Page 15 of Against The Rules

He raises one eyebrow pointedly, and this time, there’s no doubt in my mind that he knows what he’s doing with that damned strawberry.

“I’ll teach you how to be sexy,” he finally finishes for me. “You get what you want, I get what I want, then we go our separate ways…” he trails off, ostensibly distracted by the plate loaded with greasy bacon. “And no one will be the wiser.”

It makes me feel slightly icky, the thought of using him for money. It’s his idea, though, and he’s… he’s right, isn’t he? We’re both getting something out of this arrangement, out of getting drunk and making some questionable choices last night.

His tongue darts out as he licks strawberry juice from his lower lip, and I’m hit with the urge to laugh hysterically.

“Agreed,” I say through clenched teeth, barely holding back the manic giggle in my throat.

It’s not funny.

I’m married to a guy—accidentally married to a guy—who, merely by following me on social media, would get me expelled from the cheer team.

“We meet once a week, in secret, for you to discuss your business needs and for me to help you with your… sexiness problem.”

Shame floods me at that, along with the bitter sting of hurt. Of course he doesn’t think I’m sexy. Why else would he agree to give me lessons?

Don’t be stupid, Savannah.

He’s holding out his hand, waiting for me to shake it.

This is a bad idea, this is a terrible idea… and I could walk through that door and call this whole thing off.

But I don’t.

Instead, I take his hand in mine. His fingers dwarf mine, warm and strong, and I don’t think the shiver that goes through me has anything to do with my hangover at all.

I am in so much trouble.

CHAPTER 7

BEAVER CHEER RULEBOOK

Off-Duty Cheerleader Code of Conduct

Social media has added a new and perilous landscape to this chapter of our Organization’s history. In order to protect both the integrity of our Organization and the safety of our cheerleaders, cheerleaders will abide by the following guidelines or be removed from their positions.

Cheerleaders will not advertise their affiliation with the Organization on their personal social media accounts. This includes posting pictures of uniforms, behind the scenes images, or anything else that might indicate their position as a cheerleader.

Cheerleaders will not befriend professional athletes on social media. Fraternization with athletes will result in immediate termination from the Organization.

Cheerleaders will not post pictures of alcoholic beverages or any illegal substance on their personal social media accounts.

Cheerleaders’ social media accounts should be aesthetically pleasing, should feature positive messaging, and should be free of political speech and personal agendas.

Cheerleaders should be well-groomed at all times, including in their personal social media images. Natural makeup and professional dress are advised.

CHAPTER 8

TYLER

It’s been a week since Vegas, and true to our agreement, I haven’t seen or spoken to Savannah since we had breakfast together.

Doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about her, though.

Tonight’s our first secret meeting. All week, I’ve been thinking about how to teach her to be sexy, even though I know damn well she doesn’t need any help in that department.

Guilt floods through me, and I punish myself by adding weight to the bar. It makes me feel like crap to play on that insecurity, but if that’s what it takes to make this happen, then that’s what it takes.

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