Page 99 of Country Contract

“What can I get for you guys?”

“I want that SP Stout you’ve been raving about,” Hunter replies with a snarky tone.

“Sold out, I’m afraid. It was that good.”

Hunter grumbles and looks back down at his phone.

“Just local lagers,” I answer for the two of us.

While Silas grabs our drinks, I pull out my phone and see a message from Harlow. I let her know that I was going out with Hunter tonight, so I wouldn’t be around.

Witch: Sounds good. I am catching up on some work and am overdue for a Facetime date with Meg.

I wonder for a moment if Harlow Facetimes Heath, as well, but force myself to not care or think about it for long.

I am in the middle of typing my reply to her when I hear the sound of a full glass being set in front of me.

Me: Want me to stop by on my way back?

I hear Hunter clear his throat, but I ignore him while I watch the dots from Harlow’s response appear.

Witch: If you want to. If it’s past 10:30, we’ll just do it another day. I’ll likely be in bed by then.

Silas clears his throat to my right, and I pocket myphone. When I look up at the two of them, their eyes are on me.

“Tell Silas what you told me at the house,” Hunter states.

“What did I tell you at the house?” I take a drink.

“About your trip with Harlow.” He drinks.

“Why?”

“Because I want you to get your shit together before she leaves.”

I recoil quickly.

“Uh, okay.” I look over to Silas. “So, we drove there, and I did this spa thing for her one night and?—”

“No, tell it the way you did to Cassidy,” Hunter interrupts.

“Why does Cassidy get the better version?” Silas pouts.

“They’re not that different,” I offer.

“The fuck they aren’t.”

I think back on the conversation we had at their house and try to recite it to my best ability. Silas listens and nods, and Hunter asks the questions Cassidy did with freakish memory. Once I finish, I look at the two of them as they share a look.

“Yup, you were right.” Silas gets off the stool he pulled up for himself behind the bar, makes his way over to a fridge, and reaches to the back. He pulls out an unlabeled bottle and slides it over to Hunter. “One of the last bottles. You’re going to be pissed you didn’t get more.” Hunter gives a small smirk and uses his wedding ring to pop the cap off.

I look at them with a questioning gaze, and Hunter sighs.

“You’ve fallen for Harlow. We’re not saying it’s a bad thing, we’re just saying you weren’t able to keep it casual, and you’re about to get hurt.”

I frown deeply.

“I have not fallen for her. I just really like spending time with her.” I gulp down some of my beer.

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