Page 47 of Rushing Into Love

Hopefully it will be worth it. Silencing my inner critic, I spent the next few moments fantasizing about Ryder—his rock-hard pecs, his chiseled abs, those deep blue eyes.

Definitely worth it.

Knock, knock. “Aunt Bee? Are you up yet?” Alex cracked the door open and I waved her in.

“Yes, come in!”

At the invitation, she ran in and jumped into bed with me, snuggling in close. She gazed up at me with wide eyes. “Will you take me to the movies today?”

“Sure, if it’s okay with your mom. I’d love to.”

Alex jumped up and ran out of the room. I quickly made up the bed and changed into jeans and a sweater, then headed out to the kitchen in search of Brooks and coffee, not necessarily in that order.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Brooks said. “Late night?” She raised her eyebrows.

I shook my head. “Nah, not really.” I avoided her gaze, my cheeks flaming.

“Sure, right,” she said, handing me a mug of steaming coffee. “I’ll bet.”

Her tone told me she sensed something was up, but we couldn’t very well discuss it with Alex in the room.

I quickly changed the subject. “So, Alex asked if I would take her to the movies. Is that okay with you guys? It’s the least I could do, since I’ve been crashing with you. You and Craig could have a day date,” I said, pouring creamer into my coffee.

“That works for me. What time were you thinking?”

“I haven’t checked the times, but you two lovebirds can get going. Alex and I can hang for a while, right?” I looked to Alex for confirmation and she bobbed her head.

“Alright, let me grab Craig and my coat and we’ll be out of here.”

She turned to go, but swiveled back around, leaning in close to me and whispering in my ear, “You’re not off the hook yet, young lady. I want all the details later tonight.”

Winking, she practically skipped out of the kitchen.

At least she’s enthusiastic about the Ryder situation. I doubted Quinn would have the same reaction.

I went back to my room and grabbed my phone. I was searching for movie times when I got a text:

Ryder: Morning, beautiful. How’d you sleep?

Grinning, I typed back:

Great. How about you?

Ryder: I would have slept better next to you.

I all but swooned. This man was definitely a keeper. I wasn’t feeling so bad about breaking my dating rules now. I typed:

Bree: Me too. Maybe next time ??

Then I untyped it, typed it again, and hit ‘Send.’

Ryder: Sounds like a date. Next weekend?

Bree: Let me check my calendar and get back to you.

There. I could play a little hard to get.

Ryder: Ouch. Nothing like leaving a guy hanging.

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