Page 68 of Stealing Home

“That’s not even close to the same thing. Your mom was in danger because she was with me.”

“Semantics. I’m not leaving her to defend herself.”

“Where do you see this going? You just turned twenty-one yesterday.”

“Assuming I can get her back, I want to marry her the moment she’s ready.”

“And are you ready for that? Marriage, kids?”

“Was mom?” I shoot back.

I’m getting really fucking sick of everyone insisting I need to enjoy my youth. I’m not into partying. I like staying home and watching movies. If I’m really honest with myself, the idea of Harlow pregnant makes me hard. I sure as hell won’t be telling my dad that though.

“That’s not the same thing,” he says.

“I beg to differ. I’m older than mom was when I was born. What exactly am I going to miss out on?”

I hear a chair squeak on the other end of the line, meaning he’s gotten up to pace his office. “The fact that you don’t know is why you should wait. You need to travel the world, date around, know yourself before you settle down.”

“Do you hear yourself right now? Answer me this, do you regret marrying mom?”

“Absolutely not. She’s the best part of my life. I love her more now than I did twenty-some years ago, and I thought seeing her pregnant with you was the most I could ever love another human being.”

“Then why are you having such a hard time believing I could feel the same way for Harlow?”

“Because she’s too old for you!”

He’s breathing heavy now, and as much as I dreaded this conversation, I’m glad to have it out in the open. “She’s my person, dad. I don’t know what else to say to you.”

“Your mom isn’t going to be happy about this,” he warns.

The door creaks open again, and I hear my mom’s voice. “Won’t be happy about what?”

“Your son is dating his coach’s wife,” he blurts out.

“The beautiful woman from the banquet?” she asks.

“They’re separated. She’s already served him with divorce papers, and I swear to you nothing happened before that. And before either of you ask, she didn’t pursue me.”

“They aren’t together now, because Scott has a sex tape,” my dad drops another bomb.

“God, dad. Soften the blow, why don’t you? It’s not a sex tape, exactly.”

“He was kicked off the team too,” my dad finishes filling her in.

“Well, you’ve been busy,” she states. I’m not sure if she’s in shock, or just taking this better than him.

“I didn’t cheat on her,” I tell my mom.

“Of course you didn’t. But, this is still a lot. She’s a lot older than you, honey.”

“So dad has already pointed out, several times.”

“Why don’t you come home and lay low for a few days?” she asks.

If I weren’t worried about Harlow, and I could actually make the trip, I’d love nothing more than to spend time with my family. Even if they are disappointed in me.

“I can’t drive right now,” I tell them.

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