Chapter 1
My stories often can go multiple ways. Generally, I have the end written before I even start the story so it's not as if I don't know where they are going. However, sometimes there are moments I could take a simple turn and blow the whole thing up. One day I am going to chase the white rabbit down the hole and go somewhere none of us ever planned. This is one of those times. As a reminder, this picks up where Robbie runs away from Laura to meet Katharine. But this is Laura's story.
"That you don't get many chances. You don't want to waste them." They gazed at one another. Laura was hopeful his words had a different meaning. He smiled down at her, "Can I buy you a coffee, Laura?"
She smirked, "Coffee?"
"Something stronger?"
She smiled and nodded, "Sounds a bit more like it."
They walked a few more feet and Robbie suddenly stopped, his own words echoing in his mind. He had a chance, one he had been avoiding. Everyone else in his life seemed to be moving on, perhaps it was time he did too. Looking down at Laura, he smiled sadly. "Do you think I could have a raincheck? I just remembered somewhere I need to be."
Blinking, she nodded, unsure of the change in him. "Of course, but if it's paperwork, I'm sure Innocent will give you a pass."
"Actually, she's given me a few days off. I'll call you when I get back, we can grab that drink." Laura watched in stunned silence as he ran away from her.
She watched him run off, smiling at his sudden change of mind. It crossed her mind he might be off to meet someone else. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. The only person he ever met was James and, quite frankly, she wasn't in the mood for an evening with James Hathaway.
Turning on her heel, she headed for home. If she wasn't going to have a drink with a friend, she might as well go for a run.
At home, she changed quickly before hitting the trail for her normal route. The repetitive motion of the run settled her thoughts and within minutes she was relaxed and simply enjoying the outdoors. As she wound into town, her mind turned to what she would eat for dinner.
Almost instantly, she made the decision to eat out. It was a beautiful evening, a nice meal, a glass of wine all enjoyed in the outdoors would fit the bill nicely. She picked up her speed, headed for her favorite place.
Rounding the corner on the last turn, she ran into what felt like a brick wall. She would have fallen, but for two strong arms pulling her close. Looking up, she met the soft grey eyes of a very handsome man.
"Sorry, I didn't see you. Are you alright?"
Laura blinked once, trying to feel for injury. All she could feel were very strong arms, holding her up and a very fit body pressed against her.
She nodded, "I'm fine, no harm done."
Slowly he relaxed his grip on her. "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to yell at me. It's all my fault."
She laughed, "No, I suspect we were both lost in the beauty of the day. What if we call it a draw?"
He shook his head, "No, I insist it was my fault. And I believe there might be the need for reparations."
"Reparations?"
He nodded, "Perhaps a drink." He nodded in the direction they had both been turning, "It seems we are heading the same direction."
Laura scoffed, "I don't know you. For all I know, you might be an axe murderer running around town preying on woman out for a run."
He raised an eyebrow, "Are there a lot of axe murderers in Oxford?"
"You'd be surprised."
"Well then how do I know you aren't an axe murderer? Perhaps you run around town preying on men out for a run."
She shook her head, "No, I'd never use an axe. Too messy, difficult to wield. There are at least a hundred other ways I would kill you."
"You've given it a lot of thought."
"You have no idea."
Motioning in the direction they were both headed, "Then it's a good thing we met." They fell into step, "We can protect each other from axe murderers."
"Have we really met? Does colliding on the street while turning a corner really count as meeting?"
He stopped walking, "You're right." Holding out his hand, "I'm Alan."
Laura smiled, taking his hand, "Laura."
"Now, Laura, about that drinkā¦"
