Page 49 of Crossing Paths
“I was smiling because he’s just so bouncy and happy. Can you even imagine going through life so…exposed like that?” Feeling brave, she patted Dash’s arm.
He immediately grabbed her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. “No. I can’t.”
As he started toward the cubby where she’d stashed her bag, she gave him a sideways glance. The way she held his arm was more suited to a formal occasion than a stroll across a gym filled with sweaty, grunting men. If Dash was about to sweep her into a waltz, she should be in a long, flowing dress rather than her shorts and wilted tank top.
“Again with the manners?” she asked dryly, hiding how much she liked their running jokes. Usually, people didn’t understand her humor, or she didn’t get what others thought was hilarious. With Dash, she got to be in on the joke with him. It was a novel and frankly addictive place to be.
He just slanted her a look that pretended to be dark but actually sparked with amusement.
Smiling, she released his arm to grab her bag. Moving to the door, she gave him a stiff wave. As comfortable as she was starting to feel with Dash, there were still awkward moments when she wasn’t sure how to act…like right now. After their make-outsession, how was she supposed to say goodbye? Had the kissing door been left open so every encounter between them would begin and end with a peck? On the cheek or mouth? She wasn’t about to initiate it, and he wasn’t leaning in, so she figured her odd little wave had sufficed. Just to make sure, she added, “See you later.”
“You have a ride home?” He was scowling as he pushed the door open, scanning the empty alley as his frown deepened.
“I’m meeting Cara at that Thai restaurant we went to.” He still looked unhappy, and she wasn’t sure why, so she asked. “Why are you extra grumpy?”
“Extra grumpy?” His expression lightened a bit before his eyebrows crashed together again. “I don’t like the idea of you walking alone, but I can’t be away from the gym since Davies has to leave early today.”
“I’ll be fine.” Even though they were in an alley, it was a wide, clean one in a good part of town. Besides, the warm fall sun was almost too bright, banishing any sinister shadows or possible hiding places in which a stalker could lurk. “It’s broad daylight, and lots of people will be out. Leifsen is a chicken. He’s not going to bother me unless I’m alone, and even then, he hides behind his electronics.”
Dash rubbed his cheek, not seeming convinced. The quiet rasp of his palm against his jaw made her shiver, reminding her of how that same stubble felt against her skin. He dropped his hand and grumbled, “Text if you need me.”
“I will.” Still she hesitated, not wanting to leave yet. “You too.”
That brought out his crooked grin. “I will.”
“Okay. Bye.” The awkward wave reappeared, making her wince as she turned to go.
“What are you doing tonight?” he asked before she’d taken three steps.
“Tonight?” she repeated, turning so she could see him again. “Eating dinner, researching, and then sleeping. Unless something surprising happens. Why?”
“The gym closes at ten. Meet me after.” Although he said it like an order, there was a question in his eyes. That rare tentativeness gave her a warm feeling in her chest.
“Meet you here?”
“Yeah.” He pointed at one of the second-story windows. “I live upstairs.”
“You live above the gym.” Even as she said it, she could see how it would make sense. The gym seemed as much a part of Dash as his grunts and the scars that marked the left side of his neck and jaw. “Okay.”
“Good.” A real smile curled his mouth, making him look younger and sweeter than she ever imagined he could. “Will you need a ride?”
“No. I’ll meet you here.”
He dipped his chin in acknowledgment as she started down the alley again. It seemed a bit cold for her to just walk away, so she waved over her shoulder. Yet again, it was so awkward. It felt just like it had at Bubbles, with Dash getting the rear view of her as she struggled not to walk in a weird way or sneak a peek to see if he was still watching. When she finally reached the street andturned out of his view, she let out a breath that was partly relief but mostly disappointment.
“You’re so contrary,” Norah muttered under her breath, drawing a glance from the older man walking past. Clamping her lips shut, she quickly walked toward the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Cara. A glance at her phone showed that she was running late, which she absolutely hated. Still, a part of her whispered that spending extra time with Dash had been worth it. Shaking off a smile that she knew even without seeing was much too mushy, Norah sent a quick text to Cara to let her sister know she was on her way.
Slipping her phone back into her bag, she wove between pedestrians who were moving slowly as they basked in the warm fall sun. Just as she’d told Dash, the beautiful weather had brought out the hordes, and no one would be able to harass her without it being witnessed by dozens of people. Even so, a tiny chill made the fine hairs on her arms stand up. She rubbed at the goose bumps, glancing around in a way she hoped came off more casual than paranoid to anyone watching.
Anyone watching…The thought bounced around in her head. Maybe Leifsen wouldn’t approach her, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t following her. As expected, Zach was out on bail, so it wasn’t just one guy she had to worry about. Norah was suddenly glad that the gym had solar shades on all the windows so no one could see inside. She moved a little faster, wanting to get off the street. Everyone she saw seemed suspicious now. They could easily be one of Zach’s cohorts or another fortune hunter wanting a chance at finding the necklace.
She blew out a relieved breath when she reached the Thai restaurant and hurried to open the door. Cara waved from the same booth Norah had sat in with Dash, and that little thing made her smile. Her knees were still a little wobbly as she wove through the tables, but she blamed her intense workout rather than her panicked thoughts on the walk from the gym.
“Hey,” Cara greeted as Norah took the seat across from her. “You’re a mess. What happened?”
A cursory glance at her rumpled and sweaty gym clothes showed that the stressful speed walk over hadn’t improved matters any. Her face was probably red from exertion, and her hair almost certainly looked like she’d survived a tornado. With a shrug, she said, “Intense workout.” It had been intense, especially the kissing that had immediately followed the working-out part. She pulled a hoodie from her bag and put it on as the hostess dropped off menus and waters. Norah gratefully drank half the glass in one go.
“Uh-huh.” Cara rested her chin on her hand, her eyes dancing with laughter. “Tell me about thisintense workoutyou just had with your lovely trainer, Dash. The one that made you sothirsty.”
