Page 138 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“Sounds good to me.”

We walked out to the porch and started doing our stretches. I used the rail to help me stretch my legs, pulling my foot up behind me. I leaned against the rail to deepen my stretch and leaned back to stretch my back.

“Ready?”

I nodded. “I'm stoked. We haven't been on a run forever.”

“Want to race?”

“Let me warm up first, you dork.”

She giggled as she hopped down the steps and jogged ahead. I followed behind her. I kept my arms up and moved them to the rhythm of my feet. I met Laura's pace and jogged beside her, loving the way the breeze felt against my face. It was a quiet afternoon. We sailed past the neighbor's houses toward the park, the one where we used to play.

She picked up her pace and I matched her rhythm. We were in sync like the old days. It made me feel a sense of pride to be connected to her. Even now that we were grown, I was worried about not spending time with my sister. She meant everything to me because she was family. I never wanted our bond to break, not even over someone like Levon.

But I knew my love for her and my love for him didn't need to compete. I could give her all the care and respect she deserved while I did the same for Levon. My love wasn't limited to one or the other. They could encompass both. And it made me happy to realize that.

We quickly approached the park trail. I sailed down it first, breezing past my sister. She huffed as she caught up to me and then cut me off, giggling as she darted down one of the side trails. I shook my head as I jogged after her. I could tell she was getting ready to sprint. I didn't want to take off just yet. I felt like my muscles weren't warm enough.

As I breathed deep the scent of the wooded trail, I admired the greenery surrounding us. The trees were tall, looming over our path and creating a natural tunnel. I followed Laura down the winding nature trail past benches, stretching areas, workout equipment, and an assortment of bushes and flowers.

A couple of joggers were coming our way. We both moved to the right and I kept a few paces behind Laura, giving her space to move. Her sneaker got caught on a fallen branch and she launched forward, squealing.

I darted toward her. “Laura!”

One of the passing joggers extended his arm and caught her before her face could smack against the ground. She landed on one knee while clinging to the stranger's shoulders. I paused. I could hear us both panting as I approached, leaning against my knees.

“Oh, my God! Are you okay?”

She laughed nervously. “Oh, I'm just dandy.”

“There's a branch there,” the stranger pointed out. “And gravity is in effect.”

“Whoops! I forgot we were on Earth,” Laura joked. “Thanks for that. You have some spectacular reflexes.”

“I do taekwondo in my spare time.”

“It certainly shows.”

I smirked as he adjusted her upright. She brushed her shorts and stood with her hands on her hips, still panting.

“Well,” she blurted. “Thanks for the gravity check, friend.”

“No problem.”

“Enjoy your stay on Earth!”

I laughed as I followed after her. She wasn't quite jogging yet, but she was briskly moving away from the stranger who was rather handsome.

“Maybe that was fate,” I teased. “You should have asked his name.”

“You're ridiculous, Clara.”

“And you're blushing.”

She giggled nervously. “Well, hewascute. Did you see that blond hair? He looked like a surfer. Maybe he's just visiting. There's no chance we could hook up.”

“You never know.”

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