Page 47 of True North

The auctioneer looks over my shoulder as Harry comes to stand behind me. Shaking his head with a smile, the auctioneer takes down Harry’s name. “Should be around a month before anything official changes hands.” He holds out a hand and I step aside. Harry shakes his hand. The auctioneer walks away, heading for the food stall.

I worry my bottom lip through my teeth.

Did I really just do that?

Harry stares at me, eyes wide and lit with wonder.

“Lou...”

Laughter bursts through my lips. I press a hand to my mouth then let it fall as I still. “You did it, Harry. You got the ranch!”

He scoops me into his arms, swinging me around. The hearty laughter rumbling from his throat tightens mine. His scent tangles with my already shot nerves from the auction.

Heavens, it’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once. And for some reason, it felt like this is something I had to do. I have a feeling about this old place.

If anywhere felt like home, this would be it.

Maybe Harry’ll let me visit occasionally.

My hands shake when he lets me down. Only days ago, this close, we were fighting about us. The connection we have. Have always had.

Harry’s hands still grip my arms, my body pressed to his when gravel crunches under shoes.

“Harry?” The voice echoes around my head.

Familiar.

We both turn at once to find Brad holding a clipboard.

Oh shit.

I stumble out of Harry’s arms and dip my gaze to the ground.

“Bradley,” Harry grunts.

Harry calling him Bradley sounds hilarious. Or maybe that’s the nerves. Or the insane chemistry between Harry and me that still has me in its vise grip. I try to stifle a giggle. And fail. I slap a hand to my mouth.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I should go help Mama Mancini before I end up with my foot in my mouth. I excuse myself, telling Brad I’ll see him tonight at the dance. Brown eyes follow me as I move in behind the catering table.

“You win, bella?” Mama asks, excitement lifting her features.

“Yes, he bought the farm.”

Mama pulls a surprised face, and I realize the words that left my mouth.

“I mean, Harry, he?—”

She holds up a hand. “I’m happy for you both.”

“No, Harry bought the ranch, Mama, not me.”

“Uh huh.” She slices up the dessert slab she spent hours on last night and places the small pieces onto paper plates. Her smile doesn’t fade as she starts to hum, going about her work.

“What?” I tilt my head and frown.

“I’m wondering how long it is going to take before you understand, bella.”

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