Page 117 of Country Contract

Me: I was planning on it.

Witch: See you soon.

Coming to terms with healing from this heartbreak has made me realize that I want to spend as much time as I can with Harlow. I don’t care if my heart is on my sleeve and it’s going to get shattered. The village that stands behind me will help me piece everything back together. Knowing it’s coming to an end in a few days brings me a sense of peace and pain.

The drive over to the bunkhouse is quick and easy. I could probably do it with my eyes closed since I’ve been here more than my own place since we started all of this. If she brings up the money, I won’t be taking it. I’ve gained something else from this.

Our relationship is more than an arrangement, andtoday while we were out riding horses, she could see that. She’s a friend to us all, especially me.

The small house is dark except for the soft light from the lamp in the front room. Even after redoing the space and cleaning it after each guest, I will have that space better memorized than ever before. We’ve been intimate in almost every room and on almost every surface. It only takes being in the same space as her to excite me.

When I walk up the wooden steps, I peek into the window to see her lying on the couch with Cleo. Like the complete creep I am, I take a picture of her. She took one of me earlier while we were riding, so in a way, it’s the same.

She’s undressed from the day, wearing my PCHS hoodie and a blanket over her lap. Her black hair is tossed up in a messy bun, loose tendrils framing her face. Her ivory cheekbones are sun-kissed from the sunny fall day. Cleo is content in her lap, enjoying the loving strokes her mom gives her.

She is perfection in this moment, completely effortless and amazing.

After I snap a pic, I open the door and let myself in. Her hat hangs with her jackets. Another sight I’ll miss. It was perfect for her. She looks good dressed in English, but I know she’d be a fucking stunner Western.

I step out of my boots and drop my bag by the stairs before going into the living room. She smiles from the couch, but there’s sadness behind it. She’s feeling what I am. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who’s a bit messed up over it.

I walk over to her and kiss her lips.

“Hey, witch.”

“Welcome home,” she jokes.

My eyes go to the piece of paper that’s been crumpledand then flattened out on the coffee table. It’s our contract. I stare at it for a moment and then back at her. As if Cleo can sense our tension, she hops off her lap and rubs against my legs for a moment before heading up the stairs.

“Reviewing our terms?” I joke.

“Unfortunately.” She frowns before rolling her lips together.

I push myself behind her so she’s sitting between my legs and leaning against me. My right leg is half on and half off the couch, and I tap my foot as I work up the courage to see what’s going on in that beautiful brain of hers.

“What’s going on?” I undo the bun from her head, and her long locks fall free. That shit has to be heavy on her head. I start to run my fingers through her thick mane while she gathers her thoughts.

“I’m leaving tomorrow.” She sounds as sad as I feel.

I thought for sure I was going to have more time. A few more days at least.

“Tomorrow? Thanksgiving is the end of next week.” I’m pathetic.

“I know. It’s finally time for me to head back. I’ll pay for my stay up until Thanksgiving since I blocked out the time.”

Money? That’s the last thing on my mind.

“Don’t worry about the money, even for the stay.” Taking her money feels awful.

“Shut up, Harrison. I’m paying you for my stay . . . and whatever else you want.” Her voice is broken. It’s unsteady and weak.

I stop playing with her hair and grab her jaw with one hand, forcing her to look up at me.

“I don’t want your money,” I state firmly before kissing her. “You gave me something so much morethan that. Don’t send me a dime over what you owe for your stay. I won’t take it.”

In a flash, Harlow is straddling me on the couch and pulling my face into hers. We urgently press our mouths together, a battle and a dance all at once.

For a breath, she pauses. “I don’t want to leave.”

---