Page 104 of Tempted Hearts
I looked from him to Juliette, who had a bit of a panicked look on her face.
So he’s the boyfriend you mentioned… I could easily put two and two together.
“I’m usually there at pretty weird hours,” I said as I reached up to shake his hand. “Cole Ford.”
“Dex Shepherd.”
Ah, geez.
“You’ve gotta be shitting me,” I said.
Both he and Juliette looked at me strangely.
“You lived at the end of Lincoln. I babysat you way back in the day.”
Now he was confused. “Oh man, I feel bad I didn’t recognize you or the name.”
“Since you were probably four or five years old, no offense taken. And we moved out of town when I was in middle school.”
Dex thankfully stopped eyeing up Juliette. “So when did you get back to Cedar Falls?”
“I’m just here for a visit. I actually live in Manhattan now.”
“A few of the guys I’m good friends with are still here, so I joined the gym for when I’m in town.”
“Ah, got it. You must come to town quite a bit then?”
I peeked at Jules. She seemed grateful, and also a bit curious. I opened and closed my hands, a sensation similar to being in a crowded elevator coming over me.
Wanting to end the conversation, I said, “Here and there. It was great seeing you again. Tell your parents I said hello.”
“Will do,” he said, then addressed Jules. “If you ever need any help at the gym, just let me know.”
That little rascal.
“Pretty sure he was hitting on me this morning, so… it just made it easier… Obviously we’re not… I mean… you know what I mean.”
I knew what she meant, loud and clear.
“Ready for another sprint?” I was ready for a safer subject. My Renaissance scholar was about as safe as it got.
“Sure. But then I’m going to have to hit the bathroom.” She made a face that would make the devil laugh. Outrageous as usual.
“Deal. Thirty minutes. Let’s go.”
But then what? Dinner? Inviting myself to stay over?
I told myself this morning not to think of the future, but to live in the present, and that’s what I was going to do. Whatever happened, happened.
Though I did pull my foot away.
40
JULES
After the third sprint, I gave up. This had probably been the worst idea in history.
It was impossible to concentrate with him sitting across from me. Every slight touch, even accidental, and every look, reminded me of when we were together.
