Page 42 of Country Contract

“Regardless, I think it’s a bad idea. I just feel like this isn’t your style.”

Honestly, I’m a little shocked he’s so against it. Last week, he and Cassidy were talking about how I needed to try something casual and not try so hard to make things work. I saw him go through hell for the girl he wanted. I’m tossing around the idea of something simple for once and he’s so against it.

“I thought you and Cassidy thought I ought to try something casual?”

“This isn’t casual . . . it’s contracted. You can’t do that. The fact that she’s so close makes it worse. I know you and I know your heart. You can’t do a casual repetitive thing. You’re too good for that.” I see the love he has for me in his eyes; it makes them softer.

“Too good?” I mock.

He huffs at me. “Not like you’re better than anyone. Like you’re actually too good. Too nice, too committed, too sincere.”

I know what he’s saying. He’s saying what I already know. What I’ve already told Harlow. I can’t do casual. I’ve never been able to. I also know that I’ve never really tried. Hunter isn’t the only stubborn Hill in this house. I would dig my heels in deep to prove to my girlfriends our relationships were worth saving. I would try over and over to show them that this town had everything we needed.

Maybe I need to learn how to let things go. Harlow is the epitome of that. She has a tentative date to leave this town and not because it’s not enough for her. She’s leaving because she already has a home.

I think I need to try something new, but a deeper part ofme has a feeling Hunter is right. This is a bad idea. I don’t need the input of others to make a choice, but I’ve lived in a tight community my whole life. Little is left to oneself around here.

“I know what you mean.” I try to keep my tone lighthearted to ease his worries. Hunter has so much on his mind all the time. It’s just the way he’s wired. He knew what he wanted in life at a young age, and as those dreams evolved so did the added stress. His family has become the center of his world, much like our dad. It’s great to see, but part of me wants him to know we’re more partners than anything, and that he doesn’t need to worry about me too much.

“Good, call me if you need anything.” He nods once before getting into his truck.

“See you later!” Once his truck is down the drive and onto the road, I pull out my phone.

Me: I have a question.

Silas: Go on.

Me: Do you think I could sleep with someone without catching feelings?

Silas: …

Me: ?

INCOMING CALL: SILAS

I’m a little surprised he called, but sometimes when we’re both busy doing things, a Bluetooth earbud phone call is just easier. I toss a few more things into the trailer behind my quad before answering.

“Hey, man.” I lean against the large tires, crossing one ankle over the other.

“What’s going on? You thinking about bagging one of the app girls to get your dick wet?”

I choke on my own spit as I try to swallow. How can people say some of the shit they do and be serious? My brother and I, hell, even Cassidy with us, we shoot the shit. We rip each other up all the time. Silas, who I also fuck around with often, will fire off with something like this and be sincere.

“What? No! The girl staying at my B and B asked if I wanted to hook up while she’s here.” I remember the interest Silas had shown in her, and I wouldn’t make a move in either direction without talking to him first. He hasn’t told me he’s interested in her, but I saw him check her out a few times the night she showed up at the bar. That’s enough interest for one brother to ask another before moving forward. That’s always how we’ve operated.

Silas blows a whistle over the phone.

“You lucky mother fuc?—”

“I haven’t said yes. If you have an interest in her, then I don’t.”

“If I’m interested, you’re not? Listen, man. That girl is hot, and not the kind of hot we see around here often. She’s the kind of hot you’ll think about on your deathbed. You’ll be old one day lying there, basically dying, and your grandkid will ask you something you’ll never regret. Bagging that chick will be the second or third thing that will come to mind.”

“You sound interested, like you want the memories for your own deathbed.”

“I’ve had plenty of casual hookups for my deathbed. There’s going to be a whole replay reel, plus I won’t have any grandchildren to ask.”

“You seem so sure.” I joke but there’s a stagnant silence on the line when he would usually joke.

---