Page 152 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

“You… I… I don’t have words.”

He leans in, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “Isn’t it clear by now that I’d do anything for you?”

Tears burn my eyes, threatening to fall. I’m overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness.

With a sniff, I rein in my composure and sit straighter. “What movie are we watching?”

“What movie did you always want to watchat a drive-in?”

I slap a hand to his forearm. “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging?”

He nods, trying not to laugh at my excitement, if the twitch in his lips is any indication.

When I was a tween, I was certain it was the best movie in history. A young Aaron Taylor-Johnson had a lot to do with why I was such a big fan.

I swallow past the lump in my throat and regard Daire.

I love him. I’ve known that for a while, and he loves me. There’s no doubt. But seeing it like this? In the things he does for me? It’s monumental. The way he went all out for our first Valentine’s Day means the world to me. I would’ve been fine eating pizza on the floor while hanging out with Sammy. But he wanted to give me something I will never forget.

“Are you… fuck, baby, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He pulls me into his arms, knocking the basket over in the process. The opening credits of the movie start, but I bury my face in his hoodie and sniffle.

“Thank you.”

Those two words aren’t anywhere near enough to encompass the gratitude I feel.

This man listened to my ramblings for years and somehow remembered so many small details all these years later.

Finally, I compose myself and settle on my side of the cargo area. As I shift and get comfortable, he eyes me like he’s waiting for me to break down again. When I smile at him, he blows out a relieved breath and hands me a sandwich.

“I have popcorn and drinks too.”

The smile that splits my face is so big my cheeks hurt. “You’ve thought of everything.”

“I tried to.” He picks up his own sandwich and a can of Coke from the basket.

I peer inside and have to suppress a laugh at all the options he brought. There’s even an assortment of movie theater candy. He truly has all the bases covered.

I’m not normally a Coke girly, but suddenly, I crave the sweetness. He fights a grin when he sees what I’ve chosen but doesn’t comment.

Once I’ve got the can in the cupholder beside me, I settle into the pillows and cover up with the blankets. It’s cold out, but thanks to the heat lamps set up outside the car—another impressive detail Daire considered—it’s surprisingly nice.

Daire turns to me and opens his mouth, but I shush him, solely focused on the movie now. The car shakes with his silent laughter. I’m glad my enthusiasm for this great piece of movie history amuses him.

When the movie is over, my eyes are heavy and I’m dangerously close to falling asleep.

Daire, thankfully, doesn’t call me out on it as he opens the passenger door for me.

I grasp his arm and turn to face him full-on. “Tonight…” I start, clearing my throat. “Tonight meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”

He caresses my cheek, and I sink into his touch. “Good. I wanted it to be special.”

He glides his lips over mine in a featherlight touch, leaving me wanting more.

“I don’t know how you’re going to top this.”

He laughs as he steps back and guides me into my seat. “I don’t think I can. But I’ll thoroughly enjoy trying.” He winks, and my stomach somersaults in response.

We drive back toward town, heading to Jude and Millie’s, holding hands the whole way.

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