Page 127 of Only With Me

“How sweet of you.” She giggles. “But I think you’re gonna haveta tell my dad first.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Harlow

After Natalie thoroughly cusses me out for ignoring her messages and reminding me about country drives being serial killer territory, she makes me tell her every little detail during our next Thursday night hang out session—although I skipped the details, but she doesn’t need to know that. She enjoyed gloating about how sheknew it.After the sheriff busted us, I texted and thanked her forso kindlysending the sheriff to come interrupt us, but I appreciated the sentiment that she was worried about me.

But then, my dad found out and he was less than happy. The sheriff’s wife works at the same hospital as my mom who mentioned it to her and then she told my father.

Even though I’m an adult, he will always see me as a little girl. He’s not used to me being interested in dating or staying out late. Although he goes to bed early, he often wakes up with pain a couple times throughout the night, so when I quietly walked into the house after midnight, it was unusual for him to see me coming in from a night out with Waylon.

It’s not so much that Waylon dated Delilah, but my parents are concerned he’s too old for me and will push me intomarriage and having babies before I’m ready. Waylon isn’t pushy like that, considering how respectful he’s been of my boundaries and always asks if I’m comfortable doing certain things, he’s not the type.

But I’m hoping they’ll warm up to him the more they get to know him again and see how happy I am and that they have nothing to worry about.

Now, I just have to find a way to tell my sister before she finds out on her own.

But that day won’t be now because Waylon planned a whole Saturday to take me and my dad out to an elite equine center for premier riders an hour and a half away. Waylon bought a carrier attachment for the back of his truck so he can drive us and make sure Dad has everything he needs.

It took a little convincing for my dad to agree to come along but once Mom talked to him, he changed his mind. I know it’s not easy for him with his anxiety and chronic pain, but I hope getting him out of the house will be good for his mental state.

He’s been struggling more lately, which I think is somewhat due to being in the middle of the winter season, but this place has heated lounges for comfortable viewing of the arena. Better yet, everything’s handicapped accessible, so he should have no issues being in his power chair.

I’m also excited to watch the show horse jumpers. They’re professionals who’ve been riding for two decades or more and they do some intense courses and high jumps.

By ten, I’m ready to go and waiting in the living room for dad to finish. As I play on my phone, I’m reminded that I need to remove the CowboyMatch app. But first I need to delete my profile.

Except when I go to my most recent messages, I see an unread one from Emery. I know how it feels to be stood up andghosted, so I’d like to give him the courtesy of telling him I’m no longer interested.

Emery: Hey gorgeous, I was hoping we could set up a second date. Are you busy Saturday?

He sent that three days ago.

Harlow: Hi Emery. I’m so sorry for not replying sooner. Honestly, I forgot to check my messages on here. I’m actually seeing someone now and will be deleting my profile, but I wanted to tell you so you weren’t left wondering.

I think that sounds okay, right? I’m being direct and honest, and if he gets mad about that, then that’s his problem.

Emery: Oh too bad. But I appreciate you telling me. Maybe I’ll see ya around your store sometime. Have a good one!

Before I can reply, his profile disappears.

Did he just block me?

How strange.

I delete my profile and then delete the app for good.

Waylon: I’m on my way, baby. Be there in 15.

I’ll never get over him calling me that.

In person when his hands are all over me, when we’re video chatting casually about our day, or in a text. It sends butterflies to my stomach within seconds.

“Hey, Daddy? Are you almost ready?” I call out through his bedroom door.

When no one answers, I knock a few times, then twist the knob.

“Daddy?”