Page 70 of How to Lose at Love

It would get destroyed.

None of these kids have any respect.

Kids.

Ha.

Young adults, technically, but still, the majority of them act like assholes.

Present company not included.

Schneider doesn’t live far, but I couldn’t very well walk there if I was picking up Ryann, could I?

Too cold.

I park in the driveway when we arrive, party already in full swing if the students spilling out onto the porch are any indication.

Beside me, Ryann groans.

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just…I haven’t been to a party in a long time.”

I can sympathize. “It’ll be fine. We’ll stick together, make an appearance for appearances’ sake, and bail in an hour. Deal?”

Slowly, her head moves up and down in agreement. “Do you think we should come up with a few more rules? Just in case?”

“In case what?”

She grins in the dark. “In case you get drunk and get handsy.”

I bark out a laugh. “Handsy? With you?”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, you ass.” Ryann scoffs. “I meant in case…I don’t know—just in case.”

“What kind of rules?”

“One drink maximum? So we don’t get drunk.” She hesitates. “And maybe…no flirting with anyone else inside. It would look bad if you’re trying to convince people you’re dating me.”

“Are you worried I’m gonna flirt with other chicks? What about you flirting with other dudes? That wouldn’t be cool.”

She snorts. “Trust me, I’m not going to flirt with any other dudes.”

“Good. Then we agree, no flirting.”

“With other people,” she clarifies.

I roll my eyes. “Oh, yeah—’cause you love flirtin’ with me so damn much.”

She tosses her hair. “I don’t know. Get a drink in me and I might forget myself for a few minutes.”

My arm goes up, resting on the back of her seat. “Any other rules you wanna lay down before we’re miserable for the next hour?”

Ryann nibbles at her lower lip. “Mmmm…I’d say no touching, but you’ll probably have to at some point to keep up the ruse.”

“Right. Likewise.”

“Right.”

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