Running from the Wolf

by Laura Ann

  Running from the Wolf

  By Laura Ann

  This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

  RUNNING FROM THE WOLF

  First edition. September 4, 2018.

  Copyright © 2018 Laura Ann.

  Written by Laura Ann.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  DEDICATION

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  THE END

  Read on for a FREE Sample

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  PROLOGUE

  DEDICATION

  To the girl in the red glasses.

  May your grins and giggles

  Stay with you for a lifetime.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  Thank you to the wonderful Victorine

  For my cover. I love it! And to my Beta Crew.

  You make my books so much better.

  CHAPTER 1

  Ruby Sanchez felt like there was a swarm of butterflies doing the polka in her stomach. She sat at a table for two in a cozy cafe, waiting for her date to show. A date she had never met. This internet dating is like perpetually setting yourself up for blind dates. She thought with a nervous giggle. You never quite know what you’re going to get. Her emotions seemed to be pinging all over the place. She was a mix of excitement and nervousness, topped with a little bit of hope.

  She and B.W. had been emailing for a couple of weeks through a dating site they had both signed up for. FindYourFairyTale.com. No pictures or names were exchanged in order to help people make a deeper connection and for safety purposes. B.W. had contacted Ruby first, pointing out they had similar interests in their profiles and they had settled into an easy email conversation.

  After a couple of weeks, they had decided they wanted to meet in person, which was why Ruby now sat with those overactive butterflies. She had left her dark hair down and long and had taken the time to put on a little bit of makeup. Her dark lashes usually didn’t need mascara, but she knew when she used it, it made her light, blue eyes pop against the dark fringe. A touch of blush against her creamy cheeks and a swipe of lip gloss on her already plump, red lips brought out her slightly exotic features.

  Although her day job was teaching middle school math at Middleton Prep, she ran marathons in her spare time and she found things like makeup to be a hindrance, which is why she usually kept a bare face; except for special occasions ... like today.

  Her foot bounced under the table and she pushed on her knee to stop the motion. Calm down. He’ll be here soon. B.W. was already five minutes late and the thought of being stood up made Ruby extra anxious.

  “R.S.?” A tenor voice asked.

  Spinning her head to look over her shoulder, Ruby spotted a man watching her with an expectant look on his face. “B.W.?” She asked in return, standing up to meet him.

  A slow smile crept across his face as he looked her up and down. Ruby felt a bit of unease slither up her spine at his blatant perusal. Ignoring the red flag running through her mind, she thought. I suppose it’s natural, I’ve been curious to know what he looked like too.

  He stuck his hand out. “Braedon Wolfe. Nice to meet you.”

  Ruby shook his hand. “Ruby Sanchez. Nice to meet you too.” As he walked around to sit across from her, she allowed herself a more subtle study of him. He was only a few inches taller than her own five foot, seven inches. He had a lean, athletic build, which his skinny jeans and tight t-shirt accentuated. His hair was dark brown and hung to his shoulders, giving him a slightly rebellious and wild appearance. He wasn’t exactly what she would call handsome, but he wasn’t bad either. Just ... average, with a slightly wild streak.

  After getting comfortable in his seat, his dark eyes settled onto hers. “I had no idea I was getting such a hottie when I asked to meet you.”

  Ruby bristled and narrowed her eyes. She was used to people commenting on her unusual looks but had thought things would be different with Braedon since they had gotten to know each other without visuals. I don’t even know what to say to such an outrageous comment.

  With a raise of her eyebrow, she picked up her menu and decided to ignore his statement. “I’ve only been here once before, do you know what’s good?”

  Braedon cleared his throat and put on a contrite face. “Sorry. That wasn’t really an appropriate comment. You’re just so pretty. I’m surprised you would even be on a dating website. Doesn’t seem someone like you would need it.” Picking up his menu, he let his eyes wander down the page.

  Ruby wasn’t sure what to think. Something about his apology seemed contrived, but he said all the right words. You hardly know him, just give him a chance. She told herself. She shrugged her shoulder. “It’s all right. I guess we’re both pretty nervous, huh?”

  He smiled and went back to reading the menu.

  After they had put in their orders with the waitress, an awkward silence reigned for a few moments.

  “So ... “ he began, “tell me about yourself.” He leaned his folded arms on the table and tilted his head to the side, showing he was listening.

  “Okay,” Ruby said, feeling heat creep into her cheeks at his undivided attention. “Well, I know we both mentioned several things in our emails, but if it’s okay with you, I’ll just kinda start from the beginning?”

  Braedon nodded.

  “Well ... I’m a teacher at Middleton Prep, one of the private schools in town. I—”

  “What do you teach?” Braedon interrupted.

  “Uh, middle school math. We’re not an overly large school, so I do all middle school levels. Everything from sixth-grade math to algebra,” she explained.

  “Ah.” He nodded, then waved his hand for her to continue.

  “I love what I do, but I’m also an exercise enthusiast, I suppose.” She gave a small grin. “I run marathons in my spare time. I usually try to do a couple each summer.”

