Page 11 of The Breakaway

2. The couch is Switzerland. Whoever gets there first claims it.

3. No shirt, no service.

4. Be respectful. Don’t call me a shithead.

5. No studying in the kitchen unless alone.

I shrugged. “Maybe you don’t bring people home because of Logan.”

“You think Logan would give a shit?”

I pressed my palms into the counter. “Probably not, but I’m going to be by myself.” A tendril of fear slid along my spine.He’s a good guy.I’d heard that before. Plenty of times. Guys were always good until they weren’t.

“What kind of service?” Rob crossed his arms over his chest.

I glared at him. “What?”

“Not connecting the dots are we?” He tapped number three on the list.

I rolled my eyes. “I was trying to be funny. I just meant, wear a damn shirt.”

“Hmm. Got it. Did you have a particular one you wanted me to?—”

“I don’t care what shirt you wear. Just put one on before you come out here!” I straightened, mirroring him to hide the fact that my chest was heaving.

“Careful. Or people might think?—”

“Ugh! I’m trying to figure this out, okay? I know neither of us is thrilled about this living situation, and I’m freaking terrified because Ibarelyfeel safe with Logan sleeping next to me, and once he’s gone, anyone you bring in here could just come righton in and—” I sucked in a breath, my cheeks heating. I pulled my hand back from pointing at my doorway.

Rob wasn’t smiling anymore. His brow was pinched, his fingers pressing into his biceps so hard, his skin was blanching.

I was shaking too hard to hide it, so I scooped up my notebook and whirled from the counter.

“I’ll wear a shirt.”

I blinked back tears, pausing but not turning to face him. “Thank you.”

Chapter

Five

Friday night,Maddie and Crystal strutted up the pathway to our townhouse, their pleather mini-skirts barely covering their shivering asses. I swung open the door.

"You skanks ready to get wild?" Maddie squealed, flashing me a cheeky grin under her Catwoman mask.

Crystal twirled, showing off her tiny police uniform, nightstick and all. "I'm ready to arrest some naughty boys!"

I couldn't help but laugh. My devil costume felt downright demure in comparison—tight red dress, the fishnets I found at The Bay, my silly horns headband. But hey, if you can't dress like a total slut from the underworld on Halloween, when can you?

Thank the Great Pumpkin that Rob decided to sit this one out. Or at least that he wasn’t riding with us. I didn’t know or care whether he’d be there later, I was just counting my blessings that I hadn’t crossed paths with him much the day before. After our little chat, the last thing I needed was refereeing him and Logan all night.

Speaking of my golden retriever boyfriend, Logan bounded down the hall in his firefighter getup, all glistening bare chestand booty shorts. "Damn ladies, looking hot! Let's show those lacrosse losers how the Outlaws party!"

Okay, so maybe dressing slutty wasn’t just for the women. I strode forward, threading my arms under his fireman’s jacket. “Where did you get this? It looks real.”

“Nah, the real ones weigh a ton.” He lowered his head and kissed me. “I can keep this one, though. If you like it.”

I grinned. “At least keep it for the weekend.”

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