The Dixon Rule (Campus Diaries, #2)

by Elle Kennedy

I have no idea what it will take to win her over. She just needs to, I don’t know, swallow her pride. And then swallow my dick. I choke on a laugh.

I am the most loyal fake girlfriend you will ever have. I fake love you, Shane. I want to fake marry you and have your fake babies. Okay?” I glare at her. “Uncalled for. I can’t believe you brought our fake children into this.”

Or am I bothered that Diana is choosing to hang out with him tonight instead of me? Motherfucker. I think it’s the latter. I think this unpleasant sensation slogging through my veins is jealousy.

“I really like this obedient Diana Dixon,” he drawls. “Don’t push your luck,” I warn, though my voice sounds shaky. “Or the bad bitch will be back.” “The bad bitch hasn’t gone anywhere. She’s right here. Dying to get fucked.”

“Oh my God, why am I like this? You and your stupid dicksand.” “Dicksand?” “Yeah, like quicksand. But your dick is the trap, and I’ve been sucked into it.” “Wouldn’t your pussy be the quicksand ’cause it’s the one sucking my dick into it?” We stare at each other for a moment. “Why are we like this?” he sighs. “I don’t know, but—wait, no, don’t say we. You. You are the weird one.”

“Should we perform our tango for the guests?” I tease. “I’d rather die.” I press my face against his chest to smother a laugh. “And you say I’m the dramatic one.”

Gigi had tears in her eyes when she recited her vows, and I swear I heard Ryder’s voice crack several times, but the real emotional floodgates were opened by Gigi’s parents, who both cried the entire time. Garrett Graham battling tears when he handed his daughter over to Ryder was probably the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.

Molly’s mother, Summer, finally catches her and says, “I like the energy. But maybe we can bring it down to a five?” “Yes, because you’re perfectly capable of controlling your energy levels,” Brenna Jensen drawls at the impeccably dressed blond. Neither woman was in the wedding party, but as close friends of the family,

this wedding is for the parents. But Gigi loves hers enough to give them this gift after eloping, and Ryder loves her enough to give her whatever she wants.

“Do I need to give you the whole speech, or does it go without saying?” He glances over wryly. “What, hurt her and I’ll kill you?” “Okay, so you know it already.” “Trust me, I’ve gotten it from every single uncle, aunt, cousin. Her dad, obviously⁠—” “Obviously.” “And even Hannah gave the speech, although hers was accompanied by a hug so I don’t know if I should take it seriously.” “Oh, you should. She’ll cut a bitch.” Ryder chuckles.

“No man is allowed to touch you but me, Dixon.” His voice is low. Thick with desire. “And if one tries, I’ll rip his fucking hands off.”

Lindley doesn’t scare me. But the way I’m starting to feel about him does.

“Don’t get horny,” she warns. “We’re not stopping for car sex.” “Or we could stop for car sex.” “We are not stopping.”

“Why can’t you lead?” he grumbles. “Because the man leads.” “Aren’t we trying to smash the patriarchy?” “Yep, but the competitive ballroom dance world hasn’t gotten that memo yet. Ergo, the man leads.”

WILL: She’s the hottest girl I’ve ever seen, Diana. ME: I thought *I* was the hottest girl you’ve ever seen. WILL: Right, of course. My apologies.

I wouldn’t be thrilled if he was sleeping with another woman in his bed, even if they were platonic. But that’s because I’m a possessive bitch. Even over my temporary man.

He’s midsentence when Blake cuts him off. “Wait, are you flirting?” Isaac looks startled. I snort into my drink. “Oh, you were. Got it. I thought we were all just listening to you tell us how great you were, but then you made that comment about your strong hands and nimble fingers, and I was like, oh shit. He’s flirting.”

“Cocky football players aren’t my type.” She pauses. “Although I guess I’d prefer that to a cocky hockey player.” “What’s wrong with hockey players?” I demand. “My mom and I are football fans.” I stare at her, slack-jawed. “This is blasphemy. Your father’s John Logan.” “Uh-huh, he is.

once you’re able to take a step back and look at it rationally, you’re going to realize that that’s not who you are. There is nothing pathetic about you and never will be.” “Do you promise?” “I promise. And I promise to support whatever you decide to do, even if I disagree with it.

“And one more thing,” Shane says, tugging on my hand before I can leave. “You are unstoppable. Don’t let what this one asshole did convince you that you’re anything other than unstoppable. You’re Diana Dixon, for chrissake.” I crack a smile. “Damn right I am.”

“I just need…” I give him an earnest look. “I need some TLC. Can this be a me-night?” “Baby, it’s always a you-night. Even when I’m calling the shots, it’s always about you. You’re the only one I care about in there.” Oh hell. When he says things like that, it’s impossible to deny my feelings.

