Page 16 of Running
When he goes to open the front door, the voice I hear is very recognizable, however.
“Hey man, I realized that I did want to come over for dinner as I was driving home. Eating alone, studying the playbook, sounded depressing.”
Johnson.
Ugh. I don’t have any makeup on, and I’m barely thrown together otherwise. I thought it was going to be just Landon and me.
It’s not that I expect any reaction from Johnson over how I look, but I can’t help wanting to be at my best.
I turn away from the door and duck down, making myself busy with food prep. At least he can’t notice my less-than-perfect appearance that way.
“Hi, Little Battle,” I hear from behind me. Again with the nickname. A little shiver runs down my spine. My body reacting to how self-conscious I feel, maybe?
“Hi, Johnson.” I don’t turn around.
Then an idea comes to me. Let me get out of here for a run. Escape entirely.
“So, Landon, when the oven finishes pre-heating, can you pop this dish in for twenty-five minutes?” I swivel back to face them, but I keep my eyes on Landon only. “I’m going to go for a run before dinner if that’s okay?”
I expect to move quickly out of the kitchen once he agrees.
Except it’s Johnson who replies.
“I’ll go with you, Little Battle. I didn’t get much cardio in today.”
What?
I’m unable to filter my flash of surprise as I finally look at Johnson.
He wants to run with me?
I can’t think of a nice way to avoid accepting his offer to join me. I guess I could say I want to be alone? But my being terrible at saying no triumphs.
“Okay, Johnson, let’s see if you can keep up.” There, I made a joke. Framed it like a challenge I’d give one of my brothers.
He smiles widely in response. “I’ve no doubt that I’ll be chasing you down the whole time.”
Hmmm.
Refusing to dwell on the situation anymore, I begin to leave the kitchen. “Just going to get my running shoes on.”
He pivots and starts walking behind me. “I’m already wearing sneakers, so I’m good to go when you are.” He turns back to Landon. “We’ll be back. Thanks for making dinner.”
Landon is out of my view, but I hear his amused response. “I think I can handle heating food up, J. Have a good run.”
Once my shoes are on, I open the front door, with Johnson following behind me. Stepping out onto the front porch, I take a few steps forward and then turn to face him.
I’m not going to worry about my makeup or lack thereof if we’re running.
“I’m going to stretch for a minute.”
He nods, and I begin my basic warm-ups on Landon’s deck with a sun salutation, my arms reaching up high. He mirrors my actions.
Only now, it’s not my body I’m focused on. When he extends his arms up to the sky, his shirt creeps up, showing a sliver of his lower abs.
And with it, the hint of his muscular V shape, covered by curly black hair, which disappears under his waistband.
God, that’s really sexy.
