Page 38 of Saddle and Bound

I type back quickly:

Me: How did you get my number, cowboy? And what do you mean by that?

His reply comes almost immediately. I stare at the screen, rereading his message:

Cowboy:I have my ways, Princess. Glad to see you’re curious. I’ve got some fun challenges lined up for you. ;)

The thrill of his words sends a wave of excitement through me, mixed with something darker. Something dangerous. I bite my lip, fighting the urge to smile.

Me:Oh, really? And what makes you think I’m interested in your challenges?

His response comes back quickly:

Cowboy:Let’s call it a talent for reading people.

Me:All right, Mr. Know-It-All. What’s this big challenge you’ve got in mind?

Cowboy:Tomorrow, just some basic ranch work. I’m sure you’ll manage.

Cowboy:Then, how about a camping trip this weekend? Just you, me, nature, and the stars. Let’s see if the city princess is up for the challenge. ;)

A shiver runs down my spine—part excitement, part panic. Camping? With Alex? Just the two of us?

Me:Interesting, cowboy. I’ll think about it.

I try to sound nonchalant, even as my heart pounds against my ribs.

Cowboy:Do that. And in the meantime, dream of wide-open prairies and bonfires under the stars. Goodnight, Princess.

Me:Goodnight, Cowboy.

I set the phone back on the nightstand, my mind racing, the smile still on my face.

A camping trip with Alex... The thought excites me and terrifies me in equal measure.

Camping. Alone. With Alex.

The panic starts to set in as I stare at the ceiling in the dark. I’ve never been camping before. What do you even bring? How do you pitch a tent? What if there are snakes? Or worse… bears?

Wait… what’s worse, a bear or a snake?

I toss and turn, my mind spinning. I can’t let him know I’ve never camped in my life—he’d tease me for weeks. But how am I supposed to hide my total lack of experience?

And then there’s the matter of being alone.

Me. And Alex.

I can barely resist him when there are other people around.

The thought makes my pulse race.

Will my desire for him outweigh my desire to kill him?

I groan, running a hand down my face in frustration. How did I even end up in this situation?

This summer was supposed to be simple—helping with a wedding, trying not to hate every minute of it not getting lost in the desert with an irritatingly attractive cowboy.

“You’re crazy, Rosie,” I murmur into the darkness. “Completely crazy.”

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