The Running Series Box Set: Books 1-3 Read online

  I sat down in a chair to visit with him. I tried hard to fight the urge to wrinkle up my nose at the sight of Gretchen sprawled next to him, leaning against his chest possessively.

  “Yeah, we had a great time. And you can get that look off your face right now, mister… We’re just friends! Speaking of friends, I understand you and Harrison go way back?”

  “Well, it’s been a few years, I’d say. He’s a really smart business developer and attorney. Mostly he’s known for his good choices and strong ethics, which we don’t get to see very often.” Dad stalled by taking a sip of his already mostly empty drink. “Um, I know you’re a big girl now, but…when it comes to women, he’s got a reputation as something of a playboy. Keep that in mind, okay, Alex? I don’t think he’s the right guy for you.”

  “Not that his brother seems to be any better these days!” Gretchen quipped. Even if she was right, her snotty tone was enough reason to shoot daggers at her.

  “Daddy,” I said, icily ignoring Gretchen despite her pathetic attempt to snipe her way into the conversation, “don’t worry. The Brooks men are off limits to me. I have no plans to get caught up with either one of them at this point. I sent Grayson home. We might have stuff to talk about in the future, but I’m not ready to get into that. Harrison, on the other hand, I think just wants to be a good friend. He offered to loan me his car and his corporate apartment at the Millennium, so I can use the facilities and the trainers. Would it bother you if I stayed over there, especially since you and Gretchen will be leaving town?”

  Gretchen looked like she was about to object, but Dad intervened.

  “I think that’d be a great idea! You’d be closer to the city and right there where you can work on your strength training, plus Harrison would be looking after you. I’ve got a few tense business deals going on right now, and it’d be nice to know you’d be around people whenever we’re gone. I hope you don’t mind me interfering, but he and I actually spoke about it this morning. It just makes better sense, and I think you’d be more comfortable in a place you can think of as all your own, even if it’s just for a while. I know I’ll feel better if you’re secure and around other people, since we’re leaving for our cruise next week. But that’s only if you’re okay with us leaving town, you know.”

  Gretchen sat up so quickly she barely missed knocking Dad’s glass from his hand. It obviously hadn’t occurred to her I might want them around, and I might jeopardize her precious cruise. This was almost too easy.

  “Oh, don’t think about me,” I said sweetly. “I’m sure somebody will look in on me while you’re gone.”

  “Are you sure?” my dad pressed, his eyebrows coming together in concern while Gretchen looked more and more alarmed. “We can reschedule it. I mean, heck, you just got here, and now we’re going to pawn you off on someone else and leave you? I don’t know…”

  “No, there’s no need to think about me. You two just go enjoy your vacation. Really. I’ll be so busy with trying to move all my stuff from Dallas and trying to find a trainer to help me. I won’t even have time to think about being alone,” I promised with a sickening smile.

  Gretchen was seething.

  “I’m not sure I like this,” he continued.

  “Sweetie, Alex said she’ll be fine. Didn’t she? She’s a big girl,” Gretchen simpered, placing her hand on his chest again. “We’ve already found her a place to stay; it’s not like she needs us to babysit her, too.”

  “See? Gretchen’s right. There’s an elevator in Harrison’s building, so it’s not like I’ll be carrying all that heavy stuff on my bad leg or anything. I’ll just make sure to make lots of little trips, so I don’t get too tired out.” I leaned against the couch as if standing there this long had worn me out.

  Gretchen narrowed her eyes at me venomously.

  “I’m still not sure about this. Maybe your sister can go with you, honey?” Dad asked, as if placating a child by offering her a new toy.

  “No, Dad. You’ve been planning this. I won’t do that to you,” I said, with the tiniest bit of emphasis on the word you. Gretchen, however, could fall off the boat, for all I cared. “His building seems really secure. I know I’ll be fine. By the way, what did you mean about tense business dealings? Something I should be concerned about?”

  “Just normal business stuff, darling, you know how it is. I’m an old man, so the vultures are circling overhead. They’re out there thinking they can take over or try to undermine and steal my business. But my mind is still sharp as a tack. I’m on to them. I’ll just feel better knowing you’ll have someone around.”

