Page 62

“I bet I can beat you down to the lake!” I call out over my shoulder.

It’s only a few more miles until we reach the freezing body of water, so I pick up the pace. It’s mostly downhill now, so I know I can push myself. The ominous sound of Austin’s footsteps behind me, building speed, gaining on me, has the hairs on my neck standing to attention. Given the kind of man I know he is, at least the kind of man I thought he was, being chased is somewhat thrilling. Who am I kidding? I’ve never felt so much adrenaline coursing through my body. My legs threaten to turn to noodles at the thought of him catching me, as if theywantme to be caught.

I was sure he would have made a move to be more physical the last few days. Our date had gone so well on Thursday, but we’d stayed in and watched movies last night, and then today, we both worked before heading out for this run. He stayed down in the basement both nights—unchained, of course.

Once he left Squeeze the Day yesterday, Jenny had rushed over wide-eyed ready for me to fill her in. But really, what could I say? I definitely couldn’t tell her the whole truth, so I just said what I could: we went on a date, nothing had happened, and I was waiting to see what would transpire next. Frustrating, but accurate.

Despite the inner turmoil regarding Austin that is quickly taking over my life, I’ve received more comments on my videos about possible copyright issues. I’ve lostaround 2,000 subscribers since Millie’s last video blasting me personally, which hasn’t put a huge dent in my numbers, but it’s still a devastating blow.

Although Millie seems to be keeping her word and not posting videos directly, there are way more trolls than usual, and I can’t help but be suspicious that she’s behind it.

I sent an email to a lawyer this morning asking for advice before doing some bookkeeping and general admin for the business. It was rather dull and not what I wanted to focus on, but keeping on top of it kept my anxiety away. Processing my thoughts, I feel Austin closing the gap between us. We’re close to the lake now.

“I’m coming for you, Olivia. You can’t outrun me.”

What a delicious threat.

I laugh. “Sure, old man.”

“Oof, you wound me. I’m not old.”

“You’re a lot older than I am.”

“Not. Old,” he huffs out.

Before I can reach the edge of the lake, I hear a loud growl, and his forearm snakes around my stomach. He tackles me into the long grass, breaking my fall by rolling me on top of his chest. I laugh into the crook of his neck and try to wriggle free, but he cages me in.

“Cheater!”

“I never said I followed the rules, Killer.”

I roll my eyes at his use of my nickname. “Hmm, that doesn’t surprise me much.”

“No?”

“I think you’re used to just taking what you want.”

“Is that what you did?” Goosebumps spread across my skin, chasing the path his fingertips made.

“What I did?”

“Yeah...” His eyes sparkle. “When you took me?”

I laugh, slapping my hand against his chest. “That was cheesy, even for you.”

He grins, a dimple appearing on his cheek.

“What can I say? I like to throw you off, be a mess of contradictions.”

And that really is a perfect way to describe him. He’s chaotic but meticulous, funny but authoritative, frightening but comforting. I’m exhausted by my attraction to him. He draws me in, and I wonder if I’ll ever truly see all of him. I don’t think I can fully relax until I know what I’m up against.

Avoiding his penetrating eyes, I rest my head on his chest and bask in the warm sun.

“I have an idea for yourIdeas Afternoon,” he finally says.

“Oh yeah?” I mumble, feeling myself dozing off to the rhythm of his chest contracting and expanding with each breath.

“You could do a self-defense series.”