Tempo Of Love. Kianna Alexander

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       Chapter 4

      As dawn painted the sky on Thursday morning, Nona stood by a bench in Freedom Park. Dressed in her close-fitting running pants and a black tee, she stretched by lifting first one ankle, then the other, behind her bottom. Sheba sat dutifully at Nona’s feet with her leash looped around the bench armrest. The dog’s steady breathing was the only sound that competed with the chirping of birds and the soft morning breeze rustling the grass and trees.

      The bench Nona had staked out was strategically located near the only entry point to the park’s running trail. As she stood, bouncing in place to prime her muscles for the upcoming run, she smiled.

      He’ll be here any minute.

      She’d spoken with Ken briefly by phone Wednesday evening and had asked if she could accompany him on his morning run in order to chat with him. To her surprise, he’d agreed right away. Now all that was left was to keep up with him, but she didn’t have any worries about that. She was in incredible shape due to her own running and other fitness habits.

      The sound of an engine pulled her attention toward the nearby parking lot. The two-door coupe slipped into a spot a few places down from her car, and the driver cut the engine.

      When Ken stepped out of the car, Nona’s gaze fixed on him.

      He looked somewhat different in the early morning light, dressed in his running clothes. He wore a sleeveless white shirt and a pair of dark blue running shorts, which left the muscled expanse of his arms and legs visible. As he walked her way, the muscles flexed in time with his movements.

      Her heart began to pound in her ears. When she’d met him a few days ago in his business casual dress, she would never have imagined he was built so solidly. She swallowed to empty her mouth, which suddenly watered. Reaching to her waist, she pulled the water bottle from her pack and took a quick swig.

      Entering her space with an easy smile, he spoke. “Good morning.”

      “Morning,” she managed.

      He stooped down to give Sheba’s head a rub. “Cute pup. You two ready?”

      She smiled. Sheba hadn’t backed away from him to indicate any dislike. That was a good sign. “Yes, we’re ready.”

      They walked to the trail ahead as Nona held the end of Sheba’s leash.

      “I see you’re on time today,” Nona teased.

      “I’m never late for my runs.” Ken squatted to tie his shoelace, moving fluidly into the runner’s mark stance. “I suppose you have more questions about my life?”

      She shrugged. “Of course I do. You didn’t give me anything last time.”

      “You knew I run here.”

      “I found that out on my own.”

      He chuckled. “Beat me back to the trailhead, and we’ll talk.”

      Her face scrunched into a frown. “You didn’t say that on the phone.”

      “Those are my terms.” He raised his hips, indicating his impending start.

      Matching him, Nona drew a deep breath.

      He took off like a shot, his powerful legs propelling him forward.

      She followed a second later and soon matched his pace.

      Sheba kept up with both of them, allowing her youthful energy to have its head.

      While Nona ran, cutting through the humid morning air like a knife, she thought about his trickery. In his overconfidence, he obviously thought he’d beat her in this impromptu footrace and then be released from any obligation to speak to her. She had no intention of letting him off the hook, so she made sure to keep her strides long.

      When he glanced to his left and saw her easily keeping pace with him, a flicker of worry crossed his face. It was only there for a moment before he kicked into second gear and picked up his pace.

      With a smile, Nona sped up as well. The wind whipped her ponytail as Sheba ran alongside her. She felt powerful, exhilarated. There was nothing like a morning run to get the blood pumping and the gears turning.

      Sheba reached the trailhead first, followed closely by her mistress.

      When Ken got there, he leaned over, placing his large hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

      Nona, still standing upright, felt winded yet triumphant. “What’s the matter? Didn’t get your coffee this morning?”

      He stood, making a show of rolling his eyes at her. “Oh, please. The dog obviously tugged you across the finish line.”

      Sheba cocked her head to the side, as if she took offense.

      Nona waved her hand dismissively. “Whatever. Don’t be a sore loser.” She pointed to the bench. “Now, you owe me an interview, sir.”

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