Page 15 of Breaking Rules

I shake my head, a cold sweat breaking over my skin.

“Then you shouldn’t have gone in there at all.”

“Dude, it’s not a big deal. She heard noises, so she checked. It’s only natural.”

Xander’s firm tone shocks the hell out of me, and a lump lodges itself in my throat.

“If you say so,” Jake grinds out. He surveys me as silence fills the room.

God, I wish I could disappear into the couch.

“Am I allowed to ask for Isabella’s help?” Xander says, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Or have you changed your mind now that you know she’s seen me naked?”

“Of course you can ask her. I suggested it myself.” Eyes closed, Jake takes a deep breath. When he opens them again, his expression is gentle. “Baby, I’m sorry I overreacted.”

“Uh-huh.” It’s my go-to response when it comes to his tantrums. I just want to move on. “What kind of help are you talking about?”

“I bought a house. The remodel is finished, and I bought furniture, but something is missing.” Xander gives me a cute smile. “Miller said you’re into interior design, and I love what you did in here. He suggested I ask you for help.”

“He was praising your style like crazy.” Jake gives me a wink.

God, his mood swings annoy me.

“Please, baby, help him. Preseason starts in a week, and he’ll be too busy to deal with it himself. I know you’re helping Ben on a few projects, but you’ve got plenty of free time, right?”

Say no. It’s the only thought in my mind, pulsating through my head. Nothing good will come out of this. Licking my lips, I survey my boyfriend, thinking of an adequate way to turn down the project.

Jake watches me with a determined gleam in his eye that tells me he’s not willing to negotiate. I can’t say no.

My shoulders sag. “Yeah, I’ll help you.”

“Awesome.” Xander grins at me. “I’ll pay you, obviously.”

On second thought, maybe this project is exactly what I need. I can start saving money, and I can build my portfolio.

“Nah.” Jake waves him off. “She’s doing it for fun. She’s not anywhere near professional level.”

I drop my chin and focus on my lap. The words don’t hurt. I’ve dealt with so much worse throughout my life. Still, the shame engulfing me is strong enough to make my breath hitch.

“That doesn’t matter,” Xander says, pulling my attention to him. Eyes locked on mine, he nods once. “I’ll pay for your time, Isabella. I really appreciate you saying yes.”

I flash him a small smile and lean back, doing my best to disappear into the couch. For a long time, I stay there, listening to them talk about the upcoming season, worrying about what it means that I’ll be working with Xander.

CHAPTER6

NOT HIS TYPE

BELLA

July

“What was up with you today?”

Jake slips beneath the covers, his sleepy eyes landing on me. “What do you mean?”

“I thought you liked Meg. Why were you so insistent on her not being Xander’s type?” I take off my tee.

“You really want to have a conversation about another girl when you’re half-naked in front of me?” He smirks, locking his arms behind his head, his gaze never leaving my body.

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