Page 20 of Changing Rules

“You’re adorable,” he murmurs, nuzzling into my neck. “How was your day?”

“It was okay.” I shrug. “Got some work done for Ben, but he didn’t love it, so I’ll have to redo some of it on Tuesday.”

“What didn’t he like?” Xander hooks an arm around me and tugs me into his side. His woodsy scent fills my nostrils, sliding under my skin. My mood instantly improves.

“He’s organizing a big event. He asked me to prepare a commercial offer, including facility rental and food. The usual—or so I thought. Turns out the client already booked a venue…” I trail off, my chest constricting. “When Ben called to give me an earful about it, he pissed me off so much I hung up on him. I don’t want to listen to his yelling. I don’t deserve it.”

“It’s not your fault,” he says quietly, his nose in my hair. “Did Ben apologize?”

“Kinda, but I don’t really want to talk to him, and I’m not ready to forgive him yet. He’s under a lot of stress, trying to plan ‘the perfect, most memorable’ wedding for him and Tom. He’s constantly changing his design ideas based on what he sees at our clients’ events. Then, because of all the changes, he and Tom get snippy with one another, and that frustration bleeds into Ben’s conversations with me too. I’m pretty tolerant, and the first couple of times, I let it roll off my back, but if his temper keeps flaring up like this, I don’t know.”

“Do you want me to talk to him?”

Stomach sinking, I reel back and survey Xander. He’s watching me with an expectant look on his face, his head tilted to the side. Rather than snap at him like Ben’s been doing to me, I force myself to smile and shake my head. This is between my cousin and me. I made it clear: If he pulls this shit again, he’ll need to look for my replacement.

“Okay, I’ll back off. But if something like that happens again, or if someone upsets you, please tell me.”

The intensity in his eyes sends a shiver down my spine. He’s not just talking about Ben.

“Listen,” I hedge, “I love you, and I really appreciate all you do for me. But there are some battles I need to fight on my own.”And your sister made it clear that if you’re involved, it’ll only get worse.“I have to stand my ground and defend myself. You might think I can’t handle it, but I can, and I’ll prove it to you, but you have to let me.”

His jaw ticks, those blue-green eyes swimming with concern. “I’m afraid Miller will approach you because he feels safe after that smear campaign against us. If he does, I want to be there to back you up. He needs to stay away. You shouldn’t have to deal with him alone.”

I frown. “I wasn’t talking about Jake.” And if there’s ever a situation where I’m forced to interact with my ex, Xander will be my first call.

“No?” He studies my face. The crease between his brows is deep.

“I meant Audrey,” I confess with a sigh. “Don’t get involved, please. Don’t meddle. I can make things right with her myself.”

His body goes rigid, and his eyes go wide. “Wait, is there something I don’t know?”

A lump lodges in my throat, making it nearly impossible to swallow.

I haven’t seen his sister since that night in April. When Xander hangs out with her, it’s typically the two of them alone. If it weren’t for her invitation to dinner tonight, I don’t think I’d see her again until the first preseason game in August. That would’ve been perfectly fine with me. I haven’t missed her.

“No.” I didn’t mention anything to Xander about her behavior that night, and I don’t want to say anything now.“You and I both know she’s not my number one fan, but I’m determined to make things better.”

“If I’m going to set boundaries for my sister, I need to knowwhatshe’s doing.” He inches closer, staring into my very soul. He’d do anything for me, but I can’t rely on him to fight my battles. I don’t want to have to rely on him. I want to stand on my own two feet. He might think he’s doing the right thing, but in reality, it’s a disservice.

“I can deal with Audrey myself.” I soften my expression but keep my posture sure, confident. I want us to be equals. I want to be strong like him. Strongforhim, but most importantly for me. “She liked me at first, right? I’m sure I can win her over again.”

“You will. I have no doubt.” He cups my face. “If something she says or does makes you uncomfortable, please tell me. Okay?”

He isn’t listening, dammit.

“Okay,” I say. The word is forced, my tone flat, but he doesn’t notice.

He’s too distracted by our closeness, I guess. And I have to admit, when he kisses me, I am too. My body lights up, heat pooling in my belly. My veins are so hot I want to scratch them open and let the fire out to consume us both.

“I want you,” he whispers as he tugs at the hem of my shirt.

I lift my arms and let him strip me, succumbing to my desire for him.

Hand in hand with Xander,dressed in a black dress with white polka dots, my hair spilling over my bare shoulders, I feel refreshed, confident, and beautiful. How could I not after the sexwe had? The way he worshiped my body gave me the boost I so desperately needed.

I can make it through one dinner in Audrey’s company. After all, I’ve survived much worse. I refuse to give her the power to bring me down.

“Alex! Over here!” Audrey calls as we step into the restaurant.

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