Elise got home late from work Wednesday to find David sat on his car waiting for her. He looked so comfortable, handsome yes but relaxed and at ease. She smiled at him and crossed the car park. “Sorry I’m late, time got away from me.”
“No problem.” He tweaked her nose and gave her his easy smile. She looked so sexy watching her run would be both agony and ecstasy. “How about I make you a coffee while you get changed?”
Soon they were on the track, each lap was 440 yards and they were doing sprint sets. She would sprint as fast as she could for one lap and then walk the next then sprint for up to ten sets. It was a grueling session and part of her loved the challenge but part of her hated it. She was tired tonight and knew that if David had not been pushing her that she would have curled up with a romance novel and done nothing else. They did a few stretches, she watched David out of the corner of her eye as he bent, and leaned and stretched, he really did have a good body.
“Okay a quick easy joy round and then we get serious.” He winked and set off at a jog.
Elise set off after him, she always found the first three hundred yards difficult, but then she got her stride, controlled her breathing and felt like she could run forever. They arrived back at the start and sprinted forwards, pushing hard with their legs and using their arms to help them run faster. With heads lowered and shoulders pushed forwards they streaked around the track. With a final effort they arrived back at the start and dropped to a walk, gasping for breath. David laughed out loud and whooped with joy. “You are really starting to fly.”
Panting heavily Elise smiled at him. She felt good and was able to run the sprints faster than even just last week. The schedule, the hills and the sprint sessions had really improved her fitness. They walked back and when almost at the start David reached out and touched her arm. His touch seemed to leave warmth behind and she smiled at him, he was watching her with an intensity she had never noticed. “Here we go again,” he said and they surged forwards.
Panting and heaving for breath they finished the last set and walked slowly back to the flat. “Let’s go for a drink,” David said.
“I would need a shower.” Elise knew that she smelled pretty ripe and was soaked in sweat. She was not a pretty sight when she had been for a hard run, her hair flat and plastered to her head, her face flushed and blotched.
“How about I pick you up in half an hour?”
He winked and Elise felt her stomach flip, what was happening? Then she thought about how she looked and knew he was just being her friend. “Great,” she replied.
***
Freshly showered and dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans Elise opened the door to David. He looked great, and she caught a whiff of aftershave, a subtle musk that suited him.
“Ready?” he asked.
“You bet.” She grabbed her bag and some keys and followed him to the car.
David was easy company. She drank wine, while he had an orange juice and talked about her job, his shop which was doing really well and about the race on Sunday. She could share anything with him and for a second she thought about telling him about Joel and asking his opinion. She opened her mouth to speak, just as Anna appeared at their table.
“Can I join you?” She asked a cheeky grin on her face.
“Yes, it’s great to see you.” Elise said sliding along to let her sit down. For once she was wearing trousers, skin hugging black leather jeans that looked great on her. Elise glanced at David and he seemed momentarily annoyed.
“How’s the training going?” Anna asked.
Suddenly they were all talking about the race, the training and everything and David relaxed as the hours just rolled past and more wine was served, as well as orange for David as the designated driver. The bell sounded to signify last orders and they realized how long they had all been talking.
“I have to get going, I have an early morning,” Elise said.
“Well, I’m off to work,” Anna smiled. “See you two later. Oh, are we still on for coffee Thursday?” she asked Elise.
“Of course, can we give you a lift?” Elise asked even though it was David driving, she thought he looked annoyed again, but Anna was shaking her head and hurrying out.
“Shall we,” David asked putting his arm on Elise’s waist he led the way out of the bar.
She relaxed back into the leather seat of the BMW and closed her eyes. She had drunk a little more than she intended and was feeling suitably mellow. The car soothed her as it whisked them through the night and soon she was home.
“How about a coffee?” David asked.
Elise groaned. “Sorry but I’m really bushed, rain check?”
“Of course, but let me walk you to your door.”
Before she could protest he was out of the car and opening her door, with a flourish he took her hand and helped her from the car. With his arm around her shoulder they walked up the stairs to her flat. Elise fumbled with her keys, feeling suddenly embarrassed with David holding her so close. Almost dropping them she took a breath and found the lock. She slid inside the door and turned to say goodnight. Before she could react, David leant forwards and planted a kiss on her cheek, he winked and was gone before she had chance to say anything.
Elise shut the door and leaned against it. Her head was spinning and not from the wine. She closed her eyes and replayed the moment. Had tonight been a couple of drinks between training buddies or did David want more? She found herself laughing. David had never shown any interest in her, why would he start now?
David skipped down the stairs. It had been a good night and at last Elise was starting to see him as a man. Having been a gangly child he had never felt confident enough to try and date her, but luckily he had grown up and knew that she was the girl for him. They were doing their longer run Saturday this week and he was determined to cook for her. So far she had always been too busy but they both needed plenty of carbs to complete the run and he was determined to spend more time with her.
I hope you enjoy this I will post another part next friday.
