Crashing into him wouldn’t be so terrible, but a ways behind him is a group of runners—all guys. And all of them are eyeing us as they approach.
It’s time for me to peace out.
“Sorry about that,” I apologize as I stand, wincing as I put weight on my ankle but try to shake it off.
River stands up, rubbing his elbow as if he hit it when he fell. “Are you okay?”
“Yep, totally good.” I wince again as I move to step by him.
He stops me by placing a hand on my arm. “No, you’re not. You’re hurt.”
I’m not guy crazy, but the gentleness of his touch is unfamiliar enough that my stomach flutters ever so slightly.
Goddammit, what is wrong with me?
“I just twisted my ankle.” I move my arm away from his hand and let the flutters wither and die, just like they should. “I’ll jog it off.”
He frowns. “Are you sure? You might’ve sprained it. You should get it checked out.”
“I’ve had a sprain before,” I inform him, taking another step forward, ready to make a quick exit before his running buddies reach us. “I know it’s not that.”
He watches me as I take another step forward. “Where are you running to?”
“To the moon,” I joke then take off before he can ask any more questions.
“Hey,” one of the runners greets me.
He has short brown hair, the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen, and he’s tall and lean—they all are, really.
I give him a half-ass wave then pop my earbud in and hurry off before they can speak to me further.
It’s not that I’m a total bitch, but I’m not the best at socializing. Plus, back in northside, whenever I found myself on the street alone with a bunch of guys around, that was my signal to get the hell out of there. And I don’t believe I should throw my rules away merely because these guys have money.
I’m not that naïve. Being rich doesn’t mean people are nicer or good. And I have zero trust for most people, anyway.
As I guessed, the pain in my ankle subsides after about a minute of slow running. Then I pick up my pace, hauling down the hill that leads to the bus stop. I was planning on runningslower this morning, but after the crash and fall, I’m behind schedule, and the last thing I want is to be late for class.
I manage to make it to the bus stop quickly, but going back means ascending uphill, and while I manage to keep an even, respectable pace, I make a mental note to add some hill climbs into my regimen. If I make the team, anyway.
I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous, mainly because of the stuff Lily said to me. I may get desperate enough to ask one of her brothers for help. River, maybe? I don’t know. He seems so intense. But Finn is the biggest flirt, and I feel like I’d get into trouble if I created a bridge with him.
By the time I arrive back at campus, a few students are wandering around. I leave my headphones in as I make my way back to my dorm room, with plans of taking a quick shower because I stink.
“Oh, hey,” Lily greets me as I enter the room.
She’s rocking a silk shorts pajama set, her hair is in a bun, and she’s in the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of juice.
“Hey,” I reply, kicking the door shut and yanking out my earbuds. “Holy crap, I stink.”
She laughs at that as she walks into the living room, where I’m leaning over to take off my shoes. “How was your run?”
“Great, actually.” I unlace one of my sneakers. “The road down to the bus station is so isolated. I love it.”
“Yeah, River texted me and said he ran into you on that road—like literally ran into you.” She drops down on the sofa. “Is your ankle okay? He wanted me to check and see.”
I glance up at her as I yank on my laces. “I’m fine. And I told him that already.”
“He’s a worrier.” She swipes her finger across the screen of her phone. “He’s always been like a protective big brother to the point of being annoying. He even does it to Finn.” She pauses, mulling something over. “He is a nice guy, Maddy. I know hedidn’t come off that way when you first met, but he seems to like you, and I think if you gave him a chance, he could help you get onto the team and stuff.”
