Breaking Elle (23 page)

My job is keeping me busy, so I haven’t had much time to do anything else. By the time I get home, I’m so tired that I can barely get out of my clothes. I’ve eliminated my nightly runs now, having decided to switch to mornings instead. The streets are already bustling and so is the track. I keep a steady pace and finish my first lap when I catch view of a mouthwatering piece of man running past me with an
incredibly muscled back, huge deltoids, and traps rippling attractively. I know instantly who it is, recognizing the tattoo on his arm and a larger tattoo that covers the left side of his chest.

Surprised, I slow down to a jog, trying to stay focused on my next three laps as he cools down by the bleachers. I take my final turn on the track, glancing in his direction as his eyes meet mine. My body becomes a mess and my stomach clenches. My heart rate skyrockets as I round the last corner knowing that he’s still standing there. I slow down, so keenly aware of him on my right. I stop a few feet away from him.

“Elle.” Breathless from four laps, I turn at the sound of his voice and the sight of him walking over shirtless causes me to hyperventilate. “I knew that was you.” He smiles warmly. His eyes seem to soak me in, causing my pulse to race. The most impeccable man I’ve seen and every girl’s dream stands in front of me. Beads of sweat glisten on his body, his perfectly defined chest and arms, his rock hard abs, and the perfect golden tan covers him. He pushes his hair away from his piercing cobalt eyes so that I have a clear view of his face. I’m relatively sure I’m close to passing out.

“Hi.” I gasp. He grins, as he waits for me to wind down. The tattoo of a thorny vine inked on his amazing body draws my attention. It runs from his chest and curls down the left side stopping at his waist.

“I’ve never seen you here before. Do you run here often?” He asks, twisting his body from left to right, emphasizing his taut and rippled stomach muscles.

I laugh at what sounds like a clichéd pickup line. “No, I usually run at night. I’ve been changing it up a little bit,” I reply, walking in a small circle with my hands on my hips while attempting to catch my out of control breath and to avoid gawking at him. “Why, do you?”

“Yes, every morning. We must be just missing each other.” He nods, following me with his mischievous baby blues. “What do you think about having a running partner sometime?” His smile is a welcome distraction after finishing my early morning run.

I can’t keep avoiding him. I’m not going to fight with myself. I’m going to forget about all of my fears and just go with it, remembering what my mom told me. “Do you think you can keep up?” I answer, shooting him my game face.

“Is that a challenge, lady?” He grins, his eyes glint dangerously over me. “I don’t think you know what you’ve just done. Reed Austin never backs down from a challenge,
ever
.” He places his hands on his slim waist, causing the muscles to flex in his arm again.

I wonder if girls ever just walk over and hand him their panties because that is the effect he’s having on me right now. The sound of his voice is so appealing that I can’t resist it anymore. I know what I’m doing and it feels good to finally do it. “We’ll see.” I flirt back.

“Let’s start next week, every morning at seven AM, deal?” He holds out his hand with a boyish smirk on his face. I take it eagerly, feeling his energy course through my body, loving how it makes me feel. Oh. My. God. How does he do this to me? “Is that a yes then?” He glances down at our hands.
“I need your verbal confirmation.” His smile tells me that he’s not used to hearing no.

“Yes. I’ve always wanted a running partner.” I reply without further hesitation. I drop my hand to my side, still feeling the after effects of his touch.

“Great!” He smirks, scratching his head. “I have one more request and I’ll get out of your way
.”

No, please stay so I can stare at you.

“What’s that?” My mind and body tingle from the rich tone of his voice.

“
What are you doing on July third?” He asks as his eyes light up with anticipation.

“Um, that’s a random question but more than likely I’ll be working.” I reply, stretching my arms over my head and peeking at him.

“After that?” He chuckles, thrusting both of his hands through his hair and awarding me with a better view his tattoos and glorious body. Unable to look away, I track the path from the top of his ribs down to his shorts that hang low on his waist. I turn away when he sees where my eyes are drifting.

“Not sure. I’m adaptable.” I haven’t done anything in the past two weeks, and I’m open to suggestions. “Why? What’s up?”

“My roommate is throwing a birthday bash for me, and I’d like you to come. No excuses. I think a couple days’ notice is plenty of time.” I get lost in his eyes, and I know I can’t nor do I want to say no.

“Okay, should I bring anything?” I ask casually even though my body and mind feel like they’re in cardiac arrest.

“Just
you
, no gifts,” he adds, lifting his eyes back to mine
.
His voice is low, his drawl more pronounced and velvety. I feel like I just accepted an invitation into the lion’s den, and the thought of going to his place sends shivers up my spine. I know we won’t be alone, but the fact that I’m stepping in to see a private part of him makes me anxious. “I invited most of the people from the Center. That’s all the people I know and a couple of friends my roommate invited. It should be a good time.”

I know what this means. Cane will be there, but it doesn’t really matter. We were clear about everything when we broke up. I’m not going to think about it. I’m not going to think at all. “So where is this party?”

“At my apartment right over there,” he points towards a tan two story house with a balcony and small yard.” His expression is unreadable when he turns back to meet my eyes. We live closer than I thought, and it makes things so different now that I know where he sleeps. Funny how that minor detail about someone changes things so drastically. There’s no mystery to where he is. He’s no longer an enigma in the physical sense.

“Isn’t that Linden Place right next to the park?” I ask, losing myself in the memory of that first night in the park with him.

“Yep.” His eyes linger in that direction for a couple of minutes then he warily turns to me. “So, how’s everything else going?”

