Page 24 of Breaking Rules

Yeah, it’s definitely just that. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

CHAPTER9

FUCK, SHE’S BEAUTIFUL

XANDER

August

A zingof excitement works its way through me as I approach Miller’s front door. He played right into my hand with this dinner invitation. I may not have an end goal fleshed out, and I may not know how far I’m willing to go to make my plans a reality, but this dinner will only help me move in the right direction. For days, I’ve been trying to decide what I want more—to put everything behind me, or to put my college friend through the wringer.

The only thing I know for sure is that I can’t afford to damage the Warriors dynamic or my own reputation.

I joined the team to advance my career, and if I end up exposing Miller for who he really is in the process, I’ll be ecstatic.

For the most part, I’ve put the memories of college out of my mind. But since I arrived in Boston, they keep sneaking back in, especially flashbacks of the day I found her. The nightmares still haunt me from time to time, but I’m twenty fucking five now, and I was determined to let it go. Then I met Jake’s girlfriend, and all that changed. This woman is the key to his downfall.

The question is: Can she be an accomplice, or will she be collateral damage?

I knock on the door and take a step back. I’m twenty minutes early, and hopefully I’m the first to arrive.

“Xander?” Miller says when he appears, a broad smile on his face. “You’re early. Come on in.”

“I was bored. Figured I’d come hang with you.” I step inside wearing a lopsided grin.

His expression is genuine, while mine is anything but. Gotta love Jake Miller though. His ignorance is laughable, and the apology he gave me did nothing by way of mending things.

Or am I the issue? Maybe I’m just a hopeless idiot who refuses to bury the hatchet.

“Am I the first one here?” I ask as I step past him.

“Yeah.” With a shrug, he wanders to the living room.

I follow him, taking in a table set for six people with drinks and appetizers. “You caught me on my way to the kitchen. I’m headed to check on Isabella.”

Check on her? This dinner was his idea. He has done nothing but talk about it, yet he left his girlfriend to do all the work?

“Where you been?”

“At the gym. Got home about twenty minutes ago. Just got out of the shower.” He runs a hand through his damp hair. “Isabella is a big girl. She doesn’t need my help.”

“If you say so,” I mutter, making sure he hears me.

The tips of his ears go pink, but he doesn’t say anything.

When we step into the kitchen, Bella stands with her back to us, rummaging through a cupboard. Her long brown hair cascades down her back, ending right around her shoulder blades.

“Babe, Walker’s here.” Miller stalks over to her, his face split into a grin.

She’s in a white dress with an open back and thin straps, so when her shoulders tense, I see it. She’s visibly uncomfortable, but based on the way Miller places his hand on the naked skin of her back and slides it down to her ass, he’s oblivious.

With his hand splayed over her hip, he pulls her into his side and nuzzles her neck. “I’m here, so I can help.” He looks at me over his shoulder, a smile still playing on his lips. “Walker can help too.”

I keep quiet, propping myself up against the wall and folding my arms over my chest.

Bella closes the cupboard with a thud and takes a step away from him. She peers over at me quickly, then zeroes in on Jake. “If you really wanted to help, you would’ve come home sooner. Like four hours ago. Now? Everything is ready.”

A frisson of satisfaction zips through me as I watch her stand up for herself. The sight is not only entertaining, but delightful.

---