The Alchemy

Cowboy like me

When I wake up, Will is still sleeping in the armchair. I feel much better, even though I'm still not at my best. I glance at the clock—it's already 9 a.m. I need to get ready soon; the jet leaves at 11 a.m., and I don't want to keep the crew waiting.

I get out of bed and almost fall, still feeling light-headed. I look in the mirror in front of my bed. I'm wearing an oversized gray NFL t-shirt and shorts, my hair is in a ponytail, and I look tired. Wait, an NFL shirt? I've never had one like this. I look at it more closely; it looks like a man's shirt. It seems kind of familiar—I think Will wore it one day. The thought makes me blush. How did it end up on me?

In a much better mood than yesterday, I decide to play a trick on Will. I go behind the chair where he's sleeping, get closer to his ear, and yell,

"WAKE UP!!!!"

He jumps out of the chair as I clutch my stomach, unable to stop laughing.

"You think that's funny?" he raises a brow.

"I don't think I've ever seen anything funnier," I remark provocatively.

He runs toward me, trying to catch me, but he fails as I'm quicker. I jump to the other side of the bed.

"You can't catch me!" I say between laughs.

He chases me around the room, laughter echoing as we weave through the furniture. He finally catches me, but I don't give up; I fight him.

"I'm stronger than you," he laughs.

I throw myself over his shoulder to prove his point, and we both laugh. I'm still fighting him, even though we both know I'm doomed from the start.

He throws me onto the bed, still laughing. Our eyes meet, and we both stop, realizing the position we're in. I'm lying on my back on the bed, and he's almost on top of me. My breathing gets heavier, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"I'm sorry, Miss Swift. I shouldn't have thrown you there. You look better than yesterday. Do you feel better?" He says, taking a step back.

"Yes, I still have a headache, but I'm feeling better. Thanks for asking." I stand up. "I was going to get ready—the flight is in an hour and a half. You should get ready too," I add. He nods and leaves. I wish he would have listened to me and stayed. I wish he were still holding me in his arms as I fought him. I wish we were still on the bathroom floor with him rubbing my back. But he didn't even look back when he left.

-

I put on denim pants and tuck the NFL shirt into them. I don't feel like taking it off—it's so soft and smells good. I apply light makeup, let my hair down, and put on a black leather jacket with green tennis shoes that match my cap.

I finish packing my suitcase and look around the room to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. When I see the bed, a provocative thought crosses my mind: me lying on my back on the bed, him on top of me. I squeeze my thighs, and since I still have a little time before leaving, I let my hand slide down my body. I open my pants and go under my panties. My fingers gently touch my clit, making me moan. I'm almost at my entrance when someone knocks on the suite door. I quickly compose myself and leave the bedroom to open the door. It's Tree.

"Good morning, honey. Everything is ready. If you want, we can leave earlier than planned," she informs me.

"Yeah, great idea. Give me a minute to grab my bag, and I'll be all yours."

I rush to gather my things and make sure I don't look like I was touching myself just a minute ago. I laugh at the thought and join Tree.

Will really makes me feel something, so I decide that from now on, I won't control myself as much, at least not when it's just us two.

-

I sit in the farthest seat, facing everyone. Tree and my mother are sitting next to each other, while Sabrina is talking with Kam, Kevin, and Nathalie—some of my backup dancers. I take out my headphones and a book. Usually, when we travel, I like to use this time for myself since I don't have much time for anything other than music-related activities. On tour, I either work out, practice dances, work on surprise songs, or write my next album. When I'm at home, I either attend red carpets, do interviews, or record songs.

Will sits with Sabrina's bodyguard at the front of the plane, working on a folder. When the plane takes off, I see him gripping the armrest. It's barely visible, but I can see his biceps contract. I giggle to myself. Once the airplane reaches cruising altitude, I pull out my phone and send a text message.

I didn't know you were scared of planes. ;) I type.

I hear the beep of his phone. He reaches for it in his pocket, and I can see him blush slightly, a bit embarrassed that someone noticed. He scratches his head, looking embarrassed. I laugh again.

I'm not afraid. I was just making sure the armrest wasn't going to break, he responds.

Sure, you were. By the way, thanks for the t-shirt.

Yeah, but I'd like to have it back.

You gave it to me; now it's mine. I see him laugh as he reads the text. By the way, how did it end up on me?

You don't remember? You threw up everywhere last night. You needed a new shirt, and I didn't want to rummage through your closet... so I took one of mine, he explains.

Well, if you really want it back, you'll have to take it. I flirt.

His cheeks redden.

I'm not going to do that. And didn't I tell you that our relationship should stay professional? Because this doesn't sound like it.

Who said it wasn't professional to tell your bodyguard that you're not wearing anything under his shirt? And I'm not the one who chase his boss all around her room and threw her on her bed, I playfully respond.

What? I chased and threw Miss Paine on her bed?? I didn't know about that! he jokes.

I can't control my giggles. I look around to make sure nobody saw me, but the only person looking over at me is Will.

Funny, I reply. So, do you want your shirt or what?

Okay, I think we're done here, he replies. I look at him with a sad face, and he laughs before going back to his work.