Page 17 of A Me and Him Thing
Ren picks her up and rubs her neck in ways that make me swallow. Hard. Mandy’s purr is loud in the silent room.
“Who’s this?” he asks.
“Mandy, my new cat. I bought her at the pet store several weeks ago.” Because the silence in my house was killing me. “We’re still getting to know each other, but she’s great so far. She sleeps all day, plays all night. She’s independent, she leaves me alone, and doesn’t listen to a thing I say. Best companion I’ve ever had.”
“All the traits that women hate in men. Go figure.”
I’m tired and grumpy from staying out all night, but Ren already has me laughing. He has magical powers. Duly noted. I should be wary of him. Why aren’t I?
“Did you bring your ax?” I question to hide the crazy emotions he evokes in me.
“Forgot it again. Next time.”
“I didn’t see your car outside.”
“I ran here. I only live a few blocks over.”
Something he didn’t mention last night when he dropped me off. “Where are your children?”
“With my parents. They’re at the zoo today. I have to be at the restaurant in three hours. So go change, let’s get going.”
I place my hands on my hips. “I never said I’d go running with you. You’re assuming a lot.”
Ren clears his throat and formally asks me, “Do you want to go running with me today, Bree? Please? It would make me the happiest man in the world to go running with my newfriend. Got it?Friend.Stop freaking out.”
The tone of his voice alone makes me want to say yes.
He put emphasis on the wordfriend.Message received. It’s what I needed to hear in order to allow myself to enjoy his company. Because I want to enjoy his company far too much. Visions of collapsing on the couch to enjoy a make-out session are dancing in my head. No sugarplums in sight. “Okay.”
“So go change!” he hollers, with a grin to remove the sting.
I run up the stairs, trying to hide my unending smile. While I get dressed, my cheeks start to hurt.
Good job sticking to your goals, Bree.Friendship with Ren is a sure thing. More? I’m scared it will eventually be a given.
“THERE’S A PARKjust down the street with a jogging path. I usually run there. Sound good?” Ren asks, his breathing hard but even, as we keep pace with each other.
“I usually run up and down the main thoroughfare. I like a straight shot.”
Ren comes to a sudden stop. When I realize he’s not beside me, I stop too. “What’s wrong?”
“You run down Keller Road?” He’s so serious, it takes me aback.
“Yeah, there’s a bike lane. It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine. The traffic is horrible. It’s not safe, Bree.”
Odd. This is the umpteenth time he’s mentioned safety. Unsafe parking lot. Unsafe tow truck driver. Unsafe Hood to Coast run. Unsafe door answering. Unsafe running route. I’m sensing a theme. I hold out my hands. “I’m still here. Obviously, it is safe.”
“That’s not funny. Promise me you won’t run there anymore.”
“You’re worried about my safety?” I can’t hide the shock I feel.
“Yes. That road is constantly congested. The drivers are often careless.”
“We’re downtown. Everywhere is like that,” I point out.
It’s been a long time since anyone has worried about me. I don’t want anyone telling me what to do, but I rather like his concern.
