My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 19

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The sun is already well above the horizon, when I finally woke up. Its rays have casted a warm, golden glow across the room. The usual morning bustle of guests seeps through the thin walls, reminding me of my promise to Luke that we’d film. A twinge of guilt hits me for not being up earlier.

Letting out a small groan, I stretch and roll out of bed. The dull ache that pulses  between my legs causes a small smile to tug at my lips as I waddle over to the bathroom. Warmth spreads through me at the thought of him and my body is still humming with the memory of his touch. 

Inside I turned on the shower. As I wait for the water to warm up, I opt to brush my teeth first. The small cabinet mirror reflected back a face that is both familiar and somehow different. It's as if the experiences of the past days had subtly altered me. There is a glow to my skin and a light in my eyes that hadn't been there before... or at least in a long time.

Shaking the silly thought away, I rinse my mouth then put away the brush. I eagerly strip before stepping into the steamy shower. The hot water that cascade over me slowly helps to wash away the remnants of sleep and the lingering soreness from the night's passion.

As I lather up, I let my thoughts wander back to Luke. The way he'd held me, the way he'd looked at me with such tenderness and intensity, it was as if he could see into the depths of my soul.
The memory of his warms hands exploring every inch of me sends a shiver down my spine.

I shake the thought away feeling heat settle in my core. Despite the closeness, the intimacy, all that, I still haven't said those three words back to him. I love you. The weight of the situation hangs heavy in my chest. It's not that I don't feel something profound for him; it's that the words carry a gravity I'm not sure I'm ready to embrace, especially with my departure looming so soon.

With only three days left before I have to leave, the thought of saying I love you feels like opening a door I can't step through. It feels unfair to both of us--- to give voice to feelings that can't be nurtured or explored beyond these fleeting moments. The reality of returning to my life and leaving this place behind, makes it harder to commit to something so deep and meaningful.

As the warm water cascades over me, washing away the suds, I try to push the uncertainty aside. The shower's warmth offers a small comfort, but it doesn't necessarily ease all the knot in my stomach.

After drying off and wrapping myself in a fluffy towel, I quickly got dress in a brown flowly skirt and a ruched cami top to match. Not too long after I am outside the room and heading down the polished wooden stairs.

As I make my way into the kitchen, the lively sounds of breakfast being prepared greets me. The chattering of a few guests and the clinking of plates makes the place feel alive. Grandma Bea is over at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes. The familiar, comforting scent of it and fresh coffee wafts through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

My gaze quickly fall on Luke. The man is leaning casually against the counter with a relaxed smile playing on his lips. He's talking to one of the women who was grilling him the other day. Her intricate blonde box braids flow down her back, giving her an effortlessly elegant look.

The conversation between them seems relaxed, quite different from the previous tense encounter two or so days ago. As I approach, I overhear her asking about a good spot to propose to her girlfriend. The rest of their conversation is sadly muffled by the clatter of dishes and the hum of morning activity.

Luke's gaze meets mine, and a soft, knowing smile spreads across his face. There's a brief, subtle touch as our fingers brush against each other when I pass by. It's a moment that sends a thrill of warmth through me.