Page 35 of Purr For Me
“You sound like an eighties military movie,” Kade said as he started a series of walking lunges. He loved how Lexie watched every move.
“Okay. Ready to do this?”
Kade’s question snapped Lexie out of her thoughts and she nodded. “Ready.”
He gestured toward the trail. “Lead on.”
Forty-five minutes later, they reached the pinnacle of the one steep dirt trail. Even though Kade was in excellent condition, he was still sweating and huffing and puffing from the run Lexie had just put him through. She’d eschewed the easier sections of the trail in favor of the demanding parts. On the wider, safer trails, she’d challenged him to turn around and run backwards, and his thighs burned from the unfamiliar exercise.
“Don’t tell the guys you whipped my ass up that last steep incline, I’ll never hear the end of it,” he panted, sucking in large gulps of air.
Even leaning over, her hands on her thighs and dripping with sweat, Lexie looked as sexy as hell. How ironic that he didn’t have the strength to flirt with her. His legs were shaking like jelly. A wasted opportunity given they were alone, on a mountain, with the most stunning view all around.
She shot him a beaming smile at his inferred compliment. “None of the guys can beat me up this hill.”
His body tightened, and not from the screaming muscles. Disappointment flooded his body. Had she brought other guys up here? “You bring all your boyfriends up here?”
Her face heated, and she gave him her back. “The view up here is amazing,” she said, ignoring his question.
His eyes flicked to the city below, but not for long before they were back gazing at the best view—Lexie.
Speaking of stunning, Lexie, all hot and bothered didn’t help slow his pounding heart. What that girl did to him… if he had the energy, he’d pull her into his arms and…
Maybe not. His legs shook with the effort to remain standing.
He did, however, have the energy to pull off his tank top and wipe his face and neck. Pride came rushing back when he caught Lexie’s eyes following his movements, filled with appreciation and hunger. He raised his arms above his head and stretched. He shot her another quick look. Yup. He loved that she was admiring him more than the city vista below.
To have her look at him with such sensual hunger, he’d eagerly do this run all over again if he had to. He turned and looked at the city below.
The sun seemed to hold the smog at bay, and the LA skyscrapers stood out against the clear blue sky. Dodger Stadium, other tourist spots, and neighborhoods were visible, but what impressed Kade the most was that if he kept his perusal to the more immediate surroundings, he could almost believe that he lived in a less urban city.
Hundreds of trees, shrubs, and flowers filled the park, through which numerous running and hiking trails and footpaths wound. Many varieties of birds made their homes there, and he’d seen a few rabbits. He’d lived in LA a long time, and he wondered why he’d never visited Elysian Park before now.
“It’s beautiful here. Like a forest oasis away from the city,” he commented.
Lexie moved to stand beside him, also gazing at the splendor before her. “I come here a lot to run and clear my head. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. It’s good for my soul, I guess you’d say.”
“I can see why.” He looked down at her. “Thanks for showing me a little of your world.”
“You’re welcome.” She clapped her hands together. “Okay. Rest time is over. Time to head back.”
Kade tied his sweaty tank around his waist. “All right. First one to the bottom has to buy breakfast tomorrow. Deal?”
Lexie rose to his challenge. “Deal,” she agreed and sprinted off.
Grinning, Kade watched her go, taking a few moments to admire her. He didn’t wait long, though, because he didn’t want her to think he was giving her a head start. Lexie was the kind of woman who wanted to earn things on merit.
So, he chased after Lexie, catching up with her. She was moving at a fast clip, but Kade knew she could go much faster. He recognized her tactic; conserve energy so she could make a move for it later. Matching his strides with hers, Kade let her set the pace, content to do the same thing.
The whole way down the path, they kept pace with each other, biding their time. Lexie pointed out other good trails, and they chitchatted a little about Kade’s car. When they had about a quarter of the way to go, Lexie decided it was time to leave Kade in the dust. She gathered herself and shot ahead. Her legs working like pistons, propelling her forward.
Kade inwardly chuckled, not letting her get ahead. He saw her understand that he wouldn’t hand her victory. Deciding to go for it, she ran flat out, redoubling her efforts, but Kade pulled ahead. He watched her eyes narrow as she drew even with him and stayed there for several strides before he left her behind again.
He reached her Jeep, which was closer, and came to a halt beside it. Would she be a sore loser?
Kade held out a fist to her. “Good run. You got some speed, woman.”
With a smile, Lexie bumped her fist against his and, to his delight, stared at his glistening chest as it rose and fell with his rapid breathing. “I do all right.”
