This is the chapter where Carter runs into Donovan and his brother James while running.

***********************************

"Donny, wake up."

Donovan tensed as a hand smacked his shoulder. Growling with annoyance, he rolled over. James stood by the edge of his bed, muscular arms crossed over his chest.

"Come on, little brother," he said, "we're going running. I fear you're getting out of shape."

"You sure it's not you who gained ten pounds over the last month with your new cushy job?"

James hit Donovan again, but Donovan caught his brother's wrist.

"Ten pounds in muscle," James said.

"Sure, try telling that to the paunch you call a stomach."

James yanked Donovan from his bed, but he was ready for this tactic. Leveraging his weight, he knocked James onto the floor and rolled to his feet.

"Fat and slow," Donovan said. "How does it feel to be past your prime?"

When his brother made to kick Donovan's legs out from under him, he leapt back.

"It's a miracle you got that promotion with how weak you are," Donovan laughed.

Faster than he expected, his brother was on his feet and crashing into him. The two went slamming into the floor, fists colliding with whatever part they could find. After an intense altercation, Donovan was pinned down, James holding him there with his body weight.

"What was that about being slow?" his brother asked, grinning.

"I might have been wrong about that," Donovan grunted, his face pressed into the ground. "But I wasn't wrong about you being fat."

Laughing, James eased up. "So a run then?"

Donovan shoved his brother off and rolled his shoulder, bringing feeling back into it.

"Yeah, let's go for a run."

Dressed and thoroughly awake, the two brothers left the apartment building. The sun was breaking into the sky and burning the top of the buildings with yellow light. The streets were quiet, the city basking in a late morning.

"What do you say?" James asked, stretching. "Warm up at the Lincoln Memorial and then go from there?"

Donovan nodded and the two of them set off. Their pace was easy, letting the smooth motion loosen their muscles.

"How are you liking the promotion?" Donovan asked.

As they crossed a few blocks and headed towards the Mall, James told him about his job and the challenges that came with the new position. When they reached the Mall they found it mainly empty, even the most avid tourist not up so early. The only people there were joggers and cyclists. They were circling the Reflecting Pool when a breathy, 'On your left' gave them a warning before a figure darted past, a brown pony tail wiping out behind her. Donovan briefly noted the stride and strength of the girl's body finding it vaguely familiar, but focused his thoughts back on his brother.

It was only when they were on the other side of the Pool and the figure was ahead of them again that clarity hit. Unable to stop himself, Donovan spoke, cutting off James.

"Carter?"

Pausing in her cool down, she turned back to them. Recognizing Donovan, she walked back, hands on hips. She was dressed in tight workout clothes and sweat beaded on her forehead. Donovan was struck by the way she looked and each defined curve. Shoving the impressions away, he made his face blanking, hiding all trace of his thoughts. Beside him, he felt James grin as intrigue radiated off of him.

Before Donovan could even introduce James, Carter held out her hand.

"You must be James," she said, with complete certainty.

He took her hand and shook it. From the slight raise in his eyebrows, Donovan could tell he was impressed her strength.

"I am," he said. "You're Carter?"

Though he said it as a question, Donovan could hear his mind spinning, planning out how he could use this simple fact to plague Donovan.

"Carter Owens. I go to school with Donovan," she said, pointing to him.

Donovan crossed his arms, having no intention of giving James anything. Already he was regretting calling to her. This one introduction would make two of his worlds collide and it was easier when they didn't.

James nodded, his hands falling behind him out of habit. When he smiled, the look was inviting, winning even. It was like a cat's before it devoured a canary.

"It's nice to meet you. It's a pleasure knowing anyone Donovan goes to school with," he said. "We don't hear a lot about his day to day life, so it's good to know he is making..."

Donovan wanted to punch him. Though he was playing the role of supportive older brother to keep Donovan's cover, it felt mocking.

"She knows, Jay," he said, wanting to forgo anymore pretend.

"Knows what?" James asked, curious.

"About everything. Me. Link."

The comment took James by surprise. He glanced between Donovan and Carter, ending with staring at Donovan.

"Really?" he asked, not masking his disbelief.

Donovan gave a single nod. In his brother's eyes, he could see a  million questions forming all of them revolving around the girl in front of them. When James looked back to Carter, she gave him a smug smile. James turned back to Donovan but he raised his hand, stalling any words.

