Page 62 of Changing Rules

He’s stressed, and scared, but that doesn’t make it sting any less.

“Everything’s going to be okay. Don’t worry.” He sighs. “My agent is meeting me at the stadium. We’ll work it out. Find a solution. I don’t think they’ll actually give me the boot.”

“I can?—”

As if he doesn’t even hear me, he backs away again. “I gotta go.” He spins around and barrels down the hallway. “I’ll figure everything out.”

I stand still, though my thoughts are swirling furiously. My chest caves, making it hard to breathe. I don’t believe for a second that Kevin is the mastermind here. It’s my mother. She wants to take Xander away from me, to make me pay for my affair with Kevin. She wants to hurt me.

Fuck. I snatch my phone from the couch and, with shaking hands, type a message to Meg.

Me:

I need a favor. ASAP

Meg:

Anything

Me:

I need to see Kevin

Meg:

WTF??? Tell me more when I see you?

Me:

Definitely. Are you at the shop? I’ll be there in thirty

Meg:

Yes. I’ll be waiting

I’ve just pocketed my phone when Xander storms past the living room on his way to the door. He stops in his tracks once he notices me. I’m still rooted to the same spot I was when he walked away.

“I gotta go.” He swallows audibly. “But will you be okay?”

I nod.

“Come here, please,” he pleads quietly, one arm outstretched.

I walk over to him and let him pull me into his chest. He does it with so much force that my body collides with his, a whoosh of air springs out of my mouth.

He lowers his head and brings his lips to mine.

The kiss is full of desperation. He loves this team; he’s at the top of his game. Losing his spot because of anger issues? He might not think it’ll happen, but I’m not so sure, especially after the bad press from a few months ago. Regardless of whether or not his attack on Kevin was justified, criminal charges could severely impact his future, and his future is bound forever with football.

I need to fix this.

“I’ll be home as soon as I can.” He presses his forehead to mine, sighing deeply and closing his eyes. “I’ll explain everything to them. We’ll figure out what to do. You don’t need to worry about anything. I’ve got this.”

My heart pangs, but I square my shoulders and peer up at him. “Okay. I love you.”

He steps back, and a hollowness I haven’t felt in months takes his place.

“See you.” With that, he hustles out the door.

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