After a few seconds of silence, Alexa opened her hooded eyes and stared right into my soul. “Don’t say it. Please. I know. But if you say anything, I’ll be crushed. I can’t hear the words. Nine days left, and I’ll be crossing them off on my calendar like a silly teenager.”
I didn’t want to tell her we had to stop, any more than she wanted to hear it. And that was why I was falling for her harder than a mob rat might fall into the Charles River.
Chapter Eighteen
Alexa
Running before everyone was awake felt powerful and surreal. The streets that are usually crowded with cars, and sidewalks packed with hurried footsteps, were empty and calm. Boston was a great city. I loved living here. There was no other place I’d rather be. The mountains for skiing were only a few hours away, beaches a mere thirty minutes, Cape Cod, where my parents lived, just an hour and a half east. The culture rivaled New York City, the theatre not as spectacular, but still great. The restaurants, divine.
As I ran eighteen miles with Jeff beside me, my mind not only reflected on our miraculous city, but on my conversation with Luke the night before. It was a fantastic night that went from the highest high to the lowest low, and then rocketed to the moon. Admitting my deepest fears to Luke was hard. I knew they weren’t unwarranted, that my struggle at Heartbreak Hill probably saved me from the bombing, and I was lucky I didn’t have to bear witness to the horrific scene that ensued.
“Where were you last year when the bombs went off?” I asked.
Jeff and I never discussed the bombings. I knew he competed and finished before the mayhem started.
“I was back home in Southie already, at a pub with my friends, when we saw it all unfold on television,” Jeff said.
“I was stopped at Mass Ave.” I wasn’t sure why I was dredging all this up twice in twenty-four hours, but it was unavoidable with the anniversary days away.
“Fuck, Alexa, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were that close.” Jeff looked over at me, remorse written all over his face.
“Luke and I talked about it last night, and it brought all my fears back to the surface.”
“And? What did the wise Luke say?” Humor laced his words.
“He told me I needed to draw strength from my feelings. And not let those sons of bitches win by keeping me scared.” I glanced over and saw Jeff laughing at his friend’s words.
“Luke’s wicked smart. I take it you guys are getting along?”
“I’m not discussing this with you. All I’ll say is Luke is a professional and amazing at his craft.” I tried to keep my voice unbiased, but I probably sounded like a lovesick teenager.
As much as it physically and emotionally pained me when Luke slammed the brakes on our major make out session, I never wanted to push him to do something that would compromise his integrity. The draw between us was too strong to ignore, and I was grateful we didn’t need to avoid it.
“I see that stupid ass, happy grin on your face. Just so you know, I expect an invite to the wedding.” Jeff interrupted my thoughts.
“I wouldn’t go that far, but yes, thank you for introducing us. He’s a remarkable guy, and I’m happy to have him in my corner.”
When we finished the run, my body felt great, and I knew I could physically handle next week’s big run. I needed to spend the rest of the week ignoring the news, and finding my happy place so I could tackle the mental part as well.
*****
“How was the date last night?” Addison greeted me at the door while I peeled off some of my running gear. “You got home awfully late. Do I need to have a talk with young Luke about your curfew?”
“No, mom, my virtue is sadly still intact,” I grunted out.
“That doesn’t sound good. Spill it.”
I flopped down on my back with my legs dangling over the arm of the couch.
“Dinner was delicious. Conversation even better. His lips are like heaven. His touch felt more amazing on my skin when we are on his couch than on the massage table.” I groaned and beat my fists on the cushion. “But… he stopped us at second base.” Frustration oozed in my voice.
“What? Why?” Disbelief dripped from her words.
“He and Danny made an agreement that they would never date a client. Supposedly, I’m the first. So until the marathon is over, we can’t have sex.”
“Well, shit. That sucks, babe. I’m sorry.” Addison honestly looked like she felt my pain.
After last night, if blue balls had a female equivalent, I had them.
“I just hope that’s the only reason he keeps throwing on the brakes. What if he doesn’t want to have sex with me?” When we were in the moment, I didn’t feel this way, but in the daylight, uncertainty crept in.
“I really doubt that, babe. He’s crazy about you. I saw the lust in his eyes when he saw you last night. That man wants you hard.”
I prayed Addison was right.
“We will see in about a week, when he can’t use the marathon as an excuse. I should be able to control myself until then. I just don’t wanna,” I said in the whiniest voice possible. I might as well have stomped my foot like a petulant child wanting a toy at the store.
“Want to see the dress I designed for you for the gala on Saturday?” She practically jumped out of her skin. “While you were making out like horndogs, I was home designing you a dress that will make Luke kick his own ass for his stupid rule.”
“You designed me a dress?”
Addison ran over to the worktable and grabbed her sketchbook. “Now, you’re under absolutely no obligation to like this, but since you’re my best friend, you better!” She winked.
She flipped the pad over, and what I saw blew me away. The dress was a classic boat neck with cap sleeves. A slit rode high on one thigh, which would emphasize my long, toned legs. But when she turned the page over to show me the back, I knew I needed her to make this evening gown for me. Luke would go nuts when he saw it, and I would hopefully reap the benefits all night long.
“Addison, this is perfection. You sure know how to dress my body. I love it, and will take on any clients I need to, so you can make this creation come to life in the next seven days.”
“I’m so happy you love it because I think it’s perfect for you. Let’s discuss color. My thought was the cornflower blue being used for this year’s warm up jacket.” Every registered runner received loads of swag, including a jacket. “It would match your eyes perfectly.”
“Genius as always. What do you think about Luke wearing an orange tie?” I suggested, since the warm up jackets were blue and orange.
“I think it’s a tad cheeky, but as long as he wore a vest, it wouldn’t be too much.”
“I’m so lucky to have you! You’re so talented. I can’t wait to see the final product.” I reached over and gave her a huge hug. “I’m going to run upstairs and shower, and then can we veg out and watch movies all afternoon?”
“Absolutely, I need a chill out day. We’ll need to review the schedule for the week, but we can do that over Chinese food. Go shower, you stink.” Addison pushed me toward the stairs.
*****
Half way through Pretty Woman, a movie Addison and I watched at least once a month, Luke texted me. Just seeing his name pop up on my phone made me giddy. It was sickly sweet.
Magic Hands: What ya doin?
Me: Laundry and cuddling on the couch