The Rulebreaker

“Okay.” I feel my frown deepen, but we both head toward the main area, where everyone is hanging out.

To say I’m confused is an understatement. He brought me flowers and flirts with me but then backs off and tells me to go have fun with some other guy? It’s not like Maverick. Once he gets his eyes on a girl he usually goes all in and he’s definitely not the sharing type, so the fact that he’s willing to share me is all wrong. Then again, maybe I’m the one who’s crazy for thinking he’d want more with me. Mom always says when someone shows you who they are, you should believe them, but I know him. I’ve seen all of the faces of Maverick Cruz and so far, there hasn’t been one I haven’t liked. Unfortunately for both of us, even though I swore up and down that I would not let sex between us change our relationship, it obviously has, but if he wants to play this game and act like he’s okay seeing me with another man, who am I to not take advantage of that freedom? On that note, I turn to Landon and start talking to him.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Maverick

“You look like you’re about ready to kill someone. Who we fightin’?” That’s Colson, and he’s not kidding, he’s ready to fight. I’ve seen that look on his face one too many times.

“I’m good.” I take another sip of my drink.

“And you’re drinking tequila. You’re going to box people up tonight,” he shouts excitedly.

“You’re wild.” I chuckle.

I don’t normally drink and when I do it’s definitely not tequila, but I saw a TikTok the other day that made me want to try this, and I actually really like it. The lights to Tony’s dim and more and more people spill in. It’s definitely the place to be on a Thursday. You wouldn’t know it if you come here for lunch or dinner, but once they clear the tables out and start playing music it has a nightclub vibe. Misty and Jo’s uncle definitely capitalized off the whole Thirsty Thursday thing, too, inviting good DJs to play their sets here and making the drinks half price.

“What happened with Rebecca? The reality didn’t meet your expectations?”

“You can say that.”

“Or have you finally decided to open your eyes and realize you’re in love with Barnes?”

My gaze swings to his blue eyes. “What?”

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, not that it’s much of a secret, considering everyone fucking knows.”

“What are you talking about? Who’s talking about this?”

“Everyone in the locker room.”

“I haven’t heard anyone say anything.” I feel myself frown as I set my empty glass down.

“Because no one wants those hands.” Colson raises an eyebrow. “But trust me, they’re talking.”

“Brian’s the one who’s been out with her multiple times.”

“And he hasn’t gotten very far.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“It wouldn’t if he hadn’t said every time they’re out she’s texting or talking to you on FaceTime.”

“That was one fucking time.”

“Bri’s a good boy from the South. You think he’s going to exaggerate that or make it up?”

I press my lips together. Do I think that? No. Do I think he’s an asshole for telling my teammates that Rocky and I spoke a couple of times during their dates? Absolutely. I look at Colson again.

“Maybe if he actually paid attention to her like he should she wouldn’t have been talking to me in the first place.”

“Maybe.” Colson shrugs a shoulder. “Or maybe he knows there’s no competition between you and him and you already have her, so what’s the point in trying?”

“Spoken like a true loser.”

“It seems like everyone is a loser in this scenario. Brian for liking someone he can’t have, you for liking someone you don’t have the balls to go after, and her for pining after you with those puppy dog eyes and not giving anyone else a shot.”

“What. The. Fuck. Are you talking about right now, Bridges?” I turn to him fully now, pulse racing. He must really be looking for a fight tonight.

“I’m just saying, Cruz. If you don’t want her, tell her. Straight up. You’re the most stand-up guy I know. Even on that TikTok we did, everyone said you’re the one they’d want their daughter to date because they know that, but what you’re doing is kind of fucked up.”

“What am I doing? I’m not doing anything.” I take a deep breath to calm down because this shit is exasperating.

“You’re leading on your best friend and that’s a sucky situation to be in if you’re Rocky.”

“You’re talking like you’ve been in this situation.”

“I have.” He lets out a laugh. “Robin was my best friend and I fell hard for her and swallowed my feelings and where’s Robin now?”

I cringe. “Married.”

“Married,” Colson confirms. “I mean, good for her, her husband’s a great guy, but what the fuck? It just makes you wonder, what if I’d told her how I felt, you know?”