Page 56 of Saddle and Bound

Alex laughs, and the tension breaks. "It's déjà vu, princess."

I take off my shoes and socks, enjoying the sensation of cool grass under my feet. Alex does the same, then removes his shirt with a fluid movement. I can't help but stare at his perfectly defined muscles, his abs so chiseled they look like they were carved by a sculptor, his broad chest, and those powerful arms. God, just his forearms alone had nearly driven me to madness... damn.

I quickly look away, my body burning with heat. I have to remind myself how to breathe.

"So, princess," says Alex with a grin, "ready for some adventure?"

Before I can answer, he takes a short run-up and dives into the lake with a joyful shout. Water splashes everywhere, making me laugh and step back.

"Come on, Rosie!" Alex calls, emerging and shaking water from his hair. "The water's perfect!”

And now, wet like that, he’s even hotter. He moves with such confidence, emerging from the water like a Greek god. Drops of water trail down his hair, his sculpted body glistening, flawless, utterly tantalizing.

I hesitate for a moment. I've never been a great swimmer, and the idea of diving into an unknown lake makes me a bit anxious. Now that I don't have alcohol giving me courage like the other night... I'm a bit more intimidated.

But there's something about Alex's enthusiasm, about the wild beauty of this place, that pushes me to dare.

"Alright," I say, taking a deep breath. "But no tricks, okay?"

Alex raises a hand, making the scout's honor sign. "Scout's honor."

I giggle.

I take off my shirt, staying in my tank top and shorts. Then, before courage abandons me, I run toward the water and dive in.

The cold hits me like a shock, making me hold my breath for a moment. But then, as I swim to the surface, the sensation becomes refreshing, revitalizing.

"You did it!" exclaims Alex, swimming toward me with a wide smile.

"I did it," I respond, smiling back. I feel alive, electrified. "You were right, the water is perfect."

We spend the next few minutes swimming lazily, enjoying the coolness of the water and the beauty of the landscape around us.

"It's incredible," I whisper, more to myself than to him.

"It is," Alex agrees, his voice close. I turn and find him beside me. It's just the two of us, suspended in the water, surrounded by the wild beauty of nature. I feel my heart speed up, and it's not just from swimming.

But before I can say or do anything, before I drive myself crazy with inappropriate thoughts about possible feelings I might have for this infuriating cowboy... Alex dives back in, shattering the spell. When he resurfaces, he’s wearing his usual playful grin.

"How about a race to the waterfall?" he proposes.

I laugh, grateful for the distraction. "Haven't you figured out yet that I'm not an expert swimmer like you, cowboy?"

"I'll give you a head start," he says with a wink.

And that's how, ladies and gentlemen, the butterflies in my stomach go crazy.

Chapter 30

Alex

Rosie dives into the water with a natural grace that leaves me breathless. When she resurfaces, wet hair falling across her face, radiant smile, it's a sight I'll never forget. But what truly strikes me is how unaware she is of her beauty. It's as if she doesn't realize how incredibly attractive she is.

When she took off her clothes to get in the water, I had to make an immense effort to stay calm. She wasn’t completely naked, and I’ve definitely seen her in less before—if you count the bikini. But the simple act of watching her undress, even just a little, was enough to make me hard. Everything she does gets to me… always. And even though this trip feels like an emotional crisis of unprecedented proportions with all the things I’m terrified I might feel for her—even though I’m trying to avoid filthy thoughts and keep a respectable attitude because, well, it’s just the two of us alone, and I don’t want to put her in a position where she’d have to reject me or feel embarrassed—I can’t help the overwhelming need I have for her. I can’t help the kind of attraction that aches.

She’s wearing a white tank top now, no bra from what I can tell, and a pair of tight shorts. Even before she dove in, I already had a clear enough view of her body. But now, soaked through with lake water, everything she’s wearing is practically transparent. And I’m losing it. Completely.

This vision of her has me on the edge, and I’m desperately trying not to stare, trying to keep things playful instead. It’s the only way I know to keep myself from losing control.

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