Page 151 of Breaking the Rules

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"No." She presses her palms into the counter. Her nails are purple today. A deep shade that's almost black. "Tonight. After dinner."

"AndDaredevil?"

"Well… yeah." Her cheeks flush. "But not because I like it."

"Of course not."

"I watch it for your sake."

"Uh-huh."

"Otherwise, you might get confused and think it's good."

"That would be awful."

"Yeah, I wouldn't want your taste to degrade that fast."

I can't help but chuckle. "I appreciate your concern."

"It's because I care about you."

"You're sweet."

"I do what I can."

* * *

My client digs the work.Loves it even. I finish the piece on a high. Float to the gym. Take all of Emma's teasing in stride.

All right, I enjoy her teasing.

Especially the way she eggs me on about lifting more and lifting harder because "I'm not going to impress any babes at this rate."

We walk home together.

She issues orders as we cook dinner. Assigns me the chopping, measuring, stirring.

Sighs over her perfect carbonara.

After her shower, she's clean and wet and dressed in a tiny tank top and shorter shorts.

She settles on the couch and pats the spot next to her.

With each episode, she moves a little closer.

Until she's right there, her thigh against mine, her head on my shoulder, her fingers brushing my forearm.

Fuck, I want her there.

I want her there too badly.

I make an excuse about how we need to get to the shop now. Before it's too late.

But it's already too late.

I'm falling for her.

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