Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
I stretch my arms up high, feeling the crisp morning air kiss my skin. The early sun peeks through the blinds, casting a warm glow across my room. It's going to be a beautiful day for a jog in the park. I slip into my black leggings and tie my crop top securely. My heart beats with excitement as I lace up my running shoes. This is my sanctuary, my time to think, to breathe, to escape.
Stepping out of my apartment, the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement echoes through the empty street. The city is still asleep, leaving the world to me and the occasional chirping bird. I enter the park, the wrought-iron gates groaning a welcome as they swing open. The scent of dew-kissed grass fills my nostrils as I begin to jog down the familiar path. The quietude is a balm to my soul, a stark contrast to the chaos of my everyday life.
My ponytail swishes back and forth as I pick up the pace, my breaths growing steadier with each stride. At 23, my body is a finely tuned machine, capable of enduring the rigorous routine that grounds me. The morning light filters through the leaves above, creating a dappled pattern on my skin. Sweat trickles down the side of my face, but I don't wipe it away. It's a testament to my commitment to self-care, to the quiet mornings where I refuse to let the world's noise invade my thoughts.
The first ten minutes are always the most invigorating, the world waking up around me. The next twenty are a dance between my mind and my body, finding harmony in the rhythm of my steps. I pass the same landmarks: the ancient oak tree with its sprawling roots, the bench where young lovers steal kisses, and the pond that mirrors the sky. The birds are growing bolder now, their symphony filling the air. My legs start to burn, but I push through, reminding myself of the endorphin rush waiting just around the corner. The path curves, and I lean into it, my feet pounding the earth as the world outside my headphones fades into a comforting blur.
As I round the bend, the path opens up to a less-frequented area of the park, where the sun is just starting to stretch its golden fingers through the dense canopy. The silence is almost eerie here, a stark contrast to the lively chorus of the rest of the park. And then, I spot him - a man, standing stock-still, his silhouette a stark contrast against the brightening horizon. He's tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence that seems almost out of place in the serene setting. His eyes are hidden behind a pair of aviator sunglasses, and a hint of a smile plays on his lips as he watches me approach. My heart skips a beat, but I don't slow down. Instead, I tighten my grip on the earbuds, my music a barrier between us. The beat of my favorite playlist pulses in my ears, but my thoughts are racing faster.