Page 63 of Meet Me In The Dark

Today, I’m taking a left instead of my usual right. No way am I risking another encounter with Julian. This is my time. It’s the one hour of the day I don’t have to think.

Swallowing the last bite of banana, I head to the door and go down the stairs. The irritation begins to fade as I stretch my legs, warming up my muscles and already looking forward to the peaceful quiet of the morning run.

But as soon as I push open the glass door leading to the street, my feet skid to a stop, and my peace goes up in smoke.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Julian leans against his sleek black SUV with his arms crossed over his broad chest. He’s wearing gray sweats and a black hoodie. His hair is mussed, but his eyes are sharp beneath lowered brows.

“Good morning, Celeste.” His mouth curves into amaddening smirk that sends a flutter through my chest.

Just looking at him could replace my cardio.

“Go away,” I snap, yanking my headphones out. “Work out somewhere else. Preferably wherever you usually go.”

He stretches lazily, causing his muscles to shift beneath the fabric of his hoodie. “Funny thing,” he says. “Turns out, I like running this way.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You know exactly why.”

I bark out a laugh. “Please enlighten me.”

He takes his time answering, eyes sliding over me like a slow drag. “Because you’re reckless.”

“I’ve run this route every day for months. I don’t suddenly need a bodyguard because you decided to show up.”

“I thought you said this was a free country.”

“Oh, fuck off, Julian.” I fight the urge to stamp my foot. “I run at this ungodly hour specifically because there’s no one around. It’s peaceful and quiet. You are the opposite of peaceful and quiet.”

He raises an eyebrow, amused. “I beg to differ. I can be very peaceful.”

“Peaceful people don’t stalk women on their morning run.”

“I’m not stalking you. I just happen to like this route.”

“Since when?”

“Since today.”

I groan. “Do you hear yourself?”

“Perfectly.”

“Good. Then hear this: if you insist on running this way, stay behind me.”

“Gladly.” His voice dips as his eyes wander downmy body. “Always love a good view when I’m working out.”

“Asshole,” I mutter, feeling heat rush up my neck.

“Compliments will get you everywhere.”

“A dead body will get me prison time.”

He winks at me. “Romantic.”

I shove my earbuds back in and take off with Dua Lipa’sPhysicalpounding through the speakers now.