Page 16 of Love Over Easy

“Oh, I forgot my water, I’ll be right back.” I jump up before he can offer to get it for me and sprint into the house. As a method of avoidance, it’s not very good. I’ve only delayed answering.

I take my time getting a bottle of water from the fridge, and I take even more time walking back outside. As soon as I step onto the deck and see the view, I sigh with a smile. I don’t think I would ever tire of waking up to such a calming sight. “It’s such a beautiful day.”

David waits until I sit back down before saying, “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.”

I frown and look down at my water bottle. That kiss is forefront in my mind. There’s no way I can justify or explain why I kissed him.

“It’s obvious you are either an athlete or some type of fitness guru. Nobody has a body like yours without hours of training and discipline. You don’t have to tell me what, but don’t pretend I don’t notice.”

My shoulders relax. This I can handle. I look up and our eyes connect. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m a gym rat. I think my muscles make me look like a boy. My boobs are okay, but my hips are too narrow.”

My brows pull together when David laughs out loud. “Honey, you look nothing like a boy. You have no idea how gorgeous you are, do you? I’ve been hard for you from the moment you knocked me out.”

I’m embarrassed that the first thing that pops into my mind is thenwhy did you stop that kiss? My face heats at his frankness and I’m not sure I believe him. I nervously tuck my hair behind my ears. “Again, I’m sorry about, you know… hitting you.”

His answering reply is a chuckle that turns into a laugh.

The rest of our meal is filled with idle conversation about the beach, the weather, and other noninvasive topics—for which I’m grateful. David is a very nice man and I don’t want to lie to him.

He’s on a final cup of coffee when he asks, “Do you have plans for today?”

“Well, if I’m not under arrest…” I raise a brow and wait for his reply.

He lifts the coffee mug to his lips with a grin and takes a sip before answering. “No. I would say you’re under observation.”

It’s probably fine, but I’d still like to stay out of sight for a few more days. Just to be sure. Not that I think anyone followed me here, but pictures could show up online and I don’t want to chance it. “I’d like to stay here if that’s okay.”

“Sure. No problem. The TV remote is in a bowl on the coffee table. Help yourself to whatever is in the fridge. It’s nothing special, but I have some equipment set up in the basement if you want to get a workout in.”

Sitting around watching mindless hours of television has never interested me. Maybe an occasional movie. A workout sounds good, but I wish it didn’t. For so long my life has revolved around gyms and I want a change. That’s why I’m here. “Thanks. Is it okay if I walk on the beach?”

“Of course.” We pick up our plates and head back inside.

I go straight to the kitchen and start cleaning up. David picks up his keys. “My cell number is on the fridge and the number to the station.”

I look up from rinsing the dishes. “Okay. Thanks.”

Our eyes connect and I can see he’s debating something. “Are you going to be safe here by yourself?”

His concern for my safety is touching and unfamiliar. “Yeah. I’m fine,” I say and try to reassure him with a smile. He nods and walks through the door.

From the kitchen window over the sink, I watch as he walks to his truck, gets in, and drives away. I can’t believe he’s leaving me here. I’m a stranger to him. I could literally steal him blind.

I put the kitchen back to rights and change into a pair of long running leggings and a long sleeve wicking shirt to cover my purpling bruises. The Shywear emblem stitched into them shouldn’t be a problem. I am not allowed to wear anything else in the way of sportswear or gear, so I had nothing else to bring.

I’m thirty minutes into my run and still thinking about that kiss and how it felt to have David worry for me. My own father is never concerned.

“Who’s chasing you?”

Startled, my feet become twisted and I have to flail my arms to keep my balance. Once I’m stable, I glare at the same little girl from my first day on the island. “Do you always sneak up on people?”

She looks up at me and shrugs. “Sometimes. Are you going to tell me who’s chasing you?”

Today she’s wearing a pair of cutoff jeans and a purple t-shirt. Both are dirty and have rips in them. “Nobody. I’m just running.”

Her head tips. “Why?”

Her voice has a lower pitch than I imagine most kids have and I detect a slight accent. “For exercise. To keep myself in shape.”

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