  Braedon’s eyebrows shot up. “Marathon’s, huh? That’s a crazy coincidence. I run too. You mentioned you like to exercise, but I don’t remember seeing that you run on your profile.” He narrowed his eyes at her.

  Ruby jerked back slightly. Why does it feel like he’s accusing me of something? “I guess I didn’t put everything about me on that questionnaire,” she said carefully, watching for his reaction. “But it just shows something we have in common, I suppose.”

  His face relaxed and an easy smile took over. “You’re right. No harm, no foul.” He sat back and crossed his arms. “What else should I know about you?”

  “I think that’s probably about the extent of it,” Ruby said. The feeling of unease she had felt in the beginning was back. Determined to give him more than fifteen minutes to make an impression, Ruby once again pushed away the red flags that were crowding her vision. He hasn’t really done anything wrong.

  “I’m sure there’s more I need to know, but I’ll let you off the hook for now.” His smile appeared genuine and Ruby felt herself relax.

  “What about you?” She asked, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder.

  “Me? Well ... I don’t suppose there’s a ton to tell. I’m a business consultant, which means sometimes I work crazy hours and sometimes I can set my own hours.” He grinned. “I’ve already just mentioned I like to run, maybe we can
do a race together sometime.”

  Ruby smiled. “Sounds fun.”

  He nodded, then continued. “I’ve only lived in this town for a couple of years, but with my ever changing schedule, it’s been hard to meet people. That’s why I joined the dating website.” He smirked. “I’ll bet you were wondering why someone like me was on there, huh?”

  Ruby held in her shock at his statement. Whoa. This dude’s got an ego. “Sure,” she answered, not wanting to encourage him, but knowing he was waiting for an answer.

  A scowl crossed his face momentarily, but he quickly replaced it with a pleasant smile. “I guess that’s about it. I’m just your ordinary guy.” He swung his arms wide with a smile.

  First, he’s too good for the website, now he’s ordinary? Hmm ... As Ruby sat contemplating his mood swings, their waitress arrived with their food. Grateful for the interruption, Ruby focused on the salad in front of her.

  “You really should eat more carbs.” Braedon interrupted her thoughts.

  “Hmm?” Ruby raised her eyebrows and her eyes darted to him.

  He pointed his fork at her and waved it around a bit. “As a runner. You’ll do better if you carb load. Salads won’t give you the energy necessary to sustain a long distance.”

  Ruby had to tamp down the part of her that wanted to be offended at his assumption she didn’t know how to eat properly for her runs. He’s just trying to be helpful. “Thanks, I’ll remember that.” She tucked her chin back down and took a bite of her meal.

  “Anytime. I’ve done a lot of studying on how to fuel your best performance. I’ll teach you how to do better at your runs.” He began cutting up his pasta, his focus on his food.

  Aaannd, there’s the ego again. Unable to let this comment slide, she took a deep breath. “I’ve been running for many years and do all right at it. I appreciate your willingness to share what you know, but I think I’m probably fine.”

  Braedon smirked. “You women, always thinking your way is best.” He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s okay to admit that someone knows more than you. After all, men have been doing these things far longer than you have.” His smile had a hint of pity in it as if he felt bad that she was so misinformed.

  I think we’re done here. Ruby forced a smile and hoped it looked genuine. “You know what, I think I’ve lost my appetite. I’m just going to go.” She pulled a ten dollar bill out of her purse and set it on the table, then started to stand up.

  Braedon reached out and grabbed her arm.”I’m sorry. Sometimes I don’t think before I speak. I’m really enjoying your company. Please give me another chance.” His brows and mouth were turned down and his eyes pleaded his cause.

  Ruby paused. I really haven’t given him much of a chance. But those comments were way out of line. Once again pushing aside her hesitations, she sat back down, crossing her legs and glaring. “I don’t appreciate your sexist remarks. I’m willing to give you another chance but I don’t really see the point when we obviously have such different opinions..”

  He laughed. “It was all just a joke. Can’t you take a joke?” He smiled wide. “You took my comments way too seriously.”

  Ruby’s tense shoulders slumped. Did I take it too seriously? It sure didn’t sound like he was joking. But again, I don’t know him that well. Blowing out a deep breath she said, “Sorry. I have been tense about our meeting all day. I didn’t mean to take your remarks the wrong way.”

  “Apology accepted,” he said with a smile. “Now ... let’s finish our food.”

  RUBY WALKED IN THE door of the small cottage she shared with her grandmother. “Hey Grams! I’m home.”

  A grey-haired woman with Ruby’s bright, blue eyes shuffled into the front room. “Well, how was it?” She asked with a grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye.

  Ruby rolled her eyes. “Not great. The guy has more mood swings than a teenage girl. One minute he’s nice, the next he’s acting like some jock with an ego the size of Texas. I don’t think we’ll go out again.”

  Her grandmother huffed. “I told you that website was a mistake. A beautiful girl like you can find a man without any help.” She reached up and patted Ruby’s cheek.

