“Thad.”
“Last name?”
“Why do you care?” I know why he cares, but I’m curious about his answer. Besides, this might be the longest regular conversation we’ve ever had without me turning into an awkward mess, and I don’t hate it.
“I just…do.”
“Windsor.”
Jeremy snorts out a laugh. “And is Thad Windsor taking you out on the family yacht? Or maybe to a country club for a round of golf?”
I can’t help but laugh because I had the same thought when Thad told me this name the night we met.
“It is kind of a pretentious name, but he’s a nice guy. And we’re having drinks at a new wine bar downtown.”
“He couldn’t even spring for dinner?” Jeremy’s voice drips with disdain.
“He asked, but I said no. Drinks can be quick in case it’s terrible.”
“Do you expect it to be terrible?”
“You can never anticipate that kind of thing. Best to be prepared,” I muse. “And it’s a restaurant too in case it’s not terrible.”
We lapse into silence after that, the only sounds rustling leaves, our steady breathing, and sneakers hitting the trail. Except for those first months when one of my grandparents would run with me occasionally, I always run alone, but it’s surprisingly nice to share the run with another person who doesn’t feel like he has to fill the silence with words. I’ve never understood why so many people are uncomfortable with silence, and it seems like maybe Jeremy is okay with the quiet too. I always thought he might be. Quiet Jeremy is nice. Jeremy isn’t someone I have ever felt at ease with, but I feel like I could be easy with this version of him.
I get the feeling this Jeremy might be the real Jeremy.
Before long, we’re rounding the loop back to where we started. And as if in silent agreement, we both stop, taking a minute to catch our breath by the stone wall at the trail entrance. I look down at my feet, not ready to meet his eyes. Not ready to shatter the ease I feel with him for the first time in a long time. Maybe ever.
“Do the girls know where you’ll be tonight?”
“Why do you ask?” My eyes are still fixed firmly on my feet.
“Because you’re going out with a stranger. Someone should know where you are.”
“They know where I’ll be, but it won’t matter. Molly is in L.A. visiting her family, Jules is with Asher in Boulder for the weekend with his family, and Hallie leaves this afternoon for aconference. I’ll be fine.” I focus intently on stretching out my hamstrings.
Jeremy puts a finger under my chin, tipping my face up so our eyes meet. His light brown eyes are ringed with gold and are steady on mine. My face flushes at the eye contact, and I’m immediately frustrated with myself for not being able to hold on to the ease we found during our run.
“Call me, okay?”
“Call you for what?” My voice is almost a whisper, but I can’t make it sound normal when my whole body is buzzing at the eye contact with a mixture of unease and something else I’m too afraid to try and name.
“For anything. If something goes wrong or the date is bad and you need someone to pick you up. Anything. So you don’t feel like you’re stranded alone downtown with all your friends away and no one to call.”
I take a deep breath, pulling myself together. “Thank you, but it’s just one date and I’m driving myself. Everything will be fine.”
He shrugs, letting his hand drop away from my face. “Probably. But better to be safe, right? You have my number. Use it if you need it. You need a ride home?” He gestures towards his Jeep parked by the entrance to the trail.
“No, I’m parked down the block.”
“Okay, have a good day Ems. And a good date.”
He turns towards his car but seems to hesitate, turning back to me. He looks at me for a few seconds and his eyebrows draw together, as if he is having a silent argument with himself. Then, without a word, he leans in and kisses me on the cheek before breaking away and heading back to his car with a smile on his face, tossing, “Catch you later, Ems. Thanks for the run” over his shoulder.
I’m rooted to the spot as he gives me a final wave before he slides into the car and starts the engine. As he pulls away, myhand drifts up to my face, covering the spot he kissed. And even though he barely brushed my skin, I swear I can still feel the imprint of his kiss long after his car is out of sight.
Chapter Four
