Page 101 of Country Contract

We spend our evenings together. We’ll watch a movie, I’ll read or write leisurely, and Harrison will sketch or read with my feet in his lap. He will run a free hand up and down my leg or draw circles on my calf or foot. He loves to be able to keep a hand on me while we relax together.

Our conversations seem a little cooler than usual. The banter is less frequent, and his usual spark has lost a little of its vibrance. I’ll try to bring out the fun side of him, and he’ll join me for a bit, but it only lasts a moment before he turns back into himself.

I’ve even tried to just send him off at the end of the day without fooling around, but our goodbye kisses always become more. Lingering lips, wrestling tongues, wandering hands, and the next thing I know, we’re going at it.

Our chemistry is still off the charts, but the rest of the things I enjoyed about our relationship seem to have died down. Or maybe I’m thinking too much about it, things are fine, and I’m just sad I’m leaving.

The realization that I was sad to leave this great town came to me the night we got back from Palos Valley. Pulling up to the ranch with the sun just set, and Harrison’s headlights on the main gate brought me a sense of comfort. The minute we pulled into the drive, I felt more relaxed than I did at any spa in Cali.

I was tempted to invite Harrison in to stay the night that evening, but he brought my bags to the living room, kissed me goodnight, and went back to his own place. He was calm but exhausted from the drive. I offered to take a turn, but he was insistent that it was him behind the wheel.

It was a good thing he went back to his place. I was able to decompress and settle back into the house with Cleo. She was excited to see me, but persistent to beg for the treats Harrison got her.

Today, I’m heading over to Cassidy’s place to hang out with her and B while we wait for Majesty. She wants me to meet a friend of hers, too. I guess she was going to stay at the bunkhouse before I booked it. It all ended up working out because she came without her spouse.

The drive to her place is short, and I feel a little like a wimp since it’s too cold for me to walk the distance. Could I physically do it? Absolutely. Would I be freezing my ass off? One hundred percent.

I walk in without knocking, which still freaksme out. The house smells divine, like fresh-baked goods, coffee, and something I can’t quite put my finger on. I drop a small bag and slip off my boots before quietly padding through the house, in case Blake is still sleeping.

When I make my way into the large kitchen, I see Cassidy, a beautiful woman next to her holding a happy Blake, and an older couple. It’s not just Blake who’s happy, it’s everyone in this room. I feel like an absolute outsider, but I don’t want to be. I want to introduce myself and be a part of the community in front of me. It’s sad that I’m doubtful that I’ll get to truly experience it. I’m a guest on this property and, looking down at myself, I know I don’t fit the typical Hill family mold.

Everyone in the room is dressed comfortably, with Cassidy in yoga pants and a band shirt, and her friend in a matching sweatpants and crew neck sweater set. Blake is still in her zip-up jammies and the older couple wears jeans and plain button-downs. They look like they belong on this farm more than anyone I’ve seen, Harrison and Hunter included. I’m just wearing a casual dress, with a bag of riding clothes by the front door, just in case.

A bolt of lightning runs through me as I realize that it’s Mr. and Mrs. Hill. Blake turns and sees me before anyone else. She screams in delight, and everyone turns to look at me.

“Harlow!” Cassidy scurries over to greet me with a huge smile across her face. “Thank you for coming and having breakfast with us! Come meet everyone.” With her arm linked through mine, she brings me into the kitchen.

The countertop has an array of food—freshly baked cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, bacon, cut-up fruit, and a carafe of coffee. Everyone is standing with warm smiles on their faces as they look over at me.

“This is one of my best friends, Georgie. She’s working from home for a few days and decided to visit me.” When I look closer at her, I see tiredness behind her eyes. It’s more than just physical or mental, it’s emotional. The way her shoulders slump looks like they’re weighted with stress rather than the child in her arms. Her roots are grown out a little, and she doesn’t look the type to forget a hair appointment. Under her eyes is a blueish hue, and I know without a doubt she’s going through something. She pushes past all that and waves to me using B’s arm.

“These are my in-laws, James and Kat. They’re home until the new year.” The older woman beams at me. She’s built like she can hold her own—about five-seven, wide hips, a large chest, and a soft middle. Her build looks like she could carry the world on her shoulders without flinching; in fact, she would probably smile. If Megan was taller, this is how she would look when she is older.

Mr. Hill has salt-and-pepper hair and devastatingly blue eyes, just like his sons. His jaw is sharp, and he’s taller than everyone in the room. He must stand at least six foot four. He is broad and built as if he still works on this farm every day. Retirement doesn’t mean he’s lost his physical build.

They come around the counter, and the woman wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace. I stand still, a little shocked at the immediate contact. The next thing I know, I’m wrapping my arms around her and leaning into her hold. She’s a heating blanket on a cold day, a kiss over a Band-Aid that maybe you don’t really need. She’s support and love personified. With a sad feeling in my chest, I push through it and smile looking over at Cassidy who has a knowing smile on her face. Mrs. Hill pulls away and looks up at me, holding my arms.

“My stars, look at you.” I could cry. I could fucking cry right here, right now. “It is so nice to meet you, darlin’.”

I swallow hard and nod.

“The pleasure is mine. You guys have built a beautiful home here.”

Mr. Hill pulls his wife to his side and reaches his hand out to shake mine.

“Thank you, we’re all very proud. We love to share this land without anyone willing to come.” His voice is strong but nurturing. You can tell he only raised his voice to livestock and ranch hands.

“Well, thank you. I?—”

“Pop, want to help me—” Hunter comes around the corner and stops when he sees me. He gives me a nod and then presses on. “Want to help me send off the last hands?”

“After breakfast. Your ma just finished pulling the rolls out of the oven. Have you had second breakfast?”

Hunter rolls his eyes at his dad and then takes the plate Cassidy put together for him. He bends down, kissing her cheek and she smiles.

We all build plates and eat in great company. Georgie tells Mr. and Mrs. Hill about a case she just recently lost and how it took the wind out of her sails. It was her first loss in five years. I guess it was an impossible case, but that’s why they hired her freelance. Corporate law sounds like a nightmare to me.

Cassidy tells the whole table about two books she’s reading, and she mutters the dirty stuff under her breath to Mrs. Hill, Georgie, and me while Mr. Hill and Hunter are occupied. As I look over at them, I realize that Harrison still isn’t here. Cassidy mentioned he’d just be a minute.

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