Chapter 38

ALEK PACED AT THE FRONT of the lodge while he waited for Catherine. About to go in search of her, he stopped when Audrey appeared at his feet, whining and crying with excitement. He laughed and bent to pat her.

'She's super excited,' Catherine called out as she walked in.

Alek looked up to greet her then stopped. She wore shorts that revealed shapely legs and a fitted tunic. He gaped at her for a moment. 'Run?! Err, I mean, go for a run?' He flushed when she gave him a funny look, suddenly aware of his abrupt tone.

'Yep, are you feeling alright?' Her green eyes stared up at him in concern.

Shake it off Alek, he thought to himself. It's not like you haven't spent the last two days together. 'I'm fine. It's just warm in here. What did you do to your hair?' he changed the subject quickly and studied the intricate braid that ran down the back of her head.

I TURNED TO SHOW THE plait off. 'Sian did it for me. It'll keep my hair out of the way.'

'Clever,' he commented and gestured wit