Page 61 of Country Contract

“Um . . . yeah, I do. We all played together as kids. Our friend Andre made it big. We all just did it for fun. I was in Little League for a couple of years, and after a losing game Hunter would give me his desserts and we would watch that movie over the weekend. It’s a comfort. We never got sick of it.” I smile and poke him in the side with my toes.

“We’ll have to watch that one next.”

Harrison grins at me.

“Tell me some other movies you like.” His eyes are on the screen, and I think to myself.

“The Addams Family, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Royal Tenenbaums, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, Serenity, The Raid, The Lord of the Rings.” Those are the ones that come to my mind right away.

“My brother loved readingThe Lord of the Ringswhen he was younger. It was one of his favorite series. I liked the movies, but not so much the books. I enjoyedHarry Pottermore.”

“Harry Potteris amazing!” I say excitedly. Harrison stifles a laugh at my excitement.

“We’ll have to do a marathon since we’re closing in on Halloween.”

“My friend is coming to stay and celebrate Halloween with me. Wait. Should I have asked you about that?” I suddenly feel bad for inviting someone to Harrison’s place without his consideration.

“Nah, you’re good. It’s not like y’all are throwin’ a party.”

“No no, I just love her company and miss her something fierce,” I say softly because I do. “But when she gets here, don’t tell her that. It will make her head bigger than it already is.”

Harrison laughs and nods. “You got it.”

We continue watching the movie, and I lie deeper on the couch. I can feel Harrison trying to get comfortable at the other end, so I scooch to the edge and look over at him.

“Come lie with me.” I look over my shoulder at the space I made for him.

Without argument, he lies behind me, propping his head on a pillow a little higher than mine. He wraps his strong arm around my shoulders, and I feel myself sink deep into his hold.

The movie plays, and I feel his fingers playing with my hair. It’s not intentional, just simple motions. Twisting, curling, an occasional scratch at my scalp. It makes me think of the kind of attention I give to Cleo when she cuddles me. After this, I know why she loves it. We finish the movie like this, curled up on the couch, Harrison giving me tons of attention and me soaking it all up.

It’s exactly what I didn’t realize I needed.

Chapter 26

Harrison

Casual is a lot easier than I expected. I’m handling it better than everyone thought I would. In the back of my mind, I know that Harlow is leaving in a few weeks. It’s simple.

We’ve spent almost every evening together talking, watching movies, and relaxing. Two of those nights Harlow gave me more of those earth-shattering blow jobs. I tried to deny her, but it wasn’t happening. I guess when Harlow is on her cycle, she has more sexual energy than she knows what to do with. Whenever I tried to help her with that, she would just use a small vibrator.

First of all, I work on a farm, so a little blood won’t freak me out. Second, it’s natural and happens every month.

I could see by day three that she was a little paler than usual. She lacked her usual vibrance, even if it’s a little on the dark side. She would fatigue easier, and her appetite was shot. The weather has gotten cooler since her arrival, so I brought her soup and stew, which she loved.

I’m loving the exposure to new things. When we talk and relax, Harlow plays all types of music. From bluegrassto metal, her taste is across the board. There hasn’t been anything I haven’t liked. She enjoys this band called Crystal Castles that I’ve never heard of—even the style was new to me.

I’m not getting used to a routine with her because I remind myself daily that this has an expiration date. It really does make things easier.

Why did everyone make it seem like this was going to be much harder than it is? Why haven’t I tried this sooner?

I was wrong.

I’m pathetic, and I miss Harlow.

Her friend Meg arrived yesterday, so I don’t anticipate that I’m going to get to see her tonight. I originally thought this was fine, but that also means I won’t see her for however long this girl will be visiting. I’m sure she has a life to get back to.

Today is Saturday, so if she leaves on Monday or Tuesday that means I’ll still have about three more weeks with Harlow. I want to make our time together worth it. Not to mention, I haven’t fully had her yet. Our trysts are heated, and I enjoy each of them, but I want more of her. I want to feel her under me, riding me, and then take care of her after. I want to show her that I can take control like I had the first time and bring her pleasure.

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