HARMONY

My blood was still boiling from last night's double date. Holden had spent the entire evening pushing every button he could find, and now I was storming into the paddock, clutching my coffee like a lifeline. If I could just avoid him today, maybe I’d keep what was left of my sanity.

Jason walked up, eyeing me suspiciously. 

“What’s with you today?”

I shrugged, not willing to give anything away. 

“Didn’t sleep well last night.”

He shot me a knowing look, like he could see right through me. Before he could pry further, Holden showed up, strolling in with his typical easy confidence. I immediately focused on my paperwork, refusing to give him the satisfaction of my attention. Maybe if I ignored him hard enough, he’d disappear.

“So, are we visiting Mom and Robert when we get back home next week?” Jason asked, thankfully shifting the conversation away from me.

“Yeah,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I already talked to Mom. She and Robert invited us to stay at the ranch.”

Jason nodded, and then, to my horror, he turned to Holden. 

“What are you doing for the break? Heading back to Australia?”

Holden shrugged, like it didn’t matter. “Probably not. There’s not much for me there these days. Might head to the next race destination early, get some training in.”

Jason looked thoughtful for a second, and I could practically see the idea sparking in his mind. 

“Hey! You should come stay at the ranch with us! Mom would love to meet you.”

I nearly choked on my coffee, my eyes widening. 

“Jason, seriously—”

But he was already in full hospitality mode. 

“Come on, it’ll be fun!”

Holden shot me a sidelong glance, a grin tugging at his mouth. 

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Jason shook his head. 

“Are you kidding? Mom’s the queen of hospitality. She’ll spoil you rotten.”

I bit back a groan as Holden finally shrugged and agreed. 

“Alright, sounds like a plan.”

I barely kept from slamming my coffee down in frustration. This was the last thing I needed was Holden invading my world, but thanks to my idiotic twin, I had no choice. 

The sprawling ranch stood in the heart of a lush valley, framed by towering pine trees and rolling hills that stretched endlessly toward the distant mountains. The lodge itself was an architectural marvel, blending rustic charm with a touch of elegance. The structure was two stories tall, built from weathered wood and topped with copper-red roofs that gleamed under the afternoon sun. Wooden beams supported the balconies that wrapped around the upper floor, where simple railings provided a perfect view of the breathtaking surroundings. I

In the front courtyard, picnic tables were set up near a cozy fire pit, perfect for gathering under the vast sky that turned shades of pink and purple as the sun began its descent. The air carried the faint smell of pine and fresh grass, with the distant calls of birds echoing across the valley. The entire scene exuded warmth and simplicity, a haven from the bustling world outside, nestled deep in the embrace of nature. The ranch held so many childhood memories, and it felt so refreshing to be home. It was the only place in the world where I felt like I could relax, and take in the moments. However, Holden’s presence fucked that up. 

The minute Jason parked, I grabbed my bags, ready to make a beeline inside before Holden could stir up any more trouble. But of course, he was faster, catching up and stopping me by grabbing hold of the strap on my suitcase.

“Hold up, I got it.” He gave me that insufferable smirk, the one that always seemed to carry a hint of challenge. “A gentleman never lets a lady carry her own bags.”

I narrowed my eyes, snatching the suitcase back. “Good thing there aren’t any gentlemen around here, then.”

He chuckled, and I didn’t give him the satisfaction of another glare as I dragged my bag toward the ranch entrance. The familiar sight of the house already put me a little more at ease. It felt like home, a place Holden didn’t belong, and it was as though the tension from the last few weeks began melting away as soon as we walked up to the front porch.

My mom and Robert were waiting there, and as soon as I stepped up, my mom pulled me into one of her tight, warm hugs, kissing me on the cheek. Robert followed with a strong pat on the shoulder and a smile that said he was glad to have us home. They turned to Jason next, giving him the same fuss.

Then, Mom’s eyes lit up as she turned toward Holden. I braced myself, trying not to roll my eyes. My mom had always been the warmest, most welcoming person, and I should’ve guessed she’d go all out for him too.

“Oh, Holden!” She wrapped him in a hug, and I could see his surprise as he relaxed into it, then thanked her for the warm welcome. “We’re so glad to have you here. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you for letting me join.” He gave her one of his charming smiles, a practiced look that had gotten under my skin more times than I could count. “Your home is beautiful.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, knowing how well he’d perfected that act. My mom beamed, though, eating it up like he was some kind of saint. She didn’t know him like I did, the fuckboy side of him.

“Come inside, all of you,” Mom said, ushering us through the door. 

