Page 32 of Saddle and Bound

Aurora: I'm in! Rosie?

Me: ...I don't know, girls. I don't think that...

Val: Come on, Rosie! Don't you want to see Alex's face when he sees you?

Lexy: Think about how jaw-dropped he'll be! ??

Aurora: And maybe he'll realize how much of an idiot he's been!

Me: ...Ok, I'm in. Let's show these cowboys what city girls are capable of!

Val: YEEHAW! ?? Prepare your sexiest outfits, girls!

Lexy: Shiny boots and short skirts, here we come! ????

Aurora: Let the Cowgirl Revenge begin! ??

I put the phone back in my pocket, a mix of nervousness and excitement growing inside me. Maybe this evening will be the perfect opportunity to put Alex in his place. And if I happen to have a little fun in the process... well, all the better!

As I approach the house, I feel the girls' energy infecting me. The sadness and confusion I felt after the spat with Alex are fading, replaced by a new determination.

Enough with the games, enough with the childish bickering. It's time to change the game.

A mischievous smile forms on my lips as I think about tomorrow night. Alex won't know what hit him. I intend to flirt seriously, to show him exactly what I'm made of. No more helpless city princess, it's time he sees the real Rosie.

And all those worries about who I am, what I'm doing here, about my future? I push them into a corner of my mind. Now is not the time to think about it. Now is the time to have fun, to let go, to be bold.

I enter my room with a determined step, feeling charged and ready for action. I open the closet enthusiastically, but... my smile falters. In front of me, I see only my usual office clothes, elegant suits and silk blouses. Nothing suitable for an evening at the ranch, let alone for seducing a stubborn cowboy.

"Damn it," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. How can I transform into a sexy cowgirl with a Wall Street wardrobe?

I grab the phone, an idea forming in my mind. If there's anyone who can help me in this mission, it's my new friends.

Me: SOS girls! ?? I need a sexy cowgirl outfit ASAP! My wardrobe is a disaster ??

The response is immediate and enthusiastic.

Lexy: Fear not, Rosie! Operation "Cowgirl Transformation" is underway! ??

Val: I already have the perfect outfit in mind! ??

Aurora: And I have the perfect boots to complete the look! ??

I smile, feeling a new wave of excitement. With the girls' help, I'll be ready to conquer the ranch - and a certain cowboy - in no time.

Me: Girls, you're the best! ?? Operation "Ranch Conquest" can begin!

I close the phone, feeling more confident than ever. Tomorrow night will be a night to remember, and I can't wait to see Alex's face when he sees me.

Let him prepare, because Rosie the cowgirl is about to make her debut!

I lie down on the bed, a satisfied smile on my lips as I imagine tomorrow evening. Excitement runs through my veins, mixing with a determination I haven't felt in a long time.

My phone vibrates again. It's Val.

Val: Hey Rosie, tomorrow at my place; pre-evening preparation with all of us. We'll make you a true rodeo queen! ????

I smile even more. The idea of getting ready with the girls fills me with joy. It's something I haven't done in... well, too long.

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