  “I will, Dad. You and Gretchen just have a great time. Don’t let me be the one to stop you from going. And I promise, no more drama from me, you have my word!”

  He got up from the leather sofa—which was no small feat with Gretchen still practically claiming him—and came over to me for a hug. I felt closer in that one moment than I had felt with my dad in years. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I could see even Gretchen’s layer of ice melt a little bit. I made an excuse to go upstairs, promising we’d have dinner together before their month-long cruise.

  On the way to the guest suite, my phone rang. I saw the number and practically danced to my room to chat. “Cooper, I miss you! I’m so glad you called, how are you?”

  “Alex, I miss you, but I’m so glad to hear from you. I’ve been pacing the floor with worry ever since you left!” he said in a too-fast rush of words.

  “I’m fine,” I laughed, “but I miss you! You know all my drama already. Tell me how you’re doing!”

  “Well, I was finally able to catch up with the dashing doctor, and he filled me in on his part. You never explained why you sent him packing! You know you love him, and you have to work this out, Alex! He said you were on your way out the door with Harrison when he got there. Care to tell me how in the hell that all stacks up?”

  “It’s totally innocent, I swear. It’s actually a little funny because I bumped into Harrison at the coffee shop, and I thought he was Grayson! But Harrison invited me to grab a bite to eat, just a casual, we’re-work-colleagues kind of thing, but as I’m walking out the door for dinner, it was Grayson standing there. Only I thought it was Harrison, so when Harrison arrived, those two went at it. I don’t think that will be happening again, since I can now tell them apart. Grayson gave me his spiel and to be honest, I actually did feel horrible for him. It’s going to be hard for him to go through this alone, but I can’t fix his problems. In a perfect world, he would have Olivia’s mounted on his wall above a roaring fireplace.” I paused to let all of that sink in, but Cooper was oddly quiet for once in his life.

  “I’m not strong enough, Cooper. I can’t help him through all of that, and he needs time to process it himself before we can think of anything else. He has to move on from her, and I don’t think he really has.”

  As I spoke, I realized that, more than anything, it was Grayson’s secrecy I couldn’t get past. And then, he’d left me hanging after we made love. I could even understand and believe what happened at the gala, but that didn’t fix the rest of the problem.

  “So, I’m curious, Alex. How does Harrison fit into this triangle?”

  “He dated Olivia first, and he’s the one who introduced her to Grayson! And that cheat repaid his own brother by stealing her away! Harrison described her like she’s some sex-crazed addict and apparently wasn’t surprised when she cheated on Grayson later. Harrison isn’t interested in a relationship with anyone. His preference leans more toward one-night stands, and that is definitely not for me. We went to the game and had dinner at his place, seriously while watching ESPN’s post-game coverage. It wasn’t the least bit romantic or anything of the kind.”

  I could almost hear Cooper breathe a sigh of relief through the phone, but he was a tad early about that. He hadn’t heard the rest of it, and I knew somehow he wasn’t going to be thrilled.

  “Harrison offered to loan me his company car and corporate apartment at th
e Millennium, so I’d be close to town. I won’t have to live with Gretchen-the-Wretched, and I’ll also have training facilities in the building to keep up with my rehab. Plus, Dad and Gretchen are leaving for their vacation next weekend and didn’t want me to be at the house alone. Harrison and Dad are personal friends from years ago, so his intention is strictly big brotherly.”

  “How convenient for him, don’t you think?” Cooper said with a sneer I could hear all the way from Chicago. “So, are you ever coming back to Dallas? You’re going to have to figure it out at some point.”

  I could already feel the disappointment in his voice, and I hadn’t even given him a reply yet. “I can’t answer that right now Cooper, except to say I’m not ready to come back just yet. Drew worked it out for me to be here for at least three more weeks, and then I’ll need to make a permanent decision about my position in Dallas. Things have been going great with the assistant working the backside of things, but I know eventually I’ll have to make a choice. I’m just not ready to work with him every day.”

