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"Okay" I could do this "I will, Coach"

"Good" He clapped me on the shoulder "Do what you need to do I’ll see you at the finish line"

With that said, I set my internal speedometer to full force Once I did this, I knew this was hoould go the whole way I didn’t pay attention to who I was passing I didn’t look to the sides as people were lining up ahead, trying to keep up withuntil I realized I was alone Either I was in first or the girls ere in first were too far ahead of ainst myself

The first roup of people My eyes were focused, but I caughttheir ar, but it was roup was there Soet there, to be there when I went past it

"Saan A s

The fourth marker had more people

The fifth doubled in size

The sixth and seventh were the same As I flew past, I realized they were there for me I heard my name clear as day, but it didn’t slow me down I didn’t let it distract me

I remembered Mason’s last text as I cleared a hill and started down it: Run your ass off Run to me All roads, Sam I’ll be there

I had one more marker A referee was supposed to be at each one of the anyone The finish line wasn’t far and I wasn’t tired yet My legs stretched wider I envisioned everything in round Myme forith my mo ain I could go faster I saw the end and the large crowd that had for on asping That had been the fastest run of , but I forced myself to stop As I did, people ran at an I turned to him, a wide s in the istered that he earing Cain U athletic clothes, a war his muscular build and lean waist His pants rode low on his hips He looked good enough to juaze I couldn’t look away His eyes were lit up with love

I didn’t think I leapt for hi to him as my arms went around his neck I didn’t think he would be there and he was I wasn’t going to question it I was just going to revel in it

"Okay Where’s the sharing ht here I care too"

Mason started to letmy face into the crook of his neck and shoulder He wrapped his arms around me once more, and his hand splayed out over my back as he rocked me back and forth For a moment, just one morewhat it had felt like as he pressedright here The two love-tweeties can get alone ti, I lifted an patted his chest and spread his arms wider "Sa to be your bitch, but I want a hug"

Before I could unwind an "Oh!" My legs dropped to the ground and Logan lifted ht around my back as he whirled rinned down at me A stupid happy look was on his face and he shook his head "I’ proud of you You have no idea"

"We all are" Malinda was next She pulledThen David Heather Mark was last, and it was an aard hug There was no body contact His arms lifted up and around me, then he patted me on the back and moved away as soon as it was done Frohed I had to "They’re not going to hurt you for hugging one "Logan?"

Mason was looking pastKris, who looked ready to fall down Her hair was soaked with sweat After he hugged and kissed her, he handed her a water bottle

"Uh" Mason stepped forward He sent an apologetic s over everyone as he touched roup again "I have to head back right away"

"That’s right You play today, don’t you?"

He nodded "I do It was nice seeing everyone"

Malinda held her ar ht ass over here I aet to see you thatfor Mason, she lifted his ar close so I heard her whisper, "David’s relieved you’re not going to be around for Christmas break, you knoith the slumber parties, but not me" She moved back, brushed a tear away, and cupped the side of his face "You’re just so handsome I miss you, and I know Sale" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7451196230453695" data-ad-slot="9930101810" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true">