Page 57 of See You at the Finish Line

Time to change that.

I consider getting my gear on and running out to “accidentally” bump into her, but that feels a bit too contrived for my liking—I don’t want to force anything. I’ll wait until tomorrow at work and see if I can’t get her bantering with me in person, as opposed to over email.

As luck would haveit, the universe rewards me for my patience when I’m out for dinner with Mateo. A familiar brunette ponytail is sitting at the table across from me. How I could have ever thought Grace’s hair was the same as Paige’s, I’ll never know.

“Paige is here,” I mutter under my breath.

Like the stealthy charging bull Mateo is, he jolts in his chair and whips his head around to survey the restaurant.

“Subtle,” I whisper.

He spots her and his grin turns wicked.

“Paige?” he calls.

I groan inwardly. I should’ve expected that. I’m off my game.

Her head turns at her name and her friend looks too, narrowing her eyes as she takes us in. She whispers something to Paige and Paige whispers back. Her friend’s eyes light up before gathering her food and walking over to us.

“Can we join you?” she asks.

Paige follows her, very much not bringing her food with her.

“I’m sorry, we don’t want to intrude,” Paige hisses, glaring at her friend. But like any good friend, she ignores Paige.

“Please, join us,” Mateo says when I don’t speak.

I’m still picturing Paige kneeling in the bay. God, she’s stunning. Her eyes look brighter today and her cheeks are flushed. She reluctantly gets her food as her friend sits beside Mateo, forcing Paige to take the seat beside me.

Her friend introduces herself first. “I’m Shay.”

“Mateo, Adam,” Mateo says, pointing to us.

“Oh, I know.” Shay grins at Paige, who rolls her eyes.

Paige must have talked about me and that thought thrills me. I am giddy inside, absolutely, downright giddy. Until it hits me that she probably hasn’t said very nice things.

“I knew the first friend I made here would turn out to be an evil supervillain,” Paige mutters, shaking her head.

“How’d you two meet?” I ask Paige.

She looks me dead in the eye. “Hot yoga.”

I cough a little at the thought of Paige bent over, sweat rolling down her back. The image is sudden and immediate, and I think shemay see it on my face because she smirks. In my mind, though, she’s naked.

Maybe I should tell her to wear clothes to class next time, but I think that may be overstepping.

“I’ve always wanted to do one of those. Maybe next time we can join you,” Mateo says, and I don’t miss the use of the word “we.” Apparently, he’s volunteering to help me suffer. It wouldn't be the first time.

“Sure. It’s every Sunday at 6:00 a.m. at the studio just down the street from here,” Shay says before Paige can comment. “Ow!” Shay glares at Paige. Based on Paige’s scowl, she must have kicked her under the table. Shay and Mateo should have a competition to see who can be the least subtle.

“Perfect. We’ll be there next week,” Mateo answers for us.

“Oh really? Hot yoga, Mateo?” I ask him.

“Sure, why not?”

“You hate the heat,” I say, rolling my eyes.

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