Page 86 of Country Contract

“It’s not. It’s just what I needed.”

“I like that they have a guide for while you’re on horseback.”

A guide? Harrison is not my guide. I’m free to ride wherever I want on this land, save for the pastures with cattle to avoid injury.

“Right, it has a lot more to offer than what first meets the eye. I can’t pretend I didn’t get stir-crazy at first, but being this disconnected from the world is nice. This town has a lot to offer, especially when you start seeing its deeper roots.”

Heath nods and finishes his coffee. He asks me what I’ve done so far during my stay, and I ask about business and anything new for him. The conversation is cordial enough, but it lacks the kind of substance I would hope to have with my partner for the rest of my life.

“I often do a bit of editing and sometimes a little nap about now. Do you need a ride back to where you’re staying?” I offer.

“No, Ryan should be back any moment. Don’t let me stop you. I can work while you work.”

And he does. I don’t make any effort to try and entertain him. He works on his phone, and I read a manuscript. It’s honestly not terrible, almost companionable . . . almost.

When Ryan pulls up to the bunkhouse, Heath stands to leave. I move to stand, but he puts up a hand.

“Stay. I’ll see myself out. Keep doing what you’re doing.” He steps closer to where I’m sitting and then kisses the top of my head.

“I’m leaving tomorrow; will you let me take you to dinner tonight?”

I look at him standing over me, an unusual sight.

“Sure.”

He gives me a gentle smile before letting himself out the door. His footsteps are light and even, no rush. As I listen a little closer, I notice a small drag to one of his steps. Strange how we can notice so much about a person’s footfalls.

Not long after Heath leaves, I hear the sound of heavy boots jogging across the wooden patio, the front door swinging open, and then more heavy thuds across the floors until they halt in front of me.

Harrison kneels in front of me, hands on my knees.

“Are you okay?” he asks, concern all over his face.

“Yeah, just surprised.”

“That was the guy.” He stays where he is, and I pull his hat off his head, putting it next to me. I run my fingers through his hair and nod.

“Yeah, that was him. That’s the guy my family is setting me up with.”

Hurt replaces concern for only a moment. He rises from his knees, takes my hand, and walks me over to the couch. The empty mug I had placed on the floor is picked up, as well as Heath’s on the coffee table. He brings them into the kitchen, and I hear the clink of dishes for a few moments. When he comes back into the room, he comes from the front where he’s taken off his shoes, and then sets two fresh mugs on the table.

Like an old habit, he hands me my mug and pulls my feet into his lap.

“Tell me what’s going on.”

And I do, no details left out, except for maybe my feelings for him. Those details haven’t been worked out in my mind. The parts about lying to my family and any future involving Heath are all easy to tell him. It’s like writing in a journal; it comes out effortlessly and there is no fear.

I could try to work out how much I feel for him and hisfamily, but it could be just as simple as meeting another person like Meg in my life. A staple. A new piece of foundation.

While I talk, Harrison listens and reassures me that I’m not crazy, although the situation is. He is shocked at how hard I had to work to get out of my family’s grasp. He’s proud of me for not depending on my trust or family’s money often. He’s proud that I made a living for myself. I can tell he wants to express his worries where Heath is concerned, but he doesn’t.

When we’re done talking, I realize he hasn’t had any of his coffee; he’s just been squeezing away at my feet.

“Let me reheat your coffee.” I stand and take his cup to the kitchen where I begin to heat it.

Harrison moves to where I am, standing behind me and wrapping his strong arms around me. His chin rests on my shoulder, and I feel a deep inhale and exhale.

“As shitty as this is going to be to say, I can’t stop myself. I wish I could tell him to stay the fuck away from us. I only have a few more weeks with you and then you get to be his. I don’t even think you should go through with it. I have a piece of paper with your signature on it saying you’re mine until you say you don’t want to be . . . or until the day you leave.” He drags his nose down the column of my neck, inhaling and then letting out a sigh.

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