Page 84 of Country Contract

“How’s your day going?” I go to dismount, but his grip tightens.

“It’s been great. We moved the cattle, cleaned out the feeder, and put a fresh bale in. Now, I’m just relaxing before heading over to help the others. I should help a little more since we’re leaving this weekend.”

He looks as happy as everyone else here. Jake, Hunter,Cassidy, Blake, even Silas. Everyone in Pebble Creek has a comfortability that I don’t see at home.

“Let’s head back then. I’ll help, too.” I know nothing about helping clear a cornfield. I don’t know anything about farming at all, but I want to help where I can.

“Yeah, let’s head back,” he agrees.

I lean over Star’s side as far as I can, and Harrison stands on the balls of his feet to meet me for a quick kiss.

This trip is everything I needed to figure out what I was missing before I settle in back home. I was missing my spirit. I was needing a little fuel for my fire. This trip has recharged every battery: social, mental, sexual, and career. I feel better than I have since . . . well, since I can remember.

Star and I ride alongside Harrison on the quad and on occasion, we kick it into a higher gear before slowing back down again. We’ve ridden this land together about half a dozen times over the last few weeks, but each time, it feels like I’ve missed it so much. The details are always changing and becoming more beautiful.

Everything is simple, and yet it’s the most magnificent piece of land I’ve ever seen. As we pass the bunkhouse, its charming blue-gray siding and dark roof look perfect against the yellow trees and gold grass around it. The only thing that sticks out like a sore thumb is my rental. It almost ruins the picture.

We continue to the stable and ride by the main house, enjoying our small venture. As we come up the drive, Harrison stops his ride right where the road hits the opening. He looks over his shoulder at me only for a moment before Star and I approach, then I can see why he stopped and waited.

A black SUV sits on the lot, smack dab in the middle, not even pulling into a space next to the group of trucks thatare lined up along the fence. A man in a suit with his arms crossed stands in front of with another man in a similar suit talking his ear off.

I’m not happy that I recognize the pair, and I’m even more unhappy that Heath’s work husband needed to tag along. Harrison pulls forward and I follow. When he veers off to the side next to Hunter, Cassidy, and Blake, I continue forward toward the stable, stopping right in front of the pair.

“Hello, dear.” Heath looks up at me through sunglasses, flashing a smile. “Long time, no see.” His voice is meant to charm, but it’s not working on me. It’s actually making me anxious because I had plans with the Hills today, and now I don’t think that’s going to happen.

I loosen my hold on the reins and pat Star a few times; it helps me busy my hands and shifts my attention away from uncertain feelings.

How?

Why?

Is this weird?

We don’t know each other, and he just showed up at my vacation spot, a spot that I didn’t tell him about.

“How did you find me?” are the first words that come out of my mouth, before a greeting or any other kind of pleasantries. I kick my leg over my saddle and dismount. Heath’s arms uncross and reach for me, but quickly are tucked into his pockets when he realizes I don’t need help.

“Are we not keeping secrets anymore?” His smile grows wider.

I cross my arms and give a stern look. Harrison’s and his protective family’s eyes are on us. This is a good enough reason to not have more of this conversation in front of everyone.

“Come meet my hosts, and I’ll bring you in for a cup of coffee,” I offer. I take Star by the reins and lead her over to a waiting and curious Jake. Jogging back to the group, I eye them all. Everyone but Heath is on edge; even his shadow, Ryan, can sense the tension.

“Heath, these are my hosts and now very good friends, Harrison Hill, his brother Hunter, his wife Cassidy, and last but not least, this is Blake, their daughter.” Blake squeals at the mention of her name, unknowing of what tension is.

“You guys, this is Heath and his personal assistant, Ryan. They are acquaintances from back home . . . and colleagues of my very busy and, apparently, very nosy family.”

Hunter nods, Cassidy offers a polite smile, B makes a random stink eye, and Harrison walks up to me. I worry about his next action but the only thing that happens is Harrison extending his strong arm out toward Heath.

“Welcome,” he states.

Heath steps forward, dwarfed by Harrison, and takes his hand.

“Thank you for hosting Harlow; she seems to be enjoying her stay.”

When they break free, I notice Harrison’s smile. It’s not one I’ve seen before, and it causes the acid in my stomach to rise. My sweet golden boy isn’t here.

“Well, these guys have a lot of work to do. How about you come back with me, and we have that cup of coffee.”

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