Page 112 of Only With Me

He holds up his hand in feign innocence. “What? I thought that’s how you liked sayin’ goodbye?”

“Wow, you’re so funny.” I playfully punch his arm but before I can step back, he quickly grabs my wrist and pulls me to his chest. Our bodies smash together along with all the air getting sucked out of my lungs.

His gaze pierces mine, and I swallow hard at the intensity of his stare. He’s made me speechless, which is hard to do.

When he grabs my chin and tilts it up so my mouth is closer to his, I brace for contact—hoping this is finally it.

But then he shifts slightly and kisses my cheek.

“Have a good rest of your day. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

Before stepping away, he winks and then I watch as he walks across the street to his truck—leaving me in a puddle of disbelief.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Waylon

Knowing I’ll get to spend time with Harlow and Bentley today had me waking up in the best mood. We texted briefly last night to confirm what time I’d be at her house but otherwise we haven’t spoken much since I saw her in town.

I might’ve stretched the truth asmidgewhen I told Harlow I broke my phone.

After she texted me as Poison Ivy Girl, I knew I had to get a new number. I feel awful that she’s going to lose access to “him” from the group chat, but it’d only be a matter of time before she asked to exchange numbers and then realized she already had it.

Then I’d have to explain everything.

At this point, maybe I should rip off the Band-Aid and tell her.

But she’s opened up to me so much and she’s the first person in years I’ve felt comfortable being vulnerable around, so maybe I’m being selfish now because I don’t want to ruin that.

Plus, I don’t want to keep messaging her through that stupid dating app, but I couldn’t randomly change my number without my siblings questioning it.

When I told Wilder I was getting my own plan and that it included a free phone, he asked if we could test my current phone’s durability.For fun.

That’s where the tractor came in.

And if I’m being completely honest, I knew she was meeting her date at the cafe at noon, so I purposely went into town and parked close by during my lunch break.

But…she doesn’t need to know that.

I’m no expert in dating but even I could see how uncomfortable she was from across the street. Her body was tense, she hardly smiled or laughed, and she looked like she’d rather be anywhere else. The guy was leaning on the table toward her, meanwhile, she had her back pressed against the chair so she was further away.

If you didn’t know they were on a date, you’d assume she was on a job interview.

But I couldn’t help kissing her knuckles the way he had because the look on her face while he did it was priceless—like she was taken so aback, she didn’t know how to react. I didn’t want her to leave with a bad taste in her mouth, so I mimicked what he’d done and then moved to her cheek—even though I wanted to kiss her lips, I knew I couldn’t without consequences.

I could feel the tension between us, and I think she did too, so it’s probably a good thing Bentley will be with us for a few hours this afternoon.

Waylon: I’m leaving now, be there in 15.

Harlow: Okay…my father would like to talk to you first.

Oh fuck.

Waylon: Should I come armed?

Harlow: Only if you think you can’t outrun a man in a wheelchair.

Waylon: Nah, I think I’m good then.