Page 134 of Breaking Rules

“Coach is a good guy. He didn’t have to give me the time off so close to the Super Bowl.” Xander sighs, placing his chin on top of my head. “Situations like ours aren’t easy for the team, but, thanks to him, the atmosphere in the locker room and on the field has improved a ton. Thanks to Isaiah too. He’s been invaluable since he took Miller’s place.”

“Do the guys talk to you?”

“Yeah.” Xander massages my back. “Meg told Garcia about Jake’s cheating, and she hinted at how he was treating you. It didn’t take much for them to see through Jake’s bullshit. Most of the guys on the team are family men. They didn’t appreciate what he did to you.”

“I should’ve pressed charges,” I mutter.

Xander leans away and gently takes my chin between his fingers. “Everything is going to be alright. We’ll win the Super Bowl, and I’ll make the haters eat their words. For you.”

“If you win, can I make a wish?” I ask, an idea forming in my head.

He chuckles. “Why not?”

* * *

The pool housewhere we’re staying is small and tidy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and beige walls. The living area is filled with a spacious couch, a big TV on the wall, a PlayStation, and a kitchenette in one corner. Beyond a half-opened door is a luxuriously made bed flanked by nightstands.

“Did my sister overwhelm you with all her blabbering?” Xander whispers after the door is closed behind us.

“A little,” I laugh.

“That’s what she’s like when she’s up to something.” With a smirk, he sets our bags on the floor.

Then he pulls me in close, his lips finding mine, and I sigh into his mouth. I’ve never been with a guy like Xander before. He occupies all my thoughts, and he has stolen my heart with no intention of giving it back. He’s under my skin, flowing through my veins.

He’s everywhere.

“She was the same way on the day of her birthday party. I should’ve guessed she invited you.”

“What would you have done if you’d known I was going to be there?”

Xander shrugs. “Made you jealous.”

I narrow my eyes. “What?”

“I would’ve made you jealous to gauge your feelings, especially after you agreed to be Miller’s wife right in front of me.” His lips hover over mine, his warm breath caressing my skin. “I hoped you’d fallen for me, so I needed confirmation. I needed to know I wasn’t in this alone.” He presses his forehead to mine, sliding his hands down my hips. “I want to sneak out with you tonight. The beach is a short walk from here. We can be alone there, no prying eyes.”

“The pool isn’t enough for you, Mr. Quarterback?” I tease, standing on my tiptoes.

“Never enough.” He seizes my lips in a feverish kiss, and the rest of the world stops existing.

* * *

Most of thepeople here know each other, but Jess has taken pity on me and is keeping me company. She tells me about the project she has been assigned to, about the nutrition course she’s taking. I tell her about my job and my love for interior design.

“Have you thought about taking classes?” Jess asks, head tilted, red curls veiling her shoulders. “On interior design, I mean.”

I take a sip of my drink. “No.”

“Why not?” She arches an eyebrow. “You clearly love it. Why not learn more so you can do it full time? Maybe work for yourself?”

I ponder her words as I sneak a glance at Xander, who’s engrossed in conversation with Ryan. If I wanted to study interior design, would he be on board? With a sigh, I turn back to Jess.

“I don’t know. I never thought about it.” I lift my shoulder. “I’m mostly self-taught, though I’ve learned a lot from my cousin and magazines.”

“Think about it.” She smiles, clinking her glass against mine. “When you’re ready, I’ll be your first client, and you can do a badass design for my little studio. Deal?”

I laugh. “Deal.”

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