Page 36 of Breaking the Rules

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I settle for what I can handle. "You hungry? I'll order something."

"No. I'll cook." The handle turns. She pulls the door open. Steps into the hallway. "Thanks." Her fingers wrap around the handle. Her eyes stay on the floor. "But later."

I nod.

"I, um… I'm going to take a walk first."

"You want company?"

"You're actually asking?"

"Yeah."

"No. I want to be alone. If that's allowed."

"Don't see a rule against it."

"There are rules?"

"Not exactly." Brendon didn't have to spell it out. I get that Emma is off limits. That a guy like me needs to stay the fuck away from a girl like her.

"Who made these rules?"

"There's a code."

"Guy code?" She rolls her eyes, but her heart isn't in it.

"Something like that."

"What are the rules of guy code?"

I've been out of the loop a while, but I'm pretty suredon't touch your friend's kid sisteris at the top of the list. "You okay?"

"No. I'm not okay with a bullshit set of rules about how men can tell other men not to touch certain women. Are you?"

No. "Wasn't planning on touching you."

"Whatever."

"Your brother is just looking out for you."

"I though nobody made the rules."

"You know what I mean."

She shrugsI guess,but there's no give in her expression. She's still sure it's bullshit. She's just done discussing it. "Guess I'll see you for dinner."

"Until then."

She shuts the door.

A moment later, a thrashing rock song fills her room. It's loud, but not eardrum bursting.

Not enough for a noise compliant.

That's not why she's leaving her apartment.

I want the truth.

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