Page 90 of Country Contract

“I like—” I start, but when I turn to look at her, she’s asleep. She’s curled up with her knees drawn to her chest, her arms wrapped around them. Her face is turned mostly away from me, but I still catch the curve of her high cheekbones, the length of her long naked lashes. She looks perfect while sleeping. It could just be my opinion, but she looks so angelic that she could almost be faking.

I drive and listen to the lo-fi playlist, fighting my own midday drowsiness due to its melodic beats. There’s little traffic on the road, mostly large trucks making cross-country trips and trucks like mine. I spot a few smaller cars, but out here in the middle of nowhere, they’re mostly people passing through. I pass a few RVs and think about how cool it would be to be able to travel in one. To drive across this country with someone and see the land in the comfort of your own traveling home.

This road trip with Harlow is nice, but there isn’t much to see along the way. When I look to my left, I see large open plains, cleared-out fields, and past that, some trees. Over to my right is a solar power field, which is newer and appreciated by people like Hunter and me. Straight ahead is a whole lot of nothing continued. Just the road and the few people like me driving on it to get somewhere.

Harlow makes a strained noise next to me, and I peek over at her. She’s turned toward me, her brows pulled together, and her jaw clenched tightly.

Putting my left hand on the wheel, I run my right over her head. My thumb drags across her tight brow, and I feelit relax under my touch. I squeeze the back of her neck in my hand and watch the road in front of me, giving her a light massage. When I look back over, her eyes are open and watching me. I go to drop my hand from her, but she grabs it and holds it on the center console with hers. With our fingers twisted together, she leans deeper into the seat and closes her eyes again.

As cold as she may look to everyone, and as gory as her tastes may be, Harlow is warm. I feel it emanating from her hand into mine. Her black, well-manicured nails and smooth soft skin are a complete contrast to my short, blank, and ugly hand. Even though her hand is much more delicate than mine, I can feel the strength within it. I remember how firmly she would wrap those thin fingers around my cock as she brought me pleasure. I smile to myself, knowing full well I’ll have her all to myself for the next two days.

When we pull up to our hotel, we quickly check in and bring our things along with some takeout to our room. It’s a simple suite—two queen beds, a couch, a desk, a TV, and a mini fridge. It is absolutely nothing to write home about. Harlow made a comment about how I had more bags than her, but I paid no mind. I have a reason for traveling heavy.

We eat mediocre Chinese food and sit on the couch, talking about the trip. We talk about how much music means to her. We talk about the absolute nothingness out here and how it’s so different from the nothingness in California. Palos Valley is a lot like Pebble Creek, only more equestrian than bovine. The nothingness in California is deserts, mountains, beaches, and forests. It’s rich with diverse terrain, whereas our land is rich with crops and farm animals.

After we finish our food, I suggest I shower first.She blinks a few times, shocked that I would not offer for her to go first, but I need to.

When I get into the bathroom, I make sure it has what I need for this trip to go just right. Where the room has little to offer, the bathroom is the nicest aspect. It has a decent shower with a small bench at the end, a soaker tub with no jets, and a large vanity with one sink. It’s simple, nice, and exactly what I need.

I roll one of my suitcases in and open it up. After setting my old leather toiletry bag on the vanity, I turn on the shower. Under the illusion that I am showering, I start to set everything up.

With travel wipes, I clean out the tub because Lord knows if they did. I rinse it down and start to fill it, making sure the water is extra hot. On the edge of the tub, I put a coaster, a candle, and some chocolates.

Back over by the vanity, I pull out the facial cleanser, moisturizer, and sheet face mask that Cassidy had suggested. More candles, a set of soft, clean towels, and a hair wrap are set next to the other items. In the shower, I put a body scrub, shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask.

Franny made a killing when I stopped in, no doubt selling me extra shit Harlow might not even need. I don’t even know what a hair mask is, but she insisted that with as long and beautiful as Harlow’s hair is, she will love it.

Back over to the tub, I drop in a bath bomb that is scented with a coastal lavender blend. The tub turns a lovely light purple, and the entire room starts to smell tranquil. I turn the water a little cooler and put my hand in. It’s hot, but not the kind that would stop you from getting in. I light the candle, pull out a bottle of red wine, and fill a black silicone wine glass that says “witch” in gold script. I look everything over and quickly smile at my work.

I take the fastest rinse of my life in the shower and hop out. Tossing on only a pair of soft pajama pants, I head out to the main room. Harlow is waiting patiently, looking through her phone, and only notices me when I clear my throat.

“Damn, you take a long shower,” she jokes. “You didn’t have to jerk it before, you know. I love that you can’t last. It just means I feel that good.”

I can’t help the shocked look on my face.

“We have all night.” She smiles, rising from her seat and walking toward me. I quickly meet her halfway and kiss her lips lightly.

“Yeah, yeah, make fun all you want. At least my rebound time is good. I have the stamina to keep up with you,” I counter.

She kisses me with a smile and grabs her bag to head into the bathroom. I set my bag aside and grab my other one.

“I assume this bed is mine,” I joke, noticing a few of her things on the bed farthest from the door.

“Obviously,” she jokes just as she turns the corner into the bathroom. I hear a quiet gasp. “Harrison.” My name sounds different on her lips. People call my name all day but hearing her say it is better than every song we listened to on the way here.

I put my bag on the runner at the foot of the bed, and then I hear the quick footfalls of Harlow. Before I can even turn to look, her arms are wrapped around me. Instead of going around my neck, she tucks herself into me, sliding her arms under mine. She squeezes me tightly and rubs her face into my chest.

“Thank you,” she says against my skin.

“It was weird, I suddenly had the urge to build a spa. It kind of came to me in a dream. Like it wasn’t even my ownidea. Seemed almost like . . .” I look down at her, but all I see is the top of her head; she hasn’t moved. “Seemed like I was under someone’s spell.” And with that, I feel her shake with light laughter.

“I was looking for spas while I was waiting for you. You said not to worry about it, and I couldn’t find anything.”

“Oh yeah, there isn’t anything like that in towns like this.” I kiss the top of her head and grab her shoulder. “Hop in there and take your time. Don’t let the tub get cold.” I smile and turn her away from me.

She walks on light, happy feet to the bathroom and doesn’t look back.

When I hear her click the door shut, I move as quickly as possible to set up our room. A set of creamy soft sheets with matching pillowcases goes over the ones the hotel provided. I pull out a forest-green waffle robe and then pull out the things I need for her last surprise.

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