The Baby Thief by L. J. Sellers Read Free Book Online Page B

what else do you do for fun?”
    “Skate, dance, ride my bike.” Jenna smiled. “Anything that keeps me moving.”
    “No, I mean for fun.”
    “Exercise is fun.”
    “No. Seriously. I’m talking about hobbies, like knitting or chess or watching old movies.”
    “I am serious. I don’t knit, play chess, or watch old movies. But I do like new movies, and I think I might like poker.” She didn’t even sound winded, as if running and talking at the same time were effortless.
    “This is disappointing,” Eric joked. “I was hoping we could get together, you know, do stuff, maybe even date.” He paused, waiting to see what she would say. Jenna didn’t respond, so he kept up his nervous chatter. “I’ve exercised more in the last twenty minutes than I normally do in a month. Except for softball season, which is over now.”
    “I play softball.”
    Eric grinned. “We have something in common.”
    He was grateful the bike path along the river was flat. The euphoria was gone, and his lungs and legs ached so badly he had to clamp his jaw shut to keep from moaning. “How far have we gone?”
    “About three miles.”
    Eric cursed silently to himself. He hadn’t even made it halfway. Jenna would just have to like him the way he was—or not. This was torture and he couldn’t do it any more. Fortunately, the route crossed over the river at the last pedestrian bridge, then looped back. He could cut across before that and walk for a while, letting Jenna catch up with him for the last mile of the run.
    “How are you holding up?” Jenna finally asked.
    “I’m in agony, but you’re worth it.” Eric’s heart felt like it was going to explode. It was now or never. “Can I buy you dinner tonight? Restaurant of your choice?”
    She hesitated, then gave him a shy smile. “All right.”
    “Pick you up at seven?” Eric grabbed Jenna’s arm so she would look at him again. “I have to stop now. I’ll cross the bridge up here at the university and walk until you pick me on the other side. I’m sorry, it’s the best I can do.”
    She laughed. “I never thought you’d make it this far. It’s not particularly healthy to overdo it your first time.”
    “Now you tell me.” Eric stopped running. “See you in an hour.”
    Jenna waved and picked up her pace. Eric’s legs almost buckled in relief. He started up the path to the bridge, hoping he wouldn’t collapse. The hammering in his heart finally tapered off, but he felt lightheaded, almost giddy. It was either oxygen deprivation or love. Eric wasn’t sure, but he figured he’d have to get used to it either way.
    Jenna picked him up on the other side of the river, a mile from the park. The pain was worse the second time. Eric promised himself he would never run again. Knowing it would be over in ten minutes didn’t help. It seemed like an eternity before they crossed the finish line and someone called out “two hours, eight minutes.”
    “Sorry about slowing you down,” Eric gasped, fighting the urge to fall face first into the grass. Jenna was still moving, not running, but not stopping either. Eric hurried after her to catch what she was saying.
    “It doesn’t matter.” She looked relaxed for the first time that day. “Thanks for keeping me company. You’re a good sport.”
    “Can we stop any time soon?”
    “Go ahead. I need to keep moving for a minute.”
    “Why?”
    “So my legs don’t get cramps.”
    Eric didn’t care what happened to him. He had to stop. Involuntarily he bent over and sucked up air. When his heart rate stabilized, he began to walk slowly, looking around for Jenna. Runners and spectators were everywhere, stretching out, gulping down bottled water, taking pictures, and talking excitedly about their race time. Eric didn’t see Jenna anywhere, so he went to the registration booth and picked up his t-shirt. It was white with green trees, blue sky, and a rainbow. Typical Eugene life-is-a-picnic artwork. He’d never wear it.
    Eric