Chapter One
Hope
I had told myself not to romanticize it.
That was the promise I’d made somewhere over the greater US while cramped into an economy seat with my knees pressed too close to my chest, and the person in the window seat practically asleep on top of me. I needed to do something to temper the hope budding inside me. Hope thatalwaysbubbled up too soon, too easily.
Rawhide Ranch might have beenthelifestyle destination, but it was—at the end of the day—just a place. A few buildings. Nothing magical about it. Even though going there was a dream come true. I’d scrimped, saved, and eaten nothing but ramen foragesin order to afford a spot at their semi-annual summer dating event. Excuse me, no. Datingextravaganza.
However, no matter how many times I tried to tell myself it wasn’t a magical place, when the shuttle turned off the main highway and onto the long road leading toward the Ranch, my fingers tightened around the strap of my bag. The land opened up in front of us, the fields wide and lush. Never-ending green stretched out under a big, pale sky. Wooden fencing and tall trees ran parallel to the road, welcoming me with open arms.
Beyond it, I could see grazing horses and the occasional building that blended into the landscape instead of interrupting it.
This definitely wasn’t one of those fancy places that ruined the landscape to bring in as many people as possible and rake in the money. Nope. Nuh-uh. Instead, it had a kind of homey feel to it. Driving up to the Ranch made it feel like I was cominghome, not to some dream-come-true holiday destination.
And then I saw them. Those very gates I’d been dreaming of. There was a guardhouse next to them, and as the airport shuttle slowed down, the driver gave my name before being waved through.
My gaze ping-ponged from one building to another, unable to take in all the magnificence, and my heart raced with excitement andhope. Yet again.
We slowed near the main building. It was big but welcoming, and I had to suppress the urge to squeal. People were milling around, talking and laughing like they’d known each other for years, and I wondered if I’d be able to find my place and people among them.
As I stepped down from the shuttle, my boots hitting the ground, a petite brunette introduced herself as Erika, greeting me with an easy smile and a clipboard. Check-in was efficient and friendly. After taking my name, she handed me a name tag, a welcome packet, and a key to my room.
“Orientation’s this evening,” Erika said. “Dinner will be casual and communal on the first night. But you’ll probably want to unpack and settle in first.”
I nodded, thanked her, and adjusted the bag on my shoulder.
I could do this. I was good at this part. Going to new places and meeting new people was something I was used to. Growing up an army brat meant I had made my fair share of first impressions.
It was going deeper than those first impressions that was harder for me.
Which was why I was here. To connect. To find people with the same interests, and maybe—if I were lucky—find the perfect Dom for me.
Another staff member grabbed my bag and took me on a short walk to the room that would be mine during my stay here. It wasn’t big—I couldn’t afford one of the fancier suites—but it was beautiful and I didn’t have to share it with anyone. There was a welcome note on the desk, along with a cute stuffed bear wearing a Rawhide Ranch t-shirt.
Oh my. I hope I’ll be able to take that home with me!
Dax, the young man who helped me with my bag set it on my bed and waved away the tip I wanted to give him before nodding and heading on his way.
I shut the door behind me and leaned back against it for a moment, just breathing. I unpacked quickly, more out of nervous energy than necessity, then swapped my travel clothes for something with a bit more oomph. When I checked the time, I still had a bit before the orientation and welcome mixer. I probably should have made the time to go through the packet provided, but I had too much nervous energy flowing through me to be able to concentrate on what was in there anyway.
Plus, I’d done a good amount of research before deciding to toss my name into the mix of attendees.
This summer’s dating extravaganza had been expanded to offer participants an opportunity for an extended visit. Instead of a long weekend or even a single week, this event offered a full two weeks designed for intentional connection. Structured mixers, lifestyle workshops, and shared meals were not only offered, but there was also plenty of time available to step back if things felt overwhelming.
The best part? There was no pressure to pair off with anyone. If you found someone you clicked with, great. If not, there were loads of other activities to keep everyone occupied and entertained.
I’d wanted this for a long time.
Well, notthisevent in particular, but coming to Rawhide Ranch. Meeting more people like me in a judgment-free environment, along with thepossibilityof meeting someone special was worth making the trip.
When the time came, I made my way back toward the large room I’d been directed to, and the place felt even more alive than it had before. People were scattered across the room. Some sat on big plush couches while others milled around talking easily.
That was when I really noticed them.
The Littles.
They weren’t hard to spot once I knew what I was seeing. Not because they were drawing attention to themselves, but because they weren’t trying to hide anything.
