Page 55 of Breaking Rules

September

Hands on the steering wheel,I stare at Xander’s house. The bathroom vanity should be delivered today, and I promised I’d be here for it.

But in all honesty, it’s the last place I want to be.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been holed up at Jake’s house. It’s the easiest way to avoid seeing people. I haven’t seen my aunt or Ben, though I’ve talked to him about work-related stuff. There’s a big event coming up, but luckily I could send invites and order food and supplies from home. The client is paying twice our usual fee since it was a last-minute arrangement, and Ben trusts me to handle it on my own. I even refused to go to the movies with Meg. All I want is to be alone, to avoid questions and lectures about my decision to be with Jake.

My phone buzzes with an incoming message, startling me out of my stupor. As I jump out of the car, a warm wind gusts over me, and a little smile prods at my lips. Though it’s September, it still feels like summer, and seeing as how summer slipped away from me this year, I relish the heat of the day.

As I approach the front door, I take Xander’s house key out of my purse. He asked Jake to pass it along to me, since we haven’t seen one another in weeks.

He probably thinks I’ve been ignoring him, and while that’s part of it, my bigger motivation has been to give myself time to find a solution to the situation I got myself into by moving in with Jake.

After days and days of mentally running through scenarios, I’m still at a loss, and it feels like my brain is about to explode.

He won’t let me go easily.

With a shake of my head, I banish those thoughts and force myself to focus on work.

* * *

An hour later,the vanity has been installed. It looks incredible. Once the mirror and a light fixture have been installed, the room will be complete. Unfortunately, I’ve shown Xander a dozen options for both, and so far, he hasn’t liked a single one.

When Milo darts out of the room barking, I follow and find Xander in the entryway. His dog is at his feet, jumping around and trying to get his attention. But he only has eyes for me.

My lips stretch into an uncontrollable smile. “Hey.”

“Hey.” He puts his duffel bag on the floor. “It’s been a while.”

“Two weeks.” I shrug. My heart picks up its pace, thrashing against my rib cage.A combination of nervousness and excitement courses through me, making my knees go weak. “Your bathroom is almost finished.”

“Really?” He crouches and continues to love on his dog. “So you found a mirror and a light fixture you think I’ll like?”

“Not yet.”

“Then it’s still nowhere close to finished.”

“You’re being a pain in the ass.” I laugh for probably the first time since I saw him two weeks ago.

“Maybe.” With a wink, he stands and steps closer. “Your boyfriend went to his parents’ house after practice.”

“I know.” I nod, my smile slipping away.

Xander narrows his eyes, his expression too damn knowing. “Have dinner with me.”

My heart stutters, and a hint of longing works its way through me. I fight the sensation. “That’s a bad idea. I better go.”

“It’s anamazingidea. I could really use the company. Pretty please?” He ducks his head and gives me puppy dog eyes.

“What’s your motive here? I need to know what I’m signing up for.” I squint, tilting my head.

“Hmm.” He taps his index finger on his bottom lip, and then his face lights up with the most handsome smile I’ve ever seen. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Xander.” I drop my head back and groan.

He skirts me and strolls toward his bedroom, Milo scampering after him. “I’ll order pizza.”

I stay rooted to the spot, watching him go.

---