My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 9

After filming for most of the evening, I find myself on a bench under a large oak tree on the property, editing the day's footage. The bench is weathered but comfortable, nestled beneath branches that cast a cool shade. It's the same one I had sat on when Luke and I had breakfast the other day.

A distant laugh from the house makes me turn my attention toward the noise for a moment. A young couple is strolling the premises, even from here their excitement is very palpable as they take selfies and whatnot. They are two of the few people had shown up yesterday. The thought of reaching an even wider audience fills me with a quiet thrill. We are up to around five thousand followers collectively across all the platforms.

As I fall back into work, I tune out the soft rustle of leaves that mingles with the distant sounds of the ranch. My focus is interrupted however by a familiar, clean scent. I glance up to see Luke approaching, he seems to be freshly showered, with damp brown hair and a crisp pink shirt that makes him look effortlessly handsome. He smells of soap and something distinctly — earthy and fresh, like the outdoors.

"You've cleaned up nicely," I comment with a smile, not entirely hiding my surprise. "Are you going out?"

"Yeah," he replies, there's a hint of mischief in his eyes. Oh. Perhaps with Kimberly, I suppose. She had come to see him yesterday when we were at the cafe... Disappointment tugs at my chest, but before I can dwell on it, he gently pushes the monitor down and closes his laptop.

"With ya," the man continues, his voice softening as if sharing a secret. My heart skips a beat at his words, a flutter of surprise and anticipation courses through me. His gaze meets mine, and for a moment, the world narrows down to just the two of us. The sincerity in his eyes make it hard to focus on anything else.

"But—" I start, unsure of what to say.

"No buts," Luke interrupts, already offering his hand to help me up from the bench. His touch is warm, and as he pulls me close, that warmth spreads over me. His minty breath now fans the tip of my nose. This proximity makes it hard to think clearly. Luke's eyes meet mine, they are filled with a playful seriousness.

"Let's go before the sun starts to set," he says in a low and inviting voice. He then takes up his hat from the table and gently set it on the top of my head, he's careful not to mess up my slick back afro.

"But we can't just leave the laptop here..." I try to argue, but the man is already ahead of me, scooping it up with ease. With a gently but firm grim on my arm, he then leads me to his pickup truck parked nearby.

He opens the passenger door and I hop in, intrigued by this sudden turn of events. The interior smells faintly of pine and the lingering freshness of his shower. He places the laptop on the backseat before sliding completely into the driver's seat. Soon after the engine rumble to life with a turn of the key.

We drive towards the far end of the property, the landscape slipping into a tranquil evening hush. The truck bumps along a gravel path before finally stopping at a secluded area away from prying eyes. Luke hops out quickly, he comes around open my door and offer his hand once more.

"Thanks," I murmur, stepping out and looking around. He leads me to a spot under a sprawling tree where a checkered pattern blanket and cushions are laid out. The air is filled with the subtle scent of the wildflowers that surrounds us and the coolness of the approaching night. The gentle rustle of leaves and crickets chirping in the distant makes the serene setting even more enchanting.

"This place is beautiful," I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I take in the scene before us. The faint sound of cows mooing in the distance makes it hard to believe that we're still on the ranch. "I can hardly hear the cows from here. How far out are we? This land seems to go on for miles..."