Broken (Breaking the Rules) Read Online Free PDF Page B

That totally would go against my rules.
    After I’d showered and thrown my hair into a wet bun Pepper would approve of, I put on a pair of jeans and a hoodie. No makeup for me this morning. Olive was perched on the arm of the couch, waiting for me when I finally made it in the living room a half hour later.
    “All right, hon, I’m ready, but let’s stop by Jeanie’s on the way. I need a bagel and some coffee,” I grumbled as I picked up my purse.
    “Definitely!” she agreed, her face lighting up. Olive loved Jeanie’s because that’s where we’d found each other.
    After a twenty-minute walk mostly of us rehashing our evenings, we finally arrived at Jeanie’s. Jeanie waved at us when we walked in.
    “Couldn’t stay away, huh, Miss Andi?” Jeanie questioned, shaking her head. I might not work there anymore, but it would remain one of my favorite places.
    “Of course not, Jeanie. I already miss you!” I beamed. She waved me off, gruffly turning to get our order going. There was no sense in trying to tell her you’d try something different. Jeanie just gave us what she felt like making. Olive and I found a table by the window and sat down.
    “So are you seeing him again tonight?” Olive asked, continuing our conversation.
    Grinning, I told her, “I’m pretty sure we’ll go out again. I showed him a good time.” She giggled at my insinuation. Pepper got annoyed but I could always count on Olive to want to live vicariously through me. Pepper said that eggs me on.
    Jeanie walked up and set down two coffees as well as two everything bagels with cream cheese. The woman knew me well. I handed her a twenty but she rolled her eyes and went back to the register. Olive and I ate our breakfast, chatting about her next modeling gig when the door to the café jingled.
    Instinctively looking up, I was surprised to see the bartender from last night and Jackson. Dammit! I looked like a hag this morning.
    “He’s here!” I hissed to Olive, trying to hide my face. He looked sexy in a pair of low-riding jeans and a fitted Henley. I was about to die of embarrassment from looking so awful compared to Jackson. Why did I have to be so lazy this morning?
    Olive stole a glance their way and snickered. “Wow, he is cute. You didn’t tell me he had piercings and tattoos!”
    “Uh, not him. He’s just the bartender. Jackson’s the dark-headed god over there in the black shirt. I look terrible. He can’t see me like this,” I whispered, upset with myself.
    As if he could feel us staring, he turned, looking in our direction. His laughter at the bartender stopped when his eyes locked with mine. Gone was Man-Killer Andi and here was embarrassed, blushing Andi. He finally pulled his gaze away and paid Jeanie. I tried to melt into my chair. I bet he’s looking forward to our date now. Not. I’d forgive him if he pretended I wasn’t here.
    Luck wasn’t on my side though, because Jackson and the bartender made their way to our table.
    “Hey, Andi. Can we sit with you ladies? Who’s your lovely friend?” Jackson asked, eyes twinkling.
    “Uh, sure. Please, have a seat. Guys, this is my friend, Olive,” I introduced nervously. Jackson shook her hand, smiling at her. “Nice to meet you, Olive. This is my best friend, Ian Dempsey. He owns the new bar, Dempsey’s,” he stated, making his own introductions.
    Ian took her small hand but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and briefly kissed it. “Nice to meet you, Olive,” he winked at her. Normally Olive would be shrinking back from this kind of contact, but she was actually blushing. Black women can definitely blush.
    “This is Andi, Ian, but I think you two have already met,” Jackson finished.
    “Nice to see you again,” he replied in his thick Irish accent. I only got a handshake. Looks like Ian is sweet on Olive, and I think she might actually feel the same.
    Ian launched into talking to Olive, asking her about what she did for a living and commenting on