Page 70 of Changing Rules

Two weeks ago, it would’ve been the best solution to any problem. To any pain, any misunderstanding. Now? It’s not enough.

He followed me into the shower and apologized, his every word genuine.

I’m no longer angry. Honestly, I probably overreacted when I stormed out of the room, but I couldn’t help it.

Xander gets me like no one else. He notices so much, at least when he’s paying attention to me. But I’ve already made so many mistakes, and I’ve let on more than I should have. I’m scared of what will happen when we’re apart.

“Bella?”

My name on his lips snaps me out of my spiral. I shift to face him. He looks so good today. His white shirt hugs his torso like a second skin, every defined line on full display. His black jeans are a bit loose on his hips but still show off his muscular ass. This man is too addictive for my own good. He is a unique kind of drug, designed specifically for me—only for me.

“Yeah?”

“I won’t leave your side. It’ll be like I’m glued to you.” He blinks at me, his scrutiny causing disquiet to bubble up inside me once again.

I chuckle, shaking off the sensation. “Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. I didn’t hear a word you said.”

“I noticed.” The tenderness and warmth in his expression cause butterflies to take flight in my stomach. “What’s on your mind?”

“A lot of things.” I shrug. “You can talk to Stacey, you know. I don’t have anything against it, or her. Just tell me if you suddenly decide to disappear so I know where I can find you.”

“I wasn’t going?—”

“You still text, and you still meet up for lunch, don’t you?” The restaurant where Audrey’s shower is being held comes into view. I hope I have it in me to survive this party. “And that’s completely fine with me. Spend time with her. I can keep myself occupied.”

“Why don’t you come with me next time? She’s a nice girl, very funny. I’m sure the two of you will have plenty in common.”

I barely hold myself back from laughing.Yeah, we’ve both slept with you. That’s what we have in common.

Sometimes, he’s too naive.

I hum, noncommittal. “We’ll see.”

As he parks, I run my fingers in my hair from the roots to the ends. It helps me relax and collect myself. It won’t be easy, but I’ll put on my big-girl pants and do what I need to do. I can dothis. I can face Audrey, who told me to go fuck myself and hasn’t bothered to apologize. She’s adamant that she’s done nothing wrong, but in my book, being disrespectful is a problem, and it seems as though she can’t help herself.

We climb out of the car, and Xander goes to the trunk to pull out the gift he purchased—the stroller Audrey listed on her registry. I lean back against the car, arms crossed over my chest, focusing on my breathing even as my anxiety spikes.

“Ready?” he asks as he lugs the giant box toward the restaurant. “Relax. I talked to Audrey, and she assured me she’ll be polite. I promise.”

When he told me about his talk with Audrey a few days after the situation with Kevin was resolved, how he “finally did the right thing” and distanced himself from her because of how she treated me, I didn’t argue with him. I’ve given up hope that he’ll ever understand he needs to let me stand up for myself, that he should have more faith in me. Now, it seems as though our unspoken, unaddressed problems grow bigger with each passing day.

Sometimes, even a love like ours isn’t enough, and I’m afraid the distance that’s about to be between us will be what finally breaks us.

As we step inside, I hold my head high. I chose my favorite white dress with lace details and the black Chanel heels Xander bought for me. My hair is straight today, cascading down my shoulders, the glitter hair spray I added glimmering under the sun. With the sharp, narrow lines on my eyelids and a touch of mascara, I feel beautiful.

“There you are.” A melodic voice rips me out of my thoughts, and the modicum of peace I’d found evaporates as Stacey strolls toward us, wearing a radiant smile.

“I’m so happy to see you.” She leans in and presses a kiss to Xander’s cheek.

“Hey, Stace.” He grins.

“Hi, Isabella.” She plants a kiss on my cheek as well.

I fake a smile and nod. “Hi. This place is beautiful,” I say, going through the motions. “You did an amazing job!”

“Thank you!” She beams, clutching her hands in front of her chest. “I met your cousin at an event he organized a few weeks ago. Did he tell you? He’s incredible.”

“He is.” My smile turns genuine. “And he loves his work.”

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