Page 26 of My Rules

“Um ...” He drags his hand down his face. “You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you, anyway ... so, this secret.”

“Yeah, if you could help me, I would really appreciate it. I mean, I know how busy you are, and to fit this in every day is a big ask.”

He blinks as if processing my words.

“Aren’t you hot in that towel?”

“Nope, I’m cold.” He grips it harder.

“So ...” I pause. “Do you think we could start tonight? I just want to stop overthinking this and get started before I can chicken out.”

“Um . . .” He pauses.

Laughter erupts again from inside.

“Are they still drunk?”

“No doubt,” he stammers. “Listen, Bec.” He twists his lips as if thinking. “We had so many conversations last night. Remind me what we are talking about again?”

“Foot Finder.”

He screws up his face. “What about it?”

“Remember you told me that your girlfriend from college used to upload pictures of her feet to Foot Finder and get a few hundred dollars every week from it, and nobody ever knew?”

His mouth falls open. “Oh ...”

“I know this is extreme, but I’m going to have to move if I don’t find an extra eight hundred dollars a week.”

“Right. Okay, now I’m on board.” He nods. “You can definitely upload pictures of your feet. Weirdos pay big money for hot little feet like yours.”

“But they can never find out it’s me, can they? Like, I’m not going to have some serial killer come and find me and chop my feet off, am I?”

“I sincerely hope not.”

“You said last night that you can take the daily photos for me. Will that be a hassle for you, though?”

“Looking at your feet and hot legs could never be a hassle.”

I smile, relieved. “So we can start tonight?”

“Yes.” He thinks for a moment. “Where did you sleep last night?”

“Very funny.” I smirk.

“Is it?”

“Oh my god, I bet Taryn is feeling it.”

Confusion flashes across his face. “Feeling what, exactly?”

“Oh my god, Blake, stop.” I smile. “You’re such a tease.”

Laughter erupts inside again. “Listen, I have to go,” he stammers in a fluster. “I’ll be over later.”

“Remember, nobody can ever know about this,” I remind him.

“Of course not.”

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