Page 103 of Breaking the Rules
"Thanks for the concern, Dad." She makes a show of rolling her eyes. "I'll be fine."
She watches Alice close the distance between us. Fights a frown.
I'm not closer to convincing Emma I'm not interested.
This is my chance.
And Collin… he's a teddy bear. If I can trust her with anyone, it's him.
Still—"If you're home by one."
"Oh my God." She tries to feign irritation, but it doesn't land. "I can't wait until I find my own place."
"I was the same way when I was your age." Alice slides her arm around my waist. "Do you kids have the address to your party?"
"Yeah." Emma nods. "I'll text it to you."
"Call if you need anything," I say.
"What could I need?" she asks.
"A ride," I say.
"Okay. Sure." She nods.
"Don't get in a car with someone who's been drinking," I say.
"And you're going to be sober?" she asks.
Fuck, that's it. "Guess so."
Alice frowns.
"All right. But don't wait up." She motionslets goto Collin.
"One a.m."
"You don't have any authority, Hunter." She waves goodbye. "But I'll think about it."
She nods another goodbye and follows Collin around the corner, back toward the restaurant.
Alice slides her arms around my waist. She looks up at me with a smile. "He seems like a good kid."
"Yeah." He seems safe. But you never know with guys. They're good at hiding what pieces of shit they are.
"What do you think?" Alice motions to the bar across the street. "One can't hurt."
I bite my tongue.
"A guy your size. Do you even feel a drink?"
Fuck, I used to hang out at that place. It's a wine bar. Trendy. Loud.
Tempting.
"I was thinking coffee," I say.
"Maybe at my place." She presses her palm to my chest. "Unless—"
"I can't stay late."
"I won't keep you."
