Page 161 of Changing Rules

I focus on the reporter and give her an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Maybe another time.”

Without waiting for her to respond, I skirt around her, as well as the other reporters waiting for their turn. They tsk and mumble about what an arrogant asshole I am. I don’t care.

The second I reach her, I scoop her up. She winds her arms around my neck and locks her legs around my hips.

“You were the best,” she says, her lips millimeters from mine. “So confident. So stubborn in your desire to win! So strong-willed…and so sexy.” Her warm breath washes over me, sending tingles down my spine. “Mr. Quarterback, you left an everlasting impression on me. Not sure I’ll ever be able to forget you.”

“Hm.” I squeeze her ass, perfectly aware that we’re in public and there are dozens of cameras aimed at us. It doesn’t bother me. I want them all to see how happy we are. “There’s no chance you’re ever getting rid of me, baby. You’re stuck with me for a lifetime. Period.”

She peers at me, her deep blue eyes full of mischief. “You won’t hear me complaining.” With a grin, she presses her lips to mine. A sea of clicks and shutters washes over us, along with excited murmurs. Maybe I should be pissed, but I love that she isn’t scared anymore.

Bella is here to make a statement without actually making one.

I don’t put her down as I greet my parents; I just carry her down the hallway to the locker room. Only when I reach the door do I set her on her feet.

“I didn’t think you’d be ready to go public again any time soon.”

“Sitting in the stands, hiding beneath a hat and sunglasses, I realized it couldn’t last forever. We love each other. We’re happy together. Why should we hide that? We deserve to be happy, and we have the right to live out loud.” She puts her hands on her hips, radiating confidence. “Anyone who has an issue with that can go to hell. I won’t let them dictate how I live my life, and I plan to enjoy the entirety of it with you. Every second of every fucking day.”

“Can we start with a day spent in bed?” I haul her into my chest.

“Not sure our families will go for that. Your mom and Ben have been cooking up dinner plans for before we fly home.” She breaks into a cheeky smile. “But we could always sneak away from them if you can bereallyconvincing.”

“You already know I can be.”

“I know.” She nods. “You’re the best.”

CHAPTER 44

ONE PLUS ONE

XANDER

April

Eyes still closed,I reach for Bella, but all I find are cold sheets. When her absence sinks in, I jolt up in bed, panic washing over me. The room is still dark. Not even a sliver of light comes through drawn curtains. I throw the covers off and swing my legs over the bed as I reach for my phone. According to the display, it’s five a.m.

Why is she awake? It’s Sunday morning, for God’s sake.

Milo is still in his bed on the floor, lying on his back with his eyes closed. I shake my head as I pass him. Bella jokes he’s a Manhattan dog, since he got used to the busy streets of New York so quickly. I don’t want to argue with her, but I’m positive it has more to do with her presence than the city. She’s his guiding light. He’ll follow her anywhere.

Except he’s still here, and she isn’t.

Concern swirls in my gut as I step out into the hall and listen to the sounds of the apartment. When a faint clicking registers, I follow the sound and find her in the living room. She’s sitting on the couch, her laptop on her lap, typing furiously, as ifthe keyboard has offended her. Her bottom lip is sandwiched between her teeth, and her eyebrows are knitted together.

“How long have you been up?” I ask quietly.

She startles, and when the laptop slides off her lap, she clutches it and holds it to her chest.

Chuckling, I drop to the couch beside her, and she instantly hauls off and whacks me with her tiny fist.

“What?” I tease. “Did I scare you?”

“Of course you did!” She gives me a narrow-eyed look that’s far more adorable than she means for it to be. “Why are you up so early?”

“I wanted to cuddle my girl, but when I reached for her, all I found was cold and empty sheets—the worst way to wake up.”

She rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at her lips.

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