I wave my hand. “Keep it.”
Her eyes widen.
“Are you… sure?” she asks, like I just offered her the deed to a small island.
“Yes,” I say too quickly. “I have plenty of sweatshirts.”
That’s true.
What’s also true is that watching her clutch it has apparently short-circuited my brain.
She hugs it to her chest. “Wow,” she says softly. “Thanks.”
Something tightens low in my stomach.
I shift my weight.
Mistake. This was a mistake.
But it’s too late now.
I’m really uncomfortable. My brain is no longer functioning properly.
“So… the path in the woods.” I tilt my head, eyes flicking toward the trail behind me. “Where does it lead?”
The smile that curls her lips is so wide I bet her cheeks ache. Her eyes glow with awe—then excitement—like I just asked a question only she knows the answer to.
“Oh!” She brightens. “I know it well. It goes past my house and loops around the lakeside trail. It’s a small lake, but really peaceful. You’ll enjoy it.”
I stare at her.
Lovely. Any time I use it, she’ll probably think I’m stalking her.
It’s not a stretch. The way she’s clutching my sweatshirt like it’s a bag of money is sending red flags flying inmy head.
Hell, she probably thinks we’re engaged now or something crazy.
She catches my look and shrugs lightly. “I walk it a lot.”
Of course she does. I’m not remotely surprised.
“Great,” I finally say. “I’ll check it out.”
She steps aside immediately, giving me space. “Have a nice run.”
I nod and start forward, relief filling me.
Legs don’t fail me now.
I take off running, trying to put distance between her and me. Even though a strange part of me doesn’t want distance.
What the hell? Did she curse it with some kind of spell?
I don’t get involved. Period.
My thoughts spiral, but I snap out of it long enough to realize she’s following me. I feel her gaze burning through my clothing.
She is absolutely staring at my ass.
