Page 112 of Breaking Rules

“Maybe,” I scoff.

“Where’s Miller?”

“Probably at home.”

“Probably?”

“I don’t knowwherehe is because we broke up.”

“What?” His eyebrows pinch together, and his lips part. “At practice yesterday, he told Garcia you were waiting for him at home.”

Lips twisted into a scowl, I cross my arms. “He asked if we could keep the breakup a secret for now, and I agreed.”

Xander inches even closer and says, “I have way too many questions. Looks like you’re coming home with me tonight.”

“Says who?” I snort, surprised by the confidence in his voice.

“Your friend,” he murmurs, leaning in so close I can feel his breath on my skin. “Your lover.”

Without my permission, my core throbs. Xander’s proximity is my worst enemy.

He has done nothing wrong; still, I can’t get caught in his snare again. “Go to hell, Xander.”

“I’ll go wherever you want, but only if you keep me company.” His lips find mine the moment he stops talking. It’s just a peck, but my knees go weak immediately. Why do I always react to him this way?

Taking a step back, he holds his hand out. Rather than take it, I walk past him. Behind me, he chuckles, and the next thing I know, he has his arm casually draped over my shoulder.

“You won’t get rid of me that easily,” he whispers in my ear, freeing the butterflies in my stomach.

Though I do my best to keep my feelings in check, my heart wants to explode with happiness. His affection means way more than his words about not wanting a relationship.

We stop at the door that leads to the terrace.

“When did you break up with Miller?”

“At his house after the game. It went about as well as I could have hoped.” It’s not exactly the truth, but he doesn’t need to know that, especially not now. It’s Audrey’s party, and I don’t think she would appreciate me ruining his good mood.

Xander watches me, poking his tongue into his cheek. “He didn’t try anything with you?—”

“Ben’s presence helped.” That part, at least, is the truth. The bruise on my neck isn’t that big, covered by a thick layer of concealer. I’ll show it to him later, when it’s just us.

Untangling myself from him, I say, “Let’s go, or there won’t be any food left.”

* * *

“We’re going to my place,”Xander says as we leave his parents’ house around midnight.

“Why?”

“We need to talk.” He stops and extends his hand, his handsome smile taunting me, so easily knocking down all my walls. “Please, Bella.”

With a sigh, I take it, and he entwines our fingers like it’s the most natural thing in the world. He pulls me into his side and guides me to his car, where he insists on opening my door for me. Once he’s sure I’m safely strapped in, he traces the skin on my wrists. A dashing smile lights up his features. I’m not sure I’m making the right decision, but the two glasses of wine have dulled my nerves a bit.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Xander says, “Did you have a good time?”

“I did. What about you?”

“My day significantly improved when I saw you…alone.”

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