Read Love Without Rules (Contemporary Romance) for Free Online Page B

as Sydney walked up to the steps. “Whoa. Are you psychic?”
     
    “No, I was just watching out the window! I missed you so much.” Anna pulled Sydney in for a big hug. Derek appeared behind them.
     
    “Hi Derek,” Sydney greeted him as she pulled away from Anna.
     
    “Hi Syd. All ready for your girls night?” He looked casual, and had a tan from their honeymoon. “I hope you don’t mind though, I have a friend over.”
     
    “Oh, come meet him, Syd.” Anna giggled suggestively. It was obvious from Anna’s wink and eyebrow raise that this friend was very attractive, and single.
     
    “Lead the way.” Sydney linked her arm with Anna’s, and together the trio headed towards the dining room. There was a man sitting in a chair, drinking a glass of wine. When he heard the sounds of the footsteps, he turned around. Wow. He was attractive, there was no denying that.
     
    His baby blue eyes seemed to sparkle, as his lips curved into a smile. He looked like a playboy, but Sydney couldn’t help but feel some attraction. He wore a black business suit, which looked very clean. “Hello,” he greeted her.
     
    For a second, Sydney forgot her own name. “Hi… I’m S-Sydney.” She smiled widely, and hoped it didn’t come off as creepy.
     
    “Sydney? You look familiar…” There was a pause. “Weren’t you that girl on TV with the cheating boyfriend? Oh, Lord, that was hilarious!” And there it was.
     
    Sydney’s earlier attraction towards the man vanished and was replaced with irritation. She shot a glare at the man, who only smiled at her reaction. “So what if I am?” she replied, her voice laced with hostility.
     
    “Whoa, calm down.” He laughed again, as he held his hands out in front of him defensively. “I don’t mean any harm by it.” He gestured at himself.” I’m Drew Young, a publicist. I was wondering if you needed some help dealing with the… you know, aftermath.”
     
    “I don’t need a third-rate publicist,” Sydney retorted, still upset over his mean laughter. Never before had she met a man so crude. Nor can I afford it… she thought.
     
    “Excuse me. I happen to be a pretty good one. And still rising. Ever heard of Marina Lau?” Marina was one of the newer authors, who was somewhat rising, but still not incredibly popular yet. “I helped her get to where she is today.”
     
    “So what?” Sydney turned up her nose.
     
    Anna could sense that there was no point in letting the two argue like this, so she pulled Sydney out of the room. Sydney groaned once they were alone. “God, what an ass.” She sighed. “I really didn’t want to be reminded of Scott, but thanks to Mr. Drew Young over there, that plan has failed.”
     
    Anna contorted her into her face into a look of sadness. “Oh, Sydney. It’ll be okay…” She rubbed Sydney’s back comfortingly. “Let’s just watch that movie. Forget about the men. Who needs ’em?” Anna laughed.
     
    “Alright, you’re right, An. Let’s watch.”
     

***
     
    The movie was an excellent choice. Sydney found herself completely distracted, and nothing else made her happier. Anna had made excellent cookies and smoothies too. Anna had been through a few tough breakups herself, and knew that the key to surviving was having a good support system.
     
    Anna offered to let Sydney stay for the night, and Sydney agreed happily. By the time the movie was finished, Drew had left. Even though he had been so rude to her, Sydney still found her thoughts creeping back to him as they walked into the dining room to get some more wine. She shook the thoughts out of her mind as best as she could. “So, do we have anything planned for tomorrow?” Sydney asked hopefully.
     
    “Sorry, I’ve got to go to a really important, but probably boring, meeting. How’s the day after?”
     
    “That’s fine. I guess I’ll go and do some shopping. Retail therapy, and all."
     
    Anna laughed. “That’s the best kind!”
     
    The rest of the