  I looked out the window and tried to envision a life of drama-free happiness, but with so much happening to me and around me, I couldn’t even picture what that life might look like.

  “Alex, you wouldn’t be working with him every day. There are tons of hospitals and surgeons that need your equipment. So what if he signed on to do speaking for your company and perform beta testing? That doesn’t mean you’ll see him. Besides, don’t you get the same feelings when you’re around his twin?” I could hear the unspoken argument Cooper was trying to convey, that somehow being with Harrison should give me the same heart-wrenching confusion I had over Grayson.

  “It’s not the same thing at all. Believe it or not, I can tell them apart, not just physically, but when they talk, when they smile. They couldn’t be bigger opposites! I love you for trying to take care of me. I know this is as hard for you as it is for me.”

  He was quiet for a second longer, and I knew him well enough to have the expression on his face swirl in my mind, causing tears to sting at my eyes. It was the look of sad support he had when he had to set aside his fun-loving personality and be real with me.

  “And what about me?” he asked so quietly I wasn’t sure he had even said it, thinking maybe it was my conscience calling out to me. “I came to Dallas because you’re my friend and I care about you. And you left me here.”

  “Oh, Cooper, I know I abandoned you. You are the best friend anyone could hope for, and I don’t deserve you. But we’re going to work this out. I swear this will be okay. I just need some time to get well and to get strong and to get my head on right.”

  “It’s not your head that has the problem, Alex. It’s your heart. But you’re right, we’re going to figure this out.” I thought I heard a slight sniffle, but it could have been my guilty imagination. “All right, get some sleep, and I’ll talk with you tomorrow. If you need me…”

  “I know, you’ll be right here. Because you’re always right here. And I love you for it. Say hello to Mark for me. You are still seeing him, right?”

  “That’s another story for another time. Just be well and call me tomorrow. Hugs!”

  I put my ear buds in and started making a new playlist while listening to “You Give Me Something” by James Morrison. It was like my stupid iPod was turning against me, or worse, siding with all the people who kept telling me that Grayson is right for me. Sure, he gave me something all right, but was it enough? Some of the song’s lyrics hit so close to home that it scared me:

  You want to stay with me in the morning

  You only hold me when I sleep

  I was meant to tread the water

  Now I’ve gotten in too deep

  For every piece of me that wants you

  Another piece backs away

  Once again, I cried myself to sleep.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Working remotely from Chicago was a bit tougher than I had imagined. There were more hours spent on the phone than what I had initially anticipated. It was bad enough to make me appreciate the downtime I would have with my physical training later on. I would start training in the late afternoons, so I could miss the traffic, leaving me all morning to get my assignments done.

  The trainers in Harrison’s gym were very willing to continue the plan the trainer back in Dallas had started, complete with weights, running, and swimming. That way, I would have a full, but changing workout every day.

  After my workout, I ventured over to the coffee shop to treat myself to one of their green teas and to enjoy the comfort of the familiar place.

  I had enjoyed a last week with Dad and Gretchen, never having had much time with them before. Maybe I saw them now through an adult’s eyes, instead of those of a withdrawn teenager who’d never stopped grieving. I’d still never get over losing my mom; I missed her terribly every day. I knew if she were here, she would have just the right things to say to me. She would remind me that every heartbeat had two sides to it, the one that pulled blood into the heart and the one that pushed it away. Her advice hadn’t always registered when she gave it, but I’d found that sooner or later, her words always rang true.

  As I’d said good-bye to Dad and Gretchen, I’d realized I’d made it a solid week without any interruptions from either Grayson or Harrison.

  I arrived at the Millennium and saw a familiar face. “Hi Vinnie, is the apartment ready for me tonight?”

  “Yes, Ms. Morrison. Mr. Brooks has arranged everything for you. The chef filled the fridge, but wasn’t certain what you liked, so he said to let me know of any special requests you have. The trainers sent over a message that you need to eat a few more small meals a day than you currently are, something to do with your blood work indicating low iron. They asked that I give you this number to call for the physician referral, and said you would know what that meant?”

