Page 105 of Changing Rules

“More wine?”

Startling, I snap my focus to Josh’s face. “No, uh, no, thank you.”

“Is everything okay?” He studies me, his brow pinched in concern.

“I have a headache,” I lie. “I think I’ll go.”

“I’m so sorry.” He pushes his chair back a couple of inches. “Can I give you a ride?”

I smile politely. “Thank you so much, Josh, but that’s okay. I’ll call an Uber.”

“Are you sure? It’s no big deal.”

An intense shiver runs down my spine as I set my glass on the table. I don’t have to look to know Xander is watching me. His gaze is like a physical touch, and it’s everywhere: my skin, my heart, mysoul.

I force myself to focus on Josh. “I’m sure. Thank you so much for keeping me company tonight. I had an amazing time.”

He’s kind, handsome, smart. Funny too. We even flirted a little. But that ends now. Actually, it ended when my ex sat down at the table. I don’t want to lead Josh on.

Because of Xander.

Goodness, I couldn’t have imagined thinking that when I showed up tonight. I need space and time to think, so I stand and say goodbye to Meg and Marco.

And as I leave, I studiously ignore the deep blue-green eyes that follow my every step.

It’sthree a.m. I’m wide awake, staring at the ceiling, trying so hard to chase away the memories bombarding me. Happy memories, filled with love and affection. Memories involving theguy who spent most of the evening crowding me with his presence, even as he sat several feet away.

I close my eyes and inhale deeply, relaxing my muscles. I need sleep, but my dreams are the worst place to be. That’s where Xander rules. On more nights than I care to admit, I have woken up feeling as if he were with me—his smell wafting around me, the phantom warmth of his body, of his hands on my skin, his heavy weight pinning me down.

And after tonight’s run-in, I can guarantee he’ll show up in my subconscious.

“I don’t want to be with him,” I whisper.

It won’t do either of us any good.

I still regret not pressing charges against Jake when Xander urged me to. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing, for me and for him. In hindsight, it only hurt us more. And Xander’s lack of belief in me? His obsession with taking care of me rather than letting me handle things on my own? It scarred me immensely.

If I could go back, I don’t know if I’d make the same choices. But I can’t go back. The only solution is to leave the past behind, and that includes him, no matter how bitter the thought tastes. If I don’t keep my distance, I’ll only end up heartbroken all over again.

So, I cover myself with a blanket, shut my eyes, and pray for a dreamless sleep.

At the buzzingof my cell, I sit up, startled. For a moment, I don’t know where I am. But when my phone buzzes again, my mind clears. I’m in my bedroom at Aunt Millie’s house, and according to my phone, it’s seven a.m.

Once I’ve donned a black sports bra and leggings, I collect my hair into a high ponytail and give myself a quick once-over in the mirror. Thankfully, there’s no trace of my sleepless night on my face.

I blow myself a kiss and head downstairs, putting my AirPods in my ears as I go.

The moment I step onto the porch, I freeze, my heart lurching.

Xander stands in the driveway, leaning against an unfamiliar sports car. He’s dressed in black jeans and a white tee, looking casually handsome as always. I peek at his car again, looking more closely. Where is his Porsche?

Isabella!I mentally shake myself. Why does it matter where his Porsche is?

With a steadying breath, I jog down the stairs, then stride away from the house and him. My plan was to go for a run.Alone.

Though he’s dressed in jeans, he jogs at my side, his breath even, his smile wide, like he’s out for a Sunday stroll.

“Are you running away from me, or are you warming up before your run?”

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