“Yeah.”
“It’s okay. I know the real you now.”
He frowns and watches his family. “I… hope I didn’t ruin your vision of me too much.”
I let go of his hand and tug him to stop and face me. “Do I see you differently? Yeah, I do. We had a rough start, but I think I kept you as this untouchable person in my head for so long. It’s easy to forget someone like you is human, you know? Human,with thoughts, emotions, pain, happiness… You’re not just a running machine. You’re not perfect, and that’s okay. Perfectly okay. What I’m getting at is that I likethisversion of Jett a lot. More than I thought possible.”
He looks away, his mouth trembling slightly. “I’m so far from perfect.”
“Everyone’s imperfect, babe.”
“Some more than others.”
I shrug. “True, but that’s not you. All I see is someone who adores his family, who’s a great coach, who’s laughing and smiling more, and…” I lean forward to whisper in his ear, “Who’s hot as fuck.”
His smile is soft and small, his eyes watch me like he doesn’t believe me. “I’ll take it. Now, how do you know I’m a good coach?”
I stand back, take his hand again, and walk faster to catch up with his family. “Some of the runners have been by to see me and talk about you. You’re tough, but fair. You know your stuff. It’s exactly how a coach should be.”
“Yeah?”
“Yep.”
“Thanks for that.”
I lift his hand and kiss the back.
“Uncle Jared! Uncle Jared!” The kids run up to us, looking utterly ridiculous with those huge, bouncing costumes. “Look at all the candy!”
We peek into the buckets,oohingandawwing.
“I think it’s time we wrap this up, kiddos,” Owen says, lifting a yawning Mia into his arms.
After Jett’s family headed to their rooms, and we washed off all the face paint, we curled against each other in bed. We’re in the spare bedroom in the basement, which is sparsely furnished and decorated. It feels as temporary as his apartment.
My nose is pressed against his throat, inhaling him, sliding my hand under his T-shirt with my palm pressing against his smooth, warm skin.
“Why do you smell so good?” I ask.
“I like the way you smell, too.”
Jett rolls over to face me, also sliding his hand under my shirt, resting it on my back. “Thanks for coming.”
“I’m glad I did. It’s been fun.”
He fingers my long bangs, pulling back those that have spilled into my face. His soulful eyes watch me as if he wants to say something, but nothing comes out of his mouth, so I do it for him.
“I like this. You and me.”
He sighs, but a small smile plays on his lips. “You’re so much bolder and braver than I am. You run at life, while I run from it.”
“Who says you’re not brave? You? I don’t see anyone else calling you a coward.”
“We’re always hardest on ourselves.”
I nod and drag my knuckles across his cheek. It’s bristly from his scruff. Who knew I’d like touching it on another man. “Sometimes. I could be hard on myself when I was competing in college. The pressure. The stress. Always striving to do the best you can. I had alotof pressure, too, not just for myself, but for my family. They’d never demand that I give up everything so that I could win. They were always supportive, but racing was my ticket to getting a degree and a good job. It gave me a full athletic scholarship. If I weren’t good at running, I wouldn’t be here right now. I’d still be stuck in Cannon Beach, working ata convenience store or waiting tables. I love it there so much, and there’s nothing wrong with those jobs, but I wanted more for myself. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. God, they were so proud, especially my mom. She lost her chance at college when she became pregnant with me.” I suck in my lips and shrug. “Sorry, I tend to get chatty when I’m feeling stuff.”
“I know you do. It’s what I like about you. Your family sounds amazing.”
