Love's Not a Competition

Chapter 15

"Did you bring your running stuff with you?" Rick breaks off from tracing the edge of my tattoo with his fingertip as we lie in bed together the following morning.

It was odd waking up with him, odd but nice. We've been snuggling for a little while but we're going to have to get up soon and I'm not sure I want to. It'd be lovely to stay here, in our own little bubble where everything is simple and straightforward. Right at this moment it feels like this is my life; I'm not ill, I don't have a fiancé that has no idea I'm here, there are no complications at all.

"Mmm, yeah." I murmur in response to his question, wondering why he's asked just now. "Why?"

"I normally run to the studio from here, I thought we could run together if you've got your stuff."

Okay, two problems. One, I don't really like running with other people unless it's a proper race or something and two... "Then I'll have to sit there all day in my sweaty top and leggings. I won't be able to change or anything once I get there." Not to mention not being able to shower and do my hair and stuff. Rick's still on about introducing me to the other coaches, there's absolutely no way I'm even considering that if I'm wearing my running gear and am bright red in the face with my hair standing on end.

"Of course you will. I'll get whatever you need couriered over to the studio, it'll be waiting when we get there and there's a shower in my dressing room. Go on Cherry, it'll be fun." He gives me puppy dog eyes and pouts a little for added effect.

"Ugh, go on then." I decide after making him wait a few seconds; maybe this could actually be fun, he's no idea how good a runner I am. Mind you I've no idea how good he is.

We get up a short while later and get into our running clothes, funnily enough both of us in all black outfits which look pretty professional I have to say. I quickly pack a bag with what I'd planned on wearing today along with my hair products and make up bag while Rick calls down to reception and asks them to arrange to get the bag over to the studios as quickly as possible.

After dropping my bag at reception we jog slowly round the block to warm up before setting off properly; on the way down in the lift Rick told me the route he takes is just over three miles, which is fine for me. I can do double that if necessary.

I obviously don't know where we're going so I have to let Rick take the lead and I can sense him trying to work out how much he dare push it as we set off. Once he sees I'm keeping up with him comfortably he ups his pace a little, and then a little more as I stick right by his side. To begin with we talk a bit, but then the chat slows down and peters out completely as this becomes a competition. I might have known it would, I don't know many people more competitive than Rick. I'm not that competitive, but I am a pretty good runner and I think it's quite funny that he doesn't know how good I am. I can see him glance across at me every now and then and I'm sure he can't believe how easily I'm keeping pace with him.

As the studio comes into view he indicates that rather than going in the main entrance at the front we'll go down the side of the building and it's then that I take my opportunity. I heard him tell reception that my bag needed to be delivered to entrance 3A, so I know that's what I need to look out for. Taking a deep breath I up my pace, not by much, but just enough to pull ahead of him. Because I've taken him by surprise he doesn't react immediately, and the slight delay gives me just enough advantage to beat him to the door by a matter of a second or two.

I stop, bending over with my hands on my knees to try and catch my breath and glance up at Rick, stretching out his legs. I straighten and do the same, still breathing heavily. That was a fast one; I wasn't expecting it to be quite that intense when he suggested it earlier.