Page 95 of Breaking Rules

Eyes narrowed, she scrutinizes me. It’s like she’s trying to see through me, but she doesn’t know how good I am at hiding behind easy smiles.

“What are you two up to?” Xander appears, dressed in gray sweatpants and a light-blue tee.

“Just talking.” Audrey shrugs.

I relax, thankful she’s not going to press the issue further.

“Bella’s trying to convince me she’s just your friend and nothing more.”

My jaw unhinges, and all my breath escapes me. She’s worse than her brother when she wants to know something.

Xander guffaws, sitting down beside me. “Bellaismy friend and nothing more.”

“Uh-huh,” she deadpans. “And I’m the Pope.”

“God, sometimes I forget how stubborn you can be.” Xander shakes his head, still laughing. “Bella, tell my sister about your—ahem—boyfriend. Maybe then she’ll believe us.”

“Boyfriend?” Audrey frowns, her eyes dancing between her brother and me. “You have a boyfriend, yet you’re staying at Alex’s house.”

“I’m taking a break from the relationship while I decide what to do,” I mumble. “Jake Miller is my boyfriend. Do you know him? Xander’s teammate?”

Audrey’s confused expression morphs into a menacing scowl. “Jake Miller,” she hisses through clenched teeth.

Xander holds his sister’s gaze, but neither one of them speaks. It’s like they’re having an entire conversation without saying a word. Discomfort seeps into my veins, and I shift uncomfortably.

“Let’s just say…I don’t like your boyfriend,” she eventually grits out.

“That’s fine.” I shrug. “My cousin isn’t very fond of him either. I’m used to the hate.”

The kitchen falls into silence for so long, I itch to jump up and run away.

Milo’s bark startles us all.

Audrey jumps. “Shit, Milo. Here.” She holds out another piece of ham to him.

“Is all this for him too?” Xander teases, pointing to the three plates of toast Audrey has lined up.

“Of course not. These are for us.” She sets our food in front of us then goes back for hers. Once she’s slumped into the chair across from me, she gives her brother an innocent smile. “Maybe you could make some coffee?”

“I should’ve guessed you’d want that.”

While he gets to work at the counter, I smile awkwardly at Audrey, not knowing what to say to her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to town?” Xander asks.

“Wanted to surprise you.” Audrey shrugs. “Plus, my flight was disgustingly early. I didn’t want to call from the airport and wake you up.”

“You couldn’t have told me when we talked yesterday?”

She deflates. “Alex, I miss you. It was a last-minute decision to fly in. This way, I can go to your game on Sunday.”

Xander turns, his expression softening. “I miss you too. I’m glad you’re here. Just surprised, is all.”

“Aww, isn’t he the sweetest?” Audrey murmurs.

“He is.” I nod, my eyes locked with Xander’s.

He opens his mouth but shuts it again. Then, with a wink at me, he turns back to the coffee maker.

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