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“Killer!” she squeals, turning to Anthony on the register. “They even have pet names for each other.”

The. Entire. café. Is. Watching.

Despite how uninterested Anthony is, heads turn, old ladies mutter, and I even get a wink from one gentleman in the corner.Lord, help me.

“I don’t have a pet name yet, but I’m sure she’ll come up with something soon, won’t you, Olivia?”

“I can think of a few names right now,” I say through clenched teeth.

“It’s still new.” He winks, turning back to Jenny, while crossing his leg over his thigh. The perfect image of a man relaxed and in control. I want to strangle him.

I can’t believe I wanted this oaf to kiss me last night. And despite the annoyingly rapid rate he’s taken over my life, I feel a sense of relief that he sits with me today. He could have sat in his usual spot, watching from afar as I scowled. We could have continued the same old game, but this means something.

Even if he didn’t kiss me last night.

Whydidn’t he kiss me last night?

Jenny talks to Austin for a few more minutes before Anthony calls her over to help a customer.

Once the usual hum of the café has resumed, he leans forward, downs the remainder of his coffee, and stands, buttoning up his suit. I stand too...I’m not sure why, but it makes him smile.

“Plans for the weekend?” he asks.

“I’m having anIdeas Afternoonon Saturday. And I have to film a few videos. Other than that, no plans.”

He nods and runs his palm over his scruff. I can practically feel the roughness. Just the sheer sound of it sends heat south of my navel.

“I’ll be back tonight, and I’ll help. With the videos,” he clarifies. “And you can tell me all about what anIdeas Afternoonentails.”

“You’ll help?”

“Sure. Sounds fun. Then we’ll go out.” He doesn’t ask. He’s not giving me any options, I suppose.

“Okay.”

“Good.” He cradles the back of my head and kisses my hair. “I’ll see you tonight.”

He waves goodbye to Jenny and Anthony and sweeps out the door. The only proof he’s been here is his empty mug and the ring of the bell as the door jumps back into place.

I slump back into my armchair, more confused than ever.

???

The wind whips my hair into a frenzy, and the crunch of gravel beneath my shoes accompanies my pug-like breathing. Despite the incline, I feel like I’m practically bounding along the trail. The dark greens, browns, and grays of the mountains blur past me as I push my legs harder, feeling like my thighs could start smoking at any point.

Deep breaths accompany mine as we laboriously climb the hill. As we reach the precipice and the trail flattens, I feel my breaths sounding less winded.

“You’re fucking fast, Olivia. I could barely keep up.” Austin huffs as he bends, resting his hands on his thighs.

“I’ve gotten quicker lately. I’ve been doing a series of marathon training videos to help keep me motivated.”

He hums and stares out at the view. Parts ofObstruction Point can look quite barren; the earth looks scorched in places with pockets of trees littered around. That is until you reach the dense forest, then the trees cover the floor in darkness. Roots and moss take over every surface available, even the trees.

“You’re doing a marathon?”

“That’s the plan. I want to hit every fitness milestone at least once in my life,” I say just before I take off running again.

“Already, woman?” I hear Austin behind me.