Page 44 of Breaking the Rules

---

I can't help but laugh.

He's being annoying and over protective, but it's kind of sweet.

I'm not supposed to like this.

I'm not supposed to need it.

For nineteen years, I've hated having an army of guys treating me like a kid who needed protection.

Suddenly wanting that…

It means something changed.

And that's not okay.

I need to prove nothing has changed.

But what the hell does that mean?

I used to date, but it wasn't to make a point. It was because it was fun. Because a cute guy asked. Because I had a free Saturday night when Kaylee was working.

Now, all I do is work and study.

Hunter…

Maybe we can't date.

But we can be friends.

And that's progress.

I think.

Either way, it's a concern for tomorrow.

First step, ace test.

Second step, figure out my shit.

I take another sip of coffee. Let the caffeine wake my brain. Inspire a great devotion to mastering impressionism.

It inspires a devotion to caffeine.

But that's close enough.

"When's the last time you studied?" I lean back in my chair. Force myself to look Hunter in the eyes.

"You want my help or not?"

"So far you've provided none."

"What do you call that?" He motions to my coffee.

"I can make coffee."

"That good?"

No, but I'm not admitting that. "Clock's ticking."

---