Unbroken Rules (Rules 3)

“Can’t a guy order coffee?”

She scoffs, not buying it for a second.

“Okay. What can I get you?”

I’m suddenly reminded that I have no clue what this place serves, and I don’t know squat about coffee.

“Just… coffee.”

Way to go, dumbass.

“Yeah, but what kind? All black? Do you want sugar? Cream? And what size?” A sly smile reshapes her lips. She is enjoying this way too much.

“The smallest you have. And all black.”

She smiles. “Cool. Like your heart.”

By the time I realize how bad she just roasted me, she’s already making my coffee.

Meh, could’ve been worse. I’ll take it.

She hands me a cup seconds later.

“Why are you really here, Haze?” She doesn’t beat around the bush.

To hell with it.

“Honestly?”

She nods.

“Because I just found out Winter is seeing someone, and I need you to tell me everything you know so that I don’t lose my fucking mind,” I blurt into a crammed, quick sentence. She’s shocked, stunned by my bluntness, but I don’t have time for denial anymore. Been there, done that. All lying has ever done is ruin my life.

They say we all have that one person. That one person we’ll never really lose feelings for, never really forget no matter how many months go by, no matter how many years wash the memories away. That person we’ll always have a thing for no matter what.

Winter Kingston is my person.

Against all odds, Allie laughs.

“Straight to the point, I see.” She shakes her head. “Let’s get a table and talk. My break is in…” She glances at the large clock on the wall. “Now.”

A dark-haired guy bursts through the door right then.

“I’m here! I’m here!” he says like he expects applause.

“I can see that, Coop,” Allie says.

“I’m not late,” he pants and disappears behind a door labeled Employees Only.

A minute later, I’ve paid and Coop is back to the front to serve the few customers who just walked in. Allie motions to sit down at a table, which I do. We stare at each other for a painfully awkward ten seconds.

“So…” She breaks the ice.

“So…” I repeat.

“You know about Matthew.”

Matthew. That’s the fucker’s name.