Page 86 of Breaking Rules

I hop out too and round the car so I can walk her to the door. Just as I take her hand, I look up and find Bella’s cousin watching us. His eyebrows reach his hairline, and the guy beside him stops short and gawks, his mouth agape.

I lift my free hand and thread my fingers through my hair. “Hey, Ben.”

CHAPTER28

GOT IT?

BELLA

October

My stomach drops.Shit. I wasn’t prepared for these two men to come face-to-face. I mentioned Ben to Xander, and he remembered him from college, but just vaguely.

“Hey, Ben.” I wave awkwardly and then greet his boyfriend. “Hey, Tom.”

“Hey,” Tom mutters, looking surprised. “What are you guys doing here?”

“I promised Aunt Millie I’d visit. Xander just offered me a lift.”

My cousin narrows his eyes, like he can see right through me.

I lower my gaze, hoping I can avoid giving anything away, and press my teeth into my bottom lip. A pain shoots through me, and I gasp, bringing my fingers to the place where Xander bit me.

“Let me see.” With a hand on my wrist, Xander gently turns me. His gaze coasts over my face, a small smile curving his lips. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“I’m not.” I smile back.

This moment is like so many we’ve shared. When we’re together, the world around us disappears, and it’s just us, safe and sound in some kind of bubble. His touch on my wrist spreads warmth through my veins, and the way he looks at me makes my heart skip a beat. He’s going to be my undoing, I have no doubt, and somehow, it doesn’t scare me.

“If you want to visit my mom, we’d better head in. She’s probably about ready for bed,” Ben rasps harshly.

“But—” Tom tries to protest, but when my cousin hits him with a cold stare, he snaps his mouth shut.

I give Xander a sheepish smile. “Bye.”

“See you tomorrow.” With a nod at Ben and Tom, he takes a step back.

“Goodnight.” Tom grins, and it makes me smile. He has so much energy and compassion, and he’s always happy to share it with everyone around him. He’s such a cheerful, nice guy, and I love him for that.

“Bye.” Ben’s response is much more subdued as he stalks to the front door.

Tom drapes his arm over my shoulder and kisses my temple as we climb the stairs. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” I murmur, snuggling closer. “Where have you guys been?”

“Penny and Christina are getting married, so they threw a little celebration.” He glances over my shoulder as Ben finally unlocks the door. “Alexander has the hots for you, my dear, and it turns me on.”

“Tom!” I push him away, giggling. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous?” Tom gasps dramatically, a hand pressed to his breastbone. “Have I ever lied to you?”

“You’re overdoing it a bit,” Ben huffs.

His boyfriend immediately bursts out laughing and pulls me into his side again. “Bella knows I’m joking, right?”

“Of course.”

As I step into the house behind Tom, I finally dare to look at Xander. Black sweatpants, a black hoodie with a white T-shirt underneath, and white Nike Air Max sneakers—he’s effortlessly hot, even with his tattoos hidden.

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