Page 34 of Breaking Rules

“Isabella doesn’t like crowds.” With a chuckle, Jake wraps his arm around my shoulders.

“Why?” Xander eyes me, the corners of his mouth drooping.

“I just feel more comfortable with fewer people around.” It’s the truth. After what happened in New York when I was thirteen, I’m not the biggest fan of crowds, but I’ve learned how to live with my dislike. Honestly, crowds allow anonymity. Being a faceless person among many others means I can be myself, especially here, where I don’t have to worry about paparazzi popping out at any moment.

“Then it’s a good thing we’re up here and not down in that madness.” Xander studies the dance floor then zeroes in on me, his ever-intense scrutiny a physical caress.

A fluttering sensation in my stomach makes me dizzy. I look away from him and catch Meg’s gaze.

She puts a hand on my arm. “Wanna get a drink?”

“Sure.” I glance at Jake. “Are you coming?”

“There are a few guys I want to catch up with.” He pats my shoulder, but his attention is fixed on a group of guys across the room. “Go ahead. I’ll join you in a bit.”

“Okay.”

I entwine my fingers with my best friend’s and let her lead me away, her warm skin comforting me. As the bartender brings our drinks—a few shots of tequila for me and a cosmopolitan for Meg—Marco appears, his focus trained on Meg.

My best friend is totally oblivious to his attention. This is half the reason I took Xander up on his offer to invite her. It’s her chance to get to know Marco better.

“Hey.” He gives me a polite smile, but when he turns to Meg, the expression shifts into a lopsided grin. “Hi, Meghan. It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too,” she chirps, turning to get a better look at him. “How are you?”

They launch into easy conversation, and after a few minutes, I tune them out, focusing instead on the music. I nod my head to the beat as I survey the VIP section. Only then do I realize Jake is no longer here, and neither is Xander.Where did they go?I swear they settled on one of the couches with a few other guys just a few minutes ago.

I pick up one of the two shots of tequila on the bar and toss it back. I don’t have a particular plan for tonight, other than to have a few drinks and dance and sing. I haven’t done anything like this in months, not since my relationship with Jake went public.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond happy for him, and I’m happy to be his cheerleader once he steps onto the field. He deserves all the praise he’s getting from sports journalists, agents, and coaches.

But I loathe all the photoshoots that make women crazy about him. Even worse are the paparazzi who follow us. Staying in the shadows suits me better, and I’m fine with it, at least most of the time.

Tonight, I want to let loose a little. I want to feel like my old self. Not that I’ve ever had much of a chance to be carefree, thanks to my dearest mother and stepfather. Though I told Jake he could pretend I wasn’t here, I secretly hoped we could spend the night dancing and having a good time together. Yet he slipped away the first chance he got.

And now I’m here. I’m surrounded by people, my best friend by my side, but I’m even lonelier than usual. How pathetic is that?

CHAPTER12

WITHOUT YOU

BELLA

August

After downingmy fourth tequila shot, I slide off the barstool and follow Meg downstairs to the dance floor. The EDM makes my body buzz with excitement. It’s catchy, with just the right beat for dancing. The bass reverberates through me, making my heart thump fast and hard as a gazillion goosebumps scatter across my skin. I make my way through the crowd, swaying my hips to the rhythm. So senseless, yet so good at the same time.

I have no idea what time it is; it’s so easy to lose track in a place like this. From the moment Meg and I hit the dance floor, Marco has kept us company. I excuse myself and order another shot, and as I make my way back to my friend, I search for Jake. I still haven’t seen him or Xander.

Whatever. I’m annoyed, but I don’t want it to ruin my mood, so I choose to focus on having a good time with my best friend instead.

When a palm lands on my butt, I spin, expecting to find my boyfriend. Instead, a sloppy drunk stranger is here.

I step back and shoot him a glare. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry, but the way you move your hips is just soooooooo sexy. I couldn’t help myself.” His lips ease into a goofy smile.

I tell him to get lost, annoyed that my boyfriend isn’t at my side to do it for me. How sad is it that Jake is here, yet I need to deal with drunk guys on my own? He’d rather hang out with his buddies than me.

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