Page 47 of Unwritten Rules (Rules 1)

Haze: Is that a challenge, Kingston

“Winter?”

I jump, my heart suddenly on a mission to be heard by the entire world. I turn around, bringing my hand to my chest. Blake is staring at me. How long has he been standing there?

“Blake, you scared me.”

“Sorry. You seemed so focused. What are you doing out here?” He walks toward me.

I instinctively shove my phone deep into my pocket like I’ve been caught doing something wrong.

I guess, in a way, I have.

I shouldn’t be answering his texts at all. This needs to stop.

“Nothing. Just texting some friends.” I feed him a lie which he’s happy to swallow.

“Two of the girls bailed, and the other two weren’t great. No luck today. Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

“Thanks.”

I say my goodbyes and follow Blake to the driveway where his car is patiently waiting for us. We both get inside. The entire car ride feels heavy, awkward even. Blake is trying his best to create small talk, but it feels forced. I can tell he’s flirting with me again.

I didn’t want to get involved with him before I knew he’d dated my cousin and lied to his best friend for months. I’m not sure what makes him think I’m interested now.

“Do you mind if I drop you off here?” he asks, stopping the car a couple of houses before mine. He explains that he has an appointment he completely forgot about.

“Of course not. Thanks for the ride,” I say gratefully and reach for the car handle, but he stops me.

“Winter, hold on.”

Please don’t ask me out.

“I was wondering if you wanted to do something next weekend.”

Dang it.

I play dumb. “Like with the boys?”

“No. Just you and me.”

I hate that moment. I hate having to turn someone down. It’s honestly so uncomfortable and painful for both people.

“Blake, listen…You’re a great guy and I like spending time with you, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea for me to get involved with one of Kendrick’s friends and fighters. I mean, I’m already way more involved in this mess than I ever wanted to be.”

His smile fades.

“Oh. Of course. Don’t worry about it. I get it.” I can tell that it stung even though he’s trying to be nice.

“It has nothing to do with you, I promise.”

That’s a bit of a lie. The fact that he’s a liar who dumped Kassidy without a solid reason doesn’t especially help his case.

He nods faintly, and I don’t see what’s left to do except get out of the car. I watch him take off.

It’s almost five o’clock, and I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do for the rest of the day. Maria’s coming home at ten, and Kass works at the animal shelter until nine. I look down at my phone at the text conversation with Haze and then look up. That’s when I see it.

A motorcycle. Parked in my driveway.