Page 29 of Saddle and Bound

His words hit me like a one-two punch. He’s always known how to cut through my defenses, and this time is no different. Chris has this way of balancing tough love with genuine care, and it’s why I’ve always trusted him with the things I can’t say to anyone else.

I swallow hard, my throat tight, and stare down at my boots, scuffing the dirt beneath them. "Thanks," I say finally, my voice low but full of meaning. It’s not much, but I know he gets it. He always does.

Chris smiles, clapping me on the shoulder before standing and stretching with a groan. "We’re family, bro. We’re all here for you. But if you ever need just me, you know where to find me."

He tosses me a wink, the teasing glint back in his eyes as he heads off toward the barn. I watch him go, a small smile tugging at my lips. Chris always knows how to leave me feeling seen, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

As Chris walks away, I find myself staring at the spot where Rosie disappeared. With a deep breath, I head towards the stables. I have work to do, and for now, it's better to focus on that. The familiarity of daily tasks comforts me, anchors me to the reality of the ranch that has always been my life.

I feel like a complete idiot. Maybe I should apologize to Rosie... although from her response, she doesn't seem to have a high opinion of me and what I do.

And how did you expect her to respond?

I practically asked her to insult me... and I ruined a moment when she seemed serene and relaxed.

All because of my stupidity. Because of my absurd convictions. Because of fear.

And as the day progresses, the weight of the words I exchanged with Rosie weighs more heavily on me. Thinking back to our conversation, I realize that this time I might have really crossed the line. It wasn't our usual playful banter; there was venom in our words, an intention to hurt that had never been there before.

I stop, leaning against the fence. What came over me? Our relationship has always been made up of jokes and provocations; it's my way of being. But before... before it was different.

What if I had lost her before I even really had her? If I had ruined everything before giving us a real chance?

I sigh heavily, running a hand through my hair. I can't deny that there's something between us, an attraction, a spark that goes beyond our differences. But perhaps it's precisely the fear of this attraction that pushed me to behave this way.

I think back to the words we exchanged.

At least I have a life beyond this ranch.

Golden cage.

We hurt each other, touching each other's most sensitive points.

But why? Why do I feel the need to push her away like this? Is it really just because we're too different, or is there something else?

I can't deny that since that damn first time I saw her, Rosie Thorne hasn't left my mind.

I just hope my stupid heart isn't involved too.

In any case... I need to find a way to apologize to Rosie.

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, another thing I'm not good at.

Did I mention I'm a disaster?!

Chapter 17

Rosie

I walk away from Alex with long strides, feeling tears threatening to fall. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. Not for him. Not for an arrogant cowboy I've known for just a few days.

Yet, his words have hurt me more deeply than I'd like to admit.

Better to tell stories to the cattle than live an empty life in a big city.

Empty? My life isn't empty. It can't be. I have a successful job, friends, a rising career. How dare he judge me like that?

But an annoying little voice in my head whispers:What if he's right?

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