Page 53 of Country Contract

“That only means you’re not as into me as I’m into you.” She glares back.

“No, it means I don’t want my brother catching us,again.” He emphasizes his last word.

This causes her cheeks to turn red, and she crosses her arms. “So, we’ll get one for our house then?”

“I’ll think about it, I—” The baby monitor blares on.

“Mama? Mama?” Blake’s voice is raspy with sleep.

“I’ll go.” Hunter stands to make his leave, but Cassidy stands with him.

“She wants her mama.” Cassidy has a rasp of her own to her voice, but I have a feeling it’s from the cider and maybe a little bit of the smoke from the fire.

“How about we call it a night? I’m ready to turn in, myself,” I offer so they can both head in without the worry to continue to host. I feel a gentle squeeze on my shoulder and look over to my left. Harrison’s hand is resting there, his body slightly behind mine.

When did that get there?

“I’ll drive you back. It’s cold,” he offers.

“Sounds perfect!” Cassidy claps her hands together and then grabs Hunter’s hand, basically dragging him in the direction of the house.

Once they’re through the back door, Harrison lets out a chuckle.

“She didn’t even take your mug,” he says, and I look down to see the empty cup in my hands.

“It’s all good. I’ll bring it to her another time.”

“I know, I meant she couldn’t get out of here fast enough.” He takes the mug from my hands and stands. “She gets that way sometimes. She loves being around everyone, but she loves being by herself or alone with Hunter even more.” Harrison looks up at the house for a quick moment, then back down at me. He extends his free hand out to me, and I slide mine into it. The rough texture of his skin slides against the smooth, delicate surface of my own.

“Let’s get you out of the cold.”

Chapter 23

Harrison

She’s freezing. I don’t even think she realizes how cold she is anymore. The blankets, the fire, and the cider were enough to make her stay, but the minute her bare hand touches mine, I know she’s frozen.

I feel terrible for keeping her out as long as we did. I know she was having fun with us, but she’s not built for this weather.

The air has to pass right through her. Harlow is tall, but she doesn’t have a lot of meat on her bones. I don’t mean that in a harsh or judgmental way. I just can’t imagine she can stay warm for long if exposed to the elements. I slide my flannel off, leaving me in only a long sleeve.

“What are you doing? It’s freezing out,” she states.

I remove the blanket she has wrapped around her shoulders and watch her shiver. I drape my shirt over her, then put the blanket on top of that.

“How’s that?”

“Honestly, it feels amazing,” she sighs.

“Let’s get you inside.”

I drape my arm around her, and we walk in silence overto my truck. I open the door for her, she climbs in, and I hope that takes some of the chill out of the air for her. I jog around the truck, hop into the driver’s seat, and turn the ignition on. I would usually let the truck warm up a bit before taking off, but the drive over to our places isn’t far.

Harlow’s had a few drinks tonight, and I pride myself on being a man my brother and parents can be proud of. I drive down the dirt road slowly, so as not to jostle her around too much and she sits quietly, just looking out the window, taking in the darkness beyond it.

Once I get to the fork in the road between her temporary place and mine, I stop the truck and look over to her. She doesn’t look at me, but I see her shoulders tense just a little. I could speak up and ask what she wants, but Harlow isn’t one to keep quiet; there is a reason she’s not talking after hours of chatter. She doesn’t want to have to say anything.

I use my turn signal and signal right toward the bunkhouse.

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