Chapter 2
Rosie
One day before
After nearly 24 hours of travel, with intercontinental flights and multiple layovers, I feel as though I’ve crossed not just an ocean, but an entire universe. Los Angeles feels like a distant memory as my dad’s car winds along the twisting road leading to Sunrise Ranch, nestled on the outskirts of a small town in southern Italy.
My eyes, heavy with jet lag, scan the landscape outside the window: rolling hills, centuries-old olive groves, hay bales, and golden wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a world completely different from the skyscrapers and constant traffic I’m used to. Occasionally, my dad’s red Fiat passes people on horseback, tractors, and the typical Ape motorcycles on the road.
It feels like I’ve not only changed world... but also era. Everything seems so absurd and strange...
I absentmindedly run a hand through my hair, trying to tame the red locks that the journey has tousled. I try not to think about how disastrous I must look. The anxiety, which I tried to suppress during the long flight, now returns with force. Three months. Three whole months in this remote village. How will I survive? My job at the marketing agency, my routine, my life... everything put on hold for my father’s wedding. Thankfully, I managed to take a little time off from work, using up some vacation days I’d accumulated but never taken, along with a bit of remote work. At least my career is safe, for now.
“We’re almost there,”
Dad announces, his voice betraying a mixture of fatigue and excitement. “Val and Lexy can’t wait to finally meet you in person.”
I nod, trying to appear casual and happy while struggling to smooth out the wrinkles in my crumpled suit. I suddenly feel out of place dressed like this. I hadn’t even considered that my office attire and sky-high heels might make me feel even more self-conscious. Usually, I like to dress well. I like being impeccable and elegant. I don’t mind other types of clothing... but I simply never find myself in situations that call for more casual attire. What I do dislike is feeling sticky, not having perfectly styled hair, and not having flawless makeup.
“How much longer?”
I ask, my voice hoarse from fatigue.
“Just about ten minutes,”
Dad replies. “You’ll see, the ranch is beautiful. You’ll like it.”
I sigh, resting my head against the window. The humid heat of southern Italy seeps into the car despite the air conditioning, making me long for California’s dry climate.
When the car finally stops in front of an imposing gate with the words SUNRISE RANCH, I realize we’ve arrived.
We pass through the impressive wrought-iron gate, and as the car proceeds along the driveway lined with towering pines and firs, I can’t help but look around, trying to absorb every detail. The trees flanking the entrance open up, revealing a breathtaking landscape that leaves me speechless.
To our right, a vast olive grove extends as far as the eye can see, the silver leaves of the olive trees dancing in the light breeze. To the left, I glimpse a lush orchard, branches laden with ripe peaches and golden apricots. The air is infused with their sweet scent, mixed with the pungent aroma of wild rosemary.
Further ahead, I spot an enclosure where several horses graze peacefully. Their sleek coats shine under the sun, and the sound of their occasional neighs breaks the silence of the countryside.
As the car advances, I notice several wooden cabins scattered across the property. Some are hidden among holm oak groves, others overlook small, thriving vegetable gardens. Each structure seems to have its own unique character, inviting exploration.
In the distance, a field of hay bales creates a golden expanse stretching to the horizon. Spots of vivid red dot the field on the sides—wild poppies, I imagine—adding splashes of color to the landscape.
As we approach the end of the driveway, I finally see it: the main house. It’s a limestone farmhouse, imposing yet welcoming, with olive-green shutters and a red-tiled roof. A veranda shaded by a pergola of flowering wisteria extends along the facade, promising a cool retreat from hot summer days.
The car stops in front of the house, and for a moment, I remain motionless, overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding me. Sunrise Ranch is more than I could have ever imagined: a corner of paradise that leaves me speechless. At this moment, overwhelmed by everything around me, I forget all that was bothering and annoying me earlier.
A group of young people is waiting for us in the garden. Two girls run toward us.
“Robert! Rosie! You’re finally here!”
The shorter of the two is a bundle of energy, with long, wavy light brown hair and bright hazel eyes. The other is her exact opposite: tall and with a rebellious air accentuated by piercings and tattoos.
I get out of the car, stumbling on my heels. “Nice to meet you,”
I say, trying to smile despite my nervousness.
“We’re so happy you’re here!”
exclaims the one with long, wavy hair—she must be Valentina. I’m immediately swept into a hug and receive two kisses on the cheeks. The other girl does the same, but with less energy. Lexy... if I remember correctly.
“How was the trip?”
someone asks.
