Page 138 of Breaking Rules

“Greg!” Mom yelps, swatting Dad on his shoulder. “Leave him alone.”

I rake a hand through my sweat-soaked hair. “Mom, if Dad didn’t give me shit, I’d think his body had been taken over by aliens.”

“I’m so happy for you,” she says, pushing her way between us. “And so proud.” She kisses my cheek before stepping back.

I try to keep up with what they’re saying, but my mind is elsewhere. The only person I want to see is Bella, and she isn’t here.

“You’re coming to our house tonight for a little party…” Audrey says as I survey the field.

Bella is somewhere here too. Did she get lost in the crowd? I glance over my shoulder, seeing Marco with our teammates, and it eases some of the tension. Meg isn’t here either.

“…and it will be incredible!”

“I don’t think Alex is listening,” Ryan laughs, pulling my sister to his side.

That catches my attention.

Her face falls, and her eyes go hard. “Do you have more important priorities than celebrating with your family?”

“Sorry, Audrey. Just…have you seen Bella?” I look from one family member to another.

“Sorry, man. Bella didn’t sit with us.” Ryan gives me an apologetic smile.

“Did she even come to the game?” Audrey asks, arms crossed over her chest.

I frown. What the hell is wrong with her?

“Bella is here with her best friend, her cousin, and his fiancé. They chose to sit in the stands,” I grit out. Then I focus on my parents. “See you later, guys. I need to get back to the team. We’re gonna take pictures in a few.”

“Of course.” Mom smiles and takes Dad’s hand. “See you later.”

“See you.” Ryan turns and drags my sister away, trailing after my parents.

They’re still within earshot when Audrey says, “She’s the reason Alex has been through the wringer, and she couldn’t be bothered to show up and support him? I’m telling you, she’s no better than her ex.”

Clenching my jaw, I focus on my breathing. Audrey’s words boil my blood. I’ll talk to her later, make sure she understands that I won’t put up with her speaking about Bella like that. It’s cruel, and incredibly far from the truth. My sister should know better.

I’ve almost made it to where the team is gathered when the sound of Bella’s voice makes me stop in my tracks. I whirl around and barely have time to throw my arms out before she’s launched herself at me. She hugs my neck, peppering my sweaty face with light kisses. I slide my hands down to her butt, keeping her close.

This right here is just as significant as the moment we won.

My heart beats out of my chest, and my throat is tight with emotion. I’ve never gotten high in my life, but I can imagine it feels something like this, like I can do absolutely anything. I’m unstoppable, invincible, immune to anything bad when she’s with me.

She’s my light, my personal sunshine. She’s my partner in crime, my seductive mistress, my sensitive girl. Bella makes me feel complete.

“I was worried you bailed on me,” I whisper in her ear.

She pulls back abruptly, her sapphire eyes raking over my face, a worry line between her brows. “Never,” she murmurs. “Meg and I got a little lost trying to find our way onto the field. She’s with Marco now.”

“Where are Tom and Ben?”

She rolls her eyes then leans in close. “Tom, apparently, has never had sex in a public place, and he wants to change that today.”

I throw my head back and guffaw. “No way.”

“Yes way.” She nods. “You owe me a wish, Mr. Quarterback, remember?”

“What will it be?” I set her on her feet and clasp her hands. Like every time we’re together, the rest of the world disappears.

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