Page 113 of My Rules

“Maybe.”

Veronica smiles proudly. Every single child has a new comment about their heartbeat, and honestly, I don’t ever think I’ve heard something so beautiful.

I blink back tears for the tenth time today.

“Miss Dalton.” Blake turns to me.

“Yes.”

“I would like to listen to your heartbeat.”

Don’t—I guarantee it’s fluttering right now. “Okay.” I step forward. He puts the stethoscope to my chest and gives me a sexy wink.

I smirk as I try to act casual.

“Ahh.” He smiles as he listens. “This heart is very special.” He listens intently again. “It’s big and ... loving.” He listens again. “K2,” he calls. “I think this is the sweetest heart that I’ve ever listened to.”

Oh . . .

The class cheers, and I unexpectedly tear up again. His eyes hold mine for a moment before he turns away and holds up Cecil. “Everybody thank Dr. Cecil.”

The class goes wild, and I stare at the stranger in front of me.

The best friend and neighbor that I know has suddenly turned into something much more appealing.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I watch him continue to work the room.

This is a disaster.

Hands slide down my thighs and hold my legs open. His thick tongue swipes through my flesh as I quiver on the brink of orgasm.

Two fingers slowly slide inside my body ...

My back arches off the bed, and I moan in ecstasy. My hand roams over his shoulder muscles, and I smile into his neck as he climbs over me.

“Rebecca,” a voice whispers in my ear.

My eyes spring open, and I sit up in a start. My heart is racing. Perspiration wets my skin. I glance at the clock: 4:00 a.m. It’s okay, it’s not real. It never happened.

I pant as I go over the dream—or was it a nightmare?

I know that voice. I’d know it anywhere.

Blake.

I sit on the back steps as the sun comes up. Barry is out doing his morning potty, but I haven’t slept a wink.

Spending the entire night having sexually explicit dreams of your platonic friend will do that to you. I was living in a nightmare ... a very hot one, at that.

This is ... bad. Bad, bad, bad.

“Hey.” I hear Blake coming down the side through the gate. “You ready for a walk?”

“Oh,” he says in surprise as he sees me sitting on the steps. “You’re up early.”

“Yep.” I force a smile. Not going to tell you why, though.

“Actually, this is good timing,” he says.

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