Page 73 of Breaking Rules

Heat pools in my lower abdomen, and I squeeze my thighs together in hopes of stopping my core from throbbing. “We’ll be okay.”

Xander takes a step closer, leveling his gaze with mine. “Please. Turn on your phone for me.”

My heart is ready to jump out of my chest. His proximity is too much. Warmth creeps onto my cheeks, and I lick my lips and nod. “Okay. I’ll do it later.”

“Good girl,” he tells me with a flirtatious lilt to his voice.

If my panties weren’t damp before, they surely are now.Fuck.

“Well, off you go.” I force a smile and skirt him.

He chuckles. “Not even a ‘Good luck, Xander’?”

I glance over my shoulder. He’s already by the door, ready to walk out, but his gaze is on me. “Good luck.”

“That’s better.” He steps outside. “Don’t forget to turn on your phone.” He winks at me, and in the next moment, he’s gone.

This away game against LA came right on time. Even one day away from him will do me a lot of good. I need to collect myself—it’s been four days since our kiss, and that’s all I think about. The kiss that left me wanting more. Every day, it gets more challenging to remember why I shouldn’t have done it. Kissing someone never felt so fucking right.

“Stop it, Bella,” I scold myself for the thought as I slip into my room. Netflix and ice cream should help…at least, I hope they do.

* * *

I lean backon the couch, legs tucked under me, my phone in hand. A little break from work won’t hurt, especially since I’ve spent the past two hours searching for one tiny error. It’s only a matter of five dollars, but God, does it irk me.

Teeth sunk into my bottom lip, I can’t resist checking the highlights from the game. The final play, the last and winning throw. I watch transfixed as the camera zooms in on Xander. He takes his time, snaps his arm forward, and the football soars through the air. The next moment, the announcer shouts, “Touchdown! Another win for the Warriors!”

A smile tugs at my lips. My phone vibrates in my hand. As I close the replay video and open the text, I scowl. Another text from Jake. He’s called a dozen times since I turned on my phone yesterday, and he’s sent me fifty messages, if not more. Some have been demanding. In others, he begs me to talk to him and give him a chance to explain himself. Other times, he acts as if nothing happened.

Jake:

Miss you babe. The win doesn’t taste as sweet when you’re not with me

I snort. Yeah, right.

I lock the screen, set the device down, and focus on my laptop again. Work is my savior these days. It keeps me from stressing too much about how few apartments are available in my price range.

And it kept me from talking myself into stopping by Jake’s to pick up some of my stuff. I could use a few more outfits, and I definitely need my car. Yes, the team has been in LA since last night, so I wouldn’t see him, but if I pack up more of my things, then what? It doesn’t feel right to bring it all here. This is a temporary arrangement, and I’ll move out the moment I find a permanent place.

IfI find one…

I hide my face in my palms and groan. This is why I need to stay focused on work. Otherwise, I become a hostage to my own mind. Hopelessness fills me, making it hard to breathe. I know I’m going to break up with Jake, but God, do I wish I could just disappear from his life without confrontation.

After another thirty minutes of searching for the five-dollar mistake, I give up and snap my laptop closed. It’s the weekend. I can figure this out on Monday.

I’ve been at Xander’s place for nine days already. Everything about him puts me on high alert now. His voice, his laughter, his smell, his eyes on me, his presence in the room. I swear, the man never wears a shirt at home, so I can’t do anything but ogle him. And when he catches me? The smile that blooms on his face makes my knees weak.

He’s gone quite a bit, either at practice, the gym, or his parents’ house, but when he’s home and I’m not working? We spend all our time together. Our evening walks with Milo are becoming my favorite time of the day, simply because it feels normal. I’ve even watched football with him. He’s patient with his explanations, and his commentary and jokes make the experience surprisingly enjoyable. It has never been like that before.

I miss him.

* * *

Holdinga wineglass in one hand and petting Milo with the other, I force myself to focus on the final few minutes ofKiki’s Delivery Service.

It’s been a challenge, since Jake sent me two more texts an hour ago. I turned my phone off, but I’m still stewing over his shitty messages.

The front door opens and closes, and a minute later, Xander appears. “Did you turn your phone off? I tried to call.” He’s dressed in a white shirt and black pants, his black jacket casually draped over his arm.

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