“I didn’t forget,” I breathe.
Our gazes tangle. Even without seeing his eyes, I know they are locked with mine. No doubt assessment swims in those green irises. That same assessment is likely reflected in my own pupils.
“Why are you here, Garrett?” I step back, putting distance between us.
“We have a marathon to train for.” He shuts the door behind him.
“Yeah… About that…” I shuffle my bare feet against the hardwood floor.
“Are you not doing it anymore?”
“No…” I wrinkle my nose. “…I mean yes, I’m still doing it. Or rather, I’m going to try.”
He points at me. “Then what’s that face for?”
“What face?”
“That ‘I have bad news, but I’m too chicken shit to say it’ face.”
“That’s a rather specific andrudefacial designation.”
“Just say it, Jensen.” His command is gruff.
My brow puckers. “Fine. I don’t think you should be my guide.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s a lot.” I motion between us, as if that fills in all the things I’m not saying.
“You know I’ve run marathons before, right? This isn’tmyfirst time.” He places his hands on his hips. “I can handle this.”
“I’m aware.” I shrug.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“It’s my first time, and I’m afraid that I’m too much,” I murmur, my eyes dropping to my pink-painted toes.
He closes the space between us. “You’re not too much,” he says softly, placing his thumb below my chin and guiding my stare to meet his.
“You tell me I’m too much all the time. I talk too much. I ask too many questions.”
“You do…” he huffs a chuckle. “…But I like your brand of too much. Plus, I’m looking forward to seeing if you’re able to maintain your incessant questions for twenty-six miles.”
“It’s technically 26.2 miles,” I correct, the corners of my mouth lifting.
“See, you’re already learning.” He swipes his thumb across my jawline.
The tender stroke telegraphs an almost reflexive action. Like touching me is as natural as breathing for him. The way I melt into his touch mirrors that instinct. My head knows I should pull away, but my body remains.
Blinking to clear the Garrett-induced trance I’m in, I step back. “I appreciate you doing Anker the favor by helping me train, but?—”
“I’m not doing this just for Anker.”
“Why are you doing this then?”
“Because you need help, and like you said, it’s a role I’m comfortable with.”
“I’m not a damsel for you to rescue.” I cross my arms over my chest.
