“So, where are you from, Vivienne?” he asks.

“I don’t think that’s information they’ll need for the restraining order.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re difficult to get to know?”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re annoying?” I retort.

Jace lets out a dry laugh. “Handsome, talented, athletic, yes. Annoying is a first.”

I snort. “Shocking.”

We continue running in silence. I’m pushing myself faster than usual, but Jace keeps up easily. The same massive tree where I first encountered him is visible in the distance, and I’m surprised to realize we’ve run the entire trail together.

I slow my pace as we return to the gravel path, eventually stopping in the shade of the broad branches so I can pull my quarter zip over my head and tie it around my waist.

“I have to get to an early class,” I tell Jace, who’s watching me closely. I shift uncomfortably under the scrutiny. I contemplate tossing out another barb, but decide to just tack on a lame “See you.”

He smiles. “See you, Vivienne.”

I jog back toward Kennedy Hall, resisting the temptation to look back at him the whole time.

CHAPTER SIX

I spend the rest of the day thinking about Jace Dawson, and it irks me.

The next morning, I leave my dorm room and stand outside of Kennedy Hall for longer than usual, conflicted. A large part of me wants to turn left and see if Jace is at the tree again, but I squash down the troublesome inclination and turn to the right before I begin jogging.

The rest of the week, I purposefully wake up especially early and choose long, winding routes that take me as far away from the elm tree where I encountered Jace as possible.

With each passing day, the decision to do so becomes easier and easier, like I’m slowly being cleansed from an addictive substance.

The following Tuesday, I push through Kennedy Hall’s front door to embark on my usual morning run, stretching my arms as I do. I round the large bush that stands just outside the entrance and unexpectedly slam into a hard body.

I glance up, about to apologize, when I’m struck silent by familiar gray eyes.

“Morning,” Jace greets me, grinning.

“Are you lost?” I ask. “This is the all-girls’ dorm.”

“I know. It also seems to be a safety hazard. Do you ever watch where you’re going?”

I ignore him and start jogging. It only takes a few seconds for the telltale sound of footsteps to start behind me. I look over at Jace, annoyed.

“What part of our last run together gave you the impression I wanted to repeat the experience?” I ask. Despite my harsh words, I’m disgruntled to find that I’m actually excited to see him.

Jace returns my gaze and grins again. “I’m training. Your endless insults make me run faster.”

“I like my runs to be peaceful, not to be a verbal sparring match.”

Jace chuckles. “I can be quiet. The disdain radiating off of you is motivation enough.”