Page 83 of Breaking Rules

“Yeah, why not?” Garcia calls out as he slips into his leather jacket.

“I figured you’d blow me off like you have every other time I’ve asked these past two weeks.”

Garcia shrugs, his expression easy. “Meg’s shopping with Isabella, and then she has plans to meet with her sister, so I’ve got time.”

“Really? Isabella didn’t mention it.” Jake hides his hands in his pockets, his cold eyes calculating. “Do you know where they went?”

Garcia, oblivious to his friend’s scheming, says, “Not a clue, man, but Meg is meeting up with Liz soon, so they may be finished.”

“Never mind. I’ll ask Isabella when I see her.” Miller picks up his duffel bag. “I’ll wait for you in the parking lot.” With that, he strides out of the locker room, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone else.

I can’t say I hate to see him so miserable, but his calls and texts to Bella are becoming more desperate, and that has my hackles raised.

She’s doing her best to guard her peace and mentally prepare herself for the inevitable breakup. I just wish she’d do it already.

She’s been apartment hunting this week, but all her options are either too expensive or in terrible condition. I refuse to let her live in a place where she isn’t safe—which is also why I want her to stay as far away from Jake Miller as possible.

He’s fucked up and manipulative, and I worry if he gets anywhere near her, he’ll know exactly what to do or say to make her come back to him. She claims she’ll never go back, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying. The fucker has a knack for putting the blame on her, making her feel bad about herself, and treating her like she’s his property. It kills me how easily he gaslights her, has her believing she’s overreacting. He might not know the details of what her family put her through, but he learned how to tap into her wounds and exploit them, and that disgusts me.

A guy doesn’t treat the girl he claims to love like that.

For now, I push the spiraling thoughts out of my head and pick up my bag. Once Carter and I have made plans to meet at the gym in the morning, I give my teammates some quick backslaps and fist bumps and head out.

The time alone in the car to cool off will do me good.

* * *

Just as Ipark my car in my driveway, my phone rings. When my sister’s name flashes on the display, I tap Accept.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Audrey says, her voice coming in loud and clear through the car’s speakers.

“How are you?”

“Spent the day doing nothing, waiting for Ryan to fly back home.” She sighs. “I can’t wait until we can finally move back to Boston. I miss everybody.”

Audrey is four years older than me, and though I’m almost twice her size, she’s still overprotective. That’s just her personality. She’s nosy and overbearing, but she means well.

“You’ve got, what, six months? Mom said her agent found a house that’s perfect for you?—”

“Yeah, she sent me the details, but I don’t think I like it. It’s too far away from your neighborhood.”

I roll my eyes. “But it’s close to Mom and Dad. What if I get traded? Then being in my neighborhood wouldn’t mean shit.”

“I’ll think about it.” She huffs. “Any fun plans for tonight?”

“Nah. I just got home. I’ll probably watch a movie.”With Bella, though I don’t tell Audrey that, not yet. Not until Bella leaves Miller for good. Just the sound of Jake’s name would send my sister into a full-blown tirade.

“When was the last time you went out?”

“Eh, it’s been a while, but what’s wrong with staying home?”

“Nothing. It just isn’t like you; it weirds me out. Are you really okay?”

“I’m tired, that’s all,” I bite out, anxious to get inside and see my girl. “Hey, listen. I need to run.”

“Already?”

---