Page 103 of The Rules

Dylan leaned against the brick wall of the building and pulled his phone out to occupy him while he waited.

Katie: Where the hell are you, D-bag? I didn’t drive two hours to wait all night for you. Pick an outfit and get over here.

He swiped away the third and most exasperated message from his sister without answering. One step at a time. He’d pulled up his Instagram looking at Dani’s last post—her in a backless dress winking over her shoulder. She held a glass of champagne up for the camera.

Dylan smoothed a thumb over his screen, enlarging the picture. He should have been there, wherever that picture was taken. It should have been him. Tonight it might not be champagne and little black dresses, but it would be him. He had to make sure.

Another guy approached—mid-thirties, beard, dress shirt— and Dylan stashed his phone. “Hey. Excuse me.”

“Yeah?”

Dylan ran a hand over the back of his head. “Are you here to see a woman named Dani by any chance?”

“Who are you?” The guy took a step back, clearly caught off-guard. This had to be him.

Dylan put his hands up to say no harm meant and cleared his throat. “I’m Dylan.” He held his hand out and the guy reluctantly shook it.

“Jake.”

“Listen, Jake, I’m a friend of hers.” He stopped. “More than a friend. Or I used to be. I know this is weird, but I’m going to appeal to you, man to man. I blew it with her. I know you don’t know her yet, but trust me, it was a big mistake. I need another chance.” He straightened, tugging at his shirt hem. “I’m here to ask you to let me take this date from you.”

Jake laughed, and not in anI totally get it, dudeway. More in athis guy is insaneway.

“I know it sounds crazy,” Dylan said. “But you don’t understand—”

“First of all,” Jake said, holding up a hand, “what the fuck?”

His shoulders sagged. “I know.”

“Second of all, how do I know you’re not some creepy ex-boyfriend she doesn’t want to see? Or a stalker or something? I let you go in there and she ends up in the trunk of your car.”

“No. Look, it’s nothing like that—”

“Of course, you wouldn’t tell me if it was.”

“You’ve got a point.” Dylan nodded, giving Jake his best normal dude smile. “You’re right. You’re a good guy, Jake. Give me two minutes.” He pulled his phone out again, swiping away another message from Katie, and dialed a video call.

A couple of rings later, Cat appeared on his screen. She was in her pajamas, the hem of her tank top riding up to show her round belly. She looked adorable.Perfect.

“What did you do?” she asked.

Jesus, Cat. Not helpful.“Hey, Kit Cat. I’m here with Jake.”

She threw a hand up like she had no idea what he was talking about.So Dani hasn’t even told Cat this guy’s name. Good sign.

“Jake, very rightfully, is just a little concerned about letting me go on this date with Dani instead of him.”

“Oh my God. This is your plan? You couldn’t just call her?”

He gave Jake another innocent smile, then pulled the phone to his ear and whispered. “I did. She sent me to voicemail. Please? Just tell him I’m not a threat.”

Her growl was loud enough to get to Jake, and he pulled his lips inward, glancing through the window. Jake was about to run out of patience, which in turn would lead to him going in there and telling Dani about this immediately.

Dylan was putting all of his trust in Cat right now, trust he didn’t deserve, but it was his last shot. He switched back to video and held the screen up to Jake.

“She’s pregnant,” he said. “Did you see that?”

“I saw.”

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