Breaking the Rules (The Dating Playbook #2)

by Mariah Dietz

“Because we should have talked about this shit years ago. Because I’ve nearly walked away from the girl I know makes me a better person because I’m so fucking afraid I’m going to turn out like you.”

“I get you, son.” “If you did, you’d stop trying to force me into a future I don’t want.” Dad pauses, releasing a long sigh. “I built this company for you.” “Dad, I love football. I love history. If I can’t make it into the NFL, I want to do something that allows me to do something I’m passionate about. I need something that allows me to spend as much time as I can with her rather than something that will always be pulling me away from her.”

“You can’t change your life for her. You have to both follow your passions, or you’ll resent each other.” “I’ve never wanted to be a lawyer, not even when I was a kid. And to be honest, the only thing I feel passionate about right now is her. She makes me feel alive. She makes me feel whole.” His lips pull into a grim line, a silent threat of the pain he’s endured because he tried following his heart, and it led him to a life filled with empty relationships and broken promises. “She must be pretty special.” I shake my head. “I love her.”

“I’ll see you at the reception?” Raegan asks Dr. Swanson. He grins. “I’m hoping to see your resume this summer for my summer program. Maybe I’ll have to come to pick it up so I can meet your dolphin. Blue?” Her blue eyes grow round, and she nods. “You’re welcome anytime.” Dr. Swanson nods, turning his attention to me. “Hold on to this one. She’s a special young lady.”

Pax pulls into the driveway, his music too loud, but I don’t look at him. I can’t force myself to care about anything besides Rae. “Please. I know you’re upset. I know I’ve hurt you, and I’m sorry—I’m so damn sorry. If I could take it all back, I would. I’d take back that lost time after you got hurt. I’d take back trying to convince myself we could only be friends. I’d take back every fucking moment of knowing her if it meant you’d understand how much I care about you, how much it kills me when you’re away.” Her lips are parted, her attention on me. “For how long? How long are you going to be interested in me before someone else catches your attention? How long until another girl is doing your laundry or wearing a necklace you bought them? You scare the hell out of me because you wouldn’t leave just a bruise, you’d leave a crater.” She slips into her car before I can assure her how many cards she holds, how Nikki could make me consider wanting to try, but it was her who committed me to the fact.

“Not all broken hearts come in the same shape and size—just like not every broken heart is due to a boyfriend. In your case, it’s your dad. And that’s okay. You deserve to be sad and mad and grieve.

I move my attention to Pax. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” I say. “I know this sounds like an excuse, but I just didn’t want to interfere when you already had so much going on. I swear, I was going to tell you, after the bowl games, I was going to tell you everything.” Pax links his arm around my shoulder, his touch cold for several seconds before turning warm. “You should have told me about the cranes, and about Dad, and about Lincoln.” I nod. “I know.” “But, I get it. And while it’s strange as fuck, I get it. I see it now. It’s going to take some time for me to get used to this, but,” His gaze cuts to Lincoln, “I’m not going to get in the way. You guys need each other, and I’m not going to mess it up.” He pulls in a breath. “So, kiss and make up while I go buy you five minutes from all these cops.” His hand slips from my shoulder, and he walks up the dock with Poppy at his side.

I swear, I will do anything—everything—to make sure you’re safe and that you’re happy and feel heard—feel seen because I see you, Raegan Lawson. I see every part of you, and I love you.”

I swallow her breaths, my forehead still pressed against hers. “I don’t just want to consume you, I want to own you—possess every part of you. Make your heart beat like mine does for you.” “It already does.”