Page 139 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

WithRosie, it’s an experience. One I’ll never get sick of.

I press my forehead to hers.

“Why do you always do that?” she asks, her breath fogging the chilled air.

“Do what?”

“Put your forehead against mine.” She pressed warm palms to my cheeks.

“I don’t know. I guess it makes me feel centered. All the worries and negative thoughts fade away.”

Her eyes shine, making my heart sink. Shit. Did my confession upset her?

“What?” I ask dumbly.

“Nothing.” She shakes her head, stepping away.

Gently I grasp her wrist and take a step toward her. “Did I say something wrong?”

She wraps her free arm around her torso and shakes her head. “No, I just… I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

I tug on a piece of dark, curled hair and wrap it around my finger. Its softness distracts me momentarily. Does she do something special to make it that way, or is her hair naturally that soft?

“What I’m hearing is that I need to give you compliments more often.”

She lets out a watery laugh, but her eyes still swim with sadness. “What can I say? I guess my love language is words of affirmation.”

I take her in my arms and hold her for several heartbeats.

I’m going to tell this girl every day for the rest of our lives how much she means to me.

With a kiss to her forehead, I release her and reach for her door. “Let’s go, baby.”

32

ROSIE

Despite usingmy best methods of persuasion, I was never able to convince my mother to cancel the appointments she made at several bridal boutiques. I’m not surprised she wouldn’t give in, but man, did I hope she would.

I leave Daire and Sammy at home and head for the hotel to pick up my mom and sister.

My mom didn’t want to stay with us because, in her words, she needs her sleep and can’t have a baby waking her up.

I park in front of the hotel and send her a text that I’ve arrived.

The day hasn’t even fully begun, and I’m already exhausted. I asked Bertie to come, but she gave me a vague excuse about having a prior obligation. Something’s going on with her, I can sense it, and I’m going to have to get to the bottom of it.

But I can’t dwell on that today. I have to focus on surviving a shopping trip with my mother.

Under other circumstances, I would’ve loved seeing her and Grace.

While I wait, I take a long gulp of my iced espresso—then another for good measure—and let out a sigh.

“You can do this,” I mutter to myself.

Five minutes later, my mom and Grace stroll out of the hotel. Once they’re settled, my mom in front and Grace in back, I turn in my seat and give my little sister a wide smile. “Gracie! I missed you!”

“I missed you too.” She clicks her buckle in place. “Do I get to wear a pretty dress too?”

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