Page 39 of Saddle and Bound

I toss and turn, unable to settle down.

How am I supposed to survive this camping trip?

More importantly, how am I supposed to survive Alex?

With those thoughts swirling in my head, I close my eyes, knowing sleep will be a rare luxury tonight.

Chapter 21

Rosie

A persistent knocking at the door abruptly tears me from sleep. I blink in confusion, trying to orient myself in the dimness of the room. What time is it?

"Mmh... coming," I mumble, my voice thick with sleep.

I drag myself out of bed, stumbling slightly as I reach the door. I'm still half asleep and my brain hasn't started functioning properly yet.

Without thinking, I grab the handle and open the door.

"Yes?" I ask, rubbing my eyes.

It's at that moment that I realize two things simultaneously: first, it's Alex standing in front of me, already fully dressed and awake. Second, I'm still in my pajamas. Not just any pajamas, but the fine silk ones I treated myself to before leaving - a camisole and short shorts that leave little to the imagination.

Alex's eyes visibly widen, quickly scanning my body before returning to my face. I feel the heat rising to my cheeks as the realization of what's happening hits me like a bucket of cold water.

"Good morning, princess," Alex says, an amused smirk curving his lips. "I see you're... ready for the day."

I desperately try to cover myself by crossing my arms over my chest, but I know it's too late.

"Alex! What... what are you doing here?"

"It's milking time," he replies, clearly trying to hold back a laugh. "I warned you last night, remember?"

Oh God. The milking. The message. I thought he was joking!

"I... I didn't think you were serious," I stammer, trying to close the door.

But Alex blocks it with his foot. "Oh, I was very serious," he says, his tone now more determined but still with a trace of amusement in his eyes.

"The cows don't wait, not even for a silk-clad princess."

With one last look that makes me feel as if I'm naked, he turns and walks away down the hallway.

I close the door and lean against it, my heart racing. This is absolutely not how I had imagined starting the day.

I rush to the closet, my mind whirling between embarrassment and an unexpected spark of excitement. Alex's look... there was something in his eyes…

I shake my head, trying to focus. I don't have time for these thoughts now.

I have cows to milk, for heaven's sake!

I take one last look in the mirror... my hair is a mess, but it will have to do.

I open the door, ready to face whatever this day has in store for me.

Chapter 22

Alex

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