Page 47 of Breaking the Rules

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"You do?"

"Most people who are good in school don't end up tattoo artists."

Probably true.

"Brought home straight Cs all through high school."

"I managed Bs." Just barely. And only because of Kaylee's help. But I did. "Mostly."

"That's good."

"Maybe."

"It is. Especially if you worked for it." His blue eyes get intense. It means something to him, me believing this. Taking his compliment.

"Will you show me more? About running the business?" I press my palms together. Pretend as if I'm utterly apathetic to the thought of learning more.

"If you get at least a B on this test."

Fuck. "You're offering me more learning as a reward for learning?"

"Yeah."

"Fine. But you should know something, Hunter."

"Oh?"

"If you're going to keep making my life difficult, I'm going to do the same."

"Difficult, huh?"

I nod.

"All right. Noted."

"Good."

"Now, tell me the defining features of the impressionist movement."

I do.

He quizzes me for an hour. Then another.

It feels like we go all night.

We don't stop until I'm about to fall asleep at the table.

Hunter practically carries me up the stairs. He makes sure I brush my teeth and change into my pajamas.

He practically tucks me into bed.

For the first time in forever, I fall asleep easily. Go without a nightmare.

He's annoying as hell.

But I like having him here.

I like him, period.

Three months without feeling a thing for any guy, anywhere, and I like the one guy I can't have.

Figures.

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