Page 215 of Breaking the Rules

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Chapter Thirty-One

Emma

Tragically, Hunter changes into jeans and a plain white t-shirt. I suits him more than it should.

I stare more than I should.

Even as we get into the car, argue over the music, discuss the list of places to visit, I stare.

He's so pretty.

Touchable.

Fuckable.

I have to keep my wits about me.

To guide him to this realization with a light touch.

I have an idea about how to do that.

It's not my finest work.

But it's something.

I shoot Kaylee a text about our apartment hunt.

She texts back a request for pictures. And a gushingI miss you.

I miss her too.

It's hard, being away from my best friend.

But then—

I'm not ready to say goodbye to my little universe with Hunter.

As soon as Kaylee and Brendon get back, this is over.

We're no longer roomies.

It's easy for him to stick withjust friendswhen we're living at separate places.

When he's reporting to my brother at work every day.

Fuck, I'm short on time here.

Still.

I have to be patient.

To do this right.

I straighten my thoughts as we park in Santa Monica.

It's a beautiful day—warm, sunny, bright—and this neighborhood is suburban paradise. Rows and rows of cozy houses with green lawns or succulent gardens. Teslas everywhere.

Hunter leads me into an old apartment building. It fits into the beachy aesthetic. Cozy and worn and charming.

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