Page 133 of Changing Rules

Brain, SOS! Where are you when I need you the most?

Xander has been a perfect gentleman all day…which only weakens my resolve.

WheredoI want to go next?

Home? Tempting. My feet hurt, and I wouldn’t mind snuggling with him.

To Central Park, since we’re close?

“Bella?”

A gentle tug on my hand reminds me I’m not alone.

Xander stops short and turns me to face him, his eyes deep pools of warmth and tenderness as he studies me.

“What are you thinking about? This isn’t the first time you’ve spaced out today.”

“Everything and nothing at the same time. My mind keeps wandering to my past, to my life in New York, then back to this very moment. It’s a bit overwhelming.” Licking my lips, I scan the people walking by without giving Xander a second glance.So far, no one has recognized him. I can only hope it stays that way. If our photos end up on the internet, it’ll turn my life upside down again, and I’m definitely not ready for that yet.

“Is there something you’re worried about?” He snakes an arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

“I’ve had so much fun with you, but…” I swallow the lump that’s suddenly in my throat. “I’m afraid I’m letting you get too close too easily. I worry we’ll fall back into our old habits and repeat the cycle of devastation.”

He exhales, his breath feathering the hairs at my temple. It’s the bitter truth, but the truth is what we swore to at the dog park a few weeks ago. Our lack of communication was our downfall. If we want a real chance to rebuild, we’ll have to use stronger material.

“I hear you, and I understand.” His grip on my waist tightens, as if he’s trying to blend us together.

My heartbeat is echoing in my ears, and I’m certain the same is true for him. Our hearts always beat in unison.

“For now, let’s enjoy the moment. And later—on our way home, or tomorrow, or whenever you’re ready—we’ll talk about the past. Get it all out there. I don’t want to repeat my mistakes either. I want to be worthy of you, and you deserve the world.”

“I don’t really need the world.”You would be enough. I hold my tongue before that statement spills out of me.

I zero in on his lips. The urge to kiss him grows with each moment we spend together. It’s?—

“Lawson?”

I blink myself back to the present and take a step away from Xander.

When Kaden comes into view, I slap a hand to my chest and dart for him.

“I thought I was hallucinating.” He chuckles.

“You weren’t.” With a giggle, I hug him.

When the scent of his cologne registers, I close my eyes, and all the tension in my body ebbs away. If I had to describe what Kaden is to me in one word, it’d be “anchor.” He grounds me. He helps me to stand on my own two feet, but he also supports me without any expectations. Our friendship developed quicker than any I’ve ever had. Not even Meg’s friendship felt so right so fast.

“Hey,” I say as I pull back.

His lopsided grin lights up his face, making his eyes sparkle. “Whaddya doing here?”

“Came to visit.” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, realizing he’s about to meet Xander, the man he’s heard so many things about. “It was sort of last minute.”

Xander steps up to my side then. That’s when Kaden realizes who he is, and his jaw drops.

“Kaden, this is Xander.”

Kaden holds out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

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