Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

Okay. That’s kind of sweet.

Kass, he was probably just inside Callie, for fuck’s sake!

“Sucks to be you, then, because I’m not going anywhere.”

He shrugs. “Then neither am I.”

Irritation cuts through me.

“I told you to go. I’m fine.”

“Stop lying. You’re not fucking fine.” He sees right through me. “Why come here if you’re fine, huh? Something happened tonight. And it hurt you. Just admit it.”

“That’s rich. The guy who’d rather go to the end of the world than admit his feelings is giving me lessons on how to feel?”

He’s taken aback. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Forget it.” I draw a breath.

“No, by all means, enlighten me.”

“How’s Callie doing by the way?” I spit.

His eyebrows shoot up.

He pauses, clearly wondering how I came to find out about his booty call. Then he nods in realization. It’s not rocket science. Girls talk.

“Okay, I guess.” He collects himself. “Although she sure didn’t look too happy when I broke things off with her and left her to rot because my friend needed me.”

Shit. The fucker got me with that one.

My heart feels lighter.

Like it shed a thousand pounds.

I make it a point to remind myself that it doesn’t change squat. That I’m still just a friend. And he’s still off-limits.

“Good for you. Can you leave now?” I shut him out.

I’ve managed to keep it together up until this point, but if he keeps pushing, I’ll break.

“I’m staying. Deal with it.”

“Fine. Then I’ll leave!” I jolt up, aiming for the ladder. Before I know it, Will’s back on his feet, gripping my arm and hauling me to him.

He cups my face with both hands, forcing our eyes to meet. “I’m here. With you. I’m fucking here, Kass. Let me be here.”

My heart.

“What are you so afraid of?” he shouts.

I’m afraid if I start crying, I’ll never stop.

That’s when I start to shake.

My sight gets blurry.

My knuckles turn white.