I’m about to answer when a male voice makes me turn abruptly.
“Hey, princess, careful not to break an ankle!”
I find myself standing face-to-face with a man who looks like he’s walked straight out of a forbidden fantasy.
He’s tall, broad-shouldered, and muscular, with long brown hair that falls in unruly waves, framing a face almost too handsome to belong to reality. That crooked smile he’s wearing, equal parts maddening and devastatingly sexy, hits me like a bolt of lightning.
His deep brown eyes, sharp and unashamedly confident, are framed by lashes so thick they might as well be illegal. A light dusting of scruff shadows his strong jawline, adding a rugged edge to a face that’s already doing far too much damage to my self-control.
He’s dressed in a snug, well-worn tank top that clings to every ridge of his sculpted torso, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. His broad chest commands attention, and the way his body narrows to a lean, powerful waist is downright scandalous. Paired with faded, low-slung jeans and mud-caked boots, he exudes an effortless, rugged charm that feels both untamed and dangerously attractive.
Pull yourself together, Rosie, I scold myself fiercely.
I fight to look away, but the heat climbing my face betrays me. My thoughts are spiraling wildly, every nerve in my body seeming to betray my better judgment.
Why on earth is my mind entertaining such inappropriate thoughts about a total stranger, one who already feels like an absolute pain? It’s probably just the exhaustion from traveling, I tell myself. But even as I try to rein in my thoughts, I can feel my irritation brewing.
I don’t even know his name yet, but somehow, I already know one thing for sure, I’m going to argue with him, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.
"Excuse me?" I reply, feeling irritation rising.
"I'm Alex," he introduces himself, ignoring my tone. "If you want to survive here, I suggest you leave those stilts in your suitcase."
Before I can respond, another guy intervenes.
"Don't mind him. Alex doesn't know how to behave. I'm Chris, Val's boyfriend. Welcome!"
I smile weakly, grateful for the interruption. In the following minutes, I'm overwhelmed by a sea of names and faces. Fran, Diego, Aurora... all so welcoming, so different from the anonymous crowd I'm used to. After the energy of the group of young people, Maria, my father's future wife, welcomes me with her usual kindness and hyperactivity that reminds me of her older daughter, Valentina, or Val, as they apparently call her.
"Come, I'll show you your room, you must be tired," says Val, taking me by the arm after all the introductions... which will take me a lifetime to remember.
As we head toward the house, I find myself standing next to Alex, who’s almost blocking the entrance. Val says something to him, but I don’t hear a word because I’m too distracted.
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."
I turn to look at Rosie, flash a grin, and wink at her. The fiery look she gives me is intense. I’m really getting under her skin... and I like it.
Rosie’s trying hard to look relaxed, but I notice the tension in her eyes. Her movements are stiff, and she’s scanning the place, almost like she’s trying to figure out where she is and how to fit in.
A sly smile creeps up on my lips as I realize I really do enjoy poking at Rosie, getting under her skin a little. It’s a way to shake her out of her stiff, perfectionist attitude. There’s something irresistibly fun about watching her try to keep control while I work to push her out of her comfort zone.
This is going to be one hell of a summer...
For professional reasons, I can’t help but analyze every little gesture and movement. And this little princess isn’t being honest. The short, clipped answers and forced smiles tell me she’s hiding something, maybe a side of herself she doesn’t want to show. It’s like there’s an internal battle going on between the Rosie who’s used to LA and the one she could discover here, in this remote ranch. I wonder what she’s trying to protect and why she seems so determined to keep control.
My musings could be entirely wrong, though, because I’m totally distracted by that damn redhead walking past just now, way too close, Because, being the massive dickhead that I am, I didn’t give her enough space. And I’ve got to figure out how to not show everyone the damn erection I’m sporting right now.
Especially with Robert, her dad, not too far away.
As I try to mentally scold myself and compose myself... my voice just slips out on its own. Well done, brain-mouth coordination!
"Hey, Rosie," I say, stepping closer with a sly grin. "You sure you don’t want to take a ride? It might help you relax a bit... that is, if you know how to ride."
She shoots me a deadly glare, but I see a spark of challenge in her eyes.
Perfect.
Exactly what I was hoping for. There’s something thrilling about going toe-to-toe with someone so stubborn. Now I really need to get out of sight and do something about this... situation.
The day ends without further incident, but Rosie continues to occupy my thoughts. There’s something about her that challenges me, provokes me, and definitely excites me WAY too much. One thing’s for sure, though: this summer is not going to be boring.