“I’m fine, why?”

“How have things been with you after...?” His brow pulls in and he cups his hand behind his neck.

“Since the break up?” I answer, searching his face.

“I’m sorry about what happened to you and Cane. I...uh...”

“Really, don’t be sorry. It happened,” I say, not comfortable talking about it to him or anyone else.

He looks away. “I’m sorry for bringing it up, but no one deserves that.” He says it as if he’s been through it himself. Maybe he’s not as arrogant as he pretends to be. Maybe I really did get a glimpse of a heart under that perfect muscular chest.

“I’m okay. Better than I thought I would be actually.”

“I’m glad. Breakups are hard.” His look is sincere, relieved.

We spend an awkward couple minutes in silence standing on the grass. I feel like I’m back in high school with my new boyfriend, talking on the phone and neither wants to be the first to hang up so we go back and forth waiting for the other to do it. “So, July third is a Friday, right?” I ask, trying to save our dying conversation.

“Yes, ma’am. The party starts at nine or whenever
you
arrive.” He bites his lower lip, and I feel this ache, as he stands shirtless in front of me. I can tell he’s feeling something as I catch him looking at my bare stomach.

“I have to get out of this heat.” I breathe somewhat normally, considering he’s standing there half-naked. I shield my eyes from the sun, and from him and his hard muscles and sexy tattoos. I need to control these urges, but I think I’ve passed the point of no return.

“Don’t forget we run together every morning starting next week,” he says rubbing his bicep, stepping toward his apartment. I can’t peel my eyes off him, and it seems like he’s having the same problem because his attention returns to my stomach and then back to my legs. He’s not bashful. I guess I haven’t been either. I can only imagine what he’s thinking. I’ve already been there a hundred times wondering how much longer we’re going to torture each other like this. “I hope you don’t change your mind,” he adds. I can sense the weight of his stare and every part of me trembles.

Uh never.

“Don’t underestimate me.” I
smirk, throwing my hand on my hip.

“I like that.” He winks, nodding playfully. “Just a warning, you may be in for some trouble.”

Trouble? I like the sound of that.

“It’s on cowboy.” I promise, and a charming smile spreads across his face. He makes my head spin. One minute he’s this conceited jerk, and the next minute he is so sweet. He must look at me the same way, like I’m some moody bitch, but I’ve been taking cues from him.

“I look forward to it.” He affirms confidently, cocking an eyebrow. He hesitates, unsure if he should stay or leave, and then finally turns towards his apartment.

“Have a nice weekend,” I reply, not wanting to end our conversation. I could stand here all day and talk to him, and I think he’d be okay with that too.

“You too, Elle,” he replies, giving me a lopsided grin. I love the way his accent embraces my name, tickling my ears.

He sprints across the field towards his apartment, but abruptly stops midway and grabs his knee. I can’t tell if he’s grimacing or smiling. He kicks out his leg and stretches for a minute before he turns and waves. He must have gotten a cramp. I stand in the sweltering summer heat watching him as he disappears behind his front door, leaving me wondering which version of Reed I will see the next time. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply, immersing myself with the vision of him, and wondering what the hell I have gotten myself into. I’m not walking away from whatever this thing may be until I find out what he’s all about because something tells me I won’t be satisfied until I do.

Corey is spending less and less time in the house. I’m fine with it, but I know my mom isn’t. I haven’t found any alcohol in the house, but I know she’s hiding it. Every time I ask her, she denies it. Most of her weekends consist of her crashed out on the couch watching
Lifetime
movies, but today’s going to be different. I’m not going to have her moping around all day. I am going shopping, and she’s coming with me.

“Hey, Mom, what are your plans today?” I ask, bursting into the sunny, warm living room after seeing Reed at the track.

“The usual.” She replies flipping through the channels with her feet curled underneath her on the plush sofa.

“Not today. You’re going shopping with me.”

“Honey... I...” She plays with the string of her pajamas. She looks small and fragile sitting there on the enormous sofa.

“No excuses.” I cut her off. “I haven’t spent any time with you. I miss you.” I reach over the couch and squeeze her shoulder. Even though her marriage seems to be slowly unraveling, I can’t let it ruin my relationship with her. Her life drives me insane, but it’s only the three of us now.

She sets the remote down and raises her tired eyes to me. “I know. I’ve been distant lately. I’ve been trying to deal with things on my own.” She pauses, wringing her hands in her lap. “Reality is hitting me hard. I never thought I’d be here again.”

“This will be good for us.” I urge, hating the idea that my mom and I are getting over broken relationships together. I already made the decision to move on, and I feel good about it. I want this to be the last time it happens to my mother and me.

“Okay, I’ll get ready. Why don’t we throw in a mani-pedi? My treat. God knows we need some pampering.” She smiles. Rising from the couch, she slides her slippered feet across the hardwood floor towards the kitchen and grabbing her purse from the marble countertop, pulls out her cell phone. “I’ll call the salon to make an appointment.” She smiles at me as she tucks her wavy hair behind her ear and scrolls through her phone.

“All right, how much time do you need?” I reply, as I untie my sneakers and grab a bottled water from the refrigerator. Looking at my mom at this moment, I wouldn’t think that her heart was breaking or that her marriage was falling apart, but inside is a different story and I know that for a fact. My mother has always been able to keep it together through the worst storms, but how much more can she handle before she stumbles?

“Give me thirty minutes. I’ll let the salon do all the hard work.”

“Please Mom, you can walk out of here just like that and still turn heads.” I watch her face light up for the first time in days.