Page 51 of Breaking Rules

Shoulders slumped, she shakes her head. “It’s probably stupid.”

“Or maybe it’s not,” I counter briskly. “C’mon. Tell me. Even if it is stupid, I promise I won’t laugh.”

She inhales and lets the air out of her lungs slowly. Then, finally, in the quietest of voices, she says, “Did you hear how Cindy talked about Jake? As if she knows him. Not in some friendly way, but as if sheknowshim…on an intimate level.”

A lump forms in my throat, making it hard to breathe. I want to expose Miller, but only when the time is right—and now is not that time. So, I keep my thoughts to myself and stick with asking her questions. “Do you think Jake is cheating on you?”

“Maybe,” she whispers. “I don’t know.”

“Cindy likes attention. That was obvious within minutes of meeting her,” I say as Milo takes off again, leading us across the park. “She wasn’t happy that I kinda dismissed her in the coffee shop. And she definitely didn’t like when you acted indifferent toward her. I wouldn’t let her response bother you. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to read between the lines. She’s no one, just a girl who doesn’t like to be told no.”

“She’s exactly your type, isn’t she?” The words are so quiet, I barely make them out.

Frowning, I examine her closed-off expression. “Did Miller tell you that?”

She shrugs. “He said enough.”

“Your boyfriend knows nothing about me that doesn’t relate to football.” I halt in my tracks and turn to her.

Bella does the same, her stormy eyes on me.

“But sadly, he doesn’t know you either.”

I press a palm to her cheek.

Rather than flinch away or back up like I expect, she stays rooted to the spot, watching me. A rush of electricity courses through me, and the world around us slows. Tingles assault my body, an exhilarating sensation I’ve never experienced before. The more I look at her, the more my skin burns.

Fucking hell…I’m in so much trouble.

I’m attracted to this woman. I have been since the moment I laid eyes on her at the welcome party.

Dammit. I’m screwed.

She’s Jake Miller’s girl.

I can’t be attracted to her.

Slowly, I take a step back and drop my hand. “Cindy was at the club after the Warriors party, but I didn’t see her with Jake. I can say with certainty she left the club with a guy, but it wasn’t your boyfriend.”

Bella nods, taking in the quiet park. “Thank you so much, Xander. I really appreciate it.”

When her gaze lands on Milo, her lips finally tip up a fraction. The tiny giggle that escapes her slides right under my skin, making me feel featherlight.

“Your dog is something else.”

“Milo is the best.”

“He sure is.” She cocks her head and threads her fingers through her ponytail. “I’ll call you when I have a confirmed delivery date for the vanity.”

“Awesome.” I don’t want her to go.“But will you stay for a little longer? Milo and I are going for a short walk before we head home.”

“I’d love that.” That flicker of a smile returns.

My chest tightens in a way it shouldn’t. “Then let’s go.”

CHAPTER18

DEAD INSIDE

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