Page 21 of Your Rule to Break

“Ma’am, no. You don’t get to tell me I’m late when you’ve been withholding information.” She claps her hands for each syllable. “Spill.”

I don’t want to lie but it’s necessary. The less people know the truth, the better.

“It’s casual. Just sort of happened.” I sip my coffee, holding the mug like it’s precious, as I deliver the most boring and vague answer I can think of.

Keegan rolls her eyes, almost too brown to be real, and grabs her own mug. She sips the foamy cappuccino and her eyes land on mine.

“How long has it sort of been happening?” She narrows her eyes over the steam of her mug.

It’s been two weeks since the event, when this whole thing transpired, so I’m careful when I answer, “A few weeks.”

She nods and takes another sip before saying, “Zack Andersen doesn’t seem like your type.”

Joke’s on her—I don’t really have a type.

She tucks a strand of short blonde hair behind her ears. “I mean, he seems kind of like... an equal opportunist.” Her voice rises at the end.

I give her a side-eye.

“I’m just saying. He seems to bounce around. One interest to another.”

“He’s not bouncing now,” I reply, hoping it’s true. “And it doesn’t matter, people can bounce wherever they please.” I shoot her a knowing glance.

I don’t care who people sleep with. Unless we’ve come to an agreement, committed to one another, it’s none of my business. Love is love and orgasms are orgasms.

Zack does have a bit of a playboy reputation but it’s tired. Who cares who he hooks up with if he’s single? I’m aware that if this was a woman, the headlines would have a much different connotation.

My brain runs through the list of names I’ve seen Zack with. Models, professional athletes, actresses, baristas; he doesn’t discriminate. It’s always him, his messy blonde hair which always seems to work, and he’s usually wearing that smile.

Ugh, don’t go there. Don’t think ofthatsmile.

Keegan snaps me out of it. “Please tell me he’s coming with you to Eliza’s wedding,” she pleads, her brown eyes look like they’re filled with honey in this lighting.

I’m thankful for the topic shift. “Obviously,” I say, like it’s a no-brainer and not a thing Zack walked into. “He has a bye week. Kind of wild how our schedules lined up.” That part is true. No idea what the odds are for something like this to line up, but it feels like it has a tinge of meant-to-be.

I switch topics seamlessly. “Tell me about the store. How’s it going?”

These are the magic words, as Keegan launches into the boutique store she opened last year. Her business degree helps her succeed when it comes to the finances and books, but her eye for detail and fashion savvy keeps her buying the trending pieces before they trend. Her brain is beautiful, and I love listening to her talk about the store with such passion.

I adore the store. I brought Willow there last year, and the press helped bring some well-deserved buzz to Keegan. I'm so proud of how far she’s come.

She’s telling me about this new lingerie line she started carrying when my phone buzzes.

Zack

I know it’s last minute but come out with me tonight

there’s a bar I’ve wanted to go to and finally got Tripp and Willow onboard

you in?

That’s just like him; three rapid fire texts, back to back to back. My stomach flips and the feeling catches me off guard.Come out with me.I read the texts in the way I imagine him speaking. Now I’m back in my bed, my heart beat slowing from the panic.

How did he know I needed a distraction? Zack texted me when I was about to hit the point of no return and instead, because of him, I could sleep. My chest warms at the unexpected comfort.

“Emilie! Sis. Look at you!” Keegan squeals, both hands hitting the sides of the table.

Heads snap toward us.