Page 64 of Breaking Rules

“Alex?” Audrey asks, breaking my trance.

I clear my throat. “Y-yeah, I’m here. I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“But—”

I hit End then quickly pocket my phone, my palms starting to sweat.

I can’t believe she’s here. Is my imagination playing tricks on me?

Why is she here?

She hasn’t seen me yet, so I stay where I am and take her in. She’s sitting on the steps, the porch light illuminating her white dress, a small suitcase at her side.

Unwilling to wait any longer for an answer, I tug gently on Milo’s leash. “Do you see who’s here?” I point at the house, and his head instantly snaps in her direction. The fast wagging of his small tail makes me chuckle.

I crouch and unclip his leash. Once he’s free, he takes off, running straight to Bella. He barks and yips, and a moment later the air fills with her laughter. The sound causes warmth to spread in my chest.

“Goodness, Milo, stop,” she giggles. Despite her command, she holds him close.

“He’s happy to see you,” I say as I approach.

She looks up, and a smile brightens her expression. “Hey.”

“I’m surprised you’re here. Wasn’t Miller’s mom’s thing tonight?”

“Yeah.” She stands slowly, keeping Milo in her arms.

I drink her in, and when I notice stains from Milo’s paws on her white dress, I reach out. “Put him down. He’s ruining your dress.”

“It’s fine. I don’t care.”

“Why are you here?”

With her lip caught between her teeth, she shrugs. “I don’t know.”

Thrown off by her answer, I ask the first thing that comes to mind. “Did something happen at the party?”

She focuses on Milo, avoiding looking at me. “I just… I have nowhere else to go, so I thought… Never mind. It’s stupid. I’ll call another Uber.”

My whole body feels weighed down, and a sickening sensation washes over me. “Bella, you can stay as long as you need, but please, tell me what happened.”

Shoulders slumping, she sighs and peers down at Milo. “Jake’s mom invited my parents…after I made it clear I didn’t want them there. And J-Jake knew about it.”

Stepping closer, I take Milo from her and set him on the ground. She doesn’t put up a fight. When I straighten again, her arms hang awkwardly at her sides.

I hover close, studying her gorgeous sapphire eyes. “C’mon. Let’s get you inside. I bet you want a cup of coffee.”

Her lips tilt up in the tiniest of smiles.God, she’s cute.

“Thank you, Xander,” she whispers.

I grab her suitcase on my way to the front door, surprised by how heavy it is. This is definitely more than a couple days’ worth of necessities.

Did she break up with Miller?

“Let me wash Milo’s paws, and then I’ll make a pot.”

Ahead of me, she wrings her hands and scans the entryway like she’s never been here before.

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