Page 33 of Changing Rules

Stacey:

Okay. Have fun

Me:

You too

I toss my phone into my bag and drive away from the stadium. It’s time to go home to Bella.

CHAPTER 10

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

BELLA

A year and one month ago

July

The harsh beepingof my alarm cuts into my dream, a rude awakening. With a groan, I reach for the nightstand and turn it off. Then I flop onto my back and stare at the ceiling. I don’t want to leave this bed.

Three days ago, I got an email confirming my acceptance into the program at NYSILD. An actual letter followed. The program starts in September, so I have roughly a month to figure out my living arrangements and what to do about my job with Ben. For three days, I’ve been smiling, proud of myself for being admitted.

But after what happened yesterday, my mood went to shit.

Xander came home from training camp with a bruise to the side of his torso and a nasty cut on his cheek. Begrudgingly, he told me what happened. Anger hit me first, but it was soon replaced with a sense of revulsion toward myself. Here I am, once again, bringing trouble to his doorstep. I’m a source of misfortune for him. This feeling is sticky. I spent almost thirtyminutes in the shower last night, trying to get rid of it, but it was no use.

Jake knows the truth about Xander and me, and I’m certain he isn’t done with me. Even though Xander assured me my ex would back off because he doesn’t want to lose his place on the team, I think he’s wrong. I know Jake too well.

Ugh. I need to get up.

Throwing off my blanket, I sit up and swing my legs over the bed. I stretch, yawning loudly. I could use another couple hours of sleep. It’s only eight thirty, and I was up until two, finishing the last invoices for our clients.

With one more stretch, I shuffle to the window and smile out at our backyard. It’s sunny already, and the trees are mostly still, as if there’s no wind at all. Several birds are perched on the fence in the back, singing happily.

Today is going to be a good day.

Another yawn takes over. I need coffee, but before that, I need to wash my face.

Milo is missing, which means he’s somewhere in the house with Xander. He hasn’t left for practice, so I’ll get to spend a little time with him this morning.

A smile forms on my lips, and my steps become lighter. This will be rare for us once the season ramps up and I move to New York, so I want to cherish every moment we have together.

In the kitchen, I find a shirtless Xander. He’s at the breakfast bar, a cup of coffee in one hand and his phone in the other. He’s wearing a smile as he taps at the screen with his thumb.

Despite my best effort, I can’t help but frown. He’s been spending a lot of time on his phone the last couple of weeks. I won’t pry, and I’ve been busy with my own work and plans for when classes start, but still…it feels weird.

Milo sees me first, scampering across the room. The clicking of nails on tile catches Xander’s attention, and he finally looks up.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting.” I smile, though inwardly I cringe. This is my house too. Why did I say that?

“Interrupting?” He puts his phone down. “You aren’t interrupting anything.”

“Okay.” I pour myself a coffee, quickly realizing it’s lukewarm. “What time did you wake up?”

“Around seven.” He watches me, following my every move. “Why are you up so early?”

“I have a hair appointment, and I promised Meg I’d meet her for lunch.” I begin making my avocado toast. “I thought I told you. Did you have breakfast?”

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