When I don’t react, he pulls me into a hug. I lose myself in his strong arms, inhaling his scent. His shower gel must contain mint, because the subtle smell invades my nostrils. It calms me further. I was ready to take Ray on my own. I took some judo classes while I had an assignment in Japan, so I know basic defense techniques. But, God, does it feel good to have someone stand up and protect me. After I wiggle out of his embrace, his eyes probe me.
“I’m okay. Thanks for rescuing me.”
“Do you want to call this off? We can run another day.”
“Let’s have a donut,” I say unexpectedly.
“What?” A small grin blooms on his features.
“That’s the fastest way to forget about that asshole.”
“Whatever you command.” He bows mockingly.
“Oh, so you’re not going to be all bossy with me today?”
“Only after you’ve had your donut. I know better than to upset a woman before she’s had her portion of carbs.”
“Your sisters have taught you well.”
There is no line at the shop, so we each grab a donut. Sebastian pays, of course.
“Is there any point in arguing over paying you back?” I ask as I slump on the sand.
“Nope.”
“I thought so.”
Sebastian takes a bite of his donut, remaining on his feet. That’s fine with me. In fact, better than fine, because I have a perfect view of his holy hotness. He wears a sleeveless shirt and black shorts stretched over his muscles. I trace the contours of his biceps with my eyes, and barely restrain myself from reaching out to touch him. Then there is his ass, of course. Pure perfection. Then there is his. . .
Nope. I will not think about that. I will not. But of course, it’s like saying do not think about a pink elephant. Then a pink elephant is all you see. Judging by the way his erection felt the night we kissed, pink elephant would be right to describe his shaft.
“Why did you come early?” Sebastian asks.
What? I didn’t come at all. Haven’t yet mastered the art of orgasming just by looking at a hot man? Oh. . . he didn’t mean it that way.
“I wanted to warm up and get into the rhythm a bit. I truly suck, so please go gentle. I’m in terrible shape.”
After we finish eating the donuts, Sebastian insists on stret
ching, which gives me more opportunities for gratuitous staring. I promise myself I won’t keep this up while we’re running.
I needn’t have bothered.
The moment we start running, I’m convinced the muscles in my thighs will explode from the effort. Sebastian is fast and tireless. I can tell he’d like to go even faster, but he respects my speed—or lack of.
“Let’s take a break,” I pant after what seems like an eternity.
“We only just started.”
“I can’t—”
“Save your breath and get going.”
I shut my mouth, breathing through my nose as I command my legs not to give up. After about a mile, a cramp takes hold of my right thigh. I come to a halt with a shriek and grip my thigh, hoping to relieve the ache. All I manage to do is make the cramp extend to my ankle too.
“Fuck,” I groan, collapsing on the sand. In a heartbeat, Sebastian kneels next to me, putting his hands to work on my thigh and ankle. He kneads my flesh expertly. Before long, the cramp subsides, but he doesn’t stop touching me.
“You really are in terrible shape.”