Page 1 of Changing Rules

CHAPTER 1

INSATIABLE

XANDER

A year and five months ago

March

“It’s not really a question.”

Hair still wet from the shower and with a towel around my waist, I put my mom on speaker, place my phone on the shelf in my walk-in closet, and rummage through my clothes. My muscles are still buzzing from my workout. Even during the offseason, I want to stay in shape.

“What exactly do you want to know?”

She sighs. “Your sister found a house near yours. She wants to see you more often.”

My gut twists painfully.Dammit. I made myself crystal clear last time I saw Audrey. I don’t need a babysitter. I’d prefer she didn’t pry into my life and assume she has the right to make decisions for me.

Clearly, she didn’t listen.

“Alex?” Mom’s voice rips me out of my thoughts. “Are you there?”

“Yeah, Mom, sorry.” I snag the first pair of sweatpants I find and put them on. Phone in hand again, I take the call off speakerand press the device to my ear on my way out of the bedroom. “It’s a bad idea.”

“I think so too.”

“But?” I go straight into the living room. The TV’s on.

“But you know your sister,” she says. “Ryan’s transfer will be finalized in two weeks, and she’s pushing all our buttons to get what she wants.”

“And here I thought I could relax after winning the Super Bowl. That I wouldn’t have to worry about anything, at least for a little while.” I stop in the doorframe and zero in on Bella.

She’s sitting on the couch with Milo, his head resting on her lap. It’s so typical of them.

“I’m sorry.” Mom’s voice softens. “Give Ryan a call. If anyone can change Audrey’s mind, it’s him. Your dad and I have already tried. Your sister is incredibly stubborn when she wants something.”

“And so am I.” I push myself off the doorframe. “I’ll call Ryan tomorrow. Right now, I have better things to do.”

Mom chuckles. “Tell Bella I said hi.”

“I will.” I smile as I approach the couch. “Bye, Mom.”

“Bye.”

I plop myself down and wrap my arm around Bella’s shoulders, pulling her into my chest. Skin to skin. Just like it should be. She leans into me and sighs deeply.

I can’t help but smile at what’s on the screen. She’s watchingHowl’s Moving Castle.

“You’re watching this again?”

“It’s my favorite.” She adjusts herself in my hold but doesn’t pull away. My bullheaded dog is not inclined to give up his spot, his head still in her lap.

“Didn’t we watch this last month?”

“We did.” She laughs. “The book it’s based on popped up on my Kindle today, and I knew instantly what I’d watch whilewaiting for you to get home. If you want, I can start it over. Or we can watch something different.”

I nuzzle her neck and inhale her scent, willing it to settle me. “That’s okay. Not sure I’d be a good audience.”

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