Page 96 of Breaking Rules

I shift in my seat. The butterflies in my stomach are keeping me from thinking clearly. Audrey, however, wears a sharp expression.

“So,” I say, scrambling for a suitable topic, “you live in Florida?”

“Yep, my husband and I moved to Miami three years ago.” Head tilted, she studies my face. “How long have you and Miller been together?”

Though Jake is the last thing I want to talk about, I explain how we dated in high school then got back together last winter.

“He called her ‘the one that got away,’” Xander says without turning to look at us.

Audrey nods. “Did he break up with you the first time?”

“No. I thought a split would be best since he was leaving for college and I was still in high school.”

A triumphant smile blooms across Audrey’s lips. “I’m sure he only called you that because you hurt his ego. He’s the great Jake Miller, and you dared to dump him. I like you more now, Bella.”

I force a smile onto my face, but I’m not sure how I feel about her words.

Xander sets two mugs of steaming coffee onto the table then goes back for his own. When he settles, he picks the chair next to mine. This close, his body heat soaks into me, calming me.

* * *

“It was nice to meet you,”I murmur as we stop in the foyer.

“You too.” She steps closer and plants a kiss on my cheek. “I know you’re taking a break from Miller, but is there any chance I can convince you to go to Sunday’s game with me?”

“Audrey.” Xander’s voice is low and quiet, but it’s definitely a warning.

I keep my focus fixed on his sister. “I already promised my best friend I’d go with her, but it’d be fun if you came along too.”

Without a word, Xander shifts closer. His shoulder brushes mine, sending goosebumps skittering all over my skin.

“Awesome.” Audrey beams. “Let me get your number?”

She and Xander make plans to have dinner with their parents tonight. Then she gives her brother a hug and walks out of the house, humming under her breath.

The second Xander closes the door, he turns to me. I lock my hands in front of me and shuffle my feet, suddenly nervous.

He comes closer, hovering over me. “What’s this about you going to the game? I thought you weren’t ready to see him.”

“I’ve decided how I want to tell him we’re over.” I swallow around the lump in my throat and tilt my chin to look him in the eye. “I’ll break up with him after the game. Meg will be with me.”

With an arm around my waist, he pulls me against him. “Are you sure?”

I am, but I’m also scared.

“Yeah.”

He presses his lips to the corner of my mouth and then moves them to my earlobe. “I know Milo needs to go for a walk…and you need to work…”

I shiver even though the anticipation of what’s to come makes my skin sizzling hot.

“But maybe I can convince you to take a shower with me first? Two birds, one stone.”

The feeling of his already-hard cock pressed to my leg sends all my rational thoughts to the dumpster.

Winding my hands around his neck, I whisper, “Why not?”

And, like it always does, the world around us disappears. Nothing matters except this man and his hands on my body.

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