Page 64 of Saddle and Bound

Chapter 37

Rosie

The warmth of the fire caresses my face, but it’s nothing compared to the heat I feel inside me as Alex holds me close. He’s fallen asleep with me in his arms. It seems trivial since we’ve known each other for such a short time, filled with firsts… but the fact that he’s dozed off before me feels special. I love seeing him like this. He’s always in motion, full of energy, but I’ve never seen him so tender, so vulnerable.

The Alex I’m getting to know is… unbelievable. In the best possible way. He’s completely surprised and disarmed me. It’s not just his knowledge of nature, his strength, or his courage. It’s his kindness, his attentiveness, the way he looks at me as if I’m the most precious thing in the world.

When he gave me that notebook to write in… it was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. It awakened a part of me I thought I’d lost forever. The words started flowing, and with them, a piece of me came back to life.

And can we talk about his hot encouragement? I blush just thinking about it… but it’s another thing about him that I’m adoring. I’ve never felt so comfortable with anyone that I can do the things he makes me do… and it’s liberating.

He’s revealed another side of me.

And then he even promised he’d be there for me no matter what I decide... Does this mean he wants more for us? Would he be willing to move? The thought spins my head. Can I really ask him to move across the ocean, to a place so different from this paradise, just for me?

This is his life. I can see the passion he has for everything around him. I could never ask him to relocate with me… it would be like chaining him down. He wouldn’t be Alex anymore.

But then… do I really want to go back to Los Angeles? The more time passes, the more I realize I just want to stay here, at the ranch. This thought is frightening. Terrifying, to be honest. It means leaving everything I know, my career, my life. And yet, as I sit here, in Alex’s arms, surrounded by this wild and beautiful nature, everything feels possible.

It’s right here, surrounded by everything I desire, that for the first time in years, I allow myself to daydream, to imagine a future different from the one I had planned.

What if I really became a writer? The idea makes my heart race with excitement. I can see myself sitting on the ranch porch, a laptop on my knees, my fingers flying over the keyboard as I write stories inspired by this magical place.

I envision my days: waking up at dawn, making breakfast for Alex before he heads out to take care of the horses. Then, hours of writing interrupted only by the birds singing and the rustling of the wind through the trees. In the afternoon, long walks with Alex, exploring new corners of this earthly paradise, gathering ideas and inspiration for my books. I could even ask him for riding lessons.

And Alex… I see him coming home from work, his smile lighting up the room as soon as he sees me. My sexy cowboy, always ready to share his day’s adventures, to inspire me with his knowledge of nature and his passion.

The evenings would be filled with laughter, deep conversations, moments of sweet intimacy. I could read him the chapters I wrote during the day, and he would give me honest feedback, always encouraging me to be my best.

And this place… this fairytale setting would become my muse. Every corner of the ranch, every path in the woods, every breathtaking sunset would be an endless source of inspiration. I could write novels set here, love stories and adventures that capture the magic of this place and the people who inhabit it.

I see myself growing as a writer, publishing my first book, then the second, the third… And Alex would be there, by my side, every step of the way.

It’s such a vivid dream, so real that it almost takes my breath away. For a moment, I let myself fully believe in it, to imagine that this could be my reality.

But something pulls me from my daydreams.

Something very tender and real.

I feel Alex’s lips giving me a sweet kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, you okay?” His voice is soft, laced with sleep and maybe a bit of concern.

I look at him, a smile on my lips. “I was dreaming,” I admit.

He chuckles. “And what were you dreaming about?” he asks, curious.

I hesitate for a moment, then decide to be honest. “I was dreaming of a life here. With you. Me writing, you taking care of the ranch… a simple life, but full of love and adventure.”

Alex looks at me, his eyes shining in the firelight. “You know, princess? That sounds like a wonderful dream.”

And as he pulls me closer, I think that maybe, just maybe, this dream could become a reality.

“But…” he adds with a mischievous smile, “you didn’t mention my skills.” He tightens his embrace, and I can feel him already hard.

“I have a bad memory, cowboy; I think I need a refresher,” I reply, smiling back. I’ve never felt this cheeky. I like it!

“Oh, princess… if you keep this up, you’ll get a nice little punishment.”

---