I open it and slowly flip through the pages of all the articles, pictures, and stats I’ve kept on Jared ‘Jett’ Cordier. Some of the pictures are mine from his early track meets when I was a naïve teen. They go all the way back to when he was at the Olympic ceremony in Paris. There’s one image of him holding a torch for the US team. I only have a few news stories about his whereabouts and speculations. Then it was radio silent until I ran into him at the bar. Whatever happened, they kept it out of the media.
I’ve always loved running, but Jett was the reason I trained so hard and took it seriously. I’m all about long-distance running and marathons. I was built for endurance over speed. Jett was built for speed with those thick thighs and calves. But he has endurance, too. He could do it all if he wanted. He’sthattalented.
I slam the book shut and stare at the leather cover as I debate whether to throw it out.
I should’ve been fan-girling when we first met. We should’ve been talking shop. Most importantly, I want to knowwhat happened to him. What turned him into this bitter asshole? Or was he always a dick?
I close my eyes and stroke my fingers along my mouth. The touch brings back the ghost sensation of his demanding lips, and I can still taste and smell him.
“Fuck it.”
I shove the book back into the drawer and head to the bathroom for a shower.
I need to get out of here and have a beer.
When I open my front door, a green and yellow Ducks hat falls to the ground. I pick it up, dust it off, and toss it onto the couch before leaving. Jett returned my hat. Big fucking deal. It doesn’t suddenly make him a nice guy.
The bar is still quiet, but it’s quickly filling up with mostly college students.
I sit at the counter and order a beer. After chugging it back, I order another. God, I can’t shake off Jett and that kiss. I have no idea what to make of it. Is he attracted to me? I mean, he doesn’t act like he is. Was it to humiliate me?
“Wes Ellison?”
I turn to Jenny’s soft voice, the student I treated the other day.
“Oh, hey Jenny.”
She sits next to me and orders a beer, too.
“How’s your foot?” Ugh, the last thing I want to be doing is working, but I want to be polite.
“Oh, it’s fine. Better.” She tucks some blonde strands behind her ear and bats her eyelashes at me. Usually, I love being hit on by a pretty woman. Unfortunately, she’s not only off-limits, but I’m also not in the mood.
“Good. Good.”
I sip my beer and pin my eyes on the TV over the bar. The Baylor Bears are playing football against the Kansas Jayhawks. There’s no score on the board yet.
“I got my scans, so now I can set up some appointments with you. I’m sure you’ll be getting me running in no time.”
A hand rubs along my shoulder, and I look at Jenny, begging me with her eyes to accept whatever this is. I gently take her hand and rest it on the counter. What’s up with people pushing their boundaries on me today?
“You should rest your foot if you want to run again.”
She smiles, gnaws on her bottom lip, and tilts her head. “Look, I’m gonna be bold and—”
“I’m gonna stop you right there. I’m a physical therapist at the university.Youare a university student. That is all. Nothing more. Nothing less. I’ll set you up with someone who’ll help you better than I can.”
Back when I was reckless Wes, who would sleep with any woman who looked his way, maybe I would’ve been careless and slept with her. Now, I’m responsible Wes. I like my job way too much to put it at risk.
“But…”
“I’m sorry, Jenny. This isn’t appropriate.”
“Oh, yeah… sorry.” Her face blooms pink, and she takes her beer and leaves. Thank god. I’ve had more awkward encounters in the past week than I care to count.
I don’t know how long I’m at the bar, but it’s long enough to get a buzz going. I even had a couple of shots earlier.
The door to the bar opens, and I glance over to see none other than Jett. My stomach drops, and my face heats.Jesusfuckingchrist.He vanished into thin air two years ago, and now I can’t get rid of him. He looks around before his eyes land on mine, then makes his way toward me.
