Page 46 of Breaking Rules

Eyes twinkling with playfulness, he pulls back. Then he dives in for real, his mouth covering mine. His kiss isn’t urgent or forced—on the contrary, it’s very gentle. Our lips move together, slowly and in total sync. Moaning softly, I finally let go of the worries that are plaguing me and wind my hands around his neck.

I don’t have any desire to continue interrogating his college life. His lies. I don’t want to care about anything right now.

CHAPTER16

BLONDE

BELLA

August

Almost two weekshave passed since Xander’s party, and my relationship with Jake has improved. Our interactions remind me of how it was when we were young, without a care in the world. We go to the movies and to dinner, soaking in the time together. We keep a low profile, so I feel at ease. I can’t stop smiling. The effort he’s put into our connection makes me feel better about my decision to give our relationship another chance.

The Warriors won their first preseason game against Dallas last Thursday, so the team is hyped about the game against Tennessee next week, and the fans are hopeful Xander will help them start the season strong.

While I’m thrilled they’re doing well, the conversations that revolve around the game and the team are never-ending and inescapable.

What’s more frustrating is how hard it has become to meet with Xander to work on his bathroom. He refuses to discuss things over text, annoying me to no end. I found the perfect vanity in three color choices, but I need him to pick one so I can order it.

And when he does have a little free time, I’m working. I knew it would be challenging, but I never imagined it would be this hard to even speak with him.

* * *

Jake hasplans to spend the day with his dad, so Meg and I hit our favorite pastry shop. While we sip on coffee, we talk about our jobs, my work on Xander’s bathroom, and the new feud she and her sister are engaged in. This time, Liz is blaming her for the loss of one of their regulars.

We also talk about Marco and her crush on him. I can’t remember the last time she was so obsessed with a guy.

“He’s wonderful. He texts me every day, calls me when he has a free minute. We’ve gone out twice, and both times, everything was so easy. It kinda scares me.” Meg lets out a nervous laugh and averts her gaze to a couple sitting two tables away from us. “What if I’m imagining things?”

“I don’t think you are. I saw you two together at the club, and the way he only had eyes for you made me so giddy. The guy is into you, so stop questioning it.” I put my hand over hers on the table. “Just have fun and enjoy yourself. I have a really good feeling about you two.”

Expression relaxing, she entwines our fingers and gently squeezes my hand. “Thank you so much, Izzy. I really needed to hear that.”

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my purse. I dig it out, and when Xander’s name flashes on the screen, I sigh and slide my finger over the screen to answer. “Hey.”

“Hi, Bella. How are you?” His deep voice sends warmth through me, as if I’m hiding under a blanket.

Meg sits back, sipping her coffee and eyeing me over the rim.

“I’m fine. How about you?”

“Good. Tired, but good. I’m on my way home. Any chance you can stop by my place?”

I wince. “Sorry, I’m with Meg. We’re at Thierry’s Bakery.”

“Hm, that’s not far from my house. Mind if I join you? We could discuss the vanity, and I wouldn’t mind a little break. I think I’ve forgotten how to talk about anything but football.”

Fighting a smile, I say, “Wait a minute. I’ll ask Meg.”

I mute the call and ask. Meg gives me a mischievous smirk. “Of course he can join us.”

Xander has to stop by his house to pick up Milo and measure the space for the vanity, but he promises he’ll be quick.

When I end the call and put the phone down, Meg is scrutinizing me. “Do you still think Xander is an asshole?”

I blow out a breath as I consider my answer. Xander is…complicated. He’s cocky, for sure, and definitely a flirt, but an asshole? No, I don’t think so.

Eventually, I shake my head. “I was wrong about him.”

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