Page 82 of Ruled By Fate

Sherry never looked up from the sink. “Darling, we’ve talked about this. Walk first, undress later. Remember what happened with the penguins.”

Cameron’s eyes flashed at her curiously. “What happened with the penguins?”

Sherry squinted at him. “I’m fond of you, Cameron, but don’t get it twisted. We’re not that close yet.”

? ? ?

“Why did I ever let you talk me into this in the first place?”

Sherry clutched her side and glared daggers as Brie jogged in place a few paces ahead, armed with a wicked grin.

“Wipe that smirk off your face, Weldon. This is attempted murder, and it isn’t funny.”

“You came and woke me up, remember? You were rather insistent.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sherry groaned loudly and arched her back in a stretch. They were down near the waterfront, passing rows of homes newly restored to look historically old. A cool breeze off the ocean whispered over their skin, cutting through the heat of the cloudless day.

Sherry windmilled her arms around before giving up again and doubling over at the waist, panting at the asphalt.

Brie walked back to her. “Are you alright?”

“Of course I am.” Sherry glared at her presumption. “I’m not going to let a little thing like exercise-induced cardiac arrest get the best of me.”

Brie knelt down and caught her eye. “You know, I read this study that said that walking is every bit as effective as running so long as you don’t stop very often.”

Sherry lifted her head in hope. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Well then.” Abruptly cheerful, Sherry straightened up and squared her shoulders. “Let’s get a move on, soldier. I don’t know why you always insist on these breaks.”

Brie grinned and fell into step beside her. “How’s it going with you and Mike?” she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Sherry beamed. “Fantastic. He’s not like the other boys I’ve dated, Brie. I mean, physically, sure, he fits the bill for what I’m looking for. Every inch of him.” She gave her friend a significant look. “Every inch. But beyond that, he’s steady, honest, and hardworking.”

Brie bit her lip to hide her amusement. “That doesn’t sound like your type at all.”

“It isn’t. Remember Austin?”

“Was he the perpetually out-of-work actor who worshiped you as his muse?”

“Got old so fast. And Remond?”

“The bodybuilder?” Brie asked with a laugh. “Everyone on the west side of Atlanta remembers Remond. When you broke up, he stayed in your driveway doing sit-ups for two days to win you back. It made the local news. It attracted the local strays. I thought he might move into the woods behind your house and learn to live off squirrel meat and unrequited love.”

“Poor lost soul.” Sherry sighed, staring nostalgically into the distance. “I had to get a restraining order just to avoid his abs.”

Brie stole a glance at her. “Well, I’m happy you’ve found someone who seems to fit your evolving taste. No one deserves it more than you.”

“Except maybe you,” Sherry replied lightly. “And don’t worry, I’m not going to make the same mistake two days in a row and ask how it’s going with—”

“I think I’m falling for him.”

Sherry gasped and grabbed her arm. “Really? That’s huge!”

“Don’t get too excited. We still haven’t—”

---