The familiar scent of cedar and warm spices wrapped around me, and I felt an instant sense of relief. This was my sanctuary. Here, I wasn’t in Holden’s world, or Jason’s for that matter. I was back to where I could just breathe.

“Jason will show you to your room, Holden,” my mom said with a warm smile. 

She turned her attention back to Jason, probably about to ask him if he needed anything.

Perfect. No more forced proximity with Holden, at least for now. Not wasting any time, I headed straight for the stairs. Climbing them two at a time, I went straight to my old bedroom, a cozy corner of the ranch filled with things that reminded me of simpler times—soft blankets, framed photos from years ago, and the small bookshelf stuffed with my favorite books from high school. Finally, I could get away from all of Holden’s teasing, from every reminder of our fake situation. I set my suitcase down by the bed, already feeling like I could finally exhale.

I collapsed onto my bed, my body sinking into the soft comforter as I let out a frustrated sigh. My mind replayed the events of the past few days—Holden’s teasing, his relentless grin, and the way he always seemed to get under my skin. The thought of his constant presence, the way he just had to be involved in everything, was enough to make my blood boil. Yet, somewhere deep inside, I couldn’t shake the way my heart raced whenever he was near. I closed my eyes, trying to relax, but the thought of Holden’s grin, his arrogant swagger, lingered in the back of my mind.

A knock at the door ripped me from my thoughts. I groaned, hoping whoever it was would just leave me be. But I knew, deep down, it wasn’t just anyone. It couldn’t be. 

“Come in.” I muttered, not bothering to sit up. 

The door creaked open, and a smug, familiar voice immediately filled the room.

“I never took you for a girl with a stuffed animal obsession.” Holden’s voice rang out, dripping with that playful mockery that I had grown to despise.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t move from the bed. 

“Stay where you are, Holden.”

But, of course, he didn’t listen. He never did. I heard his footsteps as he sauntered into the room, the sound of his boots against the floor sending a wave of annoyance and something else through me.

He took his time looking around, his eyes scanning my room, the walls, the little details, until finally, his gaze landed on my dresser. My heart skipped a beat when I realized what he was doing.  Slowly, he opened the drawer where I kept my underwear, and I froze. He rummaged through it, his fingers brushing against my clothes with that same casual touch that made my skin prickle. And then he pulled out one of my more revealing sets—a black lace lingerie set.  His eyes sparkled with that smug amusement as he held it up, the fabric dangling between his fingers like some kind of trophy. 

“Well, well,” he drawled, clearly enjoying every second of my discomfort. “Didn’t expect this from you, Harmony.”

I felt heat flood my face, a mixture of embarrassment and anger surging through me. My chest tightened, and before I could even think, I bolted off my bed and lunged toward him.

“Give that back!” I hissed, my hand shaking as I snatched it from his grasp. 

I pressed it against my chest as if it could shield me from the humiliation of him seeing it. He raised an eyebrow, his lip curling with that infuriating smirk. “Wouldn’t mind seeing it on you.” He said, his voice low, a teasing challenge hanging in the air. 

His words dripped with something dangerous, something that made my stomach twist. I forced myself to stand tall, though every inch of my body wanted to curl into itself. 

“It will never happen,” I shot back, my tone sharp, trying to mask the fluttering in my chest.

He didn’t back off, of course. He took a step closer, his presence suffocating, making it impossible to ignore the pull between us. His smirk deepened, a flicker of something darker in his eyes. 

“You know,” he murmured, his voice soft and almost conspiratorial, “you try so hard to stay away from me, but you never seem to stick to it.”

My breath hitched at the words, at the way he said them—so casual, but layered with meaning. The tension in the room thickened, and I had to force myself to look away. 

“I had a lapse of judgment,” I said, each word heavy with the lie. “But I’m back on track now.”

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through the space between us. He leaned in even closer, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver racing down my spine. 

“Challenge accepted.” He whispered, his lips so close to my skin I could feel the heat radiating from him. “However, I plan to fuck you into oblivion before we leave this place, and I know you want that too.” 

The tension was unbearable—like the world had stopped, and there was only Holden and me, trapped in a moment where nothing else mattered. My heart raced, my thoughts scattered, and all I could focus on was the way he was making me feel.  Without another word, he stepped back, his grin widening as he watched me, his eyes gleaming with something triumphant. He lingered in the doorway, the weight of his presence pressing on me, before he finally left, leaving me standing there, breathless, speechless, and alone.

I was left in the silence of my room, but it was far from peaceful. My pulse was still racing, my body still tingling from the near proximity. I wanted to hate him, to tell myself I was stronger than this—than him. But deep down, I knew one thing for certain: Holden was a force I couldn’t escape. And somehow, I didn’t know if I even wanted to.