Page 110 of Breaking Rules

More than anything, I want to say no. He deserves whatever he gets. But if it means he won’t bother me anymore? I’m willing to take that risk.

“Okay. You have one month.” I turn on my heel and head out of the living room.

* * *

For two days,I hide out at my aunt’s house, thankful for her and Ben and Tom and all the ways they’ve worked to distract me from my thoughts.

It’s incredible, this true freedom from Jake. But without Xander in my life, there’s an ache in my chest that won’t go away.

Audrey texts a couple of times, reminding me about her party and sending me the address. I consider bailing, pretending I’m sick. But I want to see him, and this is the best way to make that happen.

* * *

Nerves rushthrough me as I knock on the front door. I can’t imagine I’ll know anyone here but Xander and his sister, and honestly, I don’t even really know Audrey—and from what I do know, she’s not all that fond of me.

With any luck, Xander will keep me company, but what if he doesn’t want to speak with me? With zero communication between us since Sunday, it’s a possibility I can’t ignore. And what if he brought a date?

“Isabella!” Audrey opens the door and looks me up and down. “I’m glad you decided to come.”

“Happy birthday,” I say, my muscles tensing.

“Thank you.” She steps back to let me in. “Is that for me?” She tips her head toward the bouquet in my hand.

“Yes.” I give her the flowers, and she instantly buries her nose in them. “Peonies are my favorite. Hope you like them too.”

“Ilovethem.” She smiles, though I can’t help but remain on edge in her presence. After Sunday, I can’t trust that she’s being genuine. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

On the terrace, we make our rounds. I meet close to a dozen people. Her parents aren’t here due to an unexpected trip to Washington, but at least her husband flew in.

“Bella?”

I look over my shoulder and lock eyes with Xander. He’s standing in the doorway, gaping at me in surprise.

My heart sinks.

He didn’t know I’d be here, did he? Audrey set me up.

CHAPTER35

HARDER

BELLA

November

“Hey.”I wave awkwardly and sneak a glance at Xander’s sister, who’s standing several feet away with her husband and a couple of friends.

Audrey catches my gaze with a smug smirk. I might be misreading the situation, but it feels like she insisted I come not because she wanted to get to know me, but because she figured Xander would be angry with me for showing up unexpectedly.

What the hell is wrong with her?

“Hey.” Xander’s tone is subdued, and his posture deflates as he heads in the opposite direction.

My heart pangs, and my chest constricts painfully. His reaction speaks volumes. Now I know how he feels about me. Shrugging, I focus on Jess, a cute girl with red hair who has been friendly.

“How long have you known Audrey?” she asks.

“I just met her. I guess we’ve hung out, like, three times,” I answer with a smile.

---