Page 131 of Changing Rules

The move draws my attention to a mark on her wrist. Another tattoo? How didn’t I notice this before?

I straighten and grasp her arm, examining the ink. “A tattoo, huh?”

“Uh-huh. Why are you so surprised?”

“I didn’t think you had any interest, regardless of how much you liked mine.” I can’t help but waggle my brows.

“I didn’t.” She stands up from the bed. “Until I did.”

“I think I spotted another one at the club. Do you have more than one?” I ask.

Hips swaying, she saunters to the door. At the threshold, she peers back at me. “Mm-hmm. Three.”

“Where’s the third?”

“That’s for me to know and for you…tomaybefind out.” She winks. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Just water.”

She disappears quickly, leaving me and my hard dick on our own.

I spentthree hours with Bella, devouring every detail she shared about school, laughing at her stories until I was almost in tears, teasing her. We flirted a lot, but I was on my best behavior, mostly keeping my hands to myself. Honestly, getting to know her from scratch is wonderful.

My love for her grows more each day.

“Thank you for staying with me.” She stands in front of me in the foyer, smiling. “And thank you for letting me have Milo when you’re away.”

“Of course. I’m grateful you agreed to watch him.”

“Well,” she hedges, taking a step back, “I guess I’ll see you?—”

“What about a kiss?” It isn’t in my nature to play coy. I’m always up for a challenge, and she is a challenge, one I have every intention of conquering.

She rolls her eyes. “Night, Xander.”

With a smirk, I lead Milo onto the porch. Even though she rejected my suggestion, I count today as a win.

Just because she let me be with her.

Now I need to plan the best date for her, and I know exactly where I want to take her.

I’m early,but I can’t help it. I’m itching to see her.

When the door opens, I straighten from where I’ve been leaning against my car.

She turns and locks eyes with me, her lips tipping up. That’s all it takes to send my heart racing.

God, she’s beautiful.

“Hey.” She stops a few steps away from me. “How long have you been here?”

“Who knows?” I shrug, smiling broadly. “You look fabulous.”

Her makeup is light. She’s wearing a long black skirt with white polka dots and a high slit, a white tee, a black leather jacket, and white sneakers. It’s the perfect mix of casual and elegant, yet so damn sexy at the same time. It takes willpower, but I successfully avoid staring at her bare leg peeking out from the slit of her skirt.

“Thank you.” She nods at the black Honda HR-V behind me. “And thank you so much for keeping your promise.”

I adjust the bill of my hat then twist it backward. “Always.” I hold out my hand to her. “Let’s hit the road. I have a lot of things planned.”

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