Page 1 of The Run Option

Chapter one

Willow Delmont

I should be better at spotting red flags by now. I’ve been on enough dates and swiped through my fair share of dating apps. All of that experience is useless, though, because I end up sitting across from the same brand of jerk every time I go out.

“Maybe I’m cursed,” I mumble, drawing Axel’s attention.

I’d hoped my date wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off me–like something out of a movie–but instead, he’s staring at the TV above my head. I know a bar and grill isn’t the most romantic location, but it was the best test to see if he was into any sports. His profile on the app we matched on didn’t have any of the telltale signs of a fanatic. No logos on any of his clothes, no mention of his favorite team, or even a name drop of where he went to college. I’ve been fooled before, though, and it seems tonight is no exception.

“Did you say something?” Axel asks before shoving a handful of cheese fries into his mouth. He licks his fingers afterward, ensuring that we won’t be sharing this appetizer. I’m not swapping germs with a stranger.

“I asked if you enjoyed your job,” I lie, shooting him a smile. Might as well give it my best shot. I’m not leaving until my burger gets here. After that, I might fake being sick…

“It’s all right,” he says with a shrug. “Makes a lot of money, which is all that matters.” He grins and I force myself to smile back.

I thought staying away from sports fans and finance guys would be enough, but apparentlyselling boatsis another red flag to add to my ever-growing list.

“What do you do for a living?” he asks. “I don’t remember seeing anything listed on your profile.”

Axel’s eyes drift back to the TV, to where the predictions for tomorrow’s Lions game are playing. I’m not particularly inclined to tell him my job since he seems so infatuated with the team I work for. I chose him because I’d hoped he wasn’t into sports, which meant he couldn’t try to use me to get to the team like so many others have.

“I work in marketing,” I answer, keeping things vague.

He scrunches his face up. I’m not sure if it’s at me or at the fact that Neil Richardson just said the Virginia Hounds have a chance at winning this weekend. Great, nowI’mwatching the TV behindhim. We look like one of those couples who hate each other but stay together because it’s easier than breaking up.

“I could never work at a desk all day.”

I don’t, but I don’t bother telling him that. The less he knows, the better.

I take a sip of my Diet Coke, the lime I squeezed in adding a tangy twist. I’m not a big drinker, especially not on first dates. My head needs to be clear so that I don’t accidentally say yes to a second date when what I really want is to block the guy’s profile. Which is likely what I will do tonight while eating a jar of edible cookie dough.

I scan the room to see if our food is on the way when I spot the one person I don’t want to see right now.Jason Kingsley.My pulse quickens when our gazes catch from across the room. He’s sitting at the bar alone, a basket of fries beside him. One of his dark brows raises. I give a quick shake of my head. I do not need him teasing me tonight. Plus, if he comes over here, Axel is liable to turn into a crazed fan over being in proximity to the infamous quarterback. This date is embarrassing enough without that.

Jason smirks at me, making my blood heat.Ugh. He’s awful. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with his obnoxious treatment at work. Seeing him outside of the stadium feels like a punishment. I must have committed a heinous crime to deserve AxelandJason on the same night.

I drag my attention back to my date, whose attention is still glued to the TV, even though all that’s on is an energy drink commercial.

“So, what do you like to do for fun?” I ask, hoping Jason can’t tell how disastrous this date is. I’m sure he’d find a way to mess with me about it.

“I watch football with the boys every Sunday,” he says with a wide grin. He smiles more about this than when he first saw me tonight.

I look good, too. Or at least I thought so when I got ready. I’m wearing a sweater, a mini skirt, and tall boots that make my long legs look even longer. My hair is down in soft curls, and I did my eyeshadow in a smoke color to accent my gray eyes. I swiped on lip gloss before getting out of my car, and I felt like a runway model.

Axel told me I lookednicewhen he saw me. I chalked it up to nerves, but now I think he was distracted by all the screens in the room. Or maybe he thinks I’m ugly. Either way, the reaction didn’t boost my confidence.

“Anything else?” I ask. I wouldn’t bother keeping up the conversation if I didn’t know Jason might be watching.

“I like taking my boat out on the lake. Maybe you can join me sometime,” he says, his eyes raking over my form in a way that makes my stomach curdle. I’m going to hope he’s picturing me in a bikini and not flat-out naked. It makes me feel marginally less gross.

“Maybe.”Not.“I’m going to go get a refill on my Diet Coke,” I say with no preamble, and he nods before turning his attention back to SportsCenter.

I don’t want to get closer to Jason, but I’d rather him than Axel. Jason has never made me feel gross like that, even though he’s a womanizing jerk. He has a little more class than my current company.

I walk to the counter and lift a hand to flag down the bartender. He’s a middle-aged man who looks like he’s seen one too many drunk people today. His mousy brown hair is slicked back, showing off a receding hairline, and his mouth is downturned in a way that is both intimidating and pity-inducing.

“What can I get you?” he asks in a gruff tone.

“A Diet Coke with lime, please.” I infuse cheerfulness into my tone. His expression doesn’t change. He simply grabs a glass from the stack to his left and sulks off toward the soda fountain.

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