Playing Mr. Perfect (The Bradens at Ridgeport #1)

Clay

After a fitful night’s sleep spent convincing myself not to drive back to Pepper’s house, I’m up before the sun, getting my PT and workout done. I head out before the sun comes up for a run. The brisk air is exhilarating as I hit my stride. Few things center me like running does, and this morning I need centering. Leaving Pepper last night was not easy, but it was the right move. She needs to see that I’m into all of her, not just her body, and that I respect her career and her concerns.

The second I saw her in her office, I knew I made the right decision coming to see her. Not only had the chaos of the last week instantly fallen away, but I could see and feel how much she missed me, too. I don’t know if she tried to end us because of her schedule and where we live, or because our chemistry scares her, or for some other reason altogether, but after last night, I know she couldn’t fool herself into believing we were over any better than I could.

The house I rented isn’t far from the University of Virginia, and the sun is just starting to rise when I reach the campus. My first thought is that I wish Pepper were here to watch the sunrise with me. I never gave much thought to my grandfather urging me to get out and enjoy all this world has to offer, but after spending time with Pepper, that’s changed.