walkers already on the track was many more than a few weeks ago, and it appeared that several running groups had also gathered there. Not seeing Erin, he maneuvered his way onto the track but couldn’t focus on his run as he continually searched the crowd.
Finally, his gaze landed on her as she came through the gate of the fenced-in track. Unlike the first time he saw her where her face was set in a blank expression, she was now actively looking around at the other runners. Hoping she was searching for him, too, he lifted his hand in a wave.
As soon as her gaze landed on him she smiled, and his feet almost stumbled at her beauty. He wished she would smile more often, but realizing that it was something special she shared, he jealously guarded the gift she bestowed on him. She lifted her hand as well, waving in return, and he slowed his pace until they were side by side.
“Good morning,” he greeted. “I was hoping I’d see you here.”
Her eyes were bright, and he could swear a blush tinged her cheeks.
“Good morning to you. Have you been out here long?”
“No, only a couple of laps. But I ran from home, so I had several miles in before I got here.”
“Me too. I figure running on sidewalks and streets gives me a chance to be on familiar ground in the practice I need. Then running laps on the track is good as well.”
“Practice? Are you running in the marathon?”
She nodded. “It’s my first official marathon, and while I don’t know that I would travel somewhere else to run in one, it’s hard not to participate when it’s right in our city.”
They rounded a curve, and a group of runners came up behind while trying to stay together, one of them elbowing Erin as they passed. Fighting the urge to call the asshole out, he circled around, keeping her on the inside, figuring that someone would be less likely to run into him.
“Thanks,” she mumbled.
He was uncertain if she appreciated the maneuver. “I know you can handle yourself, it’s just sometimes people are less likely to run into someone bigger than them.”
“I generally prefer to run where others aren’t crowding around, but if I’m going to run in the marathon, I suppose I’d better get used to it.”
“Even in the marathon people shouldn’t bump into you, although I’m sure it happens. By the way, I’m running in it as well.”
She jerked her head around and looked up at him before focusing back on the track. As they continued to run in silence, he noticed a smile playing about her lips. He couldn’t help but admire her form, recognizing a true runner and not just someone who was running. Her pace was steady, her arms were close to her body as they pumped in time with her feet, and while they had been running for several miles, her breathing was normal.
Her lithe body was in perfect form. Her curves were natural, something he appreciated after working for years in a bar with enhanced bodies on display. Her legs looked like they went on forever in her running shorts, and while she wasn’t short, she definitely would tuck just underneath his chin… if they were standing together… with her body pressed up to his… and his arms around her body holding her close—
“Torin?”
She looked up at him, her brows lowered, and he realized she’d spoken but he’d been so focused on her beauty he’d blanked out everything else.
“I’m sorry,” he said, hoping she hadn’t ascertained where his thoughts had wandered.
“I said that I had studied the racecourse the other day.”
“Yeah? Did you find anything interesting? Anything that might help me on race day?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “Probably not for you as a runner, but hopefully good for your business. I noticed that the course passes only one block away from the Celtic Cock.”
“Yeah, we noticed that too. The race day crowd should bring in a lot of business since the streets will be lined with spectators. Many who’ll leave after seeing whoever they are supporting might stop by for a bite to eat or something to drink.”
“That’s good,” she said softly.
He gazed back down, wondering if she had more to say, but she’d fallen into silence again. For the first time with her, it felt a little awkward. Not wanting to intrude on her private thoughts but hoping she’d keep sharing, he said, “I hope you come into the