Page 58 of Breaking Rules

Laughter spills out of my mouth. “You’re something else.”

He’s so good at reading me.

What happens if I let him turn the page? I’m afraid to imagine it, because somehow, I’m sure he’ll be the one to carry all my secrets while also becoming one.

My phone buzzes in the living room, breaking the spell between us.

“You should answer that.” He lowers his gaze to his feet.

I dart to where I stowed my purse on the chair and dig it out, finding Jake’s picture on the screen. “Hey.”

“Hey. I’ll be home in about an hour.” Just the sound of his voice makes my body go numb. “Are you still at Xander’s?”

“Y-yeah, but I’m leaving now.” I keep my tone neutral. “See you at home.” I end the call and take a shaky breath. “I have to go.”

Xander takes a single step closer. “Bella?”

“Yes?” I tip my head and smile.

“Be careful with Miller,” he says, hiding his hands in his pockets. “He’s good at making people do what he wants.”

I lower my gaze to my hands, my chest caving. “Why are you so worried about it?”

“Because I care about you,” he says matter-of-factly.

My breath catches. “Xander,” I say, forcing myself to look up, “you don’t know the real me.”

“I beg to differ. You’re kind, smart, and funny. I feel good around you. It’s like you have this innate ability to lighten my mood. And you’re one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever met.”

A grin tugs at my lips despite his warning.

“Just like I told you after the party…I don’t know youyet.”

I press my teeth into my bottom lip and shake my head. “For someone who isn’t interested in being in a relationship, you sure do pay a lot of attention to me.”

His jaw goes rigid. “I just care about my friends, that’s all.”

“Okay,” I breathe, taking a step toward the front door. “Bye.”

“Bye, Bella.” He slips his hands in his pockets, watching me with a ghost of a smile on his lips.

As I step out onto the porch, I can’t resist sneaking one last look at him. Instantly, I regret it. His hair is tousled, the stubble on his cheekbones visible even from here, and his tattoos only add an edge to his character. His presence brings me a kind of comfort and light I’ve never felt before, but it’s time to get back to reality.

CHAPTER20

YOU KNEW

BELLA

October

When Marnie WasThereis playing when I return to the living room with a glass of apple juice. I’ve already seen it more than once. It always brings me comfort.

Right now, comfort is exactly what I need.

The instant the front door opens, my insides churn. I lower myself onto the couch as an iron fist clenches around my gut, and I struggle to breathe.

Jake saunters in. His face is drawn, and there are dark circles under his eyes as he drops onto the cushion beside me. “Hey.”

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