Page 9 of Saddle and Bound

Lexy: Hey Rosie, have you thought about how to get revenge on Alex for the panties prank? ??

Vale: Oh yes! We absolutely need to come up with something epic!

Aurora: How about hiding all his boots? ??

Rosie: Hmm, not bad. But I want something more... embarrassing ??

Lexy: Ooh, I like how you think! Let me think...

Vale: Girls, wait! I've got a brilliant idea! ??

Rosie: Really? Tell us!

Vale: What if we…

While I read Vale's message, an even better idea pops into my mind.

Rosie: Vale, your idea is fantastic, but wait... I just thought of something even more diabolical ??

Lexy: Shoot, Rosie! Don't keep us in suspense!

Rosie: Okay, here's the plan. I'll need your help...

Lexy: Rosie, you're an evil genius! ?? I can't wait to see Alex's face!

Vale: This will teach him not to play stupid pranks!

Rosie: Girls, are you sure he won't get really angry? You know him better than I do...

Aurora: Trust us, Rosie. Alex can take it. Besides, he asked for it!

Vale: Exactly. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Rosie: Okay, if you say so. Shall we meet in an hour to put the plan into action?

Lexy: You bet! ??

Vale: I'll be on time! ??

Aurora: I can't wait! This is going to be epic! ??

I close the chat with a satisfied smile. I quickly get dressed and head towards the stables, where I know I'll find Alex.

I find him brushing a horse, his back turned to me. I pause for a moment to admire the view: the muscles in his arms flex as he works, and his hair is slightly tousled by the wind. His worn, dark brown cowboy hat hangs from his shoulders. Broad shoulders that could span a mile. God. For a moment, I almost regret what I'm about to do. Almost.

I listen to that little voice inside me, which seems to know better than I do, and ladies and gentlemen, Rosalie Thorne is about to pull off the bluff of the century.

“Hey, cowboy,” I call out, trying to maintain a neutral tone.

Alex turns around, a smile forming on his face when he sees me.

If it was already hard to focus on anything but his physical appearance when he was turned away, now, with him facing me, those intense eyes and that infuriating expression — almost like he's genuinely pleased to see me... to annoy me, of course — it's even worse.

If I’m starting to find that look sexy, I clearly need to get my head checked because something’s seriously wrong.

“Look who's here. The city princess deigns to visit the stables?”

Fortunately, when he opens his mouth, everything becomes clearer, and irritation takes the lead again. I seriously need to have a word with the Rosie who's all hot and bothered by this damn cowboy because, clearly, my mantras aren't doing a thing.

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