Page 137 of Changing Rules

He’s been wishing me good morning and good night every day, sending me pictures of Milo, and of himself too. He’s making sure I don’t forget about him—as if that’s possible.

Me:

Home. Why?

I take off my jacket and hang it up.

Xander:

I miss you

I type out a message.

Me:

I miss you too, but it’s only been a week

Xander:

It feels like an eternity. Can I come by?

Me:

You’ll see me when you drop Milo off on Saturday

Xander:

But I want to see you now. Please

Me:

Xander, I need to work

Xander:

Please

Me:

Okay, but I’m kicking you out after an hour

When he doesn’t respond again, I head to the bathroom to wash my face and change my clothes. I’m just shimmying my pants down my hips when I hear a knock at the door.

I groan and pull my pants back up. This man will be the death of me. I’m muttering curses under my breath on my way to the door, but when I look through the peephole, I smile. Milo is here.

I throw the door open and kneel. “Milo!” He rushes to me, wagging his tail and trying to lick my face. I slump onto my butt and hug him to my chest. “Ugh, I missed you so much.”

“He missed you too. A lot. He literally dragged me up the driveway and onto the porch.”

I look up, still caressing Milo. Xander’s expression is full of warmth and tenderness, setting another kaleidoscope ofbutterflies loose in my belly. Only this time, it doesn’t feel weird. I’m happy to see him too.

He holds out a hand. “How about we go for a walk?”

“Sure.” I take his hand and let him help me to my feet. “Come on in. I’ll put on something warmer, and we can go.”

As we strolldown the street, we walk close, though we don’t hold hands. I insist on holding Milo’s leash, and Xander fills me in on his day. With each step, a sense of safety washes over me, the way it always does when he’s around. Heismy safe place.

“I’m sick of talking about me.” He nudges me gently. “How are you?”

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