Page 112 of Breaking the Rules

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"Did you like the movie?"

I barely watched it. I was too busy keeping my guard up. "It wasn't my favorite."

"What is?" He motions to the bed. "If you want."

I do. I want to be able to sit there. And I want to rest my feet. These shoes are murder.

But I can't bring myself to move closer.

"What?" I pull my jacket a little tighter.

"What movie is your favorite?" he asks.

"Oh, that's easy.Hercules."

"Really?" He lets out a soft chuckle. "It's so… cute."

"And?"

"You just seem…"

"Not cute?"

"No. You're really pretty."

God, I'm way too defensive.

It's not his fault.

It's really not.

"Thank you." I force myself to push off the wall. I can sit on a bed next to a guy. That isn't a big deal. "I love Disney movies. My best friend and I are always watching them."

"Kaylee, right?"

"Yeah. She's my roommate too. But… well… we have to look for a new place."

"Oh?"

"Trouble with our landlord. Not interesting stuff." Deep breath. Slow exhale. Focus. I'm having fun on this date. Not thinking about Vinnie.

Collin isn't like that.

He's a nice guy.

He's safe.

This is it. I'm getting back on the horse.

I'm capable of this.

Collin looks up at me. "I'm still in my parents' place."

"That sucks."

"They're annoying. But their house is huge. And close to school."

I nod, even though I'm not absorbing his words. I'm too focused on moving toward the bed.

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