“I’m not going to break,” I tease him. “I mean, I got punched in the face and survived.” “Too soon,” he mutters. “Still makes me murderous.” “Sorry.” “You might have had months to deal with it, but I only found out this morning. It’s still fresh for me.” “I get it. I won’t make jokes about it. I promise.” “Thank you.”

“Shane?” “Hmmm?” His lips explore the sensitive tendons of my throat. “Thank you for being there today.” His breath is warm against my flesh. “You’re my girlfriend. Where else would I be?”

“You’re gorgeous.” “Thank you.” Shane’s eyebrows fly up. “Wow. You said thank you.” “What do I usually say?” “I know.” He snorts. I shudder out a laugh. “You know I’m joking when I do that.” “Yeah. And you know I’m dead serious when I tell you you’re gorgeous. Because you are.”

“Look,” he finally says. “I might come off as a hard-ass sometimes.” “Sometimes?” He ignores that. “But there’s nothing I respect more than a man who values his woman.” “Aww. Coach. You’re adorable.” “Shut the fuck up.” He jabs his finger in the air. “Anyway, that’s what I’ve learned after two decades of marriage. Value your woman. Respect her. Show interest in her interests. And hopefully she does the same for you.”

“Just remembering a conversation I had the other day with my little granddaughter. Morgan. She asked me if I take my guys on field trips.” “No,” I say with dread. “And I said, why would I take them on field trips? They’re grown men, and they’re hockey players. They don’t need to go to the fucking zoo. Well, I didn’t say fuck. But I was thinking it,” he grumbles. His expression takes on a gleam that I really, really don’t like. “But talking to you, Lindley, has opened my eyes. Made me reconsider my entire stance on field trips.” “No,” I repeat, the dread twisting into horror. In a rare occurrence, much like a total solar eclipse, Coach Jensen smiles at me.

“The waltz is more flowy,” she explains, noticing me watching her. “All those sweeping movements. The pleats will emphasize that.” “Of course,” I play along. “And it’ll show off those indecent ankles. Get all the dicks hard.” “Exactly.”

Lindley. I gotta say, though, your cha cha is sloppy as fuck.” My jaw falls open. “What do you know about the cha cha?” “My wife and I took dance lessons before our wedding,” he reveals. “Had to learn five Latin dances.” “American or International?” “International. It was the worst year of my life,” he growls. I can’t stop a laugh.

“Okay. I have to ask this. Are you breaking up with me?” My jaw falls open. “What? Fuck no.” Relief floods her gaze. “All right. Good. Just making sure.” I chuckle softly. I’ve laughed very rarely these past few weeks, but Dixon always manages to bring some levity.

“I love you,” I say in a strong, empathic tone. “I’m not giving you up. Ever.” “Ever, huh?” “Well, as long as you’ll have me.”

Did you know head wounds bleed like a bitch?” “Don’t make jokes. Please.” His eyes are wet again. “Hey, it’s okay.” I grip his hand. “I’m fine.” “I’m so sorry, baby. I should’ve been there.” I squeeze his hand tighter. “It’s not your fault. You couldn’t have known he’d show up tonight.” “I should’ve protected you.” “Stop it. You can’t blame yourself.”

He leans in and places a tender kiss on my forehead. “I love you. I’m never leaving your side again. I hope you realize that.” That summons a smile. “I’m cool with it.”

“She reminded me where I belong.” “In the rink,” I confirm. “And with you.”

When Shane speaks again, his voice is trembling. “You have no idea how much I love you. It’s almost pathetic.” I can’t help but laugh. This time the twinge of pain is worth it. “Never saw it coming, Dixon. But you’re everything to me. I don’t know when it happened, but it’s true. You’re the heartbeat of my days. You’re the reason I look forward to tomorrow. I honestly never thought I’d find someone who understands me so completely.”

“I don’t think I’m ready for that.” “You could always find yourself a sweet little wife who will be fine doing it all herself.” “I don’t want a sweet little wife.” He kisses my shoulder. “I want a sassy bitch.” I snicker. “Did you just call me a bitch?” “Mmm-hmmm.”

“Remember when you asked me if I would ever make sacrifices?” I say pensively. “If I could be the kind of partner who took on a larger load while you were in the NHL?” I purse my lips. “I think I could.” “Yeah?” he says thickly. “I would make those sacrifices for you. Because you’re everything to me too.” “Jesus, Dixon, you’re so sappy. Have some more self-respect.”

Christ, I love this woman with all my heart. Being with Diana is like discovering a piece of myself that I never knew was missing. She makes me want to be the best version of myself, not because I feel like I have to impress her but because she inspires me to be better.