Page 10 of Breaking Rules

“In Boston? Did you forget I’m the new quarterback for the Warriors?”

I roll my eyes. “Ass. No, why are youhere, at Jake’s place?”

“Miller was pretty drunk by the time we called it quits, so I made sure he got home. It was late, so rather than having the driver take me home, he told me I could crash here.” Xander props his head on his knuckles, the cords of his arm muscles flexing.

“Crashhere?” I peer over my shoulder, one eyebrow cocked.

He grins at me, his blue-green eyes sparkling with a devilish glint. “And smash some pussy in the process.”

Jealousy I have no business feeling wiggles in the back of my mind. With a huff, I turn to look at him. “Do you know the girl’s name?”

There isn’t a hint of embarrassment on his face as he shakes his head.

I scowl in disgust and disappointment. “You’re impossible.”

“I’m exceptional.”

“At what? Being obnoxious?” I fill a clean mug with coffee from the carafe.

Smirking, he leans back on the stool. “You don’t know me. I wouldn’t be so quick to make assumptions.”

“I’m notassuminganything; I’m speaking from experience.” Straightening, I lift my chin. “I’ve known Jake since I was fourteen. Now, almost a decade later, I’ve had plenty of time to get to know guys like you.”

“That’s funny,” he says, forearms on the counter, “you maythinkyou know a little about me, butIknow a lot about you, remember?”

I add a splash of almond milk to the coffee and set the mug in front of Xander. Since he keeps bringing it up, I might as well ask. “And what exactly do you think you know about me? This is the second time you’ve said it, but you’ve yet to elaborate.”

He shrugs. “You’re the one that got away.”

Confusion worms its way through me.The one that got away? What is he talking about?

“That’s what Jake said back then. He said you broke up with him, and he was obsessed with you. I’ve always been curious about the girl who had Miller at her mercy.”

Though his tone is serious, I can’t help but burst into laughter.

“He was neverobsessedwith me. He was fine after our breakup. He was a total manwhore in college.”

One side of his mouth tips up into a smirk. “Sounds like you were spying on him.”

“Nah, some of my friends went to school with him. When they came home from winter break, they told me all about what he’d been up to.”

I never needed to ask. My friends always made it a point to tell me all about my ex and his endless conquests.

I put my own mug in the kitchen sink and peer at Xander. “How’s the coffee? Up to your standards?”

He takes a sip, and as he pulls the mug away, he swipes his tongue over his bottom lip. A radiant smile blooms on his face. “It’s perfect.”

“Glad to hear it.” My tone is far too shaky for a casual interaction. I clear my throat. “Um, how long are you planning to stay?”

“Miller said I could stay as long as I’d like.” He takes another sip, hiding his grin behind the mug.

“Are you going to take him up on that offer?” I already know the answer. The guy is here to torture me, plain and simple.

Head dropped back, he barks out a laugh. “Of course! Why would I leave?”

“Wait…where is your girl?” Only now does it hit me that the blonde hasn’t joined him.

God, I’m ridiculous. How is it possible that I’m so caught up in him already?

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