Page 85 of Breaking Rules

Puffing air out of my lungs, I slip my phone back into my pocket and follow Milo’s lead. I just hope Miller thinks Bella and Meg split up earlier and he isn’t out looking for her.

* * *

Meg hugs Bella tightly,and when she pulls back, they’re both laughing. As Bella heads my way, her friend gives me a small wave then makes her way to her car.

“Did you have fun?” I ask as she slips in beside me.

She holds my gaze as she buckles her seat belt, a genuine smile on her face. “I did. Meg and I haven’t spent enough time together lately.”

I dip my chin. “Glad you had the chance, then.”

Bella folds her arms over her chest and sticks out her bottom lip, feigning a pout. “I really could’ve called an Uber. What can Jake possibly do to me in public?”

With a press of the ignition button, I sigh. “I’m worried he could follow you somewhere private.”

Rather than respond, she lowers her head and taps out a text on her phone. Then, like I figured she would, she changes the subject. “My aunt asked me to stay the night. I said yes.”

As happy as I am that she has her aunt in her corner, someone who loves her unconditionally, I’m still worried about Miller. He could easily show up there.

And, selfishly, I’ll miss her…even though it’s just one night.

“What if Jake shows up?”

“He looked for me there twice already. I doubt he thinks I’m staying there.”

When the light ahead of us turns red, I bring the car to a stop and narrow my eyes on her.

“You need to break up with him for real. Why prolong it if you know you don’t want to be with him?”

Her shoulders slump. “That’s one of the reasons I want to see my aunt, to talk to her about it. Meg let me bounce ideas off her too. I don’t know exactly how I’ll do it yet, but it was helpful.”

Ten minutes later, I pull up in front of her aunt’s house and survey the façade, realizing there isn’t a single light on. I unbuckle my seat belt and turn to look at her.

“You sure she’s waiting for you?”

“Yeah, she responded to my text when you picked me up. She probably went to lie down,” she mutters. “I’ll let myself in. I don’t want to trouble you more than I already have.”

“It’s not a problem, but I selfishly want you to come home with me. Any chance I can convince you to change your mind?”

Though a spark of interest ignites in her eyes, she quickly blinks it away. “Sorry. I haven’t seen Millie in weeks. I miss her.”

I put my hand on the back of her head and draw her face to mine. Our kiss is slow, and it awakens something primal in me. I suck on her bottom lip and sink my teeth into it before releasing it again.

“God, what am I going to do without you?” I press a kiss to her jaw, then her neck.

“I’ll make it up to you,” she mewls, sounding as turned on as I am.

I cover her mouth with mine again, and when I pull away, we’re both short of breath. My heartbeat is like the revving engine of a Formula 1 car, fast and intense.

“What are your plans for tonight?” Bella asks, fixing her hair.

“I hadn’t thought about it, but your words about your family made me realize I could actually visit mine. Mom will be happy.”

“I’m sure your parents miss you.” She checks her reflection in the car visor and turns to me. “I feel bad; you’ve barely seen them since I started staying at your place.”

“Stop. I talk to them every day. They know how busy I get during football season.” I catch her hand and hold it between my palms. “Plus, I’m happy you’re staying with me.”

“Me too.” She plants a light peck on my lips then grips the door handle. “I gotta go.”

---