Unwritten Rules Read Online Free PDF Page B

coffee in my hands, trying to ignore the way my body tingled from Jonah’s proximity. He’d been so sweet, letting me into his apartment; bringing me a drink; and sitting next to me in silent comfort. We’d said very little since I’d knocked on the door. I wondered if that was because he didn’t know what to say or if I made him feel uncomfortable. The air was thick with tension, and even though it was turning sexual on my behalf, I doubted it was the same for him.
    I couldn’t even believe I’d come and knocked on his door at midnight. I knew I should’ve cal ed J.J. or my mom, but Jonah was the only solace my body wanted right now.
    It was crazy. I didn’t know him, and yet, I couldn’t deny the reality. It was sitting next to me in the form of my handsome neighbor. I stole a quick glance, only to see he was picking the same invisible fluff from his sweats as I was from my leggings. I knew I should feel embarrassed for going to him, but I didn’t.
    I felt better.
    Meow had raced across his apartment, and out
    onto the fire escape almost as soon as I’d entered. Jonah had cal ed him back, and in the cat’s usual style, he turned and did what he wanted anyway. I should have gone after him, but al I could think of was seeking comfort. I just wanted to be held. I gulped every time Jonah shuffled in his seat, as it brought his thigh into contact with my own. Even though we were both clothed the connection was as intimate as if we were naked. My skin was electrified, my thoughts al jumbled. Jonah Quinn had me confused as hel .
    “Do you feel better?”
    I jumped at the sound of his gravel y voice. It seemed too loud in the quiet room, and my heart thundered against my chest. Al I could do was nod. I didn’t trust my own voice. My reactions to him were never what I thought they’d be.
    “I don’t want to question you too much. I just need to know you’re okay.”
    I swal owed before admitting defeat and
    speaking, “I didn’t want to be alone, and I heard your music...”
    His fingers touched my wrist, sending little pulses up my arm. His eyes went wide, tel ing me he felt it too. What was I supposed to do about that? I was at a loss for words. He proceeded to take the mug from my grasp and sat it down on the table. I nearly lost my ability to breathe upon his touch.
    His dexterous fingers took hold of my hands,
    pressing them between his own as he turned in his seat to face me. I squeezed my thighs together at the intensity of his expression, feeling guilty for my response. Would my body always give me away?
    “I...um...I waited up for you. I could hear
    you...crying. I just wanted to know you were sleeping before I turned in.”
    His cheeks flushed the sweetest shade of pink. I smiled. I couldn’t stop it. We were mere strangers, and yet he’d stayed awake because he knew I was upset. Acting on pure instinct, I rested my head on his shoulder and inhaled his scent, closing my eyes to absorb the connection. Our breathing was steady, deep; our heartbeats both throbbing rhythmical y, but his constant shuffling gave him away.
    “Do you want me to leave, Jonah?” I questioned, my voice low.
    I felt his throat constrict, but continued to focus on our hands. He hadn’t let go, so that had to be a good sign, didn’t it? I studied his fingers in the low light. I’d always expected them to be smooth, but I could see, as wel as feel, the smal cal uses along the tips. I deduced that they were from his guitar playing, though from his huge desk in the corner, they very wel could be from his drawing. I was stil pondering those rough fingers when he spoke, his lips moving against my hair.
    “N-no,” he stammered, nerves getting the better of him. “I’m glad you came to me. I’m not a real social person, so I’m sorry if I seem rather strange.”
    I huffed then smiled, patting his knee. “Strange wouldn’t be on my top-ten list of descriptions for you.”
    “Oh? What would?”
    His voice was stil low, yet I