Page 51 of Country Contract

Some best friend.

The environment here was made for this kind of work. I can focus without too much external stimulation, but there is also plenty for me to do when I want to take a break.Since my three encounters with Harrison, I’ve gone through almost half of my workload, and it’s felt easier than it has in a long time.

In my downtime, I walk to land, visit the stable, or go for a ride. I read for leisure again, and now I’m writing. The creative part of me seemed quiet for so long. Now, it’s vibrant, loud, and bursting at the seams. I’ve taken to collecting and enjoying other’s art so I can try to stay connected to that world.

One of the things I’m working on is a story that is sensual and seems to have great chemistry. I don’t know if I’ll ever do anything with it, but the fact that I’m creating something is enough for me to feel a little more like a whole version of myself. I’m in the zone, writing away when my phone buzzes.

Heath: If I wanted to get you flowers, what kind would be the sort you’d enjoy receiving?

Heath: You come off as a blood rose kind of girl, but I’d hate to assume.

Me: You already have.

Heath: Was I wrong?

Me: I don’t mind roses. I think I prefer plants to flowers.

Heath: Aren’t they the same thing?

Me: No, they’re not.

Heath: Okay, what plant would you like?

Me: One that I pick myself.

Health: So, roses from me and a potted plant from yourself?

Me: Sure.

Heath: I like calla lilies.

Me: …

Health: Underappreciated because of the long, lean simplicity, overlooked. Even more stunning in black.

I roll my eyes. This guy really is doing his best to win me over. He is asking questions daily and doesn’t tire or get put off by my dismissive responses. He’s determined, I’ll give him that.

Me: Smooth.

Heath: What? *wink face emoji*

It’s bonfire night at the main Hill house. Blake is in bed, and the three of us are sitting just outside the back of their beautiful farmhouse, a video monitor nearby. Large Adirondack chairs are evenly spaced around the stone pit with a large, warm blaze. I have a blanket wrapped around my shoulders, but if I’m honest, even with the fire and blanket, I’m cold. In my hands, I have a warm mug of spiked cider, and I’m thankful for the extra warmth.

Hunter and Cassidy are talking about her recent projects. The woman amazes me; she works, helps her husband with his job, and is raising a daughter. They chatand laugh lightly with each other, and I watch them with a new set of eyes. I’ve been around other couples. Meg has had plenty of boyfriends and girlfriends since she doesn’t believe her love to be gender specific. I see my sisters with their significant others, and they all seem to have this mask for appearances.

Cassidy and Hunter don’t have that. They are so unapologetically themselves and in love. They seem like more than just husband and wife. They are partners in every sense as well as best friends. While she talks about something she has going on, he listens intently and it’s so obvious the man is gone for her. He hangs on every word she says. If he offers input, she wants to hear it. They know how to tackle things together.

I watch them, not realizing that I might be staring for a little too long. I rub my legs together to warm up, and I notice a chill caught in my knees. A puff of cold air rushes past my lips, and I consider calling it a night. I would pull my chair a little closer to the fire, but they’re big and heavy.

“Damn, I’m sorry. I got so caught up talking to Hunter that I didn’t realize we were excluding you.” Cassidy shifts in her seat to face me.

“Don’t worry about it, I—” As I’m about to excuse myself, a blanket is tossed across my knees. Looking over my shoulder, I see Harrison standing over me, a beer in one hand and the other being shoved in his pocket.

“You looked cold,” he states before taking a pull from his bottle.

“I was. California gets cold, but not like this.” The blanket is warm, like it came out of a dryer. I place my hands on it to gather the heat. It feels good.

“So, have you gotten bored with all the nothingness out here?” Cassidy asks. I watch over her shoulder as Harrisonwalks over to greet Hunter. His brother stands from his chair, and they exchange a hug before they start speaking. Easy smiles cross their faces. Such a loving familiarity seems a little foreign to me. I’m not calling my family cold; I know my sisters and I all love each other, but we’re not so casual.

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