“Hey,” Chris called out as Olivia approached.  It took her a second to register where she knew him from.

“Hey yourself!” She stopped  where he was waiting and worked on catching her breath. She was about 3 miles into her run and feeling pretty good. “I never got your name the other night…”

“Chris.  And you are,” he asked?

“Olivia.” She held out her hand. “Sorry if I’m sweaty. I just had to clear my head.”

Chris laughed. “I’m kinda sweaty too…in case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Well, I’m oxygen deprived and can’t see right now.” He took her hand. “Eww…but you are definitely sweaty.”

“So why are you out clearing your head at this hour,” he asked?

“Are we doing this again?”

“I think it seems like a good idea. I was out clearing my head too.”  He hooked her arm with his and started walking.

Olivia laughed. “A client hit on me and when I turned him down, politely, he still grabbed my ass.”

“My date accused me of hitting on the married woman at the table next to ours at dinner.”

“Race you to the beach?”

“That’s like two miles,” he said.  “I still have to drive back to Malibu after this run. But I’ll run with you.”

“Deal…

After making it to the beach, they started walking.

“So you like married women,” she asked?

“I swear, my date was gone to the restroom and the lady at the table next to ours spilled her drink. I handed her a napkin.  I felt bad for her.  My date was psycho.”

“Some women are insecure.”

“True.”  He stopped to pick up a shell and toss it into the waves. “So do you run a lot?”

“God no! Not more than once or twice a week. I hate running. But it’s great for clearing my head. What about you?”

“No, I’m not crazy about it. I have to stay in shape for work and I force myself to run at least five miles three days a week.” He glanced at his watch.  “Do you realize it’s almost midnight?”

“Shit. I have morning plans. I need to head back.”

“Want me to drive you? My car is in the lot by the highway.”

“Chris, it was nice to officially meet you, and thanks, but no thanks. You are still a stranger and I’m not letting you take me home.  I don’t let strange men go to my home.” She was smiling so he knew she was teasing him.

“Can I give you my number and have you text me to know you made it home?” he offered.

“Nope, I’m a big girl and I can handle myself. I’ll be fine.”

 

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