Page 32 of Enticed

We pull into the parking lot before I shut off the truck and take a deep breath.

Buildings circle the street—the town hall, the library, and a few other places that operate as the hub of Emerson Falls—even the deputy station is right down the road. But just on the other side of the structures is an enormous park—full of mature trees, grass fields, a playground for kids, a dog park, and a paved sidewalk that encircles the entire space. The sidewalk measures just a little over a mile, so it’s perfect for timing my runs.

“When’s the last time you went for a run?” I ask as we both climb down from the vehicle and I reach in the back to grab Roark.

“Last week actually. I run at least twice a week, Coop… so don’t worry, I’ll be able to keep up.”

“Great. How’s three miles sound?” I grab a few water bottles from the backseat, lock the truck, and lead Roark and Clara over to the bench where I usually start.

“Perfect.” She places a foot on the bench, stretching her calf and Roark uses that moment to march up to her and sniff between her legs.

“Oh!” she says, startled by the wetness from his nose, I’m sure. And in this moment, I’m actually jealous of my dog—he just stuck his head between her thighs before me.

“Sorry,” I yank back on his leash, ordering him to sit.

“It’s alright,” she says bashfully, already looking flustered and nervous. I tip her chin up so her eyes meet mine, trying to clarify what I’m seeing.

“Are you nervous, Clara?” I search her eyes.

She lets out a breath and then nods. “Yeah, and I don’t know why.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m nervous too,” I confess as her face lights up a bit more.

“Really? It just doesn’t make sense…” she shakes her head. “We were practically mounting each other at your parent’s house last week, and you kissed the crap out of me at Kane’s party… but now we have to act normal, and it’s like I’ve forgotten how.”

I chuckle at her thoughts because I agree whole-heartedly. We can do the flirting, the sexual tension—that’s been easy. But today—at least for the next few hours—we’re just Cooper and Clara. She’s not an advertising executive, I’m not a deputy, and we’re not two people who came out on the other side of a near-death experience.

We’re a man and woman on a first date—not just that, but I’m the younger brother of her best friend—and I think that’s more terrifying to both of us than any of the other stuff.

“I understand exactly what you’re saying, but there’s no pressure, okay? Let’s just go for a run, hang out, grab some food, and make Roark sleep for the rest of the day… we’ve known each other forever, Clara. This doesn’t have to be weird.”

She gives me a resounding sigh and then a brilliant smile—and there’s the oxygen leaving my lungs again. “You’re right. Are you ready to keep up with me?” She winks and then takes off, pumping her legs effortlessly down the sidewalk.

“You’re a cheater!” I yell after her, starting the timer on my phone and then placing it in my pocket before taking off with Roark in tow, chasing her down the path until we catch up.

Her triumphant laugh subsides once we catch our stride, with Roark itching to go faster.

“I think Roark is trying to show off,” I huff as we turn and finish the first mile.

“He’s just trying to impress me,” Clara teases, gliding along effortlessly. Every line and curve of her body is breath taking as she pumps her arms and legs, making it harder for me to focus on my breathing that’s already being tested. The bounce of her ass and tits as she runs isn’t helping regulate my dick either.

“Is it working?” I ask, inhaling deeply and exhaling in the same manner.

“Maybe,” she gives me an inquisitive look before picking up her speed.

“You may think you’re winning right now running ahead of me, but all you’re doing is giving me a front-row seat to your spectacular ass,” I say loud enough that she can hear me. I know I just told her to be ourselves—but I can’t restrain myself from flirting with her—it’s like a reflex I can’t fight.

She twists to face me with a flirtatious look in her eyes, running backwards now so we can see each other. “Who’s to say that wasn’t my intention?” She winks before turning back around and speeding ahead of me.

“Christ,” I mutter to myself, catching up to her as we finish the jog in silence. I want to keep flirting with her, I do—but conversation can be made later when we’re not fighting for air.

“What’s our time?” She asks exasperated as we coast to a stop at the bench we started at.

“Twenty-four minutes, fifteen seconds,” I say between breaths, reaching for the bottles of water I left on the ground, holding one out to her.

“Really?” She shrieks, retrieving the water and chugging half of it before continuing. “That’s my best time in years!”

“Wow, that’s great, Clara. Congratulations! See, all you needed was a deputy and his dog to chase you to help you increase your speed,” I say as she chuckles around her water bottle. I can’t help but stare at her lips as she drinks, hoping I get to taste them again later.

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