Page 56 of Breaking Rules

Is it a bad idea for me to stay? Yes. Will I regret it? No. Xander makes me feel safe. Pizza might be a good distraction too.

* * *

“Lookslike we have similar tastes in just about everything, huh?” He grins, sipping on his juice.

I guffaw. “Other than margherita pizza, I’m not sure we have all that much in common.” I grin. “For instance, I don’t like grape juice.”

“What do you prefer?”

“Apple juice, or just water.”

“And what’s your favorite food of all time?”

Head tipped back, I survey the ceiling while I consider the question. “Probably mac and cheese. It’s so simple, but my aunt’s recipe is incredible.” I arch a brow. “What about you?”

“Oven-fried chicken with mashed potatoes. My mom’s is perfection. It’s crispy and spicy…” He closes his eyes, a crooked smile growing on his face. “Damn, even thinking about it makes my mouth water.” Straightening, he turns contemplative again. “What’s your favorite dessert?”

“Are we playing Twenty Questions or what?”

“Why not? We’re friends.”

Are we?

“We’re getting to know each other.” He lifts his shoulder, his dashing smile disarming me. “So, I’ll ask again: What’s your favorite dessert?”

“Lava cake,” I tell him, feigning annoyance when in reality I’m a thousand times happier than I’ve been in months.

“No way! Mine too.” Xander wiggles his eyebrows.

I burst into laughter. It’s impossible to remain serious around him.

“And what’s your favorite season? Mine is fall.”

“Spring,” I say. “Now it’s my turn to ask.” I tilt my head to the side and consider my options. Eventually, I ask, “What’s the most random thing you’ve ever bought online?”

He presses his lips together in thought. “A helmet,” he says. Then, in slow motion, the corners of his lips tip up. “For Milo.”

I rear back, my eyebrows pulling together. “What for?”

“For safety. I tried putting it on him once, but he just stared at me like I was the biggest disappointment of his life. I couldn’t blame him; he looked ridiculous.” Eyes shining, he leans forward. “If you were an ice cream flavor, what would it be?”

“Why is it always about food with you?” I shake my head.

With one finger pointed at me, he gives me a mock stern look. “I didn’t criticize your question about my online shopping, so please, no judgment.”

“Okay, okay.” Giggles bubble out of me, making me hiccup. “I’m sorry. I love chocolate ice cream, but cherry is a close second. My favorite would probably be a mix of the two.”

“I’ll remember that for next time. Chocolate is my favorite too.”

Next time. My heart tries to skip a beat, but I refuse to allow it. Instead, I roll my eyes.

“Why are you rolling your eyes at me? Did I say something stupid?”

I let out a long breath. “Just stop pretending, Xander. When your bathroom is finished, I’ll be out of your life for good.”

“You’re wrong about that.” He sets his pizza slice on the plate and wipes his mouth with a napkin.

“Other than your bathroom, the only thing we have in common is Jake, and I’m not—” I snap my mouth shut.Shit. I almost put my honest thoughts out there.

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