Page 20 of Against The Rules

I laugh despite myself, even though the word ‘wife’ sends that same weird shiver down my spine.

I start typing and three little dots appear by his name at the same time, and my heart gives a squeeze.

It’s nice to be wanted, even if it is just to be shown off to his parents like some kind of fake trophy girlfriend… except I’m actually his wife.

Another scream tries to escape my mouth, but I clamp my lips shut, breathing through flared nostrils and racking my brain for a silver lining.

It’s nice that he’s trying. I expected him to change his mind, that his half-cocked plot to fool his parents into… into whatever he’s trying to fool them into would disappear and I’d be signing divorce papers instead of making plans for a secret rendezvous and taking cash so I can start the stationery and art business of my dreams.

My roommate is home

The three dots keep dotting, and I stare at the screen, then whip my head around guiltily as Presley’s door opens. She marches out, fresh makeup and clothes on, and gives me a little wave. An overnight bag swings from her shoulder.

“I’m going out with Trent,” she announces. “I can bring you leftovers,” she adds on when I frown at her.

“I thought you broke up with him.” Her boyfriend is a huge asshole. Ex-boyfriend. I sigh. On again, off again asshole friend that’s man-shaped.

It’s her turn to look guilty, and she bites her lower lip, giving me the first honest expression I’ve seen on her in ages. “I did.”

“Presley,” I say slowly. “He’s so mean to you.”

“No, he doesn’t do it on purpose. He’s working on his issues. I just need to be more patient with him.” Her voice takes on a brittle tone, and I know all too well it’s time to drop it.

“He’s not working on anything, he’s taking advantage of how nice you are,” I tell her, surprising both of us.

Presley blinks at me, her throat bobbing. “He deserves another chance.”

“Does he?” I ask her, because no, he sure as shit does not.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” Presley answers, and this time, she doesn’t wait for me to respond, but stalks out the door, leaving me slack-jawed in her wake.

Right.

Fuck. I shouldn’t have said anything.

My phone vibrates in my hand, and I glance at it, my stomach twisted from the way Presley left. I know I'm right; of course I’m right—but I also know Presley is going to do whatever she wants to do, and I probably just drove her right back into Trent’s stupid arms.

Ugh!

What would you like to do?

My roommate went out, you can come over here.

Food?

God, I want sushi. I’m starving. But this month’s weigh-in is tomorrow at practice, and I can’t afford to gorge on sushi.

Just get me some chicken and salad or I can eat something here

Got it- text me your address, please?

I do, and when his reply buzzes in, I can’t help blushing.

See you in a half an hour, gorgeous

Hope you’re ready for your first lesson

I don’t know what to say to that, so I don’t say anything. Instead, I look around our townhome frantically. It’s a mess.

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