Page 23 of Breaking the Rules
And okay, I’ll admit, his dick is impressive. As are his skills in the bedroom. Somehow I always manage to cross the finish line at least twice, if not three times when I’m with him—something that has never happened to me with anyone else. Ever.
Not that there’s been anyone else in a long time. Working full-time and going to school full-time simultaneously eats up all my free time. That, and generally worrying about my future takes up a surprising amount of energy.
Preston’s a sweet guy—as uncomplicated as white bread. And my life is anything but simple. My dad’s in prison—it’s not something I’ve ever admitted out loud. And I work my ass off to help both him make restitution, and to save for my future. I have big goals and I’m going to make something of myself. I don’t have time for a man. Plus, we have nothing in common aside from the fact that we both like orgasms.
My last relationship went south in the most disastrous way, and I’m still not over the betrayal. So forgive me if I’m not ready to jump into anything resembling a commitment with a man.
I dated Kyle for three years, we grew up together and to be quite honest, I always thought we would get married someday. We moved in together and everything was perfect. Until it wasn’t.
My younger sister decided to take a gap year in between high school and college and needed a place to stay for a little while—I talked Kyle into letting her move in with us. Which honestly wasn’t that hard. He and my sister, Camyrn, were always close. She was a few years younger than us, but they shared a similar sense of humor and even had inside jokes between the two of them. And Camyrn was going through a rough patch—trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. Which, is you know, a daunting task when you’re nineteen years old. I was happy to help.
Kyle made sure she was included and even brought her home little gifts—candy just because, or once a little plastic trophy that said,Congratulations! You made it through the week.
I worked a lot and between that and school, I felt bad leaving her alone at the apartment so much, so I was grateful to Kyle for keeping her company. But then they grew closer—almost oddly so. I started to suspect something might be going on between them—but pushed the idea away, sure I was only being insecure.
After Camryn left her phone on the counter and I saw a text from Kyle that I was never meant to see—I discovered they were sleeping together. When I confronted Kyle, he denied it, but when I pressed my sister, she finally told me the truth.
They’d been having an emotional affair for months, and a physical relationship for almost just as long. Apparently Camryn pushed him to break things off with me so they could be together, and when he wouldn’t—he was too spineless—she intentionally got pregnant.
So yeah my life is basically a Jerry Springer show.
Camryn is due any day now and I haven’t spoken to either of them in months. They live together in the apartment he and I once shared. My name is still on the lease, but I just needed out of there. When I saw the listing for this room in Preston’s house in the suburbs—far away from them, I jumped at the chance.
Now it’s all I can do to keep myself busy enough that I don’t have time to think about Kyle or my sister or my soon-to-be- niece or nephew that I wish I was more excited about.
I decided months ago that Kyle wouldn’t get anymore of my brain space, but that eventually I would have to make up with my sister. Because, family, and all that. In my opinion, though, us making up would only start once she said the words, “I’m sorry,” which had yet to leave her lips.
Which is why the first time I hooked up with Preston had been completely unexpected.
We’d gone out drinking with a group of friends and when we got back home it was late—almost one in the morning. I should have gone to bed. Instead I agreed to watch a superhero film with him since we’d spent much of the night debating which franchise was better—Marvel or Star Wars. We’d sat down on the couch and then Preston turned to me. My mind drifts back to that night and my skin grows warm all over…
My roommate’s lips are on my neck. My brain sputters and freezes. I should stop him, but I don’t. Because it feels really, really good. His mouth is apparently very talented and I haven’t been kissed in a very long time. I’m sure in the morning I’m going to regret this, but I push my fingers into his hair and tug, directing his mouth up to mine. I would never have imagined that a big, bulky hockey player could kiss so well, but he does. Holy hell. Preston’s tongue makes a slow circle around mine and my panties start to get wet. The man is a damn good kisser. I feel dizzy and a little weak. I know if he takes me to his bed, I won’t be able to resist. Even if it is a mistake.
I’m a business student and he’s a jock. We should have nothing in common, but don’t tell that to my body because wow my libido roars to life, very happy with my current decision of letting Preston suck on my tongue.
With a suddenly increased pulse, I shake my head, clearing away the thoughts.
I suck at picking men. Don’t even get me started on Kyle again. And then there’s my dad is doing time for tax fraud and I’m trying to make something of myself and my life which doesn’t include going all fan-girl over some hockey player.
Yes, Preston is attractive, but he wouldn’t understand my life. His mom sends him a package with chocolate chip cookies at least once a month and presents on his birthday. I only know this because he turned twenty-four last month and there was balloons and streamers and gifts, and all kinds of shit here. It took up half the dining room.
I can’t hook up with him anymore, I know that deep down. Does it suck? Yeah kinda, but so does being an adult. Welcome to my life.
4
PRESTON
Idon’t see Essie until Wednesday after practice. She returns home from class and drops her laptop bag at the front door.
“Hey,” I say, lifting my eyes from my phone. I’ve been watching North Carolina’s power plays and trying to get a handle on what our penalty-kill strategy should be going into Saturday’s game.
“Hey.” She sounds tired. She looks it too.
“You’ve been busy, huh?”
She nods, and tucks a length of dark hair behind one ear. “Yeah. I got home late last night. Hopefully I didn’t wake you when I came in.”
“You didn’t.” A lopsided smile lifts one side of my mouth. “Not that I would have minded.”
