“Relationship structure.”
“Sexiest phrase yet.”
“We had this conversation yesterday.”
Amy’s notebook lay open beside her, four headings already underlined. I had never been more attracted to administrative risk management.
“We were exhausted.”
“You kissed me twice.”
“The first kiss occurred in the finish chute. The second occurred after the conversation.”
“And the shoulder kiss this morning?”
Color moved into her face. “That does not count.”
“Emotionally, it counts.”
I wanted to kiss her again. I did not. Growth.
“Show me the rules,” I said.
She handed over the notepad. At the top, she had written:
REVISED RELATIONSHIP OPERATING PRINCIPLES
I laughed. Amy looked offended.
“You said you loved that I have conditions.”
“I do.”
“Then behave accordingly.”
I read.
Miguel assumes full control of marathon programming.
Dani may participate in runs as a partner but does not override Miguel except for immediate safety concerns.
Rose remains the physical-therapy provider; broader medical and mental-health decisions remain with the appropriate clinicians.
Competition affection will not create private obligations.
