Page 91 of Rule Breaker
“So, you guys are like, exclusive or something?”
“Yeah.”
Dane shook his head. “That’s, uh, wow. Fuck, I need a moment.”
I chuckled. “No one’s more shocked than me. Well, Maddox is.”
“No shit.” Dane smiled at me. “I thought he had ice water in his veins. But then I figure, if anyone’s going to melt him, it’d be you.”
“He’s—” I paused, trying to find the words to explain what was happening. It took me a while. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Call it a crush, or obsession, or maybe even l?—”
No way was I going to use the ‘L-word.’ I’d fallen for Maddox, but was it infatuation or so much more? I knew the answer. It looked like Dane knew it too, given the way he was staring at me. But saying it out loud was frightening as fuck.
My friend gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I know what you mean. First time for everything. It’s pretty crazy, right?”
“Fuck yeah. It would be awesome if we could be open about it. Not hide.”
“Are you really prepared for that? Me and Jackson have been talking about it for months. I’m ready, I know I am, but I freeze up when we’re actually in public. I hate that I’m still scared, and I feel like shit for letting him down.”
Then I thought about what it would be like to hold Maddox’s hand while we walked around campus. To kiss him whenever and wherever. There’d be stares and comments for sure. Not everyone was accepting.
“You’re not letting him down, you’re coming out when you feel it’s right,” I reassured my friend. “And maybe I’m naïve. Telling my family I’m bi is one thing, but everyone else? That’s a whole different thing.”
“I’ve gotta say it,” Dane added. “The one person you should tell is Coach.”
“What? No. He’ll kick me and Mad off the team for sure.”
Dane shook his head. “I don’t think so. He was cool when I told him I was gay.”
“That’s different. Jackson’s not on our team.”
“Even more reason why you should speak up. Think about it,” Dane replied. “Better that Coach finds out from you than hearing a rumor or catching you in the act.”
The high I was riding came crashing back down to earth. Dane had a point.
“I’ll think about it,” I muttered.
“And don’t fuck around in the locker room,” Dane quipped. “While it’s hot as hell, you’re more than likely going to be found out.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Totally worth it.”
CHAPTER 33
MADDOX
Four hours had passed, and Kayden hadn’t arrived. I picked up my phone and texted him.
Maddox: On your way?
He’d be here. He said he would. He was all in.
Unless Dane said something to him? Convinced Kay that I wasn’t worth the hassle, after all?
I’d ordered pizza, but it was now cold. I couldn’t eat it, anyway. It wasn’t like me to doubt myself. Not to this degree. And I hated feeling needy, like if I didn’t see or hear from Kay in the next half hour, I was going to start pacing the floor. Too late…
My phone finally buzzed, and the relief was palpable. Until I glanced down and saw it was a message from Daniel.
Daniel: Your father’s lawyer stopped by the house today. He said he tried to call you several times and since I’m your emergency contact…