Page 18 of Changing Rules

But the word did get out, and, by some miracle, we withstood all the scrutiny, all the hate. It turned out I was worried for nothing.

And I can’t forgive Jake.

I put my fork down and cover Xander’s hand with mine. “Do you like playing for the Warriors?”

“I do.”

“Do you have friends here?”

“Yeah.”

“Your parents are here. Your sister just moved back to town, and you’ll be an uncle soon. This is your home, just like it’s Jake’s.” I wet my lips, willing them not to tremble. “Don’t even think about leaving the team because of him. Or me. It’s my fault there weren’t any repercussions for him. I should’ve listened to you that day. If I’d been honest, he wouldn’t be on the team. He probably wouldn’t even be playing football.”

“I didn’t like your decision,” he says with a shake of his head, “but I accepted it. I really thought he would stay away from you for the sake of his career. He fooled us both. Rehab? Then his grand gesture of wishing us well in a public statement while the media was dragging you and me through the mud? His PR people knew what they were doing, babe.” He sighs. “Besides, as good as he is, and as much money as he’s making the team, no one will say a word.”

“Unfortunately.” My chest tightens. “This world is fucked up.”

“Can’t argue with that.” He kisses my nose.

“But if you leave the Warriors because of him, he wins. He’ll believe he can do anything without having to face the consequences.”

“I understand.” He casts his gaze to the side, his expression thoughtful. “If things get really bad?—”

“We will figure it out,” I assure him. I’ve just begun to convince myself, to calm my nerves, when something wet and warm greets my foot, making me jump. With a gasp, I look down. The dog is licking me. “Milo.”

“Looks like somebody wants our attention.” Xander chuckles, sneaking a glance at the dog’s bowl. “We forgot to feed him.”

“Speak for yourself.” I zero in on the dog. “Milo, you already ate.”

“Did he?”

I keep eyeing the dog. His tricks won’t work on me, and Milo knows that perfectly well. After a moment, he huffs and leaves the kitchen, his nails clicking across the tile as he goes.

“Wow.” Xander whistles. “He understands you.”

“He’s getting bigger every day. I think we need to put him on a diet.” I pick up my fork and scoop a bite of risotto.

“Audrey would argue with you there, I think.” He laughs, not realizing how accurate his words are.

Uneasiness threads through me, the way it does every time her name comes up, but I shrug it off.

“She’d never say no to him.”

“Exactly. No one tells him no, and he’s gotten used to it.” I shove my fork into my mouth, relishing the flavor again. Once I swallow, I say, “Some habits die hard. It makes sense that he’ll try to guilt us into feeding him more, but it’s for his own good.”

“What made you change your mind?”I ask as the opening scene ofInceptionstarts. I wiggle my way closer to Xander’s bare chest and soak in his warmth.

“You didn’t seem all that excited aboutTheAvengers, and I love this movie. Figured it’s worth watching again.” He shrugs. “Are you a fan of Leo?”

“What?” I glance up at him. “Why?”

“A lot of women love him.” He arches a brow, peering down at me. “You?”

“He’s a great actor, but he was never my fave.”

“Then who are your crushes?” he asks. “Besides Charlie Hunnam, of course.” His eyes sparkle naughtily.

“You.” I press a kiss to his jaw.

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