Beautiful Broken Rules (Broken, Series #1)(32)

“Why would you agree to that bet, Em?”

I groaned, “Because it was my idea. I thought I had a sure fire way of winning. Apparently, I’m an idiot though, because I tried to race a football star.”

I could feel the wheels spinning in her head as she thought about everything I had just told her. Then out of nowhere she looked at me through the mirror and she said, “I feel like he’s different.”

I sighed, “He is different, but the outcome will be the same.”

“It doesn’t have to be. Not everyone cheats.”

“Quinn, it’s not just about the fact that he could do that. I just can’t hurt him, and I will if I pretend I can handle a relationship,” I said.

“Just the fact that you care enough not to hurt him shows me that maybe you can handle one.” She got up to go get our makeup.

“I don’t want to handle one. If we’re talking about relationships here, what about you and Cole?” I watched her flinch in the reflection of the mirror. When she came back, sat down, and still didn’t respond, I continued, “It’s okay to like him, Quinn, he’s a great guy.”

“It’s not okay to like him. If he doesn’t feel the same way, I’ll ruin everything. It’ll hurt too much to be rejected by him.” She said barely above a whisper.

“If that’s what you’re worried about then just stop. I see the way he looks at you, the way he worries about you and what you think of every situation. Trust me, there’s no problem there.”

She gave a little nod, but didn’t say anymore on that topic. I decided to give her a break because she let me distract her from my interrogation about Jax. We finished getting ready quickly so we could make it to the stadium in time to get good seats.



Chapter Six

Touchdowns and Frustrations

When we arrived at the stadium, we picked up our tickets at will call. Cole always made sure there were tickets there for Quinn and me at every single game. Usually our tickets came together because they were both from Cole. Today she handed one to Quinn and then kept searching for mine. Finally, she found it and handed it to me with a note attached. She stared at me like she was scoping me out. I bet she was wondering if I was with the drop-dead gorgeous guy who had left this for me.

Enjoy my touchdown, Beautiful.

Scream my name nice and loud, just like yesterday. - J

“What does that mean?” Quinn asked reading the note over my shoulder. When she read the second half she burst out laughing. Now I understand why the attendant was staring so much.

“It means this guy is in serious need of a blow to his ego,” I replied while laughing.

“It’s sweet he left you a ticket.” Quinn has been begging me to date someone for years; she’s always wanted to double date.

“We made a bet that first day we met. He said he knew he would score a touchdown at the first game. Well, we all know what a snob Dalton is, he never throws to the new guys at first. This will be fun,” I said while walking up to our seats.

“What did you wager this time?”

“He wants a hot air balloon ride,” I giggled.

“That’s… a strange request. What do you get if you win?” She was looking at me like I was crazy.

“I never decided on anything. I’m hoping he scores, but he does need his ego deflated as soon as possible.” I smiled.

Since we always get here early enough, we’re able to sit in the same spot directly in front of the team bench. Today there were two girls already sitting in our usual seats. We had to sit in a whole other section over because we wanted the front row, but we were still close to where the guys would be sitting. The stadium filled up fast and everyone was excited for the new season to begin. This whole half of the stadium was decked out in our school colors. Jace found us and came to sit next to me. It didn’t take long for the seat on his opposite side to fill with another girl who leaned over toward him, blatantly showing her breasts. Jace appeared to enjoy the show.