Chapter 18
Alex
I didn’t see Rosie at dinner yesterday, and I haven’t seen her all day today. She’s skipped every meal—or maybe she’s had them somewhere else, with someone else.
It’s all I can think about.
I should be focusing on the horses’ training schedules. This afternoon, Cherry—a new mare we’re adding to the competition roster—needs her first round of athletic prep. But instead, my thoughts keep circling back to Rosalie Thorne.
Is she avoiding me?
The idea cuts deep, sharper than I’d like to admit.
Last night, we were all at the table. I tried to sound casual when I asked if we should wait for Rosie. Robert shrugged it off, said she was probably tired from the day’s work and didn’t want to disturb her if she was resting.
This morning, I went for coffee at 8:30—the time the princess usually graces us with her presence for breakfast. But she wasn’t there. Rosie is nothing if not predictable, and her absence was a red flag I couldn’t ignore. For the second time, I wondered: is she avoiding me?
I spent more time wandering the ranch than I should have, circling places I had no reason to be. I should’ve stayed in the pens, assessing the training of the five veteran horses. But no matter where I went, there was no sign of her.
Lunch came and went. She wasn’t there either. The girls were gone too, which made it easier to deflect attention when I asked about them. Maria said they were out somewhere—maybe in Elm Hollow, the little town closest to the ranch. She didn’t specify if Rosie was with them, and I didn’t push it.
The last thing I need is more smirks and raised eyebrows from the guys. They’re already relentless, tossing out teasing remarks every time I so much as glance around or ask a question.
How irritating.
The sun is setting now, casting long shadows across the ranch. I’ve done my best to focus on my work, but no matter how hard I try, my thoughts keep drifting back to that fiery-haired princess. I haven’t seen Rosie all day, and it’s souring my mood more than I care to admit.
Preparations for the evening are in full swing.
The air is charged with excitement and a bit of nervousness, at least on my part.
Chris is arranging the wood for the bonfire on the beach, while Diego and Fran are carrying cases of beer and the sangria Maria prepared. The smell of freshly baked pizza wafts through the air, making my mouth water... even though my stomach is in knots and I don't think I could eat a thing.
I didn't even have lunch today. I showed up for lunch just to see Rosie... but since she wasn’t there, I excused myself, saying I wasn’t hungry and that I’d get back to work. Which is totally strange for me... I love eating and I'm always ravenous. With all the energy I burn during the day...
Could I be coming down with something?
"Hey, Alex!" Diego calls out to me, his voice carrying easily across the yard. "My cousin Jake and his friends will be here soon. They said they’re bringing tequila, too!"
Jake’s a bull rider, just like Diego. They train together often, and you can tell they’re tight. There’s always a bit of competition between them—they’re two of the best, after all—but it’s the kind that drives them forward. Friendly, if not a little fiery.
Thanks to the two of them, bull riding has taken off around here. Before they hit the circuits, it wasn’t a big deal in these parts. Now, more and more guys are getting into it. Between our ranch and Jake’s, we’re building something that’s starting to feel pretty substantial.
Jake’s family ranch is near Sunrise Ranch, so he’s around a lot.
I nod, forcing what I hope passes for enthusiasm. Truth is, the thought of having more people here sets me on edge.
Especially knowing Rosie will be here.
She will, right?
Rosie.
Just her name is enough to make my stomach clench.
Maybe I really am coming down with something.
After our last squabble, I don't know what to expect. Part of me wants to apologize, another part wants to provoke her again. And a part, a part that I'm desperately trying to ignore, just wants to take her in my arms and...
“Earth to Alex!”
Chris’s voice pulls me back. He’s standing in front of me, grinning.
“You alright, buddy?”
“Yeah, yeah,”
I mumble, running a hand through my hair as I grab a log for the bonfire. “Just... thoughtful.”
Chris claps me on the shoulder. “Relax. It’s going to be a great night.”
I nod again, forcing myself to focus as I help him stack wood. The physical task steadies me a bit, though the knot in my stomach doesn’t ease.
The sky turns a vibrant orange and pink, the first stars peeking through. The bonfire crackles cheerfully, casting dancing shadows on the sand.
All around me, the others are laughing and joking, their energy buzzing with excitement. And yet, all I can think about is whether Rosie will show up.
And if she does... what the hell I’m going to say to her.