Page 115 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

“Shh,” he hushes. “I know what you mean. I can’t say for certain, but I imagine, yeah this is what they feel like.” He kisses the back of my shoulder through the fabric of my shirt. “Now go to sleep, Rosie.”

I wiggle against him, trying to get comfortable in the small space.

He groans, his voice a low warning when says, “Rosie.”

My heart lifts, even as he’s reprimanding me. “Sorry.”

My mind feels more at ease now that I’m close to Sammy. If he needs us, we’re right here.

I drift off to sleep again, but this time, I sleep through the night.

After an early-morning groceryrun and a much-needed stop at Starbucks, I find all three guys in the kitchen playing with Sammy.

“Peek-a-boo.” Roman open and closes his hands around his face. “Peek-a-boo.”

Sammy giggles from his grandpa’s arms while Daire watches with a grin I’ve never seen before. It’s 100 percent a proud dad kind of smile.

I set down the bags and drink carrier. “I was going to make pancakes if that’s okay with everyone.”

Daire hits me with a different kind of smile, a much sexier smile, as he reaches over and snags the iced shaken espresso I got for him.

“I’ll never complain about pancakes,” Roman says, holding out his arms to Sammy.

Peter shakes his head and pulls the baby in closer, not wanting to give up his grandson.

After a few sips of my cold brew, I get to work unloading the groceries.

“Are there more in the car?” Daire asks.

“Yeah, I was going to unpack these and go back.”

He presses a kiss to the corner of mymouth, and on instinct, I startle. I’m still getting used to this affectionate version of Daire. “I’ll get them.”

When he’s gone, Roman gives me a smile that’s pure younger brother mischief. “Things are going well with you two, huh?”

“Well, we are married. I’d hope we like each other.”

“Cash still says you guys are faking it.” Roman swipes one of the grapes right off the vine as I pull them out of the bag.

“Ew, I haven’t washed those yet.”

He takes another. “Don’t care.”

“Cash is imagining things.” I sort the groceries on the counter into categories, avoiding his gaze. I find it easier if I sort it all before I start putting it away. Otherwise I’m constantly running back and forth.

I always suspected Cash had a crush on me, but before he asked me on a date last year, he never pushed for more, even when we stayed in contact after my friendship with Daire imploded. Then, last Christmas, when I told him I’d like to remain just friends, he seemed perfectly content. After that, I figured he was over it.

“It’s just funny.” Roman goes on, crossing his arms over his chest and propping himself up against the counter. “He never mentioned you to any of us.”

I narrow my eyes on him. The youngest Hendricks brother has always been the most laidback, but right now, I feel like I’m under interrogation. “He didn’t tell you about Sammy either. Seems to me like he’s keeping a lot from you guys. Maybe you should stop questioning my marriage and take a long look at yourself. Maybe you’re the problem here.”

Peter clears his throat. “Roman, leave Rosie alone.”

A sharp pain lances my chest. God, I hope they never know that this whole thing was a farce.

Daire’s family has always been almost like my own. I don’t want to have to face the shame of disappointing them.

Daire returns while Roman and I are still eyeing each other and sets the rest of the bags on the counter, then looks between the three of us. It’s like he could sniff out the tension before he even entered the kitchen.

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