turn, and over it, a plaid shirt tied just below her chest, in perfect country style. And then... my eyes stop at her feet. She's wearing a pair of shiny, perfect cowboy boots.

My heart skips a beat. Or maybe ten.

Rosie’s hair tumbles over her shoulders in loose waves, framing her face. Her lips curve in a small, teasing smile as our eyes lock. There’s mischief there, a daring challenge that ignites something primal in me.

She's not the city princess I first met. Tonight, she’s a queen, and damn if she doesn’t know it.

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