Page 66 of Against The Rules

She looks up at me with those big blue eyes, clearer now.

I want to see her smile. It hurts to see her so upset.

“What did you eat today?” I finally ask.

“Tacos.”

“And?”

“Baby carrots.”

I blink. “That’s it?”

“I had a few chips.” Her voice is slightly defensive and still shaky.

“And margarita,” I add, smelling tequila on her breath. “Here’s what I think.”

She doesn’t respond, just blinks up at me.

“We’re going to get some more food in you because damn, that smells good. We’re going to mix a fresh batch of margaritas, and then all that stuff you planned to do with… what was her name?”

“Presley.” Her voice wobbles, and I wince. Not the brightest move, bringing her back up.

“Right. Whatever you planned with her, I’ll help you with.”

“Okay.”

I gaze at her, concerned by her easy agreement. “Do you want to help me with the margaritas?” I’m slightly afraid if I leave her alone, she’s going to start crying again.

She nods. “Yes.”

“You have to eat another taco. And some chips.”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” she says.

I beam at her. “That’s my girl.”

“I will eat the taco.” She glares at me, her lower lip still trembling. I press my index finger against it. “But only because I want to. Not because you told me to.”

“Sure. Of course.” I hold back a laugh, because goddamn it, she’s just so cute, even when she is a wet, crying mess with raccoon eyes. “You eat the taco, if you so desire, and meet me in the kitchen.”

She nods her head.

“Ready? Break!” I shout, doing my best impression of our quarterback, Daniel.

She laughs, and it sounds more normal.

Makes me feel like I won the damn lottery.

CHAPTER 28

SAVANNAH

I was hungry. Like, really hungry. There were four more tacos in the bag, and I ate my way through half of those and most of the chips, too.

I pat my stomach, feeling slightly sick and sleepy but also full for the first time all day. Oh, and slightly drunk. That too.

“Now that we’ve eaten,” Ty says, then pretends to toss his hair back. “What’s first on the agenda? Do I need to do your hair?”

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