Page 47 of Breaking Rules

“You like him?”

“I’m with Jake.” The words fly out of my mouth so quickly, it even surprises me.

She only arches a brow in response.

Straightening and steadying myself, I try again. “Xander and I…we’re getting along better now.”

“I noticed.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “It was great, the way he stood up for you at the club. I’m thankful he did, because I was a few seconds away from scratching Jake’s eyes out.”

Though nerves skitter through me at the idea that my best friend feels that way about my boyfriend, I force a chuckle. “Since Xander’s party, Jake hasn’t been going out. We’ve been spending more time together, and we’re both making an effort.”

She hums, her attention focused on the liquid in her mug. “If you say so.”

My phone vibrates again, this time with a call from Jake. “Hey.”

“Hi, babe. Are you on your way home?”

“No, I’m still at Thierry’s with Meg. We’re waiting for Xander.”

“Walker? What for?”

“To pick out a vanity for his bathroom. I thought I mentioned it to you.”

In fact, I know I did. Just last night, I was telling him how ready I was to get this part done and move forward with the project.

“Yeah? Guess I forgot.” He laughs.

I exhale, unwilling to get riled up over such a small thing. “That’s fine. I won’t be long. What about you?”

“I need to take Dad home, so I’ll probably be late. You know how Mom is…and she’ll be asking about you.”

“I’m free tomorrow if you want to visit them. Or Monday. Whenever you want.”

“Thanks, babe. See you at home.”

I put the phone down again and smile at Meg. “Any fun plans for tomorrow?”

“Actually…”

* * *

Meg is still gushingabout her upcoming plans with Marco when the ding of the bell over the door draws my attention. Xander strides in smiling with Milo on the leash. When our eyes meet, tingles spread all over my body, and lightness fills my limbs. A feeling of weightlessness settles in the pit of my stomach. I’m happy to see him, and even happier to see Milo. That dog is absolutely precious.

“Hey,” he calls as he approaches.

“Hi, Alexander.” Meg grins. She stands and picks up her things, like she’s getting ready to bolt.

Confused, I scoot to the edge of my seat. “Meg?”

“Sorry, Izzy. I forgot to tell you that…um, Liz sent me a message. I need to get back to the shop.”

This treasonous woman. Now I know why she was grinning—she’s leaving me alone with him on purpose. I’m going to strangle her, I swear.

“Have a nice evening, you two.” She presses a kiss to my cheek and whispers, “Call you tomorrow.”

“Bye,” Xander says, completely unbothered by her sudden retreat.

He lowers himself into the chair Meg just vacated right across from me.

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