Page 39 of Country Contract

Harlow

He’s straight-up avoiding me. If I see him, I get a wave, and then he walks in the other direction, even when I’m walking toward him.

I can’t flirt with or proposition him over the phone; I don’t want him to think I’m looking for more than I am. He’s looking for forever; I’m looking for inspiration and fun before I’m married off.

He’s going to come for Star at some point, so I periodically come by to pay her a visit and try to corner him. She adores my attention, and I love giving it to her. One of these days I’ll need to ask Jake to get me that tack so I can take her out for a ride. The thought crosses my mind that maybe Harrison won’t want me riding his horse, that he would rather I ride one of the others.

Grabbing a brush and ribbon, I step into the stall with her. She enjoys being groomed; even when the farrier comes by, she’s a happy girl. I move to her rear and use the ribbon to tie her tail into a braid. She has such beautiful hair, and I’ll probably untie it later since she’s not mine. Abouthalfway through her braid, I hear voices, and I’m in luck because it sounds like Harrison.

He’s talking to someone who sounds like Hunter, but I can’t be sure. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but they lightly laugh before I hear boots coming closer. Only it’s one pair of boots, not two.

Did Harrison leave?

Did he notice that Star’s stall was slightly open and bolt?

Nope.

Hunter must have left. Harrison makes a curious sound as he comes into the stall. He startles when he sees me but doesn’t make a sound. I’m sure Star appreciates it. His eyes dance around the space, looking to leave.

“Hey, stranger,” I say sweetly.

“Hey.” Harrison keeps his tone even. “What can I do for you?” He comes around and sees Star’s braided tail and lets a small smile slide. Maybe I’ll leave it after all.

“I was wondering if you would take me for a ride?” I ask.

Harrison blushes deeply, and I love that he can see the double meaning in my words.

“Jake mentioned the tack, and I felt like it was about time I got out and saw this property on horseback.”

He nods a few times and runs his strong hand up and down Star’s neck.

“You want to take Star?” he asks, but I shake my head.

“No, she’s your girl. I’ll ride whoever you want me to.” Harrison’s ears turn a shade pinker, and I can’t stop the smile on my face from turning into a full-blown grin.

“Honestly, I think I’d be most comfortable if you were on her. You guys have bonded and I am comfortable with all the horses here. Can you tack up on your own, or do youwant me to do it for you?” He starts to step out of the stall, but I catch his wrist.

“You’ll come too, right? Show me around a bit?” He nods once, and I release his hand.

Harrison makes quick work getting our horses ready to go out for a ride. Star looks like a true beauty in English tack, especially with her new braid. She was made to be pampered a little.

Harrison looks good on the quarter horse, but I prefer him on Star. I’ve watched him come over that hill on her back more times than I care to admit, and each time it’s like a wet dream. His dirty blond hair and good boy nature on her light coat. They’re a devastating mix.

On the chestnut quarter, he is plainer than I like to see him. He looks over his shoulder to check on us frequently as he leads me throughout the property. It’s bigger than I realized. He asked if I wanted to pick it up, and we took off at a canter for a while. Now we’re just moseying along a creek that runs through the property.

“It’s gorgeous out here.” I stare out and look back over to Harrison to find him staring at me.

“What do you want to say?” He’s more up-front than I anticipated. He can see the shock on my face and chooses to press on. “I can tell you’ve been wanting to say something. If you want to say sorry or ask me to say sorry, just save it. It’s not a big deal, Harlow. It was just a kiss.”

I can’t help myself. I bust out in loud laughter, and he rears his head back, surprised by my outburst. I’m trying to find the right words to say so I don’t screw this up, but if he thought an apology was somewhere in the mix, he was way off. I’m actually looking for the opposite.

Looking over at him, I see a look of boyish defiance. It only makes my shoulders shake with my continuedlaughter. He’s growing irritated with my lack of conversation and nonstop laughter, but his annoyance only seems to spur me on.

“I’m not looking for an apology, and I’m not looking to apologize, kid. It was a kiss. Adults don’t apologize for kisses,” I tease.

Harrison furrows his brow at me, and I can see the gears turning in his head trying to come up with a response.

“Sure, they do. Sometimes things happen, and people need to apologize. Kisses can warrant an apology.” His argument only makes him seem younger.

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