Page 15 of Saddle and Bound

As we make our way towards the main house, we spot Valentina and Chris emerging, their fingers intertwined. They're lost in hushed conversation, their eyes speaking volumes of unspoken affection.

"Hey, you two!" Chris calls out, reluctantly breaking his reverie with Val. "How'd the lesson go?"

I grin mischievously. "Our princess here claims it was an absolute nightmare."

Rosie's glare could melt steel. "Don't put words in my mouth, Alex."

Valentina laughs, exchanging a knowing look with Chris. The love radiating between them is almost palpable, and I notice Rosie shifting uncomfortably beside me, clearing her throat.

"So," Valentina says, redirecting her attention to us, "we're throwing a barbecue tonight. You'll join us, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it," I respond without hesitation. I turn to Rosie, eyebrow raised in silent question.

She sighs dramatically, but I catch a glimmer of interest in her eyes. "I suppose some decent food might help me forget the aches and pains I'll be nursing tomorrow."

Our growling stomachs remind us of our original breakfast mission, and we bid the lovebirds farewell.

As we walk, I can't help but reflect on Val and Chris's fairytale romance. I remember the night Chris confided his proposal plans to me, Diego, and Fran over beers on the porch. The mixture of nerves and elation in his voice, the dreamy look in his eyes – it was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy that I'll never forget.

Rosie's voice pulls me from my reverie. "They seem genuinely happy together," she muses, a hint of wistfulness coloring her tone.

"They are," I confirm, my voice softening. "They've built this ranch and their life together from the ground up. Their wedding next year? It'll be the event of the season."

Rosie nods, her eyes distant, lost in thought. For a moment, I find myself wondering about her past—about potential heartbreaks or missed connections. Does she have someone waiting for her back home? The thought sends an unexpected pang through my chest. I shake my head, trying to banish the dangerous path my mind is wandering down.

Rosie is temporary, I remind myself sternly. A fleeting presence in my world, here today and gone tomorrow. And me? I'm just the irritating cowboy who gets under her skin, the one who makes her eyes flash with annoyance and her cheeks flush with anger. I'm not the type to settle down, never have been. So why does my heart race every time she looks at me? Why do I find myself searching for excuses to be near her?

And yet... There's something about her that draws me in, like a moth to a flame. The way she challenges me, the rare moments when her guard drops and I catch a glimpse of vulnerability beneath her prickly exterior. It's intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

I can't allow myself to think of Rosie in that way. It's a recipe for disaster. But as I watch her, bathed in the golden morning light, I can't help but wonder: what if?

"So, princess," I say, desperate to lighten the mood and my own conflicted thoughts, "ready for tonight's shindig? I hope you packed something suitable. We wouldn't want your designer duds getting barbecue sauce on them."

Rosie gives me a sharp look, but there's a smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry about me, cowboy. I know how to dress for any occasion."

"Hmm... yet it seemed the opposite to me," I reply with a grin.

Rosie gives me one of her killer looks... and I feel that the planets have resumed their ordinary motion. I enjoy bantering with Rosie, but I need to keep in mind what my place is.

I don't give her time to respond, even though I notice she's preparing for war. Before she can decide to say anything to me, I distance myself.

Chapter 9

Rosie

[Group Chat: Wild Chicks]

Lexy: BBQ SOS! ?? Just realized I'm clueless about starting a fire! Who's coming to my rescue?? ????

Vale: Oh, Lexy, sweetie, that's what we keep Chris around for. He's our grill master, remember? ??

Rosie: Girls... I've never actually been to a barbecue...

Aurora: Chill, ladies! It's just a cookout... though with Alex around, someone might end up getting burned ??

Lexy: Ooh, Aurora! Are you talking about Rosie or that crush you've been nursing forever? ??

Rosie: Hey! I don't get hot and bothered over anyone, especially not that infuriating cowboy!

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