Page 13 of Changing Rules

“I love you too.” His murmur sends goosebumps all over my body, a familiar tingling in the pit of my stomach.

He pulls me to his side and kisses my temple. “Do you want to stay awhile or head home right after dinner?”

“I’m okay either way.” I snuggle into him, hiding my nose in his neck.

“Okay, let’s decide after dinner.” He circles me in his embrace, his hand on my hip. “Maybe I can convince you to sneak into my old bedroom.”

“Why do I have a feeling you have something very naughty on your mind?” Head tipped back, I arch a brow at him.

“With you? I’m always naughty.” He leans down and catches my mouth in a passionate kiss.

His scent envelops me, making my nipples chafe against my bra. I’ve never been kissed the way he kisses me. I can remember where I was when each one happened, the smells. The colors are vivid in my mind. The other guys? Their identities barely register anymore. But with Xander, every kiss is exceptional, a little movie playing in my mind. I quietly moan against his lips.

If I spent a year in New York, I’d miss moments like this. He can’t seriously expect me to give it all up?

Pressing his forehead to mine, he closes his eyes and inhales deeply.

“We’re going to be late,” I whisper.

“They know we’re here. They’re giving us a moment.” He taps his finger on my nose. “Let’s go inside.”

As we head to the house, my hand in his, I’m no longer nervous. I don’t want to worry about whether Audrey is here. It doesn’t matter.

“Hello, lovebirds.” Greg opens the door before we even have a chance to knock.

He steps aside, letting us in. His deep blue eyes, with green flecks just like his son’s, shine warmly.

“Hello, Greg.” I take a step closer and kiss his cheek. “Thank you for having us.”

“Of course!” He breaks into a warm smile. “We need to celebrate your birthday.”

“Hey, Dad.” Xander steps inside and hugs his father.

“Let’s go to the living room. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

“Everyone?” I ask, and my stomach, which was calm only moments ago, tightens.

Greg arches an eyebrow. “Audrey and Ryan are here too. They wouldn’t miss such an important occasion.”

I force a smile. “That’s really kind of them.”

It means the world to Xander that his parents and I get along. And it’s easy, honestly. They have been nothing but nice to me since the moment he introduced us. I’ve felt welcome from my very first visit, which is a significant change from how I felt around Jake’s parents.

With Xander, everything is better.

In the living room, Audrey and Pauline sit side by side on the couch, giggling over a photo album on Pauline’s lap.

“Hey, Mom, Audrey,” Xander says. “Looking at childhood photos?”

Pauline looks up, wearing a radiant smile. “Figured we’d show Isabella. It’ll be fun.”

He scoffs. “Fun? More like humiliating.”

“Hi, Pauline.” I smile and give her a small wave.

She stands and hugs her son, then turns to me and does the same, holding me tightly.

“Hello, dear.” She leans away, her gaze flicking over my floral dress. “You’re so beautiful.”

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