Page 22 of Ride Me

Bowen studies me for a long second, then nods, his hand brushing against mine before I turn toward the microphone. I take a deep breath, steadying myself.

“Hi,” I say, my voice stronger than I expected. “I’m Priya Platt.”

A pause. I can almost feel the weight of thousands of ears tuning in, waiting, ready to dissect my every word. But I don’t let it shake me. “I want you to know that I understand why you’re protective of Bowen Kingridge. He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever met, and I don’t take that for granted. It’s easy to love him.” My heart pounds as I glance at him, watching the way his expression softens.

“I want you to know that I do love him,” I continue, voice thick with emotion. “With all my heart. And whatever spotlight, whatever speculation comes with that—it’s worth it to me.”

I swallow hard, my grip tightening on the edge of the desk.

“You can make what you will of where I came from or the people I’ve dated in the past. That’s your choice.” I lean in closer to the mic, my voice steady and unapologetic. “But don’t you ever doubt that I will give all of myself to building a future—for Kingridge Ranch, for Bowen, and for us.” I take a breath, letting the truth settle in my chest. “That being said, I’d like to remove myself from the narrative here going forward. But if that isn’t possible, your judgment won’t change the way I live or love. I’m in this for good.”

The knot around my chest loosens. The weight of the whispering voices of doubt fade. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe. And then Bowen reaches for me. His fingers thread through mine and his grip is strong. It steadies me.

He leans into the microphone, his voice dropping into that low, firm drawl that leaves no room for argument. “We aren’t coming back on this damn podcast. I don’t know who the host is, but rest assured, it’s mostly because I haven’t cared enough to find out.” He pauses a slow, deliberate breath. “You don’t want me to find out. I suggest that you leave us to our life.”

And just like that, he ends the recording.

The silence that follows is thick, charged with something neither of us needs to put into words. A wave of emotion crashes over me. It’s joy, relief, and love all tangled together in a rush so strong it nearly knocks the breath from my lungs.

Tears prickle at my cheeks as I shift in his lap, turning to face him fully. His hands settle on my waist, firm and familiar. I wrap my arms around his neck and press into him.

“I love you so much,” I whisper, emotion thick in my throat. “And I’m sorry for the way I let you believe?—”

Bowen doesn’t let me finish. Instead, he cups my face. His thumb brushes away a tear and he smiles. “I love you, sweetheart. And there isn’t a damn thing you could do to stop me.”

CHAPTER 14

PRIYA

“How’s that look, sweetheart?”Bowen’s voice drifts down to me from atop the scaffolding, where he and Callum are hoisting the massive wooden sign into place. Sunlight filters through the morning haze, catching the sheen of sweat on their foreheads as they balance the weight between them.

I step back, tilting my head, and narrow my eyes at the front of the stables. Something’s off. The sign isn’t as straight as it could be—not drastically crooked, but enough to nag at me. And of course, not a single level exists in any of the toolsheds on this entire property. Once this sign is up, it’s permanent, and details matter.

“I think it’s too high. Can you bring it down? Just a hint,” I call up to them.

“A hint?” Callum grunts, shifting his grip. “How the hell far is a hint?”

The old, weather-beatenBuck and Whinny Horse Stablessign is finally getting the upgrade it deserves. Now that it’s been taken down, a modern, sleek replacement is ready to take its place—Kingridge Stables.The ranch’s logo is centered in boldrelief, crisp and professional, and just thinking about the final result sends a thrill through me.

“Take your time, darlin’,” Bowen says, his patience as steady as ever.

“No,fuckthat. Don’t take your time,” Callum huffs, struggling to hold his corner steady. “This thing is heavy, and let me tell you, it isnotfunny.Kingridge Stables. Come on.” He shoots me a scowl, but there’s no real heat behind it.

I can’t help but laugh.

“Hey, watch your tone,” Bowen barks, but there’s a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“We’re good,” I laugh, holding my hands up in surrender. “It looks amazing.”

Callum exhales sharply, rolling his shoulders as he steps back from the scaffolding and shakes his arms. “At least I won’t have to cringe every time I hear a parent awkwardly explain the old name to their kid before a trail ride. Small victories I guess.” He swipes his hat off, raking a hand through his hair before popping it back onto his head. “I’ve gotta head out.”

“Looks great,” Bowen says, his voice warm and sure. He looks at me like I’m his favorite person. “You love it, then I love it.” He winks before running a hand across the back of my jeans. It’s a lazy, possessive touch that sends heat curling low in my stomach.

I can’t help the way my lips pull into a smile as I look up at him. Bowen was easy to fall for and somehow, he’s even easier to love. Steady. Certain. Home.

“Damn, dude,” Callum snorts, shaking his head as he watches Bowen with a mix of amusement and exasperation. He lowers his voice, but not enough to stop me from catching it. “Pussy whipped much?”

“Fucking jealous much?” Bowen fires back without missing a beat.

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