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Harloe shrugs. “Maybe it’s a little of both. What’s your point?”

“That fate is irrelevant. Maybe it runs the show. Maybe it doesn’t. Maybe throwing a penny in the well has nothing to do with convincing a greater power to make something happen. Maybe it’s more about convincing yourself. Either way, you’re right. Tomorrow isn’t promised. But I have no doubt about the things you’ll do today, Harloe Harrison. You’re a force to be reckoned with."

She tries to bite back her smile but fails. “That sounded a lot like a compliment.”

“It was.”

Her cheeks flush the prettiest shade of pink as she turns and starts walking back toward the house. She’s quiet for a moment as I walk beside her. Cows moo at a distance.

Finally, she looks up at me, nervously biting her bottom lip. “When I’m done here today, maybe we can grab something to eat in town. That is… if you want to.”

“Oh, uh, I meant to say something earlier…” I scratch the back of my neck, realizing I still haven’t told Harloe why I dropped by, and I’m about to ruin her mood entirely. “I’m leaving town for a bit. I take off this afternoon, actually.”

Her smile falls. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” I drag my hand through my hair. “Probably should have started our conversation with that.”

“It’s fine.” She glances away like she’s trying to hide her true feelings. “How long will you be gone?”

“A couple of days. A week at most. I’m not really sure yet. Steel texted this morning. The guys in Santa Fe need help, and I’m the closest to them. East and I are going to take a trip, but Aiden and Lawson are staying, so they’ll keep an eye out while I’m gone. You’ll be safe.”

Those words are nearly impossible to get out. I have no doubt Aiden and Lawson will protect Harloe with their lives. I saw proof of how protective they are when shots rang out at the farmers market. They didn’t run. They threw themselves at the problem. Even so, it doesn’t make it easier leaving Harloe under the protection of anyone who isn’t me.

She rolls her eyes. “I’m not their responsibility. I can crash with my brother while you’re gone.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“It’s fine.”

“Harloe.” I step forward, and she steps back, putting distance between us. “Just stay at the bunkhouse, please. We’re setting up cameras. I’d feel better if you’re there.”

That part’s not a lie.

Harloe chews the inside of her cheek, preparing her argument, and I sense her resistance. So I reach for her arm, and she thankfully lets me brush my fingers over her elbow. “I need to know you’re gonna be all right when I’m not here. My room’s just sitting empty unless you’re in it. I know you can hold your own and make your own decisions, but I’m asking you, for my sake, please. Stay at Ironside Ridge.”

Our eyes lock, and I’m tempted to tell my club to fuck off, I’m not going. The thought of leaving Harloe after someone burned down her bar and left that message on the truck has me crawling out of my skin. But she’s not my old lady. I don’t have any real excuse. At least, not in the club’s eyes.

“Fine, I’ll stay there,” she concedes, her expression empty. “I hope you enjoy yourself while you’re gone.”

“That’s not what this trip is. I know it’s bad timing after last night⁠—”

“You don’t need to explain yourself, Shane. And you don’t owe me anything, even after last night. I’m a big girl; I know what I’m doing. We had a little fun, but now it’s a new day. Like we just said, tomorrow is never promised. So have fun and be safe. But please, don’t keep apologizing to me.”

I’m stunned silent. Walking a thin line between irritated and offended. Does she think I don’t see past her bullshit?

Everyone else might not notice when something’s bothering her, but it’s written in the downturn of her lips. In her rigid posture. Harloe’s uncomfortable, and I hate it.

“This isn’t a real relationship,” she says, digging her heels in. “We got caught up in it for a second, and it was fun.” There’s that word again. “But you’ll be away, and technically, we’re both single, so you don’t owe me your fidelity while you’re gone. I’ll see you when you’re back.”

Harloe turns faster than I can catch her this time. Her white lace sleeves wave in the breeze as she walks away. She’s like a phantom of everything I never knew I wanted, barreling into her brother’s house before I can stop her.

As much as I want to chase her down and tell her she’s wrong, I don’t.

I climb onto my bike and let her words be the mantra I need to remind myself.

You don’t owe me your fidelity.

We’re both single.