Chapter 32
Alex
I wake up slowly, feeling a bit dazed at first. The first sensation I register is being entangled with a warm body... the most pleasant feeling ever. I don't open my eyes yet, wanting to savor this moment of pure sensation. Her steady breath tickles my neck, her hair brushes my cheek, her fingers delicately rest on my skin. It's incredible how perfectly she fits against my body, as if we were molded for each other.
Rosie.
Immediately, a foolish smile spreads across my face.
I breathe deeply, and her perfume mingles with the scent of grass and earth beneath us. Only now do I begin to feel the coolness of the evening air on my skin. I focus on every point where our bodies touch: her leg intertwined with mine, her hip pressed against mine, her warm breath caressing my chest. I've never felt so at peace, so complete.
I don't think I've ever slept so deeply in my life... and I don't even know for how long.
Finally, I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is the sky above us beginning to take on the colors of sunset.
A moment of pure panic courses through my body like an electric shock.
Shit.
We fell asleep.
We haven't set up the tents yet, we haven't dried off, I haven't started a fire.
The panic grows when I feel Rosie's skin under my fingers and try to gauge how she feels.
Will Rosie be cold? Yesterday evening she was cold even when completely dry and in front of the fire.
I bite my lip, angry with myself.
I should have been more responsible, thought about the consequences.
Instead, I let myself get carried away by the moment, by desire, by happiness, and now Rosie might get sick because of me.
I watch her sleep, so peaceful and trusting in my arms.
She put her trust in me, and what did I do? I left her sleeping on damp grass while the sun sets.
What kind of idiot am I? I was supposed to protect her, take care of her, especially after what we shared.
Instead, I was selfish, lost in my pleasure and happiness.
Her hand moves slightly on my chest, and guilt mixes with a wave of tenderness so strong it almost hurts.
I can't let her get cold.
I have to wake her, even though I hate the idea of interrupting her peaceful sleep.
We need to set up camp before it gets completely dark, find a sheltered spot, light a fire.
I need to make up for my mistake. "Rosie," I whisper softly, stroking her hair. Her body presses even closer to mine, seeking warmth, and my heart clenches.
"Little one, we need to wake up."
The sun continues to sink toward the horizon, and with it, the air temperature. Every passing second increases my anxiety, but at the same time, I can't help but lose myself in the sensation of her body against mine, in the way she clings to me in her sleep, in the total trust she shows. It's a contradiction that drives me crazy: the desire to protect her and the wish to never move from this perfect moment.
But I must be responsible. I must be the man she deserves, one who knows how to take care of her, not just lose himself in passion. I gently caress her back, trying to wake her in the gentlest way possible. "Rosie, love, it's getting dark. We need to set up camp."
Among all these fears... for a moment, I remain still, trying to determine if it was all real or just an incredibly vivid dream.
I stare at Rosie sleeping beside me. Her face is serene, her hair spread across the grass like a copper waterfall. It's real. It's all real.
I still can't believe what happened between us. It was... there are no words to describe it. Wonderful, incredible, magical - none of these do justice to what I felt.
Never in my life have I experienced such a deep, intense connection with someone. It wasn't just physical - though that was extraordinary - it was as if our souls had touched. As if, for a moment, we had become one.
Yet, as I watch her sleep, I feel a pang of worry. Is she okay? Was it good for her too? Will she regret it when she wakes up?
Rosie is so... perfect. Intelligent, beautiful, brave. And me? How can I be worthy of a woman like her? While these thoughts torment me, I feel Rosie stirring slightly beside me.
Then I decide to prioritize problems, and the fact that it's almost night frightens me again.
Concern for her well-being takes precedence over everything else.
"Rosie," I whisper softly, "are you awake?"
She mumbles something incomprehensible, then slowly opens her eyes. "Alex?" she says in a sleepy voice.
"Hey," I respond, trying to keep my voice calm despite the growing anxiety inside me. "How do you feel? Are you cold?"
Rosie stretches slightly, then seems to realize the situation. I see her shiver slightly. "A little," she admits.
Without hesitation, I get up and start gathering our scattered clothes. "We need to get you dressed and I need to set up camp," I say, passing her her clothes. "We can't stay like this all night, you could get sick."
While Rosie dresses, I can't help but voice my concerns. "I'm sorry, Rosie. I shouldn't have let us fall asleep here. It was irresponsible of me."
She looks at me, surprised by my sudden seriousness. "Alex, everything's fine. I was happy to fall asleep here with you."
But I can't calm down. "What if you catch a cold? Or worse? I'm the guide, I should have thought about this."
Rosie comes closer to me, taking my hands. Then she bursts out laughing and stares at me as if I'm the strangest person in the world. "Alex, look at me. I'm fine. Yes, it's a bit cold, but it's nothing serious. And what happened between us... it was worth it, don't you think?"
Her words calm me a little, but not entirely. "Of course it was worth it. It was... incredible. But I want to take care of you, Rosie. I don't want you to suffer because of me."
She smiles sweetly. "And you are. But don't panic... I'm not that fragile."
I nod but immediately make a mental list of everything I need to do to keep her warm. I help her dress, wrap her in a blanket, and start setting up the fire. Between tasks, I return to Rosie to hold her close, trying to protect her from the night's cold. I can't help but think about how everything has changed in such a short time, and how scared and excited I am at the same time about what the future might hold.
But for now, my priority is making sure Rosie is okay. The rest... we'll face the rest together, one step at a time. Despite my worry, I can't help but feel a spark of joy having her so close.
"Are you okay?" I ask again, unable to contain my anxiety.
Rosie nods, pressing herself even closer to me. "I'm fine, Alex. Really."
I reluctantly pull away from her again, and my hands move automatically. Soon, flames begin to dance, casting a warm glow over the clearing.
"Here," I say, guiding Rosie toward the fire. "Sit here, you'll warm up in no time."
She sits, extending her hands toward the warmth. I watch her carefully, looking for signs of discomfort or illness. But all I see is the reflection of flames in her eyes and a slight smile on her lips.
I sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. We remain quiet, the crackling fire casting a warm glow around us, lost in the simple, perfect pleasure of being together. No words are needed; just the gentle rhythm of our shared presence is enough.