Page 101 of Breaking the Rules
"I guess that makes two of us," Emma says.
"Emma runs the front desk at Inked Hearts," I say.
"Must be a lot," Alice says.
"Less than you'd think." Emma turns to Collin. "We're in school together. At SMC." She calls Santa Monica College by its initials. "I'm studying business and fashion. I'm going to own my own boutique one day."
"Ambitious." Alice studies her carefully. "I bet you have an eye for it."
Emma beams. "Thanks." She motions to me. "Probably should have told Hunter to dress down."
"No. He looks good. Like the guy you bring home to Mom." Alice smiles. "There's something sexy about seeing a guy with tattoos in a suit. About being the only one who knows about his inner freak."
"Inner freak?" I raise a brow.
"Oh yeah." Emma laughs.
I can't help but laugh. "I'm more vanilla than you'd think."
"Somehow I doubt that," she says.
"It's true." I shrug. "Vanilla as hell."
Emma turns to her date. "Do you believe that?"
He swallows his discomfort. "No. I don't think so."
"What about you?" she asks.
He stares with confusion.
She laughs. "Don't worry. It will come in time."
We fall into getting to know you small talk and teasing.
I try my best to focus on my date, but my gaze keeps shifting back to Emma.
And hers keeps shifting back to me.
Even with that, it's good. Easy.
Until the server stops by to take our order.
And Alice whispers something about splitting a bottle of wine.
I make up a lie about not wanting to drink in front of Emma.
Alice buys it, but my palms still get sweaty.
My heart still pounds like a drum.
I don't drink.
That's all I have to say.
It should be easy.
But it's not.
It's really not.
