Page 5 of Consumed By Fire

I don't need to take the car, as the park is almost behind Paradise. February is a pretty weird month here. The temperature goes up and down over a few hours, like someone is playing with a yo-yo, but I'm not complaining. This year, we had only a little snow, which is a good thing, but I’m looking forward to spring.

I tie my hair into a ponytail, put on my headphones, press play on the music, and start walking toward the park.

Arriving at the entrance, I do some stretching and then I start running. Running is relaxing, as it frees my mind. I finally manage to stop thinking about Dylan. In fact, I started organizing my day mentally.

After a while, I can see the park entrance, my starting point. I didn't realize I had run that long. I slow down when I feel someone touch my shoulder.

"For God's sake, you scared the hell out of me!" I shout, holding my chest, trying to control my breathing.

“I'm sorry, Charlotte. I tried to call you and, hell, woman, keeping up with you was tough,” Dylan says, leaning on the railing next to us.

I shake my head. "Dylan, what are you doing here?"

"Let's see..,” he says, looking around. "I was thinking of building a house here, in the middle of the woods."

I chuckle and he laughs with me.

“I'm kidding. I had seen this park last week and it seemed like a perfect place to run. I feel observed in the city, so I was looking for an alternative beyond the gym and training with the boys."

"It's a perfect place to disconnect from the city, I agree. But now you know my secret place,” I say, smiling.

"Secret?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, not everyone comes here at six in the morning. So I have the park all to myself."

"That's true. Why are you awake so early?” he asks.

Because you have occupied my dreams to the point of waking me up - hmmm, no, I can't say it. "I always wake up early. I have a B&B to manage, and breakfast to prepare for my guests,” I say, looking at my wristwatch.

"A B&B?” he asks, surprised. "I thought you worked at the bar.” We started walking through the park together.

"No, I just go to the bar to help Lacey if she's in trouble, but also to have a chat with my friend."

"So I was lucky to have met you last night."

I turn my head and look at him while he smiles. We’ve arrived in front of Paradise and I stop.

"I guess so, Dylan. Surely we’ll meet again, though. Armstrong isn’t a big city, after all,” I say, pulling out the card to open the gate. "I live here. Can I..." I turn to look at him and his green eyes stare at me. I swallow as I inhale, and his cologne tickles my nostrils. "Can I offer you a cup of coffee?"

"I'd kill for a good coffee. I think my coffee machine is broken, yet I've never used it,” he says, rubbing his neck.

"Well, come on then. The wind will pick up soon and I don't want to get sick,” I say, climbing the steps toward the entrance. Once inside, I take off my jacket, remaining in my undershirt as we head toward the kitchen. I see a note from Blaire, telling me that she took care of breakfast.

Pete’s Bakery usually supplies me with the best treats and my customers love them.

"Wow, this kitchen is amazing,” he says, looking around.

"Thank you,” I answer with my back to him while I prepare coffee for the both of us. I feel his eyes on me, and even though I like it and the sensation is pleasant, I also hear warning alarms ringing in my head.

"So, did you solve the problem with the water pipe?" I ask, handing him a cup of coffee. Our fingers brush and I withdraw my hand quickly, even though the jolt I felt makes my heart racing again.

"How did you know? I mean, I know it's a small town, but man."

"I heard you saying it last night,” I say, leaning on the counter, far away from him. I sip my coffee, looking at him over the top of the cup.

"Quite right,” he says, smiling. A moan escapes him as he tastes the coffee. “No, I haven't solved it yet. I need some pieces, but I think I'll rely on a plumber.”

"Afraid of not being able to solve it on your own, Marine?" I tease him.

---