After we’re done, I want to run. I ask Grams to watch Davis and Sophie agrees to go with me if I keep it to a light pace. We start out at towards the beach and then run on the sand for a mile before turning back. I see him coming at me and can’t hide my surprise
“Holy shit, is that Reed?” Sophie asks.
“Yep.”
“He’s still gorgeous, but now in a more manly way.”
“Yep.” My heart beat races and not from jogging. His body is a masterpiece. Muscles ripple from his shoulders to right above his waistline, creating the ‘V’ that disappears in his shorts. Sweat glistens on his skin, and I can’t tear my eyes away. My mouth waters at the sight and the image of him naked fills my mind.
We slow down when we meet up with him. He looks nervously at Sophie who just stares at him.
“Good morning, ladies.”
“Hi, what are you doing here?” I question him.
“Well, I was able to move into my new place last night. Running is part of my therapy so I hit the beach before it gets crowded.”
I nod my head and realize Sophie is still staring at him. She winces when I elbow her but snaps out of her ‘Reed Matthews’ haze. She looks between us and I can tell she’s torn about how she should act. I try to communicate to her with my eyes to act normal.
“Hi, Sophie.” Reed says hesitantly.
She finally acknowledges him with a head nod.
“Well, enjoy your run. I’ll get that information to you tonight about my schedule.” He looks at me and disappointment flashes on his face.
“Actually, Ari, I think I’m going to head back. I probably shouldn’t have eaten that extra pancake this morning. I’m cramping. I’ll get Davis from Katy and see you when you get back.” Sophie tells me and gives Reed a look I can’t read.
“I’ll come back with you.”
“No! Enjoy your run. I know how much you love running every Sunday on the beach,” she says so fast, I get suspicious.
“Really, I can run another time.”
“Actually, I’d love to join you. What do you say we hit the grey marker by the beach shack and back?” Reed interrupts us.
“Um, that’s okay Reed, I’m sure you have your own route.”
“It’s settled! Reed, will you make sure she gets home okay?” Sophie starts back peddling and grins at me.
I’m going to kill her! Cramps my ass. I give her a dirty look that hopefully lets her know she’s on my shit list.
“Sure, Sophie, my pleasure.”
Looking between them, I see her give him a small smile. I want to argue but resume my jog. Reed runs in step with me.
“How was dinner with your friends?”
“Nice. Sophie stayed over.”
“Was Davis good?”
“Always. He enjoys entertaining. In his mind, everyone comes over for him so therefore he rules the room. Last night he had Luke building a Lego castle.”
He’s silent for a few minutes and his face is unreadable.
“Wish I could have been there. I’ve never built a Lego castle before.”
Even I can’t miss the hurt in his tone. Why did I even tell him? “I’m sorry for telling you.”
“Don’t be sorry for telling me, be sorry I wasn’t there. That’s the first thing going on my growing list of things I want to do.”
“He’ll love that.”
“God dammit, Ari! Aren’t you mad? I’m furious!” He stops running and leans his elbows on his knees.
“About the Lego’s?” I stop beside him.
“Never mind, I guess you wouldn’t understand.”
“Understand what? Tell me.”
“You may have been heartbroken, but you got the ultimate prize. You had him! Some stupid bitch and her cunt-ass friends took you from me and in turn, took him too. I know I’m not innocent, but it doesn’t seem fair that while I’m unloading boxes on a Saturday night, another man is building things with my son! That should be me!” His face is full of hurt and rage.
Something inside me crumbles. I wanted to remain indifferent, but seeing the only man I ever loved in pain, breaks my resolve. I reach up and when my fingers touch his skin he grabs my hand and holds it to his face. Our eyes lock and heat passes between us. A familiar fire in my body aches and I gasp. He steps closer to me and puts his free hand on my hip. We stare at each other, not saying anything but feeling the buzz in the air.
I don’t know how long we stand there, but a squeal causes me to turn my head. A girl is running towards the water with a little boy chasing her. A woman loaded down with beach items is a few yards away. The scene makes me smile and when I look back at Reed, his expression is grim.
“Reed, I may not understand exactly how you feel but if you’re serious about getting to know Davis, I won’t stand in the way. You need to know something, I may have had him all this time, but every time I looked at him, I was reminded of you and what I thought was your decision to leave me. It hasn’t been easy.”