"It's a long story and I'll explain later." 

Before James could press the point, Carter spoke.

"Donovan says you work with a security company," she said.

"I do. Recently promoted, actually. He mention anything else?"

"Just that you were in town this weekend."

James glanced back at Donovan, chuckling at him. Annoyance bubbled in Donovan's chest. His brother had a look that said he was about to say something very stupid.

"Well, that's my brother for you. He keeps things close to the vest, but expects to have everyone tell him everything." Irritation tightened Donovan's jaw. At that moment, he wanted to drag James away, avoid whatever personal thing he might give away. But there wasn't a way to do it without getting himself into a huge fight that could end with him being sat on. "I'm sure you already know this about him," James finished.  

Carter shot Donovan a quick smile, saying that she knew it all too well. "I know a little something about that. I'm still trying to figure him out."

James laughed.

"He gets better the longer you know him. But there are still times I have to beat information out of him."

Carter laughed. For a second, Donovan forgot his frustration with his brother and focused on the sound. It was unrestrained, something Carter hadn't been of late. He studied her, looking for a sign that her troubles had been forgotten, but something told him that they weren't.

"Good to know that method works," she said.

She looked at Donovan, her blue eyes still bright with laughter. There was a warmth there that stirred up thoughts that he had no intention of dwelling on. Not here and not with his brother making note of his every reaction. Still watching him, Carter took a step back.

"I'll let you get back to your run," she said.

"Carter, we're going to breakfast after this," James said. "You want to come along? I would love to get to know at least one person Donovan talks to."

Donovan almost strangled his brother right then and there. A breakfast with both of them would turn into target practice on him. Though Carter might not stoop to such levels, he had no doubt in his mind that James would try to make it as embarrassing for Donovan as possible. Carter glanced at him, seeming to read his resistance.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to have to pass. It was a pleasure meeting you, James."

He smiled. "Likewise."

She looked at Donovan, something in her face softening. "See you later, Donovan."

"Carter."

With his jaw clenched, it was the only word he managed to get out. A smile flickered on her face at his manner of goodbye. She gave a nod to both of them. Turning, she took off running again. When she was out of ear shot, James rounded on Donovan and punched his arm.

"Who was that?" he said.

Donovan kept his face even. "Carter, I thought that was obvious."

For this response, James wrapped his arm around Donovan's neck pulling him into a headlock. In retaliation, Donovan started punching his brother's side. James didn't let up.

"Tell me who she is," he said.

"A friend of Link's," Donovan said, still trying to break from his brother's hold.

The two brothers moved in small circles, one trying to get the upper and while the other struggled to keep it.

"Come...on...Donny," James grunted as Donovan slammed his fist into his rib cage. "Tell...me."

The blows were weak from the strange angle and James' tightening hold on his neck.

"A friend."

"That's all?"

Donovan got in a well aimed hit and James relented, letting him go. They broke apart, Donovan taking in a few deep breathes.

"Why would you think there is something more?" he asked, his hands on his sides.

James gestured to where Carter had disappeared. "Cause she's hot and from what I could tell smart."

"And I have a job to do. She would also be classified as a distraction."

James made a face and waved his hand. "Don't give me that crap. Yes, you have a job but you can't let it steal your entire life. It's already taken a lot, don't let it take more."

"She's a high schooler."

"How old is she?" James asked.

"Eighteen."

"Then I see no problem," he countered.

Donovan took in a deep breath, trying to fight the same thoughts that he had no right thinking about. He had a job. He could not let himself get trapped into a mindset that would hinder that.

"Link is my priority," he said.

James nodded in understanding. "I get that Donny, but that girl is one in a million. A girl like that you don't lose. You chase after her until you catch her."

**********************************************************************

Taking you down!

Down where? Where are we going? Are we going down the street to get ice cream? To the park? 😱 It means the police station! Oh dear how awful! 🙊

So let's face it, James has a point, Carter will not be on the market forever and Donovan should get her while he can!

Okay does it sound like Carter is a fish to anyone else? 🐟 (Please someone comment trout and know why that's the funniest thing ever 🙏)

Why would anyone be on the market? What market? What's the price? If your paying for someone doesn't that mean they're a...😳

Never mind. Is it clear I don't date that often...or ever?? 😁

Vote or not, comment or eat ice cream, follow or jig (but only at 2 in the morning 😉)