Spark by Jennifer Ryder

lovers? No. No. No. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here.
    “Lovers is a long way off, Cassie. We’re taking it slow.”
    I can’t help feeling that I’ve rushed into this, but I need him. I need my best friend, and I’ll take him anyway I can have him. Am I being selfish?
    “I know Jon means a lot to you, and he’s been there for you, but guys will try anything to get what they want. If things start to get serious between you two, and you’re still not sure how you feel, then you owe it to Jon and yourself to reassess things.”
    “Like I said, we’re taking it slow.” I know she’s right, but it’s early days. “So, how’s Jeremy?” I say changing the subject. I bet they were all over each other when he got home. Goddamn sexy pilot .
    “His flight from Hong Kong was delayed, so I haven’t seen him yet.”
    “Oh, well, I’m sure you’ll make up for lost time.”
    Cassie gives me a mischievous smile.
    “Yeah. I bet you will,” I add.
    “You better believe it. So, you up for the gym tonight?” Cassie asks as we walk back to the office.
    “Yeah.”
    I know I’ll feel better for it, and we can talk more about how fucked up my life is then.

    ****

    In the late afternoon, Cassie’s boyfriend drops in with a massive bunch of flowers—in uniform, no less. The photos of him don’t do him any justice. I have to try not to stare. Cassie’s cheeks gather a healthy pink glow, her radiant smile a permanent fixture for the remainder of the day. I bet they’ll fuck their brains out later, and Cassie will wear that smile for the rest of the week.
    At the gym, Cassie and I start on the treadmills, running side by side. A good session always clears my head. I’m glad she suggested it.
    About ten minutes into the run, I’m startled by a deep voice behind me.
    “Genevieve … sweetheart , how are you?” The hairs on the back of my neck bristle.
    Fuck.
    I knew this would happen sooner or later. I was just hoping much, much later. I fucking don’t need this now. I slow the pace down to a brisk walk.
    “Hey, Alex,” I reply, breathless. My face burns, either from running or seeing him. He’s wearing the same tight black singlet top and black shorts I remember from before, and a towel is thrown over one shoulder. He rests his elbow on the treadmill, his muscles on display. Fuck me if my greedy eyes don’t take it all in. Shit, shit, shit. His short strawberry-blond hair is swept back with gel, and his hazel eyes glint flecks of gold under the bright lights. He gives me a devilish smile making my skin prickle all over. Dammit.
    Just as it was the last time we spoke, the conversation is all about him. Apart from his initial how are you? , he doesn’t ask anything about me, but I guess I don’t want to talk about all the fucked-up-ness anyway. He then launches into telling me about how he’s opening his bar soon, seeming very proud of his achievement, and promises to send me an invite to the opening. He really would be much more attractive if he kept his mouth shut.
    “You and Jon should go check it out,” Cassie says, interrupting our conversation. A cheeky look lights up her face. I know she doesn’t like Alex, so this is her way of politely telling him to piss off and leave me alone.
    Alex tilts his head back, and raises an eyebrow “Who’s Jon ?” he asks firmly, crossing his arms under his puffed-up chest. My eyes can’t help but scan over his strong sculptured arms. Strong arms that held me, once or twice.
    “Boyfriend,” I blurt out. I might as well get straight to it. If I hesitate much longer, Cassie won’t be able to help herself. It’s barely been twenty-four hours since Jon and I moved into this territory, but Alex doesn’t need to know that. It’s very strange calling Jon my boyfriend. I suppose I’d better get used to it.
    “He’s a lucky guy,” Alex says. His eyes travel up and down the length of my body, setting fire to it along the way. If I could walk away without