Page 88 of Unspoken Rules

I’m getting tired of saying that.

She scrunches up her nose. “Yeah, I figured that.”

“How so?” I ask, curious as to what she means.

She shrugs. “Tomas is like Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries. But you’re more like a Joe Manganiello in True Blood.”

My jaw drops open, and I grin.

“What is with all the vampire shows?” I laugh.

“I’ve been on a vampire romance kick! Don’t judge me.” She gives me a playful shove.

“I’m not judging.” I hold up my hands in surrender. “Also, you’re not wrong.”

“I knew it!” I grin and look back at Chris. He’s still there. “You know who kinda looks like Joe Manganiello?” she hedges. I don’t miss the suggestive tone she’s using.

I chuckle and glance at her. “Who?”

She grins knowingly. “Chris’s dad.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Bryson

I’m silent for far too long, staring at Mila with my mouth wide open. I finally shake out of it.

“Really? You think so?”

“Don’t play dumb, Bryson. It’s okay if you have a crush on the guy.”

My heart pounds a little harder.

“Why in the world would you say that?” I ask as casually as I can, picking up my soda.

“Because you did in high school. Why wouldn’t you now?”

“How do you know I did in high school?”

She gasps. “So you admit it!”

Shit. This little weasel.

“I didn’t admit anything. I’m just asking.”

She’s bouncing in her seat, no doubt proud of being right. It’s making me want to throw up. After a moment, she relaxes, her expression turning more serious.

“Look, I know you just came out to me and all, but like I said, I kind of assumed anyway. And trust me, anyone with eyes could see the way you looked at that man. Though, I think we all kind of do. He’s hot.” When I just stare at her, she looks beyond me, but quickly darts her eyes back. Her brow furrows, and it’s like something goes off in her head. “Oh my god, Bryson, I won’t say anything. I’m sorry, I was just messing with you. I know you would never do anything like that. It was just a joke.”

I swallow hard, wondering if I should tell her the truth. Maybe I should get an outsider’s opinion. People knowing isn’t a good idea. The more that know, the more chances there are for Chris to find out. But Cole never asked me not to tell anyone. And Mila is one of the most trustworthy people in the entire world. She hates drama and is loyal as hell to her friends.

“Can I be honest with you?” I ask.

Her brow furrows deeper, and she takes my hand. “Of course you can. Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing is wrong. I just—”

“What did I miss?” Tomas takes a seat and I bring my attention to him. Good timing. Or maybe bad timing. I can’t really tell. But maybe it’s a good thing I don’t mention this to Mila. I know I can trust her, but this could cause someone to freak out. Especially with the way she feels about Chris. What if I admit it to her and she feels more loyalty to Chris and tells him? It’s better I don’t risk it. I can’t believe I almost told her.

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