Page 64 of Sin With Me

“Send me a few selfies when you actually put that on…” She nods toward it. “So there’s proof.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

I dig around for my favorite cowboy boots and add them to the pile. Then I look through my dresser for panties and socks. I don’t know why I’m hyper-fixating on what I’m wearing underneath my clothes, but I’d rather overpack than somehow run out of underwear.

“Delilah?”

Mattie’s booming voice grabs my attention, and I quickly spin toward her.

“What?” I ask, holding my items close to my chest.

“You okay?” She slides off the bed, then stands in front of me. “I said your name like three or four times. You completely dazed out.”

Blinking a few times, I nod. “Yeah, I was focused on which pairs to bring, I guess.” I let out a small chuckle. “Can never bring enough, right?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Her hesitant voice tells me she’s not buying it. “You don’t have to go if you’re havin’ doubts. I’m sure Harlow would understand.”

“It’s not that…” I toss my items on the bed and sit. “Just anxious to be around Wilder in a different settin’ and not know where his head is regardin’ our…situation.”

“I think you should go and try not to think about it. Just have fun and let loose. You’re on vacation. It doesn’t have to revolve around Wilder. Spend this time with your mom and sister. Wilder will wait or he’ll find a way to talk to you if he wants to, but don’t put any pressure on yourself. Plus, it’s Vegas! Go experience it.”

I nod, smiling wide. “You’re right. It’ll be nice to go have fun for a couple days.”

“That’s my girl!” She playfully smacks my knee. “Just don’t come back pregnant. We promised to get knocked up together, and I’m not ready for that yet.”

My head falls back, laughing at the pact we made when we were thirteen. “Okay, deal.”

I haven’t flown in several years, since Mattie and I went to Florida on a whim and spent the weekend in Key West. Most of it is a blur since we partied the whole time. But we had a blast and I’m hoping Vegas won’t be any different.

Even though my nerves are on fire—for several reasons—I’m excited when I pick up my mom and see how amped up she is to be getting out of Sugarland Creek for a while.

Wilder’s riding with Tripp and Magnolia to the airport, so I have an hour to clear my mind before we get there. Our flight doesn’t leave for another three hours, so we should have plenty of time to get to our gate and wait to board.

“What would you think about goin’ to the Hollises’ for Christmas this year?”

My head snaps over to my mother in the passenger seat. “But we always eat at your house.”

“Right, but it’s the first one without your father, and I think it’s time we make new traditions.”

“We’ve made some,” I counter. Like Saturday night game nights.

“I know, sweetheart. I guess it doesn’t feel right havin’ it at the house without him. Maybe eventually it will, but right now, I’d like to try somethin’ new. Mrs. Hollis invited us.”

“Oh…” My throat tightens, and I choke back tears. I should’ve realized how hard this would be on her too. “Okay, we can go.”

“Thanks, honey.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “Hopefully, you and Wilder make up by then.”

“Huh? What makes you think we’re fightin’?”

“I’m not blind, Delilah. You’ve been moppy the last two Saturdays, and I’m sure that article didn’t help things. Was he mad about you helpin’ Jonah?”

My shoulders tense, but she deserves an explanation. I’ve already told her about him and his sister and the shit with Wesley. But I didn’t tell her the details with Wilder.

For the rest of the drive, I catch her up on everything. Hell, I basically word-vomit until my brain’s empty. I even tell her the truth about the night I got pulled over and how Wilder and I made out.

And then how I freaked out and got pissed at him, which led to where we are now and why I’m anxious to see him again.

“You probably think I’m an emotional wreck, don’t ya?”