Page 12 of Saddle and Bound

Vale: Knowing Alex, probably both. Prepare for anything!

Rosie: Thanks, this makes me feel SO MUCH better ??

Lexy: Come on, it'll be fun! And if things go south, we're here for you ??

Vale: Exactly! Team Rosie in full force! ??

Aurora: Just remember to wear something comfortable. And maybe bring a change of clothes...

?

I close the chat, not entirely reassured. As I prepare for bed, my mind can’t help but wander to what tomorrow morning might bring. But I’d be lying if I said that’s the only thing keeping me awake tonight.

I can’t believe how I react when that damn cowboy is around. And I certainly can’t believe how much he still affects me even when he’s not here. I need to get a grip. By now, the jet lag should be long gone, so… it’ll probably pass.

I tell myself it’s just exhaustion. Of all the people in the world, I can’t be feeling this way about him. He’s already irritating enough—I can’t let myself find him too attractive.

But still, my mind drifts back to the days until I leave. Too many left. But once I’m out of here… I’ll leave this whole mess behind. I just need to survive it and try to focus on something else.

Finally, I manage to fall asleep, slipping into a whirlwind of disjointed dreams, full of galloping horses and those damn, piercing eyes.

When the alarm goes off at 5:30, I've already been up for a while. The rooster keeps waking me up every morning... but always at a different time. Seriously? I miss the soundproofed walls of my apartment. I never realized I hated roosters so much. I'm not particularly a heavy sleeper... but I like to wake up calmly, at my own pace, and especially with peace and quiet.

I get up with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

I dress carefully, opting for comfortable jeans and a light shirt (kindly provided by Val. I absolutely must go shopping, mental note). As suggested by Aurora, I put a change of clothes in a backpack, along with a water bottle and some snacks.

When I arrive at the stables, the sky is just beginning to lighten. Alex is already there, leaning against a fence, looking far too awake for this hour of the morning. I can't help but notice him. He's standing there, all confident and in control of his body. He's wearing worn jeans that I don't understand how they can be so sexy. And don't get me started on how that t-shirt fits him! Better not. Better not linger on his lean and defined physique.

"Good morning, princess," he greets me with a smile. "Ready for your lesson?"

"Born ready," I reply, trying to appear more confident than I feel.

Alex nods, then turns towards the stalls. "Good. Today we'll be riding Storm."

I follow his gaze and see a magnificent black stallion looking at us with intelligent eyes.

"He's... beautiful," I whisper, approaching cautiously.

"He is," Alex confirms, with a note of pride in his voice. "And he's also one of the most difficult horses to ride on the ranch."

I look at him alarmed. "What? But I thought this was a beginner's lesson!"

Alex smiles, a smile that makes me want to hit him and kiss him at the same time. "Oh, it is. But you didn't specify what kind of beginner you wanted to be."

As he starts to saddle Storm, I have to struggle particularly with two things:

Not staring with too much adoration at every muscle that flexes with his every movement.

Not punching him in the face.

Chapter 7

Alex

I can't help but smile as I get Storm ready for the lesson.

Rosie caught me off guard, I’ll admit. That bucket of water? Brilliant. And the look on her face when she did it? Priceless.

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