Free Inevitable by Angela Graham Page A

lacy thong. Walking around the pool, my back still to him, I glanced over my shoulder and smirked before diving back into the revitalizing water.
    With a deep inhale of fresh air, I looked back up at the window, the curtain was dropped, and the light was out.
    I laughed. A therapeutic, deep laugh, shaking my head.
    My point was made and my body enjoyed the soothing experience, so I stepped out of the water and grabbed my gown, disappearing into my own yard as quickly as my feet could carry me.
    As I opened and stepped through my back door, a light appeared illuminating Logan’s back patio, followed by the faint sound of a sliding door opening.
    I giggled, feeling proud and retreated inside. I felt like my old self. If Logan thought he could intimidate me with his sexy charm he was in for a surprise.
    Two could play that game

    The next day I awoke to my usual internal alarm, bright and early, filled with a newfound energy. By seven thirty, I was dressed in a pair of pale-blue jogging shorts and soft-pink tank top. The most comfortable exercise outfit I owned. I tossed my hair up into a high ponytail and didn’t bother stopping in front of a mirror as I left my room to fill my water bottle.
    I wasn’t going to rearrange my mornings to avoid Logan any longer. I’d never been that girl who got all frazzled around a hot guy and I sure as hell wasn’t going to start now. He’d had his fun but now it was time for him to meet the real Cassandra.
    Leaving my iPod on the foyer table, I took off enjoying the sounds nature had to greet me with. The morning air was fresh and cool with a hint of moisture. Perfect. I inhaled a deep breath as I jogged down my usual direction.
    Within minutes, I heard rather than saw someone behind me. I didn’t turn back. I knew who it was and I wondered if he would mention the previous night.
    Half an hour later and not a word out of Logan, I noticed one of the large potholes I regularly ran around to avoid. This morning I was feeling exhilarated and relaxed, so instead of jogging to the side of it, I did my infamous ballerina leap from the other morning. This time however, I followed it up with a dramatic twirl. I smiled, and it felt good.
    I didn’t bother to look back during my twirl so I wasn’t sure if he was laughing at me or not. He didn’t make a sound and I didn’t care either way.
    I was back to my old self.
    The city limits sign came into sight, and as I was about to cross the road to turn back, I heard his smooth voice.
    “You seem to be enjoying your morning.” His tone was soft and lighthearted.
    I could feel his arm brush mine as he came up beside me. He was waiting for the nerve- wracked Cassandra to show.
    Not happening.
    Against the pull of my body enjoying the sensation of his touch so close to me, I was able to keep my head.
    I looked to my right, staring him straight in the face, the bright sun behind him blocking his expression.
    “Yes, I am,” I replied, smiling.
    I heard him chuckling as I raced forward, leaving him in my dust.
    To my surprise and enjoyment, he never said another word although I could feel he was still close behind me. He gave me the peace I treasured on my morning jogs.
    Slowing as I approached my driveway, I smiled.
    “Have a good day, sweetheart,” he called out as I walked up my driveway. My body was surging with electricity and I was pumped to get my day started.
    “Tell Oliver I said hi,” I called back and disappeared inside my house.

    Showered and in my car by noon I stopped by the small grocery store on the edge of town. With school starting in two weeks, I needed to pick up a few last minutes supplies.
    My cart was filled with cheap notepads, pencils, and red pens by the time I made my way down the tissue aisle.
    “Hey, I tried calling you about twenty times this morning,” Hilary said, stepping beside me while I stocked up on Kleenex. “Are you all right?”
    I turned and smiled. “Yeah, sorry I turned my phone off. Just needed a