Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.
I slowly opened my eyes, blinking as I adjusted to the light.
For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling. The events from last night came rushing back.
Daisy's words.
Amy's voice.
You're scared of losing him.
My chest tightened.
I turned my head slightly, glancing at Daisy and Amy, who were still fast asleep beside me.
A small smile tugged at my lips. Then my thoughts drifted back to Harley.
The way he looked at me.
The way he said my name.
The way everything between us felt like it was about to change. I let out a slow breath.
Maybe… they were right.
I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed my phone.
My heart skipped slightly as the screen lit up. It was Harley, and he was waiting for me outside… with breakfast.
I climbed out of the bed quietly and grabbed my purse. After leaving a quick note, I exited the room and made my way toward the main floor.
My cheeks burned when I spotted Harley at the entrance of the Hu mansion, immaculately dressed, talking to Dylan.
For a moment, I stood there frozen, clutching my purse a little tighter.
Dylan noticed me first.
"Well, look who finally decided to wake up," he said with a grin.
Harley turned around. His eyes landed on me, and something in his expression softened almost immediately.
"Good morning," he said.
My heart skipped.
"Morning," I replied, trying to sound normal.
Dylan glanced between us, his grin widening.
"I was just leaving," he said, taking a step back. "You two look like you have something disgustingly cute planned."
"Do you ever shut up?" Harley muttered.
Dylan chuckled before brushing past me on his way out. "Try not to ruin the mood, Sophie."
I rolled my eyes and waited until he was gone before turning my attention back to Harley.
"You brought me breakfast?"
Harley lifted the paper bag in his hand slightly.
"Yes, your favourite."
Warmth spread through my chest. "That was… thoughtful."
Harley looked away for a brief second, almost as if he didn't want me to catch the faint smile tugging at his lips.
"I try."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
The morning air felt soft and cool around us, but the silence between us wasn't awkward.
Not this time.
I glanced at the bag in his hand.
"What did you get me?"
Harley's lips curved slightly.
"You'll see if you stop standing there and come with me."
I followed him out of the mansion and toward his Mercedes-Benz. The engine roared to life before taking off.
"Here," Harley said, handing me the paper bag.
"Thanks," I replied, opening the bag. My face lit up; it was my favourite breakfast sandwich from Tim Hortons.
My face burned in embarrassment when Harley chuckled at my stomach grumbling. I unwrapped the sandwich and took a small bite. A soft moan escaped my mouth.
"Where are we going?" I asked as we merged onto the highway, away from the city.
Harley glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "There is a farm I need to take a look at."
The rest of the ride was quiet. I leaned my head on the window of the car and closed my eyes, the hum of the engine and oncoming vehicles fading in the distance.
My eyes fluttered open when the vehicle came to a stop. I looked at Harley while rubbing my eye. "How long was I asleep for?"
"Two hours," he replied, turning off the engine. "Let's go."
I followed him out of the vehicle and toward an elderly man watering his plant bed.
"Hello, Mr. Song," Harley greeted.
Mr. Song looked in our direction and smiled. "Oh, Harley, you're finally here."
Harley and I walked over. He shook his hand and then introduced me. "This is Sophie."
"Ah, the infamous Sophie," Mr. Song said, smiling. He shook my hand. "Do you like riding horses?"
"Uh… I am not very good at it."
"Harley will teach you," Mr. Song said.
I followed Harley toward the shed and changed into a blue top and white bottom with knee-length flat boots.
When I exited the building, Harley was already dressed in the same outfit as me. I couldn't help but admire how the outfit looked on him.
"Like what you see?"
When I realized Harley was looking back at me, I looked away with my arms crossed, my face red.
He extended his arms. "Come on, I will help you get on."
I walked over and took his hand. My heart quickened as soon as our hands made contact. I swallowed the dry lump in my throat before climbing onto the horse with his help.
Harley jumped onto the horse with ease. The faint scent of his cologne filled my nostrils as he grabbed the reins and guided the horse forward.
"Harley," I mumbled. "I think you are sitting too close."
Harley inched closer until there was no distance between us. "No, it's fine."
The horse walked slowly around the ring a couple of times, then took off with great speed when Harley urged it forward.
A loud scream escaped my mouth as the horse jumped over one hurdle after another. Each one scarier than the last.
"Are… are you crazy?" I asked, panting for air, when the horse came to a stop. "I thought I was going to die."
Harley chuckled. He leaned closer and whispered in my ear, "Ready for round two?"
"NO!"
Harley let go of the reins and then jumped off the horse effortlessly. He grabbed me by the waist and helped me off the horse.
My legs wobbled from falling asleep, and I landed in Harley's arms. His strong arms wrapped around me, and it felt so good.
"Are you okay?" he asked. "Do you want me to carry you?"
My face burned. I pushed off of him and stood up straight. "I'm good, just lost my balance for a minute."
"Harley! Sophie! My wife made some cookies and tea," Mr. Song called across the field.
My face lit up. I grabbed Harley's hand and headed toward Mr. Song's home. I sat down beside Harley in the living room.
Mr. Song sat down opposite us. He grabbed the cup of tea from the coffee table and took a sip. He looked at me. "How was horseback riding?"
"Scary," I replied.
Mr. Song laughed. "That's everyone's first reaction."
"Yours too?" I asked Harley, who was sipping his tea.
He glanced at me and smiled. "No, it was an out-of-this-world experience for me."
"Lucky you," I said, grabbing my cup of tea and taking a sip.