Page 27 of Country Contract

I release a breath and straighten my posture. I look myself up and down, quickly noting I am only wearing a thin black camisole sans bra and my black leggings with gray socks pulled over my calves. Thinking better than toflaunt my flat chest at him, I grab my cardigan from the back of a chair.

Once the door opens and the cool breezes comes in,I’meven happier with my choice to grab the sweater.

“Howdy,” he drawls playfully.

“Hello?” I question, raising a brow. “Can I help you?” I cross my open cardigan over my chest to give me some additional coverage.

He flashes me a playful smile, and I shift my feet. A single moth might have fluttered the other day for Silas, but a whole eclipse is causing a commotion now. He’s young. His smile is a little crooked, and his incisors are a little more prominent than I’m used to seeing. It makes me think of how the feel of teeth grazing across my skin used to feel, to have someone sink their teeth into your flesh for their own pleasure and yours. A shiver runs up my spine, and I tighten the cardigan again.

“I’m just making sure you’re settled in. Thought I would come over and formally introduce myself.” He stretches his hand out to mine. “Harrison Hill.”His name is as annoying as the rest of him.

“Harlow.” I take his hand in mine and shake firmly.

“I know who you are, you’re my guest,” he jokes.

“I am. Is there anything you need?” I snap. His overly cheery tone is grating on my nerves. Nobody is sincerely this sweet, especially after our snarky banter yesterday. I don’t take kindly to someone being condescending to me, especially a man. I prefer a bite I can see and feel. Sweet venom is the worst kind.

“I told you, just making sure you’re settled. You get the basket?” I can’t put my finger on it, but the air around him is buzzing with energy. I would like to be relaxed during thenext few weeks, and this guy does not make me feel that way.

“I did, thank you. It held me over until now. I was actually just about to head out and get some groceries.” Dismissing him after thanking him seems like the best option, but he only brightens at my statement.

“I have to head into town, too. I can take you to the store while I’m there.”

“I’m not looking for company,” I say flatly.

“Damn, that covenyou’re from runs a tight ship, huh? You can’t even handle a kind greeting without wanting to hex me away.” His chuckle causes me to tense; it’s too carefree.

“Coven?”

“Yeah, isn’t that where you’re from, witch?”

“I’m not from a coven. I wish I was a witch, then I’d have a list of potions already lined up to brew. Starting with making sure this trip is as quiet as possible.” I emphasize the word quiet.

He ignores my dig and smiles.

“I remember you mentioning finishing some work. It’s nice and quiet here, so if that’s the kind of place you need to get things done, you’ll have it.” I nod, once again making it clear that I don’t want to talk.

“Listen, I’m trying to be nice, and you’re really good at being . . . whatever it is you want to call your attitude. You’re going to be on my property for the foreseeable future, and I like to get along with the people who visit, especially on the property. So maybe you could turn the personality degree a tad bit warmer?”

Heat rises to my cheeks.Did he just call me a cold bitch?In no way, shape,or formis that going to get me to warm up to him.How dare he.

He grumbles and then pulls his hatoff his head, ruffling his thick hair as he lets out a long sigh.

“That didn’t come off right, either. I’m just asking if you could give me a chance. I’ll try to stop giving you a hard time,but no promises. Sarcasm and being playful comes from growing up with only a brother and a bunch of boys.” He suddenly looks sheepish. How quickly he can spit something out and then curl back into himself is entertaining.

“Okay, how about you try thinking before you speak? That might help you get your message across the first time. Save the sarcasm for your friends,” I offer. In my head, that sounded nicer, but by the look on his face, I can tell he’s not offended.

“Got it. Let me take you to the store, Harlow. I’mtrying my best to be a good host, and I know you’re going to be here for a while. My sister-in-law is foaming at the mouth to meet you, so just give me a shot at being nice.”

I let out a heavy sigh and finally relent to him.

“Fine I’ll let you be a good host, but I’ll go to the store by myself. I want to check out more of the town.”

Maybe it was the movement or the ruckus of me gathering my bags to go, but Cleo takes this moment to shoot quickly across the floor and make a run up the stairs, showing just how quick and agile she can be.

“Holy shit!” Harrison yells, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him. Without any effort, my feet are off the ground. I feel small for the first time since junior high. He holds me tight against him, strong, firm muscles aligning with every inch of me.

“I don’t know what the fuck that was, but it was huge!” he lets out gruffly, continuing to grip me with a firm hold. I shift from side to side a little to try andgive myself some space. I feel his breath on the side of my neck, and if I turned to face him, we’d be a hair apart.

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