Page 14 of Country Contract

“I know enough to make an arrangement work.” An arrangement, not even a relationship or a marriage.

“You do not,” I declare.

“Then I will get to know you and convince you.” Heath pulls his phone out again, which I’m surprised has been silent as we have continued to walk and talk. Also, to my surprise, we have reached the end of the path and find ourselves standing under the trellis again.

Sliding his phone open, he takes his arm from me. He hands me his phone, which is opened to a contact card.

HARLOW WEST

“Add your number, love; I will keep in touch until you return from the islands. Then I’ll take what I’ve learned and give you the kind of romance you usually only get to read about,” he proclaims. I believe him, and for some reason, it makes my skin crawl. Overly romantic gestures make me uncomfortable; they seem so ingenuine, like a show. I don’t even read romance.

Regardless, I add my number because I told my father I would.

Heath smirks triumphantly and leads me back to the house. I don’t believe he’s registered my silence as anything other than surprise or awe. He likely believes it to be excitement on my part.

He couldn’t be more wrong.

Chapter 6

Harrison

I’m almost positive there are building codes being broken right now. I look around the bathroom for an escape, and all I find is a small, three-by-five, elongated window close to the ceiling. What if there was a fire in this bar? I would die, and my family would deserve a settlement. The bathroom is only a single stall, a single urinal, and two sinks.

I fish out my phone and type a message to my group text with Hunter and Cassidy.

Me: Call me in 10 minutes saying there is a family emergency.

Cassidy: What is going on?

Hunter: Nope, not happening. I’m not lying for you.

Cassidy: I’ll lie for you. I’ll get Hunter to hit me so I’m crying.

I chuckle at her outlandish response. My brotherworships the ground his wife walks on. He would never lay a hand on her.

Me: I don’t care who calls me, but I’ve already been gone too long. I’m heading back out. No more texts. Call in 10.

There isn’t a response from either of them. I put my phone away and wash my hands so they’re damp; that way it seems like I actually went to the bathroom. I dry them off, and then wipe the remaining water on my jeans, hoping they leave a wet mark.

The completely insane idea comes over me to maybe put a little water by my crotch to make myself look like a mess, but I can’t get myself to do it. I just hope Cassidy pulls through.

Walking out of the bathroom, I collide with a small but firm body. A small gasp escapes their lips, and I take hold of their shoulders quickly to make sure they’re stable. Looking down, I’m met with bright blue eyes that gleam with curious energy. Red-painted lips spread into a wide smile. Jenna runs her tongue along her top teeth and quirks a brow.

“Hey, stranger, I was just heading to the bathroom real quick.” She quickly looks over my shoulder, noting the empty room. She splays a hand on my chest and gives a little shove to try and push me backward. I don’t budge, and she looks a little sheepish.

I gently grasp her wrist and remove her hand. Trying my hardest to come off kind, I play it all off as an innocent accident. “This is the men’s; the women’s is one more door over. I’ll see you back at the table.”

“I’ll only be a minute.”

I speed walk to the table and think about flagging the serverover.

That would look suspicious.

I take a deep breath and pray that Jenna comes out before Cassidy calls. It might take more than ten minutes because I know Hunter is giving her a hard time. Wait till I get to their place and remind him I’m the reason they’re together. He almost gave up on that girl, and I gave him the push he needed. I also watch their daughter for free. I have so many favors in my pocket.

Jenna all but skips toward me. She is dressed in short cutoffs, a maroon spaghetti strap tank with a lace-trimmed neckline, and her bra is a black lace strapless number. I didn’t fail to notice it when she leaned forward and pressed her breasts together with her arms. I stand to pull her chair out for her when my phone goes off.

CASSIDY HILL

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