Page 66 of Running
“We should probably get you home if we’re going to be good tonight. I want to do this right.”
“There’s no right or wrong here. You won’t break me,” I tease him. “At least not in ways I don’t want to be broken.”
He chokes at my words.
“Fuck, Grace. You don’t know what you do to me. The dreams I’ve had of you…” He stops himself from saying more.
“Ah, who has things to share now?”
His eyes are molten, but he’s holding his body in check. “Goldie, we need to get you home, safe and sound for the night.”
I do appreciate his patience on some level, even if my body is humming for more. Plus, the Waves have a short week, and I’m sure Johnson has a ton of prep needed for their Thursday game.
“We’ll be good then,” I agree. “Let me get my bag and flowers from the kitchen.”
He walks me in there, handing me the flowers like he’s gifting them for the first time.
“Are you doing anything this weekend? Once I’m back from Thursday’s game?” He grins. “I’d like to take you on our officialfirst date, if you’re free.”
I smile back. I’m not sure I’ve stopped smiling over the last hour. “I am.”
He looks like he wants to start kissing me again, but instead he grabs my free hand lightly, beginning to walk us to the front of the house.
I follow his lead as he brings us through to the front entrance, holds the door open for me, and accompanies me to my car.
As I settle into my driver’s seat, he clutches the front door, stepping closer to the car.
“Text me once you’re home so I know you’re okay.” Leaning down, he kisses my cheek. “And get ready for the date of your life.”
And when I message him from my condo that I’m home, a simple message comes through in reply.
“Sweet dreams, Goldie.”
CHAPTER 21
Grace
When I wake up the next day, my schedule is beautifully free. I map out my run, pick a new book off my kindle, and otherwise plan to chill.
Forgive me if some daydreaming about Johnson sneaks in too.
He just makes me so happy.It’s a new feeling, and it’s okay to enjoy it.
Not to mention our kisses, I definitely enjoy my memories of them too. And the look in his eyes when I admitted I was ready to try new things with him.
Swoon.He looked like he was ready to press me against a wall and claim me.
Only it may notjustbe a look, it may become real.
A thrill runs through me at that.
My daydreaming transitions to a relaxed run. And the rest of the day should be pure bliss.
Except when I get home from my eight miler, I see some less than joyous texts from Mom.
MOM: I’m thinking that you should apply to Auburn, Princeton, and Tolliver’s law schools.
MOM: Auburn as a legacy candidate, and the other two because of your personal connection.
