Page 85 of Country Contract

“Sounds good to me.” Heath turns and talks to Ryan who nods twice and then jumps into the driver seat of their SUV. “Lead the way, love.”

Harrison’s smile falls quickly, and he turns on his heel to head toward the stable.

Ryan surprises me by driving away, and I turn to Heath, who smiles.

“Didn’t think we needed an audience.”

“We have to walk to where I’m staying.”

“Then let’s walk.”

I look Heath up and down and notice his designer loafers. I’m not going to argue with him, but his shoes will be ruined, and his feet will be sore. I know that part of this has to be a show, but I still appreciate that he sent Ryan away.

We start walking, and I notice him trying to look and see my place from here.

Nope, not going to see it for a minute.

“How will you get back to where you’re staying?”

He acts appalled, overly dramatically so.

“Are you saying I can’t stay with you, Harlow?”

Well, fuck.I can already tell this conversation is going to take every ounce of my patience to navigate.

We’ve been at my place for about ten minutes, coffee has been brewed, and we’re seated in the living space. I’m in the wingback chair, because it’s a single seat, and Heath is on the couch.

Cleo had come to the door to greet me, and likely Harrison—who has somehow won her heart—only to find that I had brought someone else in. She had hissed and ran up the stairs to safe quarters.

“So, why didn’t you just tell me you were going to a ranch?” he asks, no edge to his tone.

“Maybe I just wanted space, so no one was keeping tabs on me.” I kind of feel bad for adding my own edge to the conversation, but hell, he kind of stalked me.

“Do you feel like people are keeping tabs on you?”

“Always—my mom, my sisters, my job. Everyone alwaysneeds to know where I am and what I’m doing. I just wanted a little space before I?—”

Heath waits for a few beats, waiting to see what I am going to say, but I don’t budge.

“Okay, well, I meant for my showing up to be a sweet surprise. I’d like to take you to dinner. I guess I didn’t want you forgetting about me.”

He’s been talking to me daily. I couldn’t forget about him if I wanted to.

“No flowers?” I joke.

“You prefer plants, which I didn’t want you to have to try and fly with.”

Oh shit, he has been listening.

“So, how did you find me? Since I told you why I didn’t tell anyone where I was going.”

“Money. I spent a decent amount of money to find where you were. Hayleigh told me Meg wasn’t with you, and that she was worried, which I could tell was a farce, and that she more likely wanted to stir the pot. I said I would reach out to see if you were okay, and if not, I’d fly to the islands myself.” He drinks some coffee—sugar, no cream.

“Wait. Does my family know I’m not in St. Thomas?” I tuck my legs underneath me as I grow a little more comfortable.

“No, I could tell Hayleigh had an agenda. I didn’t want to be part of it. I did, however, think it weird that Meg was back in town, and you weren’t. I also thought it was weird that you called me. So, I paid for a little investigating. I was surprised to find you here in this small town. It seems much too drab for you.”

I don’t know why, but I feel defensive. Pebble Creek may be small, but it is not drab. It’s filled with character and charm. It’s filled with lovely shops and even lovelier people.

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