The Running Series Complete Collection: 3-Book Set plus Bonus Novella Read Online Free PDF Page A

opportunity go to waste.
    As Adam Levine serenades me, I bop and bounce around my room collecting my things.  This time, I’m a little more choosey in my clothing.  No more torn or ragged clothes and sloppy hair.  I select a lime green sports bra and a pair of long spandex to go under my blue running shorts.  There’s nothing more unattractive than a woman with a wedgie.  I take a minute or two to straighten my hair before putting it in a high and tight pony.  A little waterproof mascara, lip-gloss and a white North Face zip jacket to complete today’s new look.  I brush my teeth, and it’s go time.  Maddy eagerly jumps into the back seat of my car and off we go.
    Just like yesterday, there are cars parked at the beach.  I’m sure most of them are just fishermen.  You can tell by the rod and reel racks that adorn their trucks.  But there are also a few cars, so who knows what today will bring?
    New day, new adventures.  I throw caution to the wind, and rather than head north down the beach, I head towards the south.  Maddy is running alongside me and we joyfully take in our surroundings.  It’s another beautiful day.  The sky is dazzling, the clouds are few, and the breeze is gentle.  The waves are a little more active than yesterday, but all in all, it’s a good way to start the day. 
    After an invigorating twenty minute run, it’s time for a break.  I let Maddy off her leash, but not before I look around very carefully for any errant runners that might get mauled.  We’re in luck, no one is in sight!  The leash comes off and Maddy takes off chasing at least a dozen seagulls picking at the trash that washed up on the beach.  They give off loud bellowing sounds and take flight.  Maddy chases them, but it’s like playing whack-a-mole.  She chases one away, and another one returns.  It’s actually very entertaining to watch.
    I give her a few minutes to play her fruitless game, and when I call her this time, she actually comes.  With her leash on, we resume our return trip back to the starting point.  My iPod playlist moves onto a P!nk song with another great beat and I’m in heaven.  My mind is clear and I’m making great time.  Five more minutes, and we should be getting into the car for the ride back home.
    As I’m running along the surf, I gaze at the houses near the beach that were damaged during the storm.  Most of them are in various stages of repair.  A few are in the beginning stages and others are nearly complete.  I see contractors and homeowners busily going about their business.  What I don’t see is the change in the surf.  The sand unexpectedly shifts under my feet and before I can do anything to stop it, my left foot gets caught on an uneven patch of moving wet sand and down I go.  I can feel my foot twist and turn, and all my weight crashes to the sand.  The pain is sharp and hot.  I quickly feel the ankle, and it doesn’t appear to be too badly injured.  After a few moments, the fog clears from my mind, and the pain is actually tolerable so I attempt to rotate my foot.  Thank God, it still works.  No broken bones.  Maddy is right beside me sniffing at me trying to ascertain my condition.  She can sense something’s wrong, but she’s not sure what to do.
    Throwing all caution to the wind, I try to stand up and put my full weight on it.  The car is only a few blocks away and I can’t just sit here in the sand all day.
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea.  You took a pretty bad fall there.  Don’t move.  It could be sprained.”
    The voice and silhouette belong to someone I immediately recognize.  I look up and all I can think is, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”  It’s mister tall, dark, and handsome – again!  This can’t be happening. 

Chapter Three
    Outside Forces

    I n a flash, he’s at my side.  This time, I’m not flustered, I’m not speechless, and I’m not enchanted.  I’m annoyed, big time!  I don’t need to be