Page 1 of Mr. Red

Chapter 1

Scarlett

My feet drag as I focus on putting one foot in front of the other. My whole body is reluctant to move this early. I take a sip from my travel mug, enjoying the warmth from my coffee, trying to keep my eyes open. A cold breeze rushes through the abundance of pine trees and down the back of my neck. I shiver, pulling the collar of my light jacket up.

At the end of the trail, I pause for a moment, as birds sing and water from a creek runs nearby. After a few moments, I look down at my phone to review my to-do list today.

Low Cardio Workout

Training Sessions from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Teach Yoga Class at 3:00 p.m.

Drinks with the Girls

Okay, low cardio workout—check.

I need to start making my way back to my car. My friends will have news about the deal. A flutter rushes through my stomach, hoping we got approved.

I take a deep breath and make my way towards work where I’ll run into my friends. I’m going to need to get more coffee first though if I want to make it through the day. As I start trekking back, I find myself wondering why I chose tocome here this morning. A nice walk out in nature kept coming to the forefront of my mind despite my efforts to go back to sleep. Since sleep never came, I figured I’d start my day on the trails.

Although I frequent this trail often, comingbeforework isn’t a usual occurrence. Waking up earlier than I must isnevera part of my plan. I sleep in until the last possible moment before I’m forced to get my day started. Mornings and I aren’t the best of friends.

I walk towards the center of the trail so I can avoid snakes. Summertime in Washington means one could be slithering around. The rounding of bicycle tires pulls my attention, so I move to the side a little. Surely whoever it is will see me. I don’t worry until the rustling sounds right behind me.

Then a deep voice shouts, “Get out of the way!”

My head turns to look over my shoulder at a bike speeding down the hill, looking like a red haze. My eyes widen as the form rolls right at me. I try to put some distance between us but end up losing my footing and fall on my rear end. I land with a thud while the cyclist makes an unsteady stop with a sharp turn a few feet away from me.

Nowthey get a handle on their bike. My eyes glance down at my legs covered in dust. Not quite the day I had envisioned. At least they didn’t hit me directly, and I have no serious injuries. My pride, however, has taken a hit.

Did that really just happen?

I’m not in New York City; there’s plenty of room around here. Lakebrook is a small town with a lot of open space.

I get my bearings and stand, brushing the dirt off my jeans. The cyclist dismounts their bike and leans it against a boulder. It’s then I realize he’s a handsome man in a redshirt.

He takes off his full-face helmet, throwing it to the side. His sandy brown, tousled hair, square jaw with a little scruff growing, and defined muscles come into view. My throat tightens, a slight blush creeps up on my face, and my heart thumps quicker. This has become a hundred times more embarrassing. I straighten my shoulders and take a deep breath. I’m taken aback by my attraction towards this stranger—mesmerized by the figure.

He starts stalking towards me with an aggressive look on his face, reminding me of a bull charging. “Weren’t you fixing to get out of the way? Didn’t you see me riding?” His face is turning red as he flails his arms about.

Fixing? Where is this guy from? Wait, he thinks this is my fault?

I’m pulled from my paralysis. “Excuse me?” My eyes widen and I put a hand over my heart. “I’m the one who fell becauseyoualmost hit me!” I clap my hands together like I’m at a golf tournament. “Congratulations on being the worst cyclist on the planet. Well done.”

“You can’t just be in the middle of the path. Mountain bikers need space.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

It’s distracting. His biceps bulge and it makes me notice how firm his chest is. How firm everything on him is, really. Then I clear my throat and shake my head.

He almost hit you and it’s his fault! Get it together, Scarlett.

“There was plenty of space for you to go around me, you know.” I pause, steadying my voice. “I’m fine, by the way. Thanks for asking.”

His eyebrows wrinkle. “I didn’t hit you, of course you’re fine.”

“Are you serious right now?” I put my hands on myhips and glare at him. I hope it’ll make him melt into a puddle. “This trail isn’t just for mountain biking. People are going to be walking around here. You were going way too fast and not paying attention.”

“My speed was fine.” He twitches his wrist, flashing his nice-looking watch. I have no idea what brand, but it looks expensive. He starts looking around at the scene, avoiding my death glare.

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