#Chapter 281: A New Journey

Abby The crisp morning air stings my cheeks as Karl and I look at each other. I hate the fact that the sight of his muscular body, glistening in the morning sun, makes my face feel hot; but at least I can blame it on the cold. “Um… Sure,” I finally say, agreeing to run with him. I don’t really want to see him right now after what happened at the party, but at the same time, I do. The emotions roiling inside of me are confusing, to say the least, and I hate myself for it. “Cool.” Karl, shirtless and seemingly unaffected by the cold this morning, leads the way. His lean muscles flex with each stride, and his breath forms clouds in the chilly air. We run side by side, the rhythm of our footsteps echoing in the quiet morning. For a little while, neither of us speaks. The scenery passes by—lots of empty fields, towering trees, and the occasional cottage. It seems as though everyone has decorated for the holidays already, and the quaint little houses are adorned with garlands