Bending the Rules (The Rules, #1)

Jayden

Hunter's house smells like a candle has permeated the drywall. It's a little overwhelming, but somehow makes the space more comfortable. It's strange to be here alone—Hunter is picking up Brenna and Ella—but I don't feel like I'm invading on the Tuckers' privacy. Hunter did give me the code for the garage, after all.

Trudging through the hallway, I enter the kitchen and heave the bags up onto the island. The cloth grocery bags are full of snacks and drinks: pop, potato chips, several different types of dip, and some reusable plastic cups for water and other drinks. There are also some drink mixes for margaritas and pina coladas.

For a moment, I stare at the bags, my mind lost in thought. Unfortunately, the thoughts are too negative, and the last thing I want to do is ruin the party.

Instead of dwelling over my parents, I distract myself by rummaging through the cupboards and drawers until I find bowls for the chips and dip. I fill the bowls and place them on the coffee table in the living room. Then I organize the drinks.

By the time I've set everything up, Nick, Drew, Evren, and Catina have arrived. They enter the kitchen while I'm nursing a glass of water and scrolling through my Instagram feed.

"Jayden!" Nick says, clapping me on the back. "When did you get here?"

I glance at my phone and shrug. "About thirty minutes ago. Hunter gave me the code for the garage." I jerk my head in the direction of the coffee table. "There are snacks on the coffee table."

"Sick. Let's go, Ev." Drew says. He takes Evren's hand and tugs her into the living room, leaving me, Nick, and Catina in the kitchen.

I set my drink down, watching as Nick starts collecting shot glasses and alcohol. "What are you doing?"

He grins at me over his shoulder. "Making us drinks."

While Nick concocts some kind of drink, Catina joins me by the sink. I immediately become uncomfortable. Unless I'm overthinking this, there's a high possibility she has a crush on me. Although I should tell her I'm not interested, I don't have the ability to hurt her. Catina is a little pushy, but she's a good person.

"Hey," she smiles.

I stuff my phone in my pocket, giving her my full attention. "Hey. How's it going? Happy classes are done until January?"

Catina rolls her eyes. "Ugh. Yes. I love the holidays." She pauses, picking at her nails. "How about you?"

Crossing my arms, I shrug again while also wondering if I've spent too much time with Shea. "It's not much of a break, to be honest. Hockey's still going strong. Lots of games lined up after Christmas. We have another tournament."

"Mhmm," she nods. "Lots of games."

We exchange a glance, and I note the peculiar expression on her face. Her lips are pulled to one side and she won't look at me for more than a second.