Page 75 of Coach Me
“She likes that it makes us run faster—my goal is to lose you as quickly as possible.”
Beck stands back up, and Dottie practically whimpers at his feet. “You know, I like that I drive you, J. You should always be with someone who makes you want to keep improving.”
My whole day has officially turned around.
“Wait, Beck, do you have a thigh tattoo?” I don’t know how I’ve never noticed it before, but I can see tips of ink at the end of his shorts, similar to how Dex’s do with his shirts.
Ah, yeah, that’s why I haven’t noticed—Dex.
“Oh yeah, I just got this started over the offseason.” Beck pulls the hem of his athletic shorts up to show us more of the lightning tattooed on his thigh. He looks up to Jensen with the same smirk. “I’ll be waiting to get the rest of my idea until this new artist starts. I think I’ll like her style more.”
I swear Jensen’s jaw clenches even harder. How she hasn’t cracked a tooth is impressive. “In your dreams, Beckham.”
“Oh, it does happen in my dreams—a lot. Don’t worry, your personality doesn’t change there either.”
Jensen’s nostrils flare as she takes a deep breath. “Well, we’re actually about to get back to our run, so?—”
This might be a bit of a bad friend move—or good friend, considering I think Jensen is actually sweating now. A mile into this run and she was glowing. Two minutes of this conversation and her chest and the tips of her ears are red.
“Actually, I think I might be holding you back. Maybe you should finish with Beck.”
Jensen looks at me like she wants to absolutely murder me. “No, we have plans after this. Remember?”
“We can do that another day.” I can sacrifice my store trip for this.
“We’re a mile away from your car, Luce,” Jensen huffs. “What are you going to do, walk back with no one with you?”
“Yep,” I state.
Do I need to be pushed with Dex? Maybe, but it seems like I’m not the only one in need of a shove.
Beck eyes me for a minute, I know he’s thinking through what I’ve suggested. I’ve noticed this big brother personality with Beck over the past two weeks. It comes out a lot with Callie, but I’ve noticed it’s extended to me a little bit more.
“I’ll be just fine.” I pull my phone from the pocket in my leggings. “I’ll text you when I get back.”
Beck turns to Jensen. “What do you say, Jennie-cakes? Up for a little driving?”
As if Dottie can understand, she barks.
“Damn traitors,” Jensen grumbles.
“Good luck, Jen, I’ll text you,” I say over my shoulder, already turning to start my walk back.
“Yes, you will!” Jensen’s tone gives me enough indication that she will most definitely be getting me back for this, but it’s so worth it.
Walking along the waterfront, another breeze hits me. I’m definitely not a running girl, but I think I’d be down for some walks. This could be a good form of venturing out.
Talking to Dex about the idea of what these guidelinesare felt different from when I spoke to Jensen about it. Yes, I feel like I’m this extra in my own story, but I can’t really pinpoint why I feel that way.
The list, ideas, or whatever I’m doing will help with that, I hope. Maybe that’s why it’s better for me to leave the ball in Dex’s court. While he may have this new attraction to me, once I figure my own self out, he might change his mind.
Okay, I don’t like that mindset. Maybe walking is a no-go too. It’s too quiet—too many opportunities for my brain to wander. I could look into some low-impact stuff later today. A class might be more my style.
My phone dings in my pocket. I’m hoping it’s Reagan finally texting me back. Her ignoring my text about the wilting plant has me feeling a little more unnerved. Will said he checked in with her Sunday when we got back, and said she seemed busy—but that’s her normal.
But when I look at my phone, my stomach does a small flip.
Dex
