Page 140 of Unspoken Rules

“The hair is here!” Toby shouts through cupped hands.

A few of us chuckle.

“I swear I’m going to cut it off,” Max says when he reaches us. He and Toby share a hug. They were friends before starting at Flashfire and were both lucky enough to be offered the opportunity out here.

“No way. The ladies love it too much,” Toby says, giving him a playful shove.

“They’ll love me without the hair too. I’m amazing.” He holds his arms out and grins. “Especially in bed.”

Men.

I roll my eyes again. It’s honestly so good to be here.

We go to an Irish pub that has a live band and we stay until it closes. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere electric. There’s something about Boston that is always alive. Though, I guess that’s just how it is in big cities.

We’re all buzzed when we make our way back to our building in rideshares, all with plans to go for breakfast in the morning. Though, I have a feeling that won’t happen since half the guys will forget and the other half will still be sleeping. I’m one of the latter. Waking up early during the week is rough, especially because no matter how hard I try, I can never get to sleep before one in the morning. I’m a night owl. No way am I waking up early just to eat food when it can wait until later.

Westley and I are the only ones on the top floor, so we say bye to everyone else as they get off on their floors. We head down the hallway together.

“That place was fucking awesome,” Westley says, running a hand through his shaggy blond hair. It’s wavy and always somehow looks messy but stylish. “We need to go back there again.”

“Agreed. I wasn’t expecting the food to be so good.”

“Oh my god, the food!” He rubs his stomach, groaning. “I need more food.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. We turn the corner as I say, “You just—”

But I freeze, unable to get the rest of the words out or my feet to move anymore.

“What’s wrong?” Westley asks, watching me carefully as he too stops.

When I don’t answer, he follows my gaze to the man sitting on the floor in front of my apartment door.

“Is that someone you know?” he asks quietly, stepping so close I can feel his body heat against me. We all know this is Boston and there are some crazy people out here. There have already been a few incidents of homeless people being caught sleeping in the lobby and basement, which is why the landlord had to hire 24-hour security.

I sigh and answer Westley in my head.

Unfortunately, yes. I know him well.

What the hell is he doing here?

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Bryson

Cole looks up when I reach him. There are dark bags under his eyes, and there isn’t an ounce of brightness in them like there used to be. He looks absolutely exhausted. It’s close to six am his time, so if he just flew here, he probably hasn’t slept.

He blinks a few times, not showing any amount of emotion, until he narrows his eyes on Westley, who is standing very close. Sort of like a watchdog. I’ve never known Westley to be like this, but hey, it’s late and this is the city. Cole gets to his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets, but doesn’t say a word.

“Bryson?” Westley asks, this time a little more demanding, like he’s ready to fuck Cole up if he shouldn’t be here.

I sigh, putting my hand on Westley’s shoulder. “It’s fine, Westley. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You’re sure?” he asks, raising a brow and glancing at Cole.

“Totally.”

I pat his arm, and he nods hesitantly.

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