Page 101 of Changing Rules

“No, it’s fine. I knew this would happen eventually.”

She nods, and then looks at Marco, who’s standing frozen in the middle of the kitchen, a plate in his hand, his eyes darting between us.

“No sex for you, Marco Garcia?—”

“What!” he yelps.

“—for a whole week, maybe two.” She snatches the pie off the table and strolls out of the kitchen. “I haven’t decided yet.”

I follow, worried if we’re alone together, he’ll come in and try to engage. I came here to have a good time, and I intend to continue doing just that.

The moment I step outside, my focus narrows on Xander. It’s instinct. He’s looking at me too. It’s as if we’re the only people here. The only people in existence.

He gives me a slow once-over, his lip caught between his teeth. His hairstyle hasn’t changed. It’s still messy on top and short on the sides. His pupils are dilated, making his blue eyes with green flecks look darker, more alluring.

Under his heated gaze, a fire forms in my lower abdomen, so strong and so, so familiar. Heat spreads through my veins, scorching me from head to toe. The impulse, the attraction, is still there, but this time I won’t let myself give in.

I nod in greeting before I stride back to my seat. Josh’s posture is tense, but as I settle beside him, he inches closer, smiling. He zeroes in on my mouth.

“You have a little something on your bottom lip.”

“Oh God.” Cheeks heating, I swipe my tongue along the length of my lip. “Better?”

“You’re all good.” His voice cracks, his focus still fixed on my mouth. His cheeks look as red as mine feel. “It was intense, wasn’t it?” He clears his throat. “You and Xander.”

I ignore the commotion as our friends stand to greet Xander, and Marco guides him to a seat a few down from me. Instead, I smile sheepishly at Josh.

“This is the first time we’ve seen each other since our breakup. There’s no other reason it should be ‘intense.’” I use air quotes on the last word, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Good.” With a chuckle, Josh picks up his drink.

Smiling in return, I tap my glass against his. “Good.”

Whether Xander is here or not, I’m determined to enjoy my night.

CHAPTER 28

MINE

XANDER

August

Seeing Bella again?Oh my fucking God, it’s surreal.

The instant she appears, my body comes to life. Every muscle, every bone, every nerve is awakened by the sight of her.

She’s the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever seen. That fact hasn’t changed. There isn’t a soul in existence who could compete with her.

Her red dress is simple, with a modest neckline, though it hugs her curves perfectly, highlighting her thin waist, round tits, and fine as fuck hips.

She keeps her gaze trained on my face while I allow myself to enjoy the view. My heart thumps against my sternum, making it hard to breathe. My emotions are strangling me, making my mouth dry and my throat constrict.

Dammit, I miss her so much.

As if we’re nothing more than casual acquaintances, she gives me a simple nod, then saunters to the table to sit beside Josh Bowman. And just like that, my head spins.

No way. Josh fucking Bowman is flirting with my girl? Marco introduced me to him a few months ago. I thought he was a decent enough guy then.

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