Kim straightened up and started to shake out her arms and legs. "I'm fine. I know I'll probably be sore tomorrow, but it still felt good to get out and run. I need to get back to regular workouts."
"You're welcome to join Thor and me anytime on our runs." What are you doing? This was supposed to be a one-time thing until you saw how she acted at work afterward. Jess couldn't bring herself to retract the spontaneous offer. It felt right.
A quick glance at Kim proved she was just as stunned by the invitation as Jess was at having made it. A smile tugged at Jess's lips as Kim tried to regain her composure.
"I wouldn't want to intrude. I know you don't get to spend a lot of time with Thor," Kim said.
Beautiful and incredibly thoughtful. Jess knew Kim was offering her a graceful way out. "Thor really likes you." And so do I. "It's not an intrusion. We enjoy your company."
That beautiful, sun out from behind the clouds smile that Jess was coming to adore, blazed across Kim's face. "That would be great, Jess."
Thor bumped Jess's hip.
"Sorry, boy." She had been so distracted by Kim she had forgotten what she was supposed to be doing. "I need to get him some water. Walk over to my truck with us?"
"Sure."
On the way to the truck Jess couldn't help noticing the occasional sour look Kim was throwing at Thor. She looked him over but couldn't see any reason for Kim's apparent ire. Nothing untoward had happened on their run.
"Is something wrong?" Oh I bet I know what the problem is. Jess was so used to his drool she forgot that most people didn't appreciate being covered in Thor's slobber. Jess pulled the small white towel she had tucked in her waistband and wiped Thor's muzzle. "Sorry. Did he slime you?"
"No, he's fine." Kim glanced down at Thor, and a slight scowl once again marred her face.
Jess was getting a bit worried. Had Kim decided she didn't like Thor after all?
Kim looked up at Jess and laughed. "Don't mind me. I'm just jealous."
Huh? "Of what?"
Kim pointed at Thor.
"Of Thor? Why?" Jess asked. She looked back and forth between Kim and Thor, totally confused by this turn of the conversation.
"We just ran two miles and he wasn't even winded. He looks like he could go another two miles, easy, if not more. I'm jealous. I used to do five miles at a time and now look at me."
Jess did as instructed. Kim's hair was windblown and damp with sweat; her T-shirt was wet with perspiration, and her face was still flushed from exertion. You're beautiful. While undoubtedly true, Jess figured it was best to keep that observation to herself.
Pulling on her own damp T-shirt, Jess made a show of checking herself out. "I look pretty much the same. I can't keep up with him either. I kept him by my side today. Normally he runs in front of me and zigzags back and forth to get some extra mileage. I think he runs twice as far as I do, and he's still not tired." She reached over Thor's back and patted Kim's shoulder. "Don't feel bad. He's a lot younger than we are."
Kim snorted. "Great. Thanks. I feel much better now." She looked down at Thor. "You just wait. Once I get back in shape then we'll see who gives out first."
Thor let out a deep-throated woof as if accepting the challenge.
Kim jumped and then laughed. She gently bumped Thor with her leg. "No comments from the peanut gallery."
Kim is so good with him. No wonder he likes her. She talks to him like Sam and I do. Watching the two interact, Jess had a feeling her quiet, solitary life was about to change. Her heart felt light at the prospect.
Thor's pace quickened, and he began to tug on the leash at the sight of Jess's vehicle.
* * *
Kim leaned against the side of Jess's Durango and sipped her water. Not only did Jess have a large container of water for Thor but also a cooler with small bottles of water. Thor was standing next to Jess, drinking his fill from a bowl she had placed in the open hatchback of her truck. Kim was still amazed by the big dog's size. He had no trouble whatsoever reaching the bowl to get his drink.
The day had turned out better than she had ever expected. Jess's standing invitation to join her and Thor whenever they went jogging had been a particularly amazing and welcome surprise.
Having enjoyed herself, Kim didn't want her time with Jess to end so soon. While not completely sure she wasn't pushing too fast, too soon, Kim decided to take a chance. What's the worst thing that can happen? If she says no, so be it. At least I tried.
"Hey, Jess."
Jess looked up and smiled.
"Could I interest you and Thor in a trip to the local Del Java for a cup of coffee?"
The smile on Jess's face faltered for a moment and then quickly reappeared. "Sure. That sounds good."
Kim didn't miss the slight hesitancy on Jess's part. But she agreed. That's what counts. She was looking forward to the opportunity to sit and just talk with Jess. It was something they had never really gotten to do at work.
"Okay. Let me go get my Jeep and I'll follow you."
CHAPTER 12
"YOU GOT A SADDLE for that thing?"
Jess barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Like I haven't heard that one a million times. Since their arrival at the outdoor patio of the coffee shop, a steady stream of people had come by and ask about Thor. Shouldn't have picked a table so close to the door. Up until now, everyone had made friendly inquiries about the big dog. This was the first downright stupid comment. She quirked an eyebrow and flashed a half smirk at Kim before turning her attention to the middle-aged man standing next to a nearby table.
With her best deadpan delivery Jess said, "No. I'm waiting until he's full grown to get one."
It was hard to keep a straight face when she heard Kim smother her laughter with her hand.
At a quiet "hup" command from Jess, Thor leaped to his feet.
The man took a step back and seemed to be rethinking his decision to approach the big dog. "Well, you ladies have a nice day." The man gave Thor one last long look before turning to walk away.
As soon as the man was out of earshot, Kim started to laugh. "Did you see the look on his face?"
Jess grinned. "I don't mind answering questions about Thor. I know people don't often see a dog his size. People like that though..." Jess shook her head. "They think they're being so clever. If I had a quarter for every time I heard that saddle comment, I'd have enough money to buy Thor food for the rest of his life."
Kim reached over and stroked Thor's back. "I understand people's fascination with him."
"It's been a while since I was out like this." Jess grimaced internally. That sounded pathetic. She's probably out with friends all the time. "With Thor I mean. I'd forgotten what a circus it can be. Sorry about that."
Jess swallowed heavily when Kim's vivid blue eyes turned in her direction and held her captive for a moment.
"Don't worry about it," Kim said. "This is actually the first time I've been out with someone from the hospital since I got here."
Anxiety twisted in Jess's stomach. Shit. Did I make her think this was a date? No matter how much Jess might want it to be a date, she knew she wasn't ready for that. She briefly wondered if she ever would be.
"It's nice to have a friend to go out with, to go jogging, out for coffee or whatever," Kim said with a warm smile.
Even as relief flowed through Jess, there was a tiny part of her that was disappointed. You know it's for the best. Enjoy her friendship. Jess offered her own smile in return. "Yeah, it is nice to have a friend to do things with."
The moment was broken by the excited squeal of a child. A little girl rushed toward Thor with a woman, most likely her mother, in hot pursuit.