Page 144 of Breaking Rules

Arching an eyebrow, I tilt my head to the side. “I don’t like it when you lie to me.”

He barks out a laugh and extends one of the cups to me. “Five minutes, tops. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it on time. The lease has been signed, thank fuck.”

I bring the latte to my lips, taking a generous sip. “Exactly how I like it. Thank you.”

Kaden smiles. “Ready for our walk?”

“Always.”

He straightens and checks that his car doors are locked, and then we’re off, heading toward Central Park.

The silence that settles between us doesn’t bother me. The busy streets of New York keep me company, the cacophony a familiar comfort. It’s hard to believe that when I first moved here almost a year ago, I hated all the noise.

So much has changed since.

“How are you?” Kaden finally breaks the silence as we cross into the park.

I sidestep an older couple. “I’m fine. Still coming to terms with going back to Boston, but at the same time, I’m happy about it. Ben needs me. He’s been stressed out of his mind trying to plan his own wedding while still helping his clients. And since my internship doesn’t start for another ten months, it’s a win-win.” I nudge him with my shoulder. “Can you believe we’re done with school?”

“It feels strange.” He grins. “But we killed it, didn’t we?” With an arm draped over my shoulders, he pulls me to his side. “So, you’re ready to go back to your hometown…even considering all the history?”

I rest my head on his shoulder, inhaling the scent of his cologne—citrus and spice mixed with a woodsy scent. He’s handsome and fit, with a six-pack, muscular arms, and toned legs. His dark brown skin is warm to the touch, enveloping me in protection. We met during our first week of school, and he’s been an incredible friend ever since. He’s one of the few people I’ve met who couldn’t care less about my past.

His indifference to gossip and his kind heart make it relatively easy to be comfortable in his presence. He’s a good guy, and I’ve been lacking good people in my life lately.

“It’s not like that history is going to give two shits about my return,” I joke, unwilling to let my unease make its way out of the box I’ve shoved it in. “And, to answer your other question, yes, I’m ready.”

Kaden squints at me, his deep brown eyes searching my face. Then he smiles and presses me a little closer to his side. “I’m really gonna miss you, Lawson. How am I supposed to spend time with my best friend when she’s in another state?”

“There’s always Zoom. And DMs, phone calls. A four-hour drive if you start missing methat much.”

Throwing his head back, Kaden laughs. The loud sound is contagious, making me giggle. “You’re impossible, but you’re lucky. I love you, so I’ll stick around.”

“Love you too,” I murmur. “And I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” With a kiss to my temple, he guides me along the path.

Two hours later, before we part ways, I snap another picture of the two of us for Instagram. It’s become a tradition to take a picture every time we meet for coffee. I have dozens, and every time I look at them, they bring the biggest smile to my face.

Simply because I have the best friends in the world.

* * *

As I strollto my apartment building, the warm July wind plays with my hair, encouraging me to slow my steps and enjoy the weather.

Memories of my first days in New York surface as I lift my face to the sky and relish the warmth. It’s been less than a year, but it feels like an eternity has passed since I arrived. So many things have changed, some for the better, some for the worse. Still, it’s an experience I’m grateful for.

If not for the hell I’ve been through in my life, I wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t have met such incredible people. Each one of them stepped into my life for a reason. Some of them left because it was time for me to let them go…including the ones I hoped to never say goodbye to.

When my phone buzzes and I find Meg’s name on the screen, I smile. “Hey.”

“I kept my distance like you asked because of your exams,” she says, “but…you’re done now, and I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” I answer softly. “I just needed time to focus. But I have my certificate now, so I’m good.”

“You know what I think—you have a gift. You didn’t need a certificate to work as an interior designer.”

My chest tightens. “Thank you, boo, but you and I both know that’s not true. You’re?—”

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