She lets out a nervous laugh as her cheeks flush. “I’m a hot and sweaty mess,” she says, tucking a piece of stray hair behind her ear.
“What are you doing in Sydney?”
“I moved back here eight months ago.”
“After you left Jake?” I’m presuming they’re still not together. Well, one can only hope.
“You heard about that?” she asks, her gaze moving down to the sidewalk.
“He accused me of hiding you.”
Her head snaps back to me, as her pretty brown eyes widen. “What?”
“The morning after you left the hospital. I guess he found the business card I gave you, he thought you were with me.”
“I’m so sorry he did that,” she says.
I shrug. “So, you’re not still together?”
“No way.” She shakes her head as she speaks, emphasising her words.
“I’m glad… I mean…” I run my hand through my hair. “Under the circumstances, that is.”
“Right,” she says, as a huge smile breaks out across her face. Jesus, that smile. It’s enough to steal all the air from my lungs.
Seconds, possibly minutes, pass as we stand there in silence with our eyes locked. “It’s good seeing you again.”
“It’s been nice seeing you too, Mr. Cavanagh.”
“Logan,” I say.
“Logan. Well, I’m sure you have somewhere you need to be, and I really must finish my run. I have to work later.”
“You’re working?”
“Yes, I’m back doing what I love.”
“Teaching dance?”
“Yes.” She looks surprised that I remember. She told me at the Christmas party how much she loved her job before her husband made her give it up.
“Have dinner with me, Brooke.”
“Oh, umm… I don’t know about that.”
“It’s just dinner. I’m not asking you to marry me.”
My reply makes her laugh. “Well, you did save my life.”
“That’s right, I did. Technically you owe me.” I don’t mean that, but if it will help convince her, then I’m running with it.
“You drive a hard bargain.”
“You better believe it.”
I see her fighting a smile before she speaks again. “I’ll have dinner with you on one condition.”
“Anything.” The word come out more eagerly than planned.