Chapter 34
Alex
I move closer to the campfire, where the pancake batter is already waiting. Rosie follows me, still wrapped in her blanket, her hair delightfully messy, her cheeks flushed—perhaps from the morning chill, or maybe from something else entirely. As I pour the batter onto the sizzling pan, I can feel her gaze on me, curious and mischievous, tugging a small smile to my lips.
“You know,”
she says, her tone light, her head tilted just slightly, “there’s something ironic about watching a rugged cowboy so focused on making fluffy pancakes.”
I glance over my shoulder, pretending to be offended, though the grin that curves my mouth betrays me. “Hey, princess, you already know about my golden hands.”
My voice is playful, and I raise my eyebrows for effect, emphasizing the double meaning.
Her blush is immediate, and God, there’s nothing I adore more than the soft pink coloring her cheeks. She takes a step closer, her smile coy yet daring. “Maybe,”
she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper, “I need a little reminder.”
Her words ignite something deep inside me—or maybe that fire never really went out. If it were up to me, we wouldn’t have slept at all last night. She’d have woken up in my arms, my body still claiming hers, leaving no doubt that she’s mine. But I hesitate, uncertain of how much she wants, how much of me she’s ready for.
Still, one thing is clear: for me, this isn’t temporary. I don’t want it to be just one night. I don’t want it to end with this camping trip, or with the summer.
But Rosie doesn’t know that yet.
And maybe I’m not sure if she even wants it to last as much as I do.
What I am sure of is that, right now, she wants me.
And who am I to deny my princess?
“Well then,”
I say, a teasing smile tugging at my lips, “I guess these pancakes will have to wait.”
I lunge for her, and she takes a quick step back, pretending to run, but there’s no escaping me. I catch her in seconds, my hands firm yet gentle as I pull her close. Her playful laughter fades into a soft gasp as I lift her effortlessly and lay her down on the blanket beside the fire.
The morning sun filters through the trees, casting golden reflections across her skin. I kneel beside her, letting my hands glide slowly along the edge of the blanket, uncovering her body inch by inch. Her eyes meet mine—dark and heavy with desire—as my fingers find their way to her warm, pulsating skin.
Her hands clutch at my shoulders as I begin to explore her. When pleasure overtakes her, her back arches, and the sunlight spills over her face, illuminating her features in a glow that takes my breath away. The sound of her moan—soft yet intense—is a melody I could listen to forever.
My fingers keep moving, a slow, deliberate rhythm that pushes her beyond the edge, carrying her further as my heart beats in perfect unison with hers.
I serve the pancakes on two plates, adding a generous drizzle of maple syrup. I sit down next to Rosie, passing her plate to her. She's wearing nothing but my flannel shirt, with the most satisfied expression I've ever seen. I feel a surge of pride at that, and seeing her wrapped in my shirt, I feel something else too... but I try to ignore it. I can't think about that right now.
"I'm absolutely starving!" Rosie says, taking a bite of her pancake. Her eyes light up... Then she lets out a sound of pleasure that shatters all the walls I was trying to build and reignites all my desire for her.
"Oh my God, Alex! These are absolutely incredible!" I smile, satisfied. "Looks like you lost the bet, princess." She smiles and pushes me, but I move closer and wrap her in an embrace, positioning myself to have breakfast while holding her. "Is this okay?"I whisper to her, seeking reassurance that she’s comfortable having me close even in moments like this—simple, everyday moments when her mind isn’t clouded by pleasure or lost in the throes of ecstasy. She nods with a smile and leans into me more. We continue breakfast in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company and the beauty of nature around us. Occasionally, our eyes meet and we smile, sharing a moment of intimacy without needing words. As we finish eating, I realize that despite all my fears and insecurities, I'm happy. Happy in a way I haven't been in a very, very long time. And it's all thanks to this extraordinary woman sitting beside me. When Rosie finishes two plates of pancakes, I look at her with the most satisfied expression I can muster – which doesn't take much effort, considering I truly am satisfied. Then I stand up, gesturing for her to wait there.