And Playing the Role of Herself (Frankiana)

CHAPTER FIVE

When I pulled into Franki's drive the next morning, she was already out front, pushing against the wall and stretching out her calves. She wore mid-calf black running tights and a gray and black, zip-up top against the morning chill, both items hugging the curves of her body, I'd been hoping she wouldn't run in shorts, not knowing if I could function with a view of her bare legs, but I wasn't so sure this was any better.

I took a deep, calming breath, got out of the car and walked over.

She smiled a greeting, pulling her hair back into a tight ponytail as I approached. "Morning."

"Morning."

"Gonna be warm enough?" she asked with a teasing grin. I had chosen loose navy blue running pants, a gray hooded sweatshirt with the sleeves cut out, and a cap. It was a cold morning, and I hated running cold. Compared to Franki, thought, I looked like a thug.

I smiled back at the teasing, wondering if I should bring up the night before, or wait for her to do it.

"Ready to go?" she asked, bouncing on her toes a few times.

Or maybe we wouldn't talk about it at all. That was okay by me.

"Yep."

She nodded, and set off down the drive at a good clip. I chased after her and settled into stride on her left. I'd been right about those legs of hers, I could tell immediately I was going to have my work cut out for me this morning.

I felt a competitive spark flare inside me, and did my best to stop it. I didn't know how far Franki planned to run, and already her pace was faster than my usual speed. I'd end up killing myself if I tried to outrun her.

Franki told me during one of our few conversation that the trail around the place was just over two and a half miles long, and she usually ran it twice. I was welcome to go further if I wanted.

"Twice is fine," I assured her hastily, trying to keep from showing that I was already breathing heavily.

I did myself proud for four miles, keeping up with her stride for stride. Then she glanced over at me with a wicked grin.

Damn.

I was about to get crushed.

She lengthened her stride and I managed to keep up for another hundred yards before my lack of breakfast and lack of sleep the night before caught up with me. At least that's what I told myself.

Soon Franki was just a speck in the distance, and I shook my head with a wry grin, slowing down and finishing the last mile at more comfortable pace.

She was sitting against a tree on the grass, pretending to take a nap when I jogged up and collapsed beside her, breathing heavily. She opened one eye and looked over at me with a lazy grin.

"I was wondering when you'd show up." 

 "Bite me, Russell," I growled through gasping breaths, shedding my sweatshirt and using it to wipe the sweat from my arms and face before tossing it to the side. I groaned and leaned back on my elbows, closing my eyes and listening to my breathing and heart rate slow.

Underneath the sweatshirt I'd worn a gray and white sports bra, and the early morning sun felt good on the damp, exposed skin of my stomach and shoulders. I sighed in pleasure and turned to Franki to comment on how quickly it had warmed up. The words stuck in my throat when I saw the look on her face as she watched the rise and fall of my stomach. She seemed...captivated was a good word for it, I guess.

I tensed in reaction; she flicked a glance at my face and looked away quickly.

"Nice morning," she said, and picked at the grass under her hand.