Page 317 of Breaking the Rules
"I know." Her smile spreads a little wider.
It's pure Emma.
That smile that meansI love you.
She hasn't said it.
But it's there.
It's in her heart.
She's as in this as I am.
She's as vulnerable as I am.
Sure, her life is a lot more put together. There are a lot more people who want the best for her.
But that only makes her devotion more meaningful.
It would be easy to say I'm only in love with her because I'm lonely and desperate.
It wouldn't be true.
But I can see how this looks from the outside.
This is still so fucked from the outside.
I take another bite. Chew. Swallow.
Gather all the courage I have.
It's not that I'm embarrassed to sing.
I know I'm terrible.
I'm willing to share that with her.
But—"I have to warn you." I pick up a napkin. Wipe my lips. "What's the worst singing you've ever heard?"
"There's been a lot of karaoke over the years. But a technically terrible performance can still be great. It's all about the showmanship."
"Don't have that."
"You do too."
I shake my head.
"Well… If it's not going well, take your shirt off."
"Dean get through to you?"
"No. I just think it's a good look for you."
"Yeah?" I tug my t-shirt a few inches up my stomach.
Her teeth sink into her lip.
Desire spreads over her face.
