Page 50 of Love to Hate You

Or any other day.

Not with this girl.

“We don’t have to run together, Carter.” Her brows slide together. “I’ll just slow you down.”

I shake my head. “It’s fine. I’m not in any hurry.”

She sucks her lower lip into her mouth and chews it thoughtfully as if hesitant to accept my offer. I’m tempted to nip that plump lower lip of hers with my teeth. Fuck me. This wasn’t how my run was supposed to go.

“Are you sure?” she asks.

Am I sure?

Fuck yeah, I’m sure.

There’s no way she’s running with those two asshats. Not on my watch. Plus, that whole lip biting thing is giving me a semi. We need to get moving before I pop a tent.

Christ. What the hell is wrong with me?

Why can’t I control myself around this girl?

“Yup,” I say tightly. “Let’s go.”

If she argues, I’m making an executive decision and tossing her over my shoulder. Maybe I’ll smack that delectable ass a time or two, as well. I groan at the image because it isn’t helping the boner situation.

Fortunately—or maybe unfortunately—she comes along without a peep. No shoulder-hoisting or ass-smacking required.

We pop in our earbuds and start out with a nice, easy jog. Just a little something to loosen our muscles. I blast my music and try to lose myself in my alt rock playlist and the steady thump of my shoes as we continue down the tree-lined street. Instead of zoning out, I’m all too aware of her by my side. The way her tits bounce under her tight top, the way her thick ponytail sways back and forth, the swing of her arms as she tries to keep up with me.

Daisy has a nice stride. With her build, I wouldn’t have taken her for a natural runner. After about a mile, she’s still holding steady and shows no signs of fatigue. I keep my pace slow. I don’t mind. I kind of like it. It’s relaxing.

Another mile slides by, and we end up in a park near campus.

I pull out my earbuds. “How many miles do you normally run?”

She’s a little winded. Her cheeks are flushed from exertion. Her eyes are bright and shiny. She’s got that endorphin high going on.

Is this what Daisy looks like after a particularly sweaty bout of sex?

Fuck. I can’t allow myself to contemplate that question. That’s not something I’ll ever find out.

She bends at the waist and reaches for her toes, presenting me with her backside. “Three.”

I groan and force my eyes away. “Are you okay with four?”

She straightens and nods, wiping her forearm across her brow. Still breathing heavy, she walks in a wide circle with her hands planted on her hips.

I gulp.

I need to think of something besides sex, but I’ve got nothing. I’m picturing her naked at this very moment.

“Do you want to walk part of the way?” I ask.

“No, we can run. I’m in shape. I can handle it.”

I throw my hands out in front of me in a gesture of surrender because the last thing I want is to get into another skirmish with her. “I never said you weren’t. But this is going to end up being more than three miles. I don’t want you to hurt yourself trying to keep up with me. We can slow down.”

“It’s fine.” She sucks in another breath of air. “I’m good. Let’s head back.”

---