Read Online The Rules by Delaney Diamond - Free Book Online Page A

that he never introduced me to his parents.”
    “ In six years ?”
    “What can I say, I was young and stupid. Oh, we actually did have another problem. I wanted to get married. I tried not to pressure him, but I didn’t want to be his live-in forever. Anyway, he kept coming up with excuses for why we couldn’t get married.” She took a deep breath. “Then I found out he was legally married to another woman in Alabama.”
    “Ah, man.”
    “Yep.” Black lashes lowered to her round cheeks, temporarily hiding her thoughts from his probing gaze. She swallowed hard. “I made some mistakes over the years.”
    It was Gavin’s turn to reach for her hand, gently grasping her fingers. “What happened with the other guy?”
    “He was a big mistake. One that I don’t even want to get into.” She waved away the question, laughing shakily, eyes dodging his. “Anyway, that’s it.”
    “Tell me about the second guy.”
    Terri shook her head vehemently. “No way. I’ve told you enough.” She still didn’t look at him, and he squeezed her fingers, forcing her gaze upward.
    “I thought we were sharing. You’re keeping secrets.”
    “If I tell you everything, you won’t find me interesting.” She tossed a saucy grin his way, but her eyes betrayed an abundance of pain before she looked away.
    A compelling story existed behind the downcast eyes, and Gavin sensed the difficulty to share didn’t only stem from a broken heart. There was much more involved, and an unexpected need to protect her burned inside him.
    “I think I’ll always find you interesting.”
    He threaded his fingers through hers and stared down at their intertwined digits—his long and blunt, hers short and slender. His skin a chocolate color, hers a lighter caramel.
    “It’s beautiful up here,” Terri murmured, staring out the window.
    “Let’s go up to the observation deck,” Gavin suggested, going along with the abrupt change of topic.
    If she didn’t want to talk about her past anymore, he wouldn’t push. He promised her a good time tonight, and if she enjoyed herself, maybe he could see her again. And he really wanted to see her again. He was drawn to her. Not only her physical features but her vivacious personality.
    Terri bit the corner of her bottom lip. “I have a confession to make. I’m a little afraid of heights.”
    “Not tonight, you’re not.” Gavin stood and pulled her along with him.
    Because of the lateness of the hour, only a few people strolled the deck. A family of six went by and a couple, arm-in-arm, stood at the railing overlooking the city. Before they stepped outside, Terri squeezed her eyes shut and stood ramrod straight, refusing to budge. Gavin stood behind her, his pelvis pressed against her bottom and one arm around her midsection. He eased forward and nudged her along with him, out onto the observation deck where cold air greeted them.
    “You’re perfectly safe,” he murmured in her ear.
    Her breathing kicked up and she let out a low whimper, but they continued the march forward.
    “This is crazy,” she said, a little breathless, eyes still closed.
    “It’ll be worth it. You’ll love the view from here.”
    “I saw it perfectly fine inside,” she retorted.
    They arrived at the edge and Gavin placed each of her hands on the cold steel that ran the periphery of the Space Needle. Her fingers immediately curled around the railing.
    “Open,” he instructed.
    Terri peeked through the slits of her eyes and then promptly shut them again.
    “Come on, you’re safe. You’re on solid ground, and I have my arm around you. Nothing will happen to you while you’re with me.”
    She let out a little whimper as she looked at the scenery and leaned back against him. The hand around her waist tightened. “Nothing to be afraid of,” he murmured. She smelled so good, he ran his nose along her hairline.
    Terri gripped the railing so tight, he thought she might be able to snap the steel. “It’s…nice.” Her