“Why are you excited about this? I love you, you know that, but I don’t understand.”
“Two reasons. One, everyone should know what it’s like having that crazy rollercoaster ride of love. The two of you are like a stinkin’ movie and I can’t get enough. But secondly, you deserve to try again. I know Gage messed with you for a while.”
“Two years, but who’s counting?” I added to get a laugh.
“Right. You’re both suited for each other—it makes perfect sense.”
“I’m not going to lose myself in this, though. That’s what I fear and he’s so intense. The way he looks at me…” I shivered and Greta grinned like a Cheshire cat.
“I need the details. He didn’t spill a word to the group. And they share almost everything.”
“I’m sure he will when you’re not there.”
“No, trust me. I know almost everything they do. They don’t see me as a girl. I’m like their little sister or something. I know about all of their latest hookups and they don’t hold back. They really are players to the core. But, before you ask, Zade hasn’t talked about a hookup in weeks.”
“He told me that the last time was before meeting me.”
“Ah, this is the real shit. I love it. Now, tell me or I’m getting the knife. Did you do it on the table? The couch? Did you make out?”
“I’m gonna need a beer for this.”
* * * *
I showed up ten minutes early to run. The anticipation of seeing Zade again was too strong. I was going through an extra set of stretches when he strolled up, looking good as hell. His hair looked ruffled, as though he’d just run his hands through it, and his old shirt fit him like a glove. His face lit up when he saw me. I stood still, unsure if it would be acceptable to jump him.
He made the decision easy when he walked straight up to me and grabbed my face. He lowered his mouth to mine and he tasted of toothpaste and sunshine. I wasn’t sure what sunshine tasted like, but he defined it. He kept it toned down from the night before, but I still stood breathless when we parted.
“M-morning,” I stammered. “To think I worried about how the morning would go.”
“You were worried? I woke up ready to get out here.” He tugged the end of my braid. “I like your hair like this, by the way.”
“Thanks. And I wasn’t worried, per se, but nervous, unsure, you know? The usual after you see a guy you made out with the night before.”
“Do you find yourself in these situations a lot, Callie?” He crossed his arms with a small frown.
“Fishing for information, Zade?” I mirrored his position. “But to answer your question, no. No, this is not a normal occurrence.”
“Good.” He bent to do some stretches and I chose to admire the view since I’d already stretched twice. “Enjoying the show?”
“Yeah, I like it when you bend over.” He bent lower and did a booty-pop dance move that had me rolling with laughter. “Oh, my god.”
“Yeah, bet you didn’t know I can dance. Check me out.”
He twerked on me, moving around in a circle so I had no choice but to allow it. I laughed so hard I fell to the ground. “Oh, my god.”
“Shit. I didn’t mean for my moves to knock you down. I figured you were sturdier than that.” He bent onto one knee and held out a hand. “Let me help you up.”
“I need more time.” I rolled around, tears of laughter falling down my face. “You are…something else. If only your fan club knew.”
“All for you, baby.” His laughed at himself, which I found attractive. Life was too short to be serious all the time. “I aim to amuse.”
“You succeeded.” I let him help me up and he kept his hands on me. I made a face at the contact and he gave me a devilish smile. “Zade Willows. We’ll never get our run in if you keep it up.”
“Fine by me.” He tugged the ends of my braids and pulled me toward him. “I can’t help myself. Seriously. You do something to me.”
I felt like the only person in the world at that moment. His intense gaze, the truth I saw in his words—a small bit of my heart fell to the ground. I didn’t expect to ever get that piece back and the thought was terrifying. But,Do or do not, there is no try.
I closed the gap andIinitiated the kiss. He gasped, which pleased me. It was quick, but we both knew it meant more coming from me. “Since we took care of the kissing situation…ready to run six miles?”
