Page 124 of Changing Rules

“Hi.” He stops in front of me, eyes locked on mine. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks. You too.” I nod at the car. “Where’s your Urus?”

He shrugs. “At home. I rented this one. It’s a little more subtle.”

“And what’s up with the hat and dark glasses?” The way my pulse speeds up as I wait for his answer brings warmth to my cheeks.

“Figured since you don’t want to be photographed with me, I’d do my best to keep a low profile.”

If I wasn’t still in love with him, this would’ve won me over.

“That’s very thoughtful of you.” I slip my hands into the back pockets of my jeans. “How’s your dad?”

He smiles ruefully. “A bit better, actually, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”

My heart pangs. “I hope he keeps feeling better.”

To stop myself from ogling Xander, I crouch and greet Milo. “Hey, boy! I missed you so much.”

With a yip, he wags his stub of a tail and licks my face.

I laugh, a warm and fuzzy energy forming in my stomach. When I finally stand, Xander chuckles.

“What?”

“Can’t decide who’s more excited, you or Milo.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop smiling. “Should we go?”

With a nod, he holds an arm out, gesturing for me to lead the way. Inside the fenced area, he removes Milo’s leash, and the dog instantly takes off. Within seconds, he stops and sniffs the grass.

I fix my focus on Milo, desperate to avoid looking at the guy who’s quietly walking beside me. It’s safer this way.

“How was your day?” he asks, breaking the silence.

I fill him in on my workout and dinner prep with Aunt Millie before turning the question on him.

“Tomorrow’s game is the last one before the regular season, so I spent most of the day at practice.”

“You’re probably tired. We could’ve rescheduled.”

“I’m fine.” In my periphery, I see his lips tip up on one side. “I wanted to see you. It’s been almost a week.”

Heart sinking, I turn to him. “Xander…”

“You can’t tell me you don’t still feel this connection.” He winks at me.

My stomach tenses, and I look down at my feet. “I do,” I reply, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “But things aren’t that simple.”

“I understand.” He dips his chin, his expression serious. “You’re not the same girl who left my house a year ago, but I’m not the same guy. What if…” He kicks at the grass as we continue our slow walk. “What if we could start from scratch? Get to know each other again, these new versions of us? We could talk about our past. Be open and honest about everything. At your pace, obviously. The last thing I want is to force you into something you’re not ready for. I don’t want to repeat my past mistakes.”

Tingles spread down my spine, and I swear my heart grows two sizes. The car, the hat and glasses, the concern for my boundaries—he’s saying and doing all the right things. Every one of them weakens my resolve. Grand gestures are nice, but these little things are way more impactful.

I clear my throat. “Talking things through might help.” I take a deep breath. “What happened to your friendship with Stacey?”

He halts in his tracks, then whistles. “Wow. Didn’t expect you to bethatdirect.”

“Is it a problem?”

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