I went running in the woods behind the house because I was in the mood to explore new territory. I loved getting lost in the woods as a kid and finding my way back out. I needed something to focus on rather than that perfect kiss playing over and over in my mind.

I was thankful for the weekend and loved morning runs. The woods were amazing. The dew made everything sparkle as the sun started rising. I turned up the music and continued to run. I was five minutes in when I came to a stop at a fence.

I climbed over it and walked slowly through the brush until I came to a small opening. A beautiful secluded garden with a large tree and swing came into view. It felt so familiar. I walked a little more and froze when I saw Zach.

He was putting earbuds in his ears and scrolling through his phone.

I looked past him and saw Coach’s house. I looked like a damn stalker. I was just about to leave, but he saw me. I felt naked. I was just in a sports bra and shorts. I figured I’d be okay running in just that since I was in the woods. I pulled my earbuds from my ears, crossed my arms in front of my chest, and stared at him. He saw me in a bikini. This should be nothing. But it was something. All because of that stupid, amazing kiss.

He slowly smiled at me. “That’s not doing much but showing me more,” he said as he motioned toward my chest.

“I’m about to go for a run. Do you... do you want to join me?”

I let my arms fall with a defeated huff. “Oh, now you talk to me?”

His smile faded. “I-I didn’t know what to say.” His forehead creased a little. “I’ve never had that problem before.”

“Anything would have been nice.”

I wiped sweat from my forehead. “So let’s run.”

He nodded then led me to the fence. He let me climb it first; then he followed. He set the pace, leading me deeper into the woods.

“My house is five minutes that way,” I said pointing west. “I just happened on your brother’s place. I had no idea.”

He smiled a little. “These woods connect to a lot of the area. If you go far enough you can get to my place.”

We ran for a half-hour without saying anything. He led me back to the place we met.

I sat down in the grass under the tree where there was shade.

“This is Millie’s favorite spot.” He leaned against the tree and looked at the swing.

I heard something in the tree and looked up. “What was that?”

“Just Sam moving around. She comes down and talks to us. Well hoots at us.”

I smiled. “Oh yeah, that’s right. Dane showed me the owl.”

I looked at Zach. “Don’t ever kiss me again and just leave me like that, okay? Sorry, I’m sure you don’t want to talk about it, but my mind has been going crazy.” I looked at my hands. “You’re the assistant coach.”

“I know.” He moved and sat down next to me, his back to the tree. He brought his knee up and rested his arm on it. “So, if I decide to kiss you again… I have to stay and talk to you, right?” he asked as he turned his head and looked at me.

I laughed a little. “Yes.”

He gently grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. He ran his thumb across my bottom lip. “You’re beautiful, Hales.”

I swallowed hard. “So are you.”

He leaned down and kissed me. He moved me until I was straddling his lap. I gasped a little when his hand gripped my thigh and his other hand roamed my bare back. I pulled back from the kiss and looked into his eyes.

“Can I trust you?”

He kept his eyes locked on mine. “Yes.”

I tilted his chin up so I had better access to his lips. I kissed him, and moved my arms around his neck. His hand on my thigh moved up my body, leaving my skin tingling wherever he touched. His hand on my back brought me even closer to his body while his other hand brushed against my breast beneath my sports bra.

I had no idea where this was going, but it could go anywhere, and I wouldn’t stop him. I was completely lost in every touch, the way his lips moved against mine, the way he breathed...

But then Millie’s giggles filled the air in the distance. I pulled away from him. Thankfully, Millie was on the deck talking to Dane. They couldn’t see us, but we could see them through a small opening in the bushes.

“Wow, ummm, I should go, right?” I stood and backed away toward the fence.

He stood, following me. He ran his hands through his hair. “If that’s what you want.” He brushed a piece of hair out of my face.

“I—” I ran into the fence as I was backing up more and almost fell, but he caught me. I laughed.

“I should head back before my parents start questioning where I am.”

He gave me his crooked smile. “I guess I’ll see ya later.”

I climbed the fence and looked over my shoulder at Zach. I smiled when I saw him watching me.

What just happened?

DANE AND I were in the backyard throwing the ball to one another while Dad grilled some chicken. I invited Sadie and Trevor over to hang out with us, but they already had plans with their families.

“You know you can hang out with other people, right?’ I teased Dane as I caught the ball.

I still hadn’t told him about the morning “run” with Zach. I didn’t know if I should. At first, he seemed okay about the whole Zach thing because he teased me about it, but after Zach kissed me, Dane got all weird and upset.

“But no one is as fun as you,” he said back as he threw the ball at me.

He caught the ball again but didn’t throw it back.

He pulled out his phone, and his smile completely faded.

“What?” I walked over to him.

He put his phone back in his pocket. “I have to head home.”

“Why? Everything okay?”

“Yeah. My dad just needs my help with something. I’m sorry; I have to go.”

I walked him to his truck after he told my parents goodbye.

“I’m sorry I have to go,” he said again, sounding depressed.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Yeah. Just looked forward to hanging out with you.” He tugged my ponytail a little. “Text me and let me know what’s going on in that head of yours.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been blanking out on me all day. I know something’s up.”

I shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s something. Trust me with it. This is a judgment-free friendship.” He grinned.

“I made out with Zach again,” I whispered.

He burst out laughing. “Did he talk to you this time?”

I nodded. “You’re not mad?”

“No. Not if you aren’t. I was upset before because you were upset.”

“Oh.” I smiled a little.

“You sure you can’t stay?”

Before he could answer, his phone dinged again. “I’m sure.” He looked down at his phone. “That’s my dad again.”

I hugged him and watched him get in his truck. He waved then drove off. I went inside to help Mom cook the side dishes.

“We have too much food now. Why don’t you invite your coaches over? We’ve been meaning to for a while now.”

I didn’t make eye contact with her. I poured the pasta into the boiling water. “I can send Coach a text.”

“Please do.” She smiled.

I got out my phone and texted Coach and Zach in a group text.

Zach and Coach: My mom wants you guys and Millie to come for dinner. Sorry for the short notice. Dinner is at 7!

Coach: What’s your address?

Zach: I know it. We’ll be there.

Coach: Okay. We’ll be there. Thank you for the invite.

Me: I’ll let my parents know.

I suddenly felt like I was gonna be sick. How the hell was I supposed to act like this morning never happened?

I looked at Mom. “I’m gonna go get a shower.”

“Are they coming?”

I nodded.

“Yay! I’ll go let your dad know.”

I went upstairs and got in the shower.