Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

“Kass?”

I look up.

It’s Luke.

“We really have to stop meeting like this.” I wipe my cheeks, my embarrassment deepening. That’s the second time he’s seen me sob today. That’s got to be some kind of record.

His eyes are pointed straight at me.

Those green eyes.

Those kind, loving, I would never kiss your best friend eyes.

“Are you crying? What’s wrong?”

“Will… he…” I croak. “I can’t believe him.”

“What happened?”

“With… with Zoey,” I manage.

He puts it together, shaking his head in disgust.

“Come on, let’s get you out of here. I’ll drive you.”

“But Morgan…” I realize. “We came together. She just left to get us a drink. I-I can’t leave her.”

“Text her what happened. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

Defeated, I shoot Morgan a text and mirror Luke’s steps to the parking lot near the beach. I’d rather not have to wait for a ride in this state. Luke manually unlocks his door, climbing into the driver’s seat as I stand by, waiting for him to unlock my side. Then the last voice I wanted to hear echoes in the distance.

“Kass, wait!”

I flick my head to see

Will charging toward us.

He must be ten feet away.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Luke unlocks my door, the familiar click halting Will’s race. Our eyes meet across the parking lot.

“Don’t,” he begs, his voice strained. “Please.”

He doesn’t elaborate, but I know exactly what he’s saying: Please don’t get in the car. Please don’t leave with him. So, as a fuck-you for kissing my ex-best friend, I do just that. I slide into Luke’s passenger seat and shut the door.

“Where are we going?” Luke asks as we drive away.

Heartbroken, I say, “Let’s go back to my place.”

Kassidy

“He’s an idiot, whatever he did,” Luke says as I swing the door to my bedroom open. I don’t know why I told him to follow me up. The last thing I want is to give him the wrong impression, but I also really, really don’t want to be alone right now.