  Ruby smiled fondly at her grandmother. “As sweet as that compliment is, we both know it’s not really true. We’ve lived here for four years and I haven’t met a single man that I like more than a friend.”

  “True love will come in time, sweetie. Give it time.”

  “Yes, Grams,” Ruby said dutifully, before kissing her grandmother on the cheek and heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  I’m twenty-seven years old. How much longer does she expect me to wait? Ruby’s thought whirled while she brushed her teeth. She felt bad about wanting more than what she had, after all, her life was good. Her mother had left when she was a teenager, but she had been sent to live with her grandmother, who had taken wonderful care of her. She had a job that she loved and plenty of time during the summer to enjoy running the trails around their house.

  Their little cottage was located outside city limits and nestled at the base of a wooded area with hiking trails that went on for miles. Perfect for marathon training. She mused. I’m healthy, happy, my bills are paid, I really don’t lack for anything. So why do I feel like there is a part of me missing?

  Ruby shook her head at her musings. “I suppose I should just be grateful for what I have,” she muttered to herself, then padded to her bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

  CHAPTER 2

  Ruby woke early the next morning and took off for her run. The quiet thud of her sneakers and the pounding of her heart were the only sounds she heard for the first thirty minutes. She adored running through the shaded woods in the early morning. The sun was just rising over the horizon, so the birds and other creatures were barely beginning to stir. The peace and quiet gave her the freedom to ponder on problems and solutions. This morning she found her thoughts drawn to date the previous night.

  He was nice some of the time, but kinda weird. Plus I didn’t feel any real attraction or draw to Braedon. Probably best to stick with what I told Grams last night and not go out again. There wouldn’t be much of a point.

  Feeling good about her decision, Ruby picked up her pace slightly and began to listen for the morning song of the birds that were starting to flit amongst the treetops. Their music always soothed her and helped her remember to be grateful for what she had.

  DESPITE THE PROTEIN shake, Ruby had had when she got back from her run, she was still starving when she came out of her shower. She turned towards the kitchen and the delicious smells of bacon and eggs.

  “Smells good Grams,” Ruby said with a smile.

  Her grandmother smiled back at her and asked, “How was your run this morning?”

  “Good. It was a beautiful morning. Gonna be hot today though if the temperature this morning is any indication.” Grabbing a couple of plates and forks, Ruby set the table. Then she turned to grab orange juice and glasses just as her grandmother brought over the bowls of food.

  After saying grace, they both filled their plates and silence reigned while they ate.

  “That was delicious, thank you,” Ruby said as she stood from her seat. Walking around, she kissed her Gram on her soft, wrinkled cheek and started clearing the table.

  “Oh, let me do that,” Grams said, standing up.

  “Nope. You cooked, I clean.” Ruby smiled over her shoulder at the older woman. “That’s the deal.”

  Grams huffed and waved her hand at Ruby, but sat back down. “So, what are you going to do about that young man of yours?”

  Ruby’s eyebrows scrunched together. “Do you mean Braedon, the guy I went out with last night?”

  Grams nodded.

  “I thought I told you I didn’t think we would go out again, and he’s NOT my young man.” She snorted. “Not even close,” she muttered going back to her task.

  “You might feel that way, but I’ve seen how men act around you. He’s going to
be asking to go out again.”

  Ruby shrugged. “I’ve already decided that’s not going to happen. So there’s really nothing else to think about.”

  “Alrighty then.” Grams paused for a few moments. “Are you going to keep using that website?”

  Ruby scrunched her lips to the side. “Yeah. I guess so. Just because it didn’t work out with this one, doesn’t mean it won’t with another. Besides, it’s not like I have any better options at the moment.”

  “Give it time, hon.” Grams stood from her chair and shuffled to the family room. Soon, Ruby could hear the clicking of needles as Grams continued work on the baby blanket she was knitting.

  Wonder if she’ll ever get to knit one for me? Ruby mused, a pang hitting her heart. With a shake of her head, she scolded herself. You’re blessed, Ruby Sanchez. Knock it off.

  After finishing the dishes, she grabbed her laptop, planning to peruse websites for lesson ideas. Checking her email first, she was only slightly surprised when she saw one from Braedon.

  Dear Ruby,

  I wanted to apologize about last night. I was so nervous that I’m pretty sure I didn’t make a very good impression. I’m hoping I can convince you to give me another chance.

  Braedon

  Ruby sat stiffly in her seat, blinking at the email. “Well, that wasn’t what I expected.” She muttered. “He actually apologized.”

  Leaning back, she crossed her arms and glared at the computer screen. Do I give him another chance? I wasn’t attracted to him, but maybe I’m not being fair. One date probably isn’t enough to make an informed decision. Is it? Her decision flip-flopped. “Sometimes people have to grow on you, one meeting isn’t enough to let that happen,” she murmured to herself.

  With a sigh, she hit the reply button.

  Dear Braedon,

  I understand being nervous, so to be fair I am willing to go on one more date. How about we meet for lunch next week? Maybe Tuesday?