Breaking the Rules Read Online Free

starving.” Her finger brushed his and she flinched back quickly.
    A deep flutter fell across his belly. Wow, it had been a while since he experienced that. He smiled at her as she took a bite. She looked around the room, anywhere but him. A flush rose into her cheeks and her eyes blinked rapidly. So she felt the rush, too. They both had no right feeling this spark between each other, but it was something he couldn’t ignore.
    She nodded her chin in Jason’s direction. “He’s a barrel of energy. How’s it going with him?”
    Colin picked up a warm breadstick and dipped it in the marinara sauce. “Better. Even though he’s grounded, he doesn’t seem too put out.”
    â€œI can see that.” Hope’s lips tightened. She sat up straighter and folded her hands together.
Uh-oh. Serious Hope again.
“I wanted to call and talk to you.”
    â€œReally?” He sat back and smiled at her. “I like the sound of that.”
    She reached behind her and touched her ponytail. “Well, this is entirely school related. You see, yesterday, during Jason’s detention, I had him write an essay about why he pushed Bret Wilson.”
    â€œBret Wilson? Ah, I see. He’s had some problems with the boy for a while now. I didn’t think it was that serious, though.” Colin shook his head.
    â€œI think what Jason said in his essay is worth sharing with you.” She peeked toward Jason, who played behind them.
    Colin frowned. “What is it?”
    â€œHe said he pushed Brett because — ” Hope scrunched her nose again. “The boy called him a motherless weenie.”
    â€œSon of a — ” Colin rested his elbow on the table and dropped his head in his palms. “What else?”
    â€œHe wrote extensively about not having a mom and what people say to him. He said it was no big deal, but it’s obvious that isn’t true. He’s struggling with how to deal with these painful feelings.” She tilted her head down to look in Colin’s eyes. “I just wanted you to know.”
    He sighed. “I guess it’s no secret we’re still having a hard time dealing with his mom’s death. I don’t know how much you know, but she died in a car accident two years ago.”
    â€œThe school counselor filled me in.” She placed her hand on top of his. “I’m sorry.”
    A jolt shot through him and he placed his hand on top of hers because he needed to feel her touch and he didn’t want her to let go. “Jason doesn’t talk to me about it. I had him in counseling for a year and it seemed to help. In fact, the counselor said he didn’t need to go anymore. I guess I need to work on figuring out a way to reach him.”
    â€œFrom the little I’ve seen you’re doing a fine job, Colin.” She let go of his hand. “In time, it’ll get easier.”
    â€œI hope so.”
    Jason walked back to the table and sat next to Hope again. “I lost the last game.”
    Hope drank her tea. “What game do you like to play?”
    â€œI’m the best at The Racer. Still the top scorer.”
    She cocked her head. “You must play a lot.”
    â€œWe come here most Fridays, so I kind of feel like it’s my game. Dad isn’t too bad either.”
    â€œNow, that’s something I’d like to see.” She smiled.
    The waitress arrived with the pizza and a salad plate. “Enjoy.”
    â€œYou’re welcome to have a slice.” Colin offered as he served Jason.
    â€œI just got back from yoga, so I think I’ll go the light route. Be right back.” She headed for the salad bar.
    Colin watched her meander over, her long legs beckoning his attention. Yoga could be a nice sport. A very limber sport. He shook his head and looked back at Jason, who had a smile plastered on his face.
    â€œShe’s nice, huh, dad?”
    Colin cleared his throat and took