What Nobody Knew

Part 28

I kept running until the sun started making its way down to the horizon.

I took a seat at one of the benches, removing my earphones and attempting to catch my breath.

I had been running for about 50 minutes straight. I sat back fully, closing my eyes and allowing the breeze from the ocean to cool me down.

After a few moments of silence, I heard someone sitting down next to me on the bench.

"I should've known I would find you here." Came a smooth, British accented voice.

I opened my eyes to see George sitting beside me, a thin layer of sweat glistening on his skin. He was wearing shorts and a T-shirt and looking handsome as ever.

This is one of those unfair differences between the sexes. Men go out running and working up a sweat, and come back looking like Calvin Klein models. When women do the exact same thing we end up looking like we went camping for a week, during a storm and forgot to pack in a hairbrush.

"Do I need to get a restraining order against you? Because this seems too much to be a coincidence." I answered with a teasing smile.

He raised his hands in defence, although a small smile was gracing his face.

"I promise, this is a coincidence. I jog here quite often actually."

"Where's Charlie?" I asked, noting that he wasn't accompanied by his furry friend today.

"He was being lazy. I had his lead in my hand and everything, but he completely ignored me."

I chuckled.

"Hmm, well I don't think that's exactly fair. I completely understand that he would rather stay home and lay around rather than run around with you all afternoon."

He placed his hand over his heart. "Careful Elizabeth, you're hurting my fragile male ego." He teased and I chuckled at him.

"Well, then you'll have to grow a little thicker skin if you want to keep being in my company."

"I'd just have to do that then, as I can't bear the alternative." He answered with a fake pained expression.

"Smooth Mr Reynolds, very smooth," I responded with a smile.

His features became more serious as he turned to me fully. "I was disappointed that I didn't get the chance to dance with you again or say goodbye for that matter last night."

"Yes, so am I. Unfortunately, our presence at last night's event wasn't in my hands whatsoever." I answered tightly.

I didn't want to be reminded of yesterday or how Mr Knight had forced me to race out of the room without so much as a chance to greet George.

My phone started buzzing and I nearly dropped it when I read the caller ID. Did he have some sort of spidey senses, or rather George senses that started going haywire whenever I was near George? Because seriously, what were the odds of him phoning at this exact moment?

"Hallo, Elizabeth speaking." I greeted formally, even though I knew who was on the other line.

"Good evening Elizabeth, I trust you aren't too busy." Mr Knight's voice sounded from the other end of the line.

And just like that, he had my irritation rising again.

I wanted to respond by saying that I was actually very busy and that my attention was otherwise taken up by none other than his very favourite person in the whole wide world, Mr George Reynolds.

I was, however, not able to say any of this as he continued his speech before I was able to utter a response.

"I am on my way to you, I assume you are at home."

Oh sure, because I have no life outside of your company and I am simply counting down the hours until I get to sit in your charming presence again.

"I am not actually," I responded coolly.

George gave me a questioning look, noticing how tensed up I became.

I mouthed Mr Knight and realisation dawned on him.

"Send through your location, I am coming to pick you up." He stated.

How could he say something like that so simply? These weren't working hours, he couldn't just demand I jump into the car with him at any hour of the day without any explanation.

Well, he kind of could...

Oh, shut up!

"May I ask why, sir?" I tried asking as professionally as possible.

Why did he have to come and spoil my wonderfully relaxing afternoon? I was just busy forgetting about him and everything...

"Our plane is leaving in two hours, I will explain the rest when I see you."