Page 14 of Breaking Rules

“I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun,” my boyfriend says, oblivious to my discomfort. “It definitely reminded me of the good old days.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” I mutter, my tone belying the sentiment. “Meg saw you on the blogs.”

“Meghan is nosy,” he grouses.

Eyes narrowed, Xander looks from Jake to me. “Who is Meghan?”

“My best friend.”

“Ah. Will you invite her to the dinner Jake mentioned?”

I click my tongue. Shit. I forgot Jake invited friends over for dinner next week. Usually I wouldn’t mind, but he told them I’d cook without asking me first.

“Yes,” I say, picking at an invisible speck on my pant leg. “I’ll invite Meg.”

My boyfriend guffaws. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Walker. She’s not exactly your type.”

“Is she pretty?” Xander shifts his gaze to me.

I lift my chin. “She is.”

His lips stretch into a smile. “Then she’s my type.”

“Oh, please,” Jake argues. “The chick from last night?She’syour type. Meghan? Hell no.”

I push his palm off my thigh and untangle myself from him.

“What?” he groans. “I didn’t say anything bad. She’s just not Xander’s type.” Beer bottle dangling from his fingers, he waves dismissively. “But you can invite her. I might invite a few more people too.”

“Thanks,” I snap. “Though I beg to differ about Meg. Based on the girl I saw this morning, blondesarehis type.”

Jake stiffens, his expression stony. “Come again?” he says.

Shit. I had no intention of telling him I saw his friend hooking up.

I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. While nerves skitter through me, Xander is smiling from ear to ear.

“It’s my fault,” he says lazily. “Remember the girl from the club?”

“Of course,” Jake snickers. “You were all over each other.”

“Well, you said I could use the guest room…and I did. We weren’t exactly quiet, and Isabella walked in on us.” His eyes dart my way for a split second. “She probably thought it was you.”

My stomach bottoms out. “I didn’t,” I say, voice shaky. The back of my neck goes hot. “I told you I didn’t think it was Jake.”

“Guys, you’re giving me a headache.” With a groan, Jake leans back against the couch and faces me. “What happened?”

I sigh, shoulders deflating. “When I woke up, I went downstairs for coffee. I heard noises in the guest room, so I figured I’d make sure everything was okay. As soon as I realized there were people in the bed, I closed the door.”If his asshole friend tries to sabotage my story, I’ll kill him.

“I noticed her and figured I should check on her. Found her in the kitchen, and we had alovelytalk. Right?” His lips stretch into a sly smile.

My expression isn’t nearly as bright. “Right.”

“Okay.” Jake shrugs. “Though I would prefer you didn’t creep on my friends.”

A scoff escapes me. Seriously?I’mthe one he’s going to criticize? “What?”

“Be honest. Did you think it was me? Is that why you went in there?” he asks, pinning me in place with his stare.

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