Page 147 of Restricted List

He eyes me. “You’re allergic to cats.”

Why did that have to be the first animal I thought of? The only one I’m allergic to?

I sigh, defeated. “Yes, I have someone over.”

“Is it the guy you’re seeing that you won’t tell me about?” He crosses his arms.

“Maybe it is,” I say defiantly. “Maybe we were in my room before you got here.”

My dad throws his hands up. “I don’t need to know what was happening. But I don’t understand why you won’t tell me about him.”

“You know exactly why, Dad. I told you I’m keeping things to myself as long as you try to control my love life.”

“I could walk into your room right now, Rory, and find out who he is for myself.”

“You could,” I relent. “But you know I’d be pissed at you if you did, so I know you won’t.”

He sighs and shakes his head. “I wish you felt like you could tell me things again.”

“And I wish you’d back off. As soon as you do, I’ll be an open book.”

“I see you’re busy, so I’ll be on my way. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Before he slips out the door, I tell him I love him, and he says the same thing to me.

I hate this so fucking much. I just want to be able to share how happy I am with him, but if I do that, Cole’s career is at risk because my dad is too overprotective.

I make my way back to my bedroom, finding Cole sitting on my bed, now in the T-shirt and jeans he came in yesterday.

“Please tell me he didn’t hear that,” he pleads nervously.

“I think the whole building heard it, Cole,” I groan. “Of course, he heard it.”

“Fucking hell,” he grumbles, falling back onto the bed with his hands covering his face.

“He doesn’t know it was you. But I did have to finally admit that I was seeing someone. I tried to tell him it was my cat, but he had to remind me that I’m allergic.”

He can’t help but laugh. “Only pussy in this apartment is yours.”

I cackle.Cackle. It sounds ridiculous, but I can’t control myself.

I grip his shirt and rest my head against his chest. “Why do I get the feeling we’re on borrowed time right now?”

Cole sighs. “We might be. But we’ll deal with it. It’ll all be okay, Rory girl.”

Even though I know it won’t be easy, I believe him.

Rory

I know Lucia is working, but can you two meet me at Urban Grind?

I need a moment with my girls

Harlow

Is everything okay, babe?

Rory

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