The Rule Breaker

"Same as Ollie's. You two could be twins." She smiles. "If only Ollie was a little more handsome."

He chuckles. "You're a charmer."

"I only speak the truth." She moves into the kitchen. Pours a cup of coffee. "Thank you, Mr. Flynn. For breakfast. And everything. I really do appreciate it."

"Of course." He cracks eggs into the pan. Motions to the table. "Now, tell me about the clothes you need to discuss with Daisy."

She chuckles. "It doesn't work like that. I don't have any specific clothes." This time, her laugh lights up her eyes.

Fuck, her eyes are so beautiful. Her everything is so beautiful.

He notices my stare, but he doesn't mention it. He just nods I hope you know what you're doing and replies to Luna.

Are we finally on the same side?

I hope I know what the fuck I'm doing too.

Chapter Thirty-One

Luna

Does Mr. Flynn know we're fucking? Or is he just suspicious?

He lets it go pretty easily. Nods as I describe a cute dress out of my price range. And another that I want desperately, despite its lack of practical application.

A sequin Jessica Rabbit number. Gorgeous, over the top, completely unwearable.

Unless I'm going to a gala.

Or a Halloween party.

"What do you normally do for Halloween?" he asks.

"Normally, Divya helps with my costume. We find something really fabulous. Sometimes a joint costume. Then we take a bunch of pictures and hand out candy to the kids in the neighborhood." I already miss that. "Then Allison would tease her about how this is the only time she ever dresses up. And they'd get this look that meant… I needed to leave the house. And I'd go to a friend's party. But this year…"

"Doesn't Holden throw a party every year?" he asks.

"Yeah." I bite my lip. "But the rest…"

"You could wear the dress," he says.

"You'd make a good Jessica Rabbit," Oliver says.

"I feel like I should take offense to that," I say.

He raises a brow.

I fight a blush. "Is Holden throwing a party?"

"Pretty sure," Oliver says. "You know Holden."

I do. And I know he and Oliver aren't really talking at the moment. What with Holden fucking Daisy.

I encouraged him to pursue her. And encouraged her to go for it. Now that the shoe is on the other foot—

It's complicated.

"Are you going to go as Roger Rabbit?" I ask.

"The detective guy," he says. "Guy's a hard-drinking asshole. Suits me."

Gabe looks at him carefully. Trying to figure something out.

If Oliver has told me about his sobriety? Or something else?

I guess it doesn't matter what Gabe thinks. Only… I don't know what a big deal it is. If it's a big deal. If there's some insight Gabe has that I lack.

"You should talk to Holden," Gabe says to Oliver. "It's a good idea. Daisy would appreciate it. If you two made up." He stands. Motions to the now empty plates. "I should shower. You know the rules. I cook, you clean."

"I've got it," Oliver says.

"Do me a favor, Luna, and get him to dress up. It's been awhile." Gabe winks as he takes his leave.

Oliver waits until Gabe is all the way up the stairs, the bedroom door shut. "Fuck, he should just say it. That would be easier."

"Do you think he knows?" I ask.

"Maybe." He stands. Gathers the plates. "You know what he said? It's obvious that we like each other. From the way we look at each other."

"Maybe it is."

"Maybe." He half-smiles. "I do like you."

"I do like you."

"And I want him to leave so I can make you come again."

My cheeks flush.

"Still can't believe I can make you blush."

"Why?"

"You're Luna. You're not shy."

"It's not shyness. Just…"

"How badly you want me."

I nod. "I like the Halloween idea. We should find you a costume."

"And go to Holden's party?"

"He is your best friend."

His brow scrunches in distaste.

"You should get over it."

"Yeah." He places the dishes in the sink. Returns to the table for the rest. "Don't have much of a leg to stand on anymore."

"He's a good guy."

He motions maybe.

"He treats her well. You know he does."

"I can deny it," he says.

This time, I shoot him the really look.

He nods yeah, really. "You want to talk about Holden? Or you want to talk about coming on my face?"

"The Halloween costume," I say.

"You'd rather discuss that?"

"Your dad is still home."

He nods true. Drops the rest of the dishes in the sink. Motions to the coffee. You want another?

"Let's go out for it," I say.

I don't have to add so we can be alone. He gets that right away.

"And maybe… we'll look for a costume while we're out."

"Uh-huh."

"I love Halloween."

"I know."

"And I'm going to someone's party in some kind of sexy outfit. If you're not there, I'm sure—"

"Don't fucking say Patrick," he says.

"He'll be there," I say.

His brow furrows. "I have an appointment."

"After."

He shakes his head. "Can't wait until after. I need to make you come now."