  “Ah, yes, I do. My records from Dallas must have arrived. I just need another check-up from a recent injury, no big deal. Thank you for letting me know.”

  “I’ll show you to the apartment, Ms. Morrison. Right this way.” Led away by Vinnie, I had a flashback to all the tests while I was in the hospital.

  It was hard to believe a couple of months had already gone by since my head injury. I thought time only flew when one was having fun. The way my life had been going, time should be so slow that I was moving in reverse.

  The apartment was smaller, but just as luxurious as the penthouse, with a view facing the east that would provide a beautiful sunrise through those same floor-to-ceiling windows every morning. It felt more like a hotel than an apartment. This particular model had one bedroom, a study/den, a dining room and two bathrooms. The kitchen was modern and complete with all the amenities; the only item missing was Cooper. I realized I hadn’t lived on my own without him in years, and his absence was tangible.

  I dropped my suitcase as a text message came from Harrison.

  Just checking to see if u are all comfy, Please call me if u need anything

  I quickly replied, The apartment is breathtaking! Thank u for the hospitality. I will return the favor and cook dinner for u soon.

  His response was Sounds good

  Checking in with Cooper, his phone went straight to voicemail. “Hey, Coop. I’m all moved into the Millennium. I wish you were here. It’s Saturday. I bet you’re at Sambuca’s. Call me!”

  I was really tired and lacked even enough energy to take my clothes out of my suitcase. I wasn’t sure what that was all about, but thought a hot bath would do me good. I would have tomorrow to unpack everything, and then a long day with Drew on Monday going over sales plans.

  I drifted off to sleep for a few minutes in the bath, just long enough for the water to turn cold on me and to leave me a little startled, forgetting where I was. Getting settled would take some time.

  I made myself some tea, and it helped me relax enough to lie down, but it wasn’t long before I was jolted awake with nausea. I’d only had that hot tea, but it must
not have agreed with me and was making its way back up.

  After what seemed like hours on the bathroom floor, I managed to make my way back to bed on weak and shaky legs, and it only took a few minutes to get comfortable again.

  When I woke back up, the clock on the bedside table said it was two o’clock in the afternoon.

  What? How on earth had I slept that much? The physical therapy training must have been kicking my rear end. No wonder they recommended the extra meals. I wasn’t really all that concerned about the iron deficiency, but my clothes were getting too big for me. I just didn’t realize I had lost that much weight after my accident.

  The chef did a great job picking things I liked. I rooted around in the fridge and found the ingredients to make an omelet, then helped myself to some juice. I just hoped the food stayed in my system, since I was still feeling a little run-down. I tried hard to eat as much as I could, and then I worked on unpacking my clothes and getting them arranged like Coop would if he were here.

  Funny, just thinking about all of his stylist’s duties and just wishing he were here made me realize I still hadn’t heard from him. I was sick with myself when I figured out I hadn’t put my phone on the charger last night.

  Once again, it blinked to life and flashed with several messages from Dad, Cooper, and Harrison. All of the nosey men in my life were checking to see if I was okay.

  Just as I hit send on a text to Cooper, he called. “Hey Alex, you sound like you just got out of bed. Should I come kick your butt out of it every morning? You’ve become a girl who likes sleeping in all afternoon?”

  “Well, good morning to you too, Sergeant! For your information, I didn’t just get out of bed. I actually woke up before the sun this morning. I just forgot to charge my phone last night.” Okay, so no one needed a replay of my puking last night, so I left that out. I tried to change the subject with some questions of my own. “How are things in Dallas, Coop? Did you go to Sambuca’s last night with Mark?”

  “Yeah, we went and hung out with a few of the stylists from one of the shoots last week. We’ve had a good time, but we aren’t really together right now. With all the drama that’s been happening, Mark thought I would pack up and follow you, so he wanted to give me time to see what I wanted to do. I got my real estate license, and now with all the modeling, I am looking at what my options are. If you aren’t coming back, I may commute, break the lease, or at the very least, sublet the apartment, if I can. We’ll see what you decide in the next few weeks. How is your training going?”