Free Step-Lover by Bella Jewel Page B

buster.”
    “You are running, darlin’.”
    “This could go all day. You go, I’ll stay. When you get back, we’ll eat more food and make you feel fat again.”
    “Nope,” he says, pushing me towards the bag. “Now get dressed or I’ll do it for you.”
    “I’ll dress, but I won’t run.”
    I open the bag and find a pair of cotton shorts and a tank, plus a pair of sneakers. Not really running clothes, but I can definitely run in them. But I won’t be, so it doesn’t matter. I’m grateful he got me these clothes, though, considering I only had one pair when I decided to spend a damned weekend with him.
    It’s been a nice weekend, too. I called Melanie and she squealed with delight, promising to go along with my story that I’m staying with her for the weekend. This has ensured it’s been quiet and peaceful, which has been nice. It’s Sunday now, which means today everything will come to a close. Still, I have no doubt we’ll see each other again, which makes me happy.
    I’ve never clicked with someone the way I do with . . . er . . . Dante.
    I can’t wait to hear his real name.
    “Get dressed,” he says, slapping my ass.
    With a huff, I disappear into the bathroom to get dressed. When I’m done, he’s already changed into a pair of running shorts and a tight tee that does really great things for his muscles. Damn him for being beautiful. He takes my hand and leads me out of the hotel. I don’t protest about this, purely because it’s a gorgeous day outside and I need fresh air.
    When we hit the sidewalk, he pulls me across the road towards the beach. People are everywhere, running down the long path beside the white sand, eating at restaurants along the roadside and playing with their families. I can’t fight the smile that spreads across my face as we step onto the soft sand. The water is really blue today, and waves crash softly against the shore.
    “Come on, solider,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me.
    “No . . . seriously . . . I don’t run.”
    “If you don’t run, I’ll throw myself on the ground and pretend you’re beating me.”
    I huff. “You will not.”
    He flattens a hand to his chest. “God dammit, please don’t!” he cries so loudly people stop and stare.
    I shove his shoulder and laugh loudly. “Fine, you asshole, but you owe me.”
    He winks. “I’ll make it up to you.”
    Taking my hand, he starts running down the sidewalk. Grudgingly, I follow him. It’s actually, dare I say it, quite nice. I don’t get far, before he decides he’s bored with running and wants to play. He spins suddenly, and puts his hands up. “How do you feel about a public tickle attack?”
    My eyes widen. “You wouldn’t.”
    He wiggles his fingers. “I so would.”
    I turn and flee, running hard and fast. Trails of laughter flow from my body, no doubt travelling back to him because I can hear his laughter too. He chases me down the sidewalk and people stop to watch us. When he catches me, his arms go around my waist and we topple to the ground. We roll a few times across the grass, before he pins me on my back.
    Then he tickles me.
    I’m ashamed to say I snort-laugh, a lot. People around us are smiling and kids laugh right along with us, no doubt reliving the joy they felt when someone tickled them. When we’re both out of breath, Mystery Guy rolls to his side and flops down onto his back. Something inside my chest expands. This feels amazing. So damned good. Dating this man would be a real experience, that I know.
    “Told you I could make you run,” he says.
    “Yeah, yeah, you win. Do you do that to all the girls?”
    He snorts. “No.”
    I roll towards him. “Do you do this with any girls?”
    His brows shoot up. “What? Have fun?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Sure.”
    “For an entire weekend?”
    He narrows his eyes. “Never had the need, but sure, if I wanted to I would.”
    Something twists inside my chest. “Oh, right.”
    We’re silent a minute, then he says. “I’m