Page 30

CHAPTER 30

AUDREY

BELLA

October

A knock on the door wakes me. I instantly sit up in bed, startling Xander.

“What happened?” He yawns.

“Someone’s knocking.”

The knock sounds again, and Milo scrabbles to his feet and starts barking.

Shit . My stomach roils with nerves. Is it Jake?

God, please don’t let it be him.

We both fall silent, looking at each other, and when we hear the knock again, Xander sighs and rolls out of bed.

He puts on his sweatpants, and as he heads out of the room, he says, “It’s okay. No need to panic. I’m sure it’s not Miller.”

My gaze drops to my wrist, where the signs of Jake’s grip are evident now that the concealer I used to hide it from Xander has washed off. I’ll need to cover it up again.

Just the thought of going to the game makes me nauseous. I’ll do everything in my power to stick with my plan and break up with Jake after it, but it won’t be easy.

When Xander and I got home last night, we fell into bed, and after a round of sex we fell asleep almost immediately, he with his arm around me and me with my back pressed firmly to his chest. I didn’t have time to tell him about Jake’s visit, so I’ll have to work up the nerve today. He won’t be happy.

I pull on a pair of leggings and a loose blue T-shirt, then rush to the guest room so I can comb my hair. It’s a tangle of knots after last night’s activities, so I collect it into a loose bun.

Not wanting to greet Xander’s company looking like I just rolled out of bed, I pop my head out the door and peer down the hall. It’s empty, and Milo’s happy squeals are definitely coming from the living room. With an exhale, I dart to the bathroom and silently close the door behind me. Phew .

I wash my face, then study my reflection in the new mirror. My cheeks are tinged pink, my blue eyes clear and lively. Being around Xander is good for me.

I can’t say the same for him. All I’ve done is drag him through my shit. I apply concealer to my wrist to hide the bruising, blowing on it so it dries quickly. Then I give myself a silent pep talk. I can step out there. It’s time to face reality.

“Bella?” The bathroom door opens, and Xander pads inside, his gaze roaming over my face and down my body. “Planning another escape?”

“No,” I mutter, entranced by his captivating eyes. Just being near him heightens all my feelings. I’ve never had such powerful emotions for a person. I can’t possibly be falling for him, right? “You have a guest, so I thought… I thought I’d stay out of the way. Besides, I have work to do.”

He cocks a brow. “At seven a.m.? You don’t usually start until ten.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize it was that early,” I chuckle.

In one stride, he steps in close and pulls me against his chest, covering my mouth with his. The kiss is gentle, slow, and sweet enough to make me melt on the spot. I have no desire to leave this room, and I don’t care who’s here. All that matters is him.

Unfortunately, he’s got more of a level head. With a sigh, he backs away and palms my cheek.

“I couldn’t resist.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” I whisper.

The bathroom door bursts open, making us jump away from each other. A beautiful brunette stands in the doorway, her jaw slack.

“Alex?” she asks, her voice melodic and deep.

My stomach plummets. Who is this woman? Why is she here so early?

“Old habits die hard, I see.”

“Stop being dramatic.” He saunters over to her and drapes an arm over her shoulders.

Heart twisting painfully, I study them. It only takes a moment for relief to wash over me. They’ve got the same deep blue-green eyes, the same pouty bottom lip, the same straight nose with a smattering of freckles.

“Will you introduce me to your girl, or will you pretend she’s not here?” his sister asks, her tone a little too snide for my liking.

“This is my friend Bella. She helped me finish this bathroom.” Xander holds an arm out, gesturing to the space. “She’s staying with me while she looks for an apartment.”

Brow arched, she assesses me before she breaks into a gentle smile. She untangles herself from Xander and holds out her hand. “I’m Audrey, this idiot’s sister.”

“I’m Isabella—Bella.” I return the smile even as nerves ricochet through me. I’m not in any position to meet his family. “Erm, I don’t want to bother you two.”

“You’re not a bother. Have breakfast with us,” Audrey suggests.

“I’m not?—”

“That’s a great idea. You’ve got plenty of time before work anyway.” Xander breaks into a lopsided grin.

Beside him, Audrey’s eyebrows are raised expectantly, so I nod. “I’d love to.”

Xander grins and spins his sister around by her shoulders. “Why don’t you go wait in the kitchen? I’ll be right there.”

Rather than leave, Audrey grasps my hand and tugs me along with her. Clearly, the impatience is hereditary. So is the demanding persona.

“Do you want help?” I ask as she goes straight to the fridge.

“No.” She waves a hand. “Sit.”

I plop myself down on a chair and stroke Milo’s back. “Xander said Milo was a gift from you.”

Crouched in front of the open fridge, Audrey looks at me over her shoulder. “Yup. I thought they’d be good for each other. My little brother can play the cool dude, the heartless jerk, but in reality, he’s a softie.”

“A softie? Really?” I chuckle.

Audrey meets my eye and bursts out laughing. “Right? With all his tats and muscles, you’d never guess it.”

“He definitely gives off a bad boy vibe,” I murmur, remembering seeing Xander for the first time.

“He’s not perfect, but he has a kind soul and a very big heart. It’s impossible not to love him.” She starts preparing toast with peanut butter, and Milo barks. Grinning, she peers over the island at the dog. “Do you really think I don’t see you?” She pulls some lunch meat from the fridge and tosses a slice of ham at him. Milo practically inhales it.

“Now I see why Xander calls him a glutton.”

“He’s been like that since he was a puppy.” Audrey’s expression is tender as she surveys the dog, but it turns shrewd when she fixes her gaze on me. “How long have you known my brother?”

“Three months or so, I guess. I helped him with his bathroom, and…well, he’s my friend now.”

“Just a friend?”

Unease sweeps through me, but I tamp it down. “Just a friend.”

Eyes narrowed, she scrutinizes me. It’s like she’s trying to see through me, but she doesn’t know how good I am at hiding behind easy smiles.

“What are you two up to?” Xander appears, dressed in gray sweatpants and a light-blue tee.

“Just talking.” Audrey shrugs.

I relax, thankful she’s not going to press the issue further.

“Bella’s trying to convince me she’s just your friend and nothing more.”

My jaw unhinges, and all my breath escapes me. She’s worse than her brother when she wants to know something.

Xander guffaws, sitting down beside me. “Bella is my friend and nothing more.”

“Uh-huh,” she deadpans. “And I’m the Pope.”

“God, sometimes I forget how stubborn you can be.” Xander shakes his head, still laughing. “Bella, tell my sister about your— ahem —boyfriend. Maybe then she’ll believe us.”

“Boyfriend?” Audrey frowns, her eyes dancing between her brother and me. “You have a boyfriend, yet you’re staying at Alex’s house.”

“I’m taking a break from the relationship while I decide what to do,” I mumble. “Jake Miller is my boyfriend. Do you know him? Xander’s teammate?”

Audrey’s confused expression morphs into a menacing scowl. “Jake Miller,” she hisses through clenched teeth.

Xander holds his sister’s gaze, but neither one of them speaks. It’s like they’re having an entire conversation without saying a word. Discomfort seeps into my veins, and I shift uncomfortably.

“Let’s just say…I don’t like your boyfriend,” she eventually grits out.

“That’s fine.” I shrug. “My cousin isn’t very fond of him either. I’m used to the hate.”

The kitchen falls into silence for so long, I itch to jump up and run away.

Milo’s bark startles us all.

Audrey jumps. “Shit, Milo. Here.” She holds out another piece of ham to him.

“Is all this for him too?” Xander teases, pointing to the three plates of toast Audrey has lined up.

“Of course not. These are for us.” She sets our food in front of us then goes back for hers. Once she’s slumped into the chair across from me, she gives her brother an innocent smile. “Maybe you could make some coffee?”

“I should’ve guessed you’d want that.”

While he gets to work at the counter, I smile awkwardly at Audrey, not knowing what to say to her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to town?” Xander asks.

“Wanted to surprise you.” Audrey shrugs. “Plus, my flight was disgustingly early. I didn’t want to call from the airport and wake you up.”

“You couldn’t have told me when we talked yesterday?”

She deflates. “Alex, I miss you. It was a last-minute decision to fly in. This way, I can go to your game on Sunday.”

Xander turns, his expression softening. “I miss you too. I’m glad you’re here. Just surprised, is all.”

“Aww, isn’t he the sweetest?” Audrey murmurs.

“He is.” I nod, my eyes locked with Xander’s.

He opens his mouth but shuts it again. Then, with a wink at me, he turns back to the coffee maker.

I shift in my seat. The butterflies in my stomach are keeping me from thinking clearly. Audrey, however, wears a sharp expression.

“So,” I say, scrambling for a suitable topic, “you live in Florida?”

“Yep, my husband and I moved to Miami three years ago.” Head tilted, she studies my face. “How long have you and Miller been together?”

Though Jake is the last thing I want to talk about, I explain how we dated in high school then got back together last winter.

“He called her ‘the one that got away,’” Xander says without turning to look at us.

Audrey nods. “Did he break up with you the first time?”

“No. I thought a split would be best since he was leaving for college and I was still in high school.”

A triumphant smile blooms across Audrey’s lips. “I’m sure he only called you that because you hurt his ego. He’s the great Jake Miller, and you dared to dump him. I like you more now, Bella.”

I force a smile onto my face, but I’m not sure how I feel about her words.

Xander sets two mugs of steaming coffee onto the table then goes back for his own. When he settles, he picks the chair next to mine. This close, his body heat soaks into me, calming me.

* * *

“It was nice to meet you,” I murmur as we stop in the foyer.

“You too.” She steps closer and plants a kiss on my cheek. “I know you’re taking a break from Miller, but is there any chance I can convince you to go to Sunday’s game with me?”

“Audrey.” Xander’s voice is low and quiet, but it’s definitely a warning.

I keep my focus fixed on his sister. “I already promised my best friend I’d go with her, but it’d be fun if you came along too.”

Without a word, Xander shifts closer. His shoulder brushes mine, sending goosebumps skittering all over my skin.

“Awesome.” Audrey beams. “Let me get your number?”

She and Xander make plans to have dinner with their parents tonight. Then she gives her brother a hug and walks out of the house, humming under her breath.

The second Xander closes the door, he turns to me. I lock my hands in front of me and shuffle my feet, suddenly nervous.

He comes closer, hovering over me. “What’s this about you going to the game? I thought you weren’t ready to see him.”

“I’ve decided how I want to tell him we’re over.” I swallow around the lump in my throat and tilt my chin to look him in the eye. “I’ll break up with him after the game. Meg will be with me.”

With an arm around my waist, he pulls me against him. “Are you sure?”

I am, but I ’ m also scared.

“Yeah.”

He presses his lips to the corner of my mouth and then moves them to my earlobe. “I know Milo needs to go for a walk…and you need to work…”

I shiver even though the anticipation of what’s to come makes my skin sizzling hot.

“But maybe I can convince you to take a shower with me first? Two birds, one stone.”

The feeling of his already-hard cock pressed to my leg sends all my rational thoughts to the dumpster.

Winding my hands around his neck, I whisper, “Why not?”

And, like it always does, the world around us disappears. Nothing matters except this man and his hands on my body.