Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

“Oh, you know, I found out she was sleeping with Blake during our entire relationship. No biggie.”

At first, he’s shocked.

Then he heaves a bitter scoff.

“Of course she was.”

The reminder feels like a stab to the stomach. That’s right, I lost my oldest friend today. Oh, and my job.

Can this day fuck off?

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I’m fine.” I muster a faint smile. “With friends like that, you don’t need enemies, right?”

“If it makes you feel any better, I know a guy who’s going to get the beating of his life at training this week.”

I let out a laugh.

“I’m sorry, did I just get a laugh?” he teases. “I’m just saying I might not know where we stand if you still laugh at my jokes.”

“Sorry. Won’t happen again.” I fight a smile.

“Hey, for what it’s worth…” He nudges my shoulder. “I’m really proud of you.”

I know he’s referring to my standing up to Zoey.

“Thanks.”

I’m proud of myself, too.

In his own, clumsy way, Will was always looking out for me. He tried to warn me from the start.

“I’m not surprised she lied to you though,” I begin. “She told me she’d go after the guy I like since we’re not friends anymore.”

I only realize what I’ve done when his mouth dips open.

“The guy you like, huh?” he smirks.

Shit, shit, shit.

“Does that mean I still have a chance?” He chews on his bottom lip, his eyes gleaming with hope.

Stop looking so damn cute.

“Will.” I draw a breath. “We’ve been through this before. Sure, you may feel something for me, but… you don’t want a relationship. You made that more than clear last week. So, what do you want from me?”

It isn’t lost on me that I asked him that exact question the first time we kissed. He pauses, and for a second there, I think he’s going to bail. He has that look in his eyes, the one that shows up whenever we get too close to something real.

Only this time, he fights it.

He stands his ground, refusing to let the fear win.

“Everything,” he breathes.

“What?”

“Fucking everything, Kass. That’s what I want from you.”