Page 41 of True Sight
“You weren’t late, I was early,” he admits, his voice softening. “But to answer your question, I tend to be grouchy in the morning. Bad sleep, you know.”
I nod my head and choose to leave the conversation there at the indirect mention of his nightmares. I’d been wanting to check on him to see how he was but I also know how sensitive he is about them. I never want to pry no matter how much I want to make sure he’s okay.
“Well,” I start as the lift doors close us into the small space, “let’s see if a good morning walk will change that.”
And he groans the entire way down.
We’ve beenon the park trail for half an hour in pure silence. I don’t know why he is so grumpy; I promised himno running and no dancing, and what we are doing is neither. We are walking, not even fast walking, and the only people who seem to be enjoying themselves are Annie and I. Conrad is following behind us since we had taken the lead while I was hanging onto Annie who wanted nothing more than to be let off leash. When I suggested we let her loose, he nearly bit my head off. Something about proper dog etiquette. Knowing this route since I’ve been here before, I know we still have another hour to go before we’ll reach the car. Not wanting to walk another few kilometers in pure silence, I try to see if I can get him to soften up.
“Annie looks like she’s enjoying herself,” I start, knowing that he won’t ignore a chance to talk about her.
“She would do this four times a day if you let her,” he gripes, swiping the back of his hand across his forehead before using the same hand to push his hair out of his eyes.The things I would do to be able to run my fingers through his hair.
“Then why don’t you?” I question with a hint of humor in my voice so he knows I’m teasing.
“I take her on at least three walks a day around my neighborhood, sometimes four if I have time. What she needs is someone to run her.”
“I can do that,” I offer without skipping a beat.
“You what?” he scoffs, raising a skeptical brow at me. I slow Annie down so we are walking next to him.
“I can run her. I can come over a few times a week and take her for a run. I can tell you don’t run?—”
“Gee, thanks,” he gruffs before looking down at himself.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” I stammer. “That wasn’t a comment on your body. You have a great body, I mean…” My words get caught in my throat and I look at him awkwardly.
“You think I have a great body?” He smirks at me with a hint of arrogance in his voice.
“Oh, stop.” I wave a hand at him which earns me a chuckle. I can feel the heat in my cheeks and rub the back of my neck. “I just meant that I remembered how you told me before how you don’t run or dance. Remember?”
He nods his head and grins at the ground, leaving me to wonder what he’s grinning about. “Yeah, yeah, I remember.”
We walk a few more paces in silence and I try to shake off the bone-deep embarrassment I feel about my slip up.
“You can come by a few times a week if you want,” he offers, glancing up at me, still grinning.
“I can?” I ask hopefully.
“To run Annie, obviously.”
“Obviously, yeah. Right, sure.” I match the nod he’s giving me and try not to let the bubbling excitement in my belly get out of control.
We continue down the path and enjoy the cool mid-October evening. The summer humidity is finally calming down and with the breeze floating off the river, I’m loosely reminded of home. I can’t help but smile as I look around the marshland and fall foliage that’s starting to come in. Casting my eyes over Annie and Conrad, I feel like I’m living in a dream.
“What’s that look for?” he asks. When I look over at him, he’s looking back at me expectantly and I want to reach over and dot the few freckles that are scattered across the bridge of his nose.
“It’s nothing. I’m just enjoying the great outdoors.” I extend my arms outward with gusto, causing Annie to get excited and attempt to leap into my arms.
“Woah, girl,” I chuckle. “I’m glad you’re enjoying themtoo.” She looks at me like she’s smiling as her butt wiggles wildly out of control.
“I’m also enjoying them,” Conrad admits and I can’t help hiding my surprise.
“You are? Because this whole time I kind of felt like I was dragging you along,” I jest.
“I told you I don’t do mornings. But now that we’ve been out here for a while, I don’t know. I don’t hate it.” He shrugs nonchalantly and purses his lips.
“Does it always pain you that much to admit you’re having fun?” I smirk at him and he rolls his eyes.
