Page 3 of Saddle and Bound

He shifts slightly, but not enough to avoid brushing against me as I try to follow Val.

“Hey, Rosie,” he says softly, so close I can almost feel his warm breath on my skin. What I do feel very clearly, though, is the way he says my name, irritatingly sexy in a way that makes it hard for me to breathe properly. “Are you sure you don’t want to go for a horseback ride? It might help you relax. That is, if you can ride, of course.”

I also catch the scent of him, and despite his worn clothes, he doesn’t smell bad. In fact… I discover, with some horror, that I actually like the way he smells.

Leather and pine.

Of course, I can’t seem to come up with a response. I just shoot him the most cowboycidal look I can manage.

Damn it… what’s wrong with you, Rosie? You’re not that kind of girl!

Despite my mental scolding and my irritation at Alex fucking cowboy, I can’t help but notice how the setting sun lights up his hair, casting an almost...no, Rosie, focus!

I enter the house while wondering how I'll survive this summer. The feeling from before returns, and I can't help but think that this earthly paradise and that annoying guy with muddy boots have just disrupted my perfectly organized world.

Summer has just begun, and with it, a new adventure that I'm not yet ready to face. I'm not the adventurous type. I'm the type who needs routine and to keep everything under control. Yet, somewhere deep inside me... I like this place. Somewhere inside me, I feel electrified, intrigued, curious... all emotions that I'm not used to feeling and that I probably don't even know how to truly recognize... so I take all these thoughts and lock them away neatly in a corner in the antechamber of my brain. It's easier to feel irritation than to ask too many complicated questions.

?

My room is small but cozy, with a large window overlooking the fields. I hear the chirping of birds and the rustle of wind through the trees. But above all, I hear the incessant song of cicadas.Careful not to break an ankle, I mutter to myself, finally taking off my heels and massaging my sore feet.

Who does he think he is? I can't believe I ever thought he was attractive.

It might help you relax. That is, if you can ride, of course

Ugh. So irritating. So smug. So obnoxious.

I decide not to waste another thought on him, but I promise myself that next time, I'll have a sharp comeback ready.

It’s going to be a hellish few months.

I close my eyes and let the exhaustion take over.

Alex

I step back, but I can't resist taking one last glance at Rosie. My heart nearly skipped a beat when she got out of the car. Who would have guessed Robert had such a sexy daughter?

Seriously, this girl doesn't even seem real. With that cascade of red waves, those big brown eyes, her little upturned nose dusted with freckles, and those full lips... lips I’d better not think about.

But trying not to think about her lips, my mind goes straight to her body.

Damn! What made her think it was a good idea to dress like that on a ranch? That ass wrapped in that tight skirt is mouthwatering. And that white blouse? I could pop those buttons off in a second.

Damn it! I almost disgust myself.

Since when do I think about colleagues' daughters like this? And since when do fancy girls turn me on? Damn, it pisses me off! She's so out of place here with her trendy clothes and refined manners. The contrast with the rustic ranch environment is obvious, and I couldn't help but crack that joke. The annoyed look she gave me was... damn exciting!

Wait... why am I moving away? I make another stupid decision and place myself near the front door, knowing Rosie will pass by soon. I don't know what's come over me with this redhead.

I don’t know why, but there’s an odd pleasure in teasing her... even though I don’t even know her.

"Are you already embarrassing our guest?" Val asks, stopping me and walking up with an amused smile and raised eyebrow. Rosie is trailing behind her, of course... in those ridiculous shoes.

"Just a little harmless fun," I reply, raising my hands in surrender, but mentally plotting to drive her crazy.

Drive her crazy?! Now that thought’s taking me down a dangerous path... no, best not to think about that. She’s definitely not my type. And I’m pretty sure I’m not hers. Not even close. And I still can’t figure out why my mind keeps wandering about this redhead I don’t even know. I’ve literally just seen her.

Valentina shakes her head, laughing. "Alex, sometimes you're really just a big kid."

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