Okay, a good night's sleep and they'd be on the mission. He felt good about it. Strong. Mangus was running. Hiding information, secret entry to his lair. Possibly killing people after he “interviewed” them and they didn't pan out. He'd been hiding since the feds shut Limitless down after Victor was killed and Limitless’ illegal activities were finally ferreted out. But, now he was secretly recruiting, which he hadn't been before. At least not that they knew.

He waived the key card in front of their door lock and the green light flashed. Twisting the knob, he opened the door and entered their hotel room, Ford directly behind him.

Dropping his