Run

Emma

I am so mad at myself for even giving Luke the time and day to get me upset. And the comment about who he is having sex with came out of nowhere. I have somewhat been keeping track of him over the years. And the thought of him being with another woman never made me bat an eye, but my hormones plus the lack of sex since Tuck passed away must have me riled up cause I haven't felt any desire since Tuck. Until now, with a man who I despise. I feel guilty saying this but I am not dead and my body still has needs. Since Tuck died I have just taken care of things on my own, the thought of being with another man has been repulsive. But something about being this close to Luke has me all worked up and I have never viewed Luke as anything other than a friend. I have to get this out of my mind cause I can not have feelings for him like this. But I keep thinking about waking up to him and feeling his body against mine.

He catches me getting a glimpse of his body and he stiffens, as do I. I can't have these thoughts, but my brain and "her" brain are on totally different wavelengths. I look out my window for a couple more hours and at some point I must have fallen asleep again cause I'm jolted awake by Luke. I look up and see my house. For a moment I am relieved, but then also secretly pained knowing this will be the last time I ever see him. I don't want to ever see him again, but still want his friendship at the same time. I am so confused.

I go to unlock my front door, it's pouring and storming. I get drenched and Luke follows behind me and drops my stuff in the foyer.

"I need to make a quick call and use the restroom before my ride gets here, is that ok?"

I muffle out a yes as I all of the sudden I'm very aware of his abs through his wet t shirt. I look off quickly before he realizes and he goes to the restroom. I push the thought out of my head and start putting the bags on the sofa and slowly start unpacking clothes into piles to wash. Luke comes back out obviously frustrated.

"My flight got canceled due to the weather. The Inn down the street is booked for the upcoming festival. My parents sold their house and I can't get in touch with the boys."

I sigh knowing I will regret what I am about to say, but say it anyway. "You can stay in the spare bedroom for tonight. But you're gone on the first flight available tomorrow. And I am only doing this as a favor since you brought me home today." I swear he looked like a kid in a candy store. "But, I am still mad at you and when you leave I don't want to hear from you again." Secretly I wanted to see more of Luke, in more ways than one. I don't know what had got in to me, but my mind was being pulled ways it never had been.

"Thanks, E. I will be out of your hair tomorrow. I am really sorry about everything. I would really like the chance to tell you everything one day when you're ready." Part of me just wants to forgive him and move on and have my best friend back, but stubborn Emma wants to hold her ground.

I continue making piles of clothes, he walks away I am assuming into a spare bedroom to call his assistant. I can hear them discussing new arrangements. I am sitting there surrounded by a pile of clothes and I hear the storm slowing down already into a light rain. Strangely enough this is my favorite weather to run in. I put all my clothes away and change into running shorts and a sports bra and decide to go on a run. I need to clear my head of these thoughts I have had today and everything that has unfolded in the past 24 hours. My head feels better so I should be good. I round the corner to see Luke hanging up on the phone and he looks up at me.

"Where are you going?"

"On a run."

"This late and in rain?"

"This is actually my favorite weather to run in and the storm is gone, it's just some rain."

"What about your head?'

"It's fine." I grabbed my watch and slid my key under it and headed toward the door when Luke's arm held me back.

"No you can't go out there in this weather and you shouldn't be going anywhere dressed like this without some type of protection."

Why does he care what I wear? I look him square in the eyes and give him the go to hell look. "I run this time of night, if not later, all the time. Even in this kind of weather. I have been doing it in our low crime rate town for 6 months now without any issues, so please move." He doesn't budge and my hormones or lack of sex has me all tingly by him grabbing me, somehow I push forward.

"Fine, I am coming with you. Luckily I wore tennis shoes and sweatpants."

I laugh and look back and think you know what this might be fun. Let's see how long it lasts.