Page 114 of Changing Rules

“Xander, please, don’t.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Take me home, and just stop talking to me.”

Chest caving in, I turn and put the car in gear. “Whatever you want.”

CHAPTER 31

P IS FOR PLEASURE

BELLA

August

Well,that was rude.

I’m probably giving the poor guy whiplash—flirting with him, dancing with him, and then running away. But the moment I realized we’d drawn attention, I came back to my senses.

In desperate need of a moment to myself—because being so close to him felt way too familiar and way too good—I walked away. But he followed me.

And then there was hisI love you.

I cast a discreet look at Xander. He’s concentrating on the road, just as handsome as ever. Beautiful, deep blue eyes and long, dark lashes. His full mouth, now pursed into a pout. By the way he works his jaw, I know he’s chewing on the inside of his cheek. I’ve seen him do that way too many times.

His grip on the steering wheel is tight, his knuckles white. Another sign he’s trying hard to keep silent. I almost snicker. He looks adorable. My traitorous little heart flutters, bringing stupid butterflies to life. Those bitches never know how to be quiet when he’s around.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude,” I say softly, leaning back in the passenger seat.

He doesn’t say a word or spare me a glance, and that works for me.

“And I’m sorry for my behavior on the dance floor. I shouldn’t have agreed to dance with you.”

His eye twitches. Literally twitches.

I hit a nerve.

Since there’s no way I’ll admit that I’m scared of the way he makes me feel, I settle for my other truth. “I didn’t want anyone to take pictures of us. I don’t want the attention. I love my life the way it is. I’m an ordinary person, and I want it to stay?—”

He grumbles something unintelligible. All I catch is “but ordinary.”

I shift a little, hands clasped in my lap. “What?”

“Am I allowed to talk to you now?”

Smart-ass.

“Whatever.” I shrug.

“That’s not an answer,” he counters, his eyes still on the road. “Can I talk to you now?”

“Whatever you want.”

“I said you’re anything but ordinary.” He takes me in, his attention lingering on my mouth. “You’re even more stunning than you were the day I met you.”

“Thanks.” I smile, my cheeks heating. “Flatterer.”

“As if you didn’t know that about me.” He smirks.

In the past, he never hesitated to tell me how good I looked, how delicious my food was. He appreciated everything I did for him and showered me with compliments.

“No.” I duck my head. “You were always like that.”

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