Chapter 3
Alex
Today
The early afternoon sun beats strongly on my back as I walk towards the training corral. The familiar smell of earth, horse sweat, and leather envelops me, awakening my senses. This is my domain, the place where my passion transforms into art.
I carefully observe Tornado, the young thoroughbred I'm training this week. His bright eyes and attentive ears tell me he's ready for the session. I enter the corral with fluid and confident movements, immediately establishing my presence. Tornado looks at me, curious but cautious.
I begin the warm-up routine, guiding the horse with vocal commands and subtle gestures. Every movement, every command is the result of years of experience and a deep understanding of equine psychology. I feel Tornado's energy flowing through the lead rope, like a silent conversation between us.
As I work, I'm aware of every muscle of the horse, of every change in his posture. This is what I love about my job: the delicate dance between man and animal, the trust that builds slowly, the satisfaction of seeing a horse grow and learn under my guidance.
The ranch pulses with life around me: the rhythm of hooves on packed earth, the distant neighing of other horses, the rustle of wind through the pines. This is my world, where I truly feel alive.
Meanwhile, I can't get the image of Rosie out of my head. So out of place, so arrogant in her attempt to maintain control. It amuses me, in a way. And, of all things, I can't stop thinking about her in a bikini… truly illegal. This morning she wore a blue bikini that fit her perfectly. It wasn't too revealing… it was simple. But that girl is a walking bombshell without even trying.
As if I need more fuel for my fantasies…
Since Rosie arrived at the ranch, I've had almost more erections than in the last year. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve jerked off thinking about her.
This is seriously annoying.
I need to get her out of my head… but she’s damn near everywhere! This morning, I even found her underwear. Apparently, she doesn’t even know how to hang laundry. I found them on the path, for crying out loud. She’s definitely used to some high-tech apartment dryer, like the princess she is. And those panties were damn delicious, and I was really tempted to keep them... but when I went to the beach and saw Rosie looking so sexy, the challenge and irritation pulled me right back in.
As I adjust the saddle on one of the horses, I hear a movement behind me and turn. Rosie is walking towards me, with an expression that exudes determination and, perhaps, a bit of anger. She’s wearing one of her damn blouses and a fluttering skirt. God… this woman is trying to kill me!
"Hey, cowboy," she says with a sharp tone. "I thought I'd find some peace and quiet here, but apparently that's not possible."
I raise an eyebrow. "Oh, sorry if my work is disturbing you," I reply, with a note of sarcasm in my voice. "Can I help you in any way?"
"You can stop acting superior," she retorts, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not here to be made fun of.”
Fuck. My brain can only process how those tits lift and the fact that she just said "made."
I swallow and try to remember how to speak.
"Making fun of you? Princess, I'm just getting started," I say with a smirk, deliberately letting my eyes roam over her. I have to try not to focus too much on those tits, damn it. They're just perfect. Not too big, not too small. Exactly the way I like them. "But if you can't handle a little teasing, maybe you should head back to the city where things are... softer.”
She stares at me for a moment, her eyes flashing with anger and challenge. "I'm not here to entertain you, Alex. I'm here for my father's wedding, and I have a million things to do."
I smile, leaning against the corral fence. "You know, Rosie, maybe you should learn to relax a bit. You're not in the city anymore. Life is different here."
"I don't need your advice," she snaps back, raising her chin. "I know very well how to manage my time."
I look at her, amused by her stubbornness. "Really? Because so far you just seem like a stressed-out city girl on vacation."
Rosie grits her teeth, her face flushed with anger. "Maybe I'm just totally irritated by you.”
I smile even more. “Well, I'm glad to take up so much space in your thoughts.”
If only you knew how much space you take up in mine…
She doesn't respond, turning abruptly and walking away with determined steps. I watch her go, head high and taking long strides. How she manages to walk these dirt paths in those high heels is a mystery.
"Hey princess... I think the mud is ruining your fashion show. Are boots or hiking shoes not cool enough for you?"
She turns but doesn't deign to give me a response. She makes a rude gesture and resumes walking.
"Those gestures don't suit a little princess," I shout back. I see her walk even faster.
Have I mentioned how much I enjoy making Rosie Thorne angry?