Page 87 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

Cree is downright gleeful when he asks, “Was that Rosie?”

“Yes?” I’m not sure why it comes out as a question, but it does.

“He’s got it bad,” Jude says to Cree.

“What?” I look between the four guys, my brain clearly lagging after a single beer.

“You’re falling for your wife,” Cree chortles. “Oh, this is brilliant. You gave me such a fucking hard time over Ophelia, and now the universe is getting back at you.”

“I… no. I mean Ilikeher—as a friend. We’re patching things up.”

“Dude.” Teddy points a tortilla chip at me. “As someone who fell for my fake girlfriend, I feel like I’m more than qualified to speak on this subject. You’ve got the hots for your wife.”

Do I?

Rosie’s beautiful—she’s always been—but getting feelings involved could make this arrangement messy. Right? It doesn’t matter that when I kiss her, it’s like… like magic. As cheesy as that sounds.

I’ve tried my hardest not to think about those kisses, because I’ll drive myself insane if I do.

When I made the rule about not falling for each other, there wasn’t even a glimmer of a possibility in my mind that I would end up with all these complicated feelings for her.

Fuck, I think Teddy’s right.

“Love is scary as fuck,” Jude pipes in. “But it’s worth it, man. With the right person, it’s worth it.”

Cree glowers. “You’re dating my sister. I don’t want to hear anything you have to say.Bleh.” He fake gags. “I can’t believe I’m going to be stuck with you for the rest of my life.”

Jude raises his hands and leans back in the chair. “What I said still stands.”

“What about you, Covey?” Cree asks, lifting his chin. “You ever been in love?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I haven’t.”

Narrowing my eyes, I ask, “Have you been out with Bertie?”

A rush of protectiveness hits me. Rosie’s best friend is a cool chick and doesn’t deserve to get strung along.

Luke ducks his head, and I’d fucking swear the guy is blushing. “I asked her on a date. She said no.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, man.” I sit back, pushing against the edge of the table. “She just got out of a long-term relationship. From what Rosie’s told me, it was messy at times.”

“It’s okay,” he says, picking up his beer. “Sometimes timing is everything, and when it doesn’t line up…” He shrugs in awhat-are-you-going-to-do-about-itway.

“I didn’t tell you this, but I’m pretty sure she likes you. Don’t give up on her.”

He sits up a little straighter at that, his expression brightening. “Really?”

I nod, bringing my beer to my lips.

“Cool. Okay. I’ll text her or something.”

Our waitress approaches with a tray full of food. “Here you go.” She sets each of our plates in front of us, then tucks the tray under her arm. “Any more drinks?”

As a collective we say, “Yes.”

“I’ll be back with those in a minute.”

I’ve already scarfed one whole taco down when she returns with our second round. I won’t have more than this, but since we’re celebrating, I might as well indulge.

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