Page 196 of Breaking the Rules

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"They can have that side effect."

I chuckle. "No. The first prescription they gave me did—"

"You couldn't get it up?"

I can't help but laugh. "You don't sugar coat shit."

"Why should I?"

"I could. But it took more effort. And I didn't have the drive."

"Now?"

"This one is better."

"So you do want to?"

Fuck, how I want to. "Yeah."

"Oh. Good." Her cheeks flush. "I mean… I… you know I want to fuck you."

"I know." I bite my tongue so I won't add something about how I want to fuck her. This is it. My chance to draw the line. I try to figure out how to articulate it. To explain that I want to be her friend more than anything. That I can only be her friend.

She interrupts me. "Wes still came to your party."

"Yeah. And Griffin."

Her eyes brighten. "Really?"

I nod.

"They forgive you."

"Going that way."

"You…" She looks up at me. "I'm glad you're telling me this. Really, Hunter. I can see it's a big deal. And I know what it's like shouldering a secret."

I nod.

"But if this is supposed to be the reason why we can't—"

"I can't."

"But…"

"I'm sorry, Em. There are so many fucking reasons why I can't."

"Oh."

"I hate hurting you. I do." All right, this is it. I can explain where I stand. "I want to be your friend. I want that more than anything. But it's all I can offer."

"Oh."

"If that isn't enough, fine." I swallow hard. "Tell me to fuck off. I will. But I'd rather stick around."

"Okay. I… Uh… I'll think about it." She pulls her comforter to her chest. "I… uh… I should probably get to bed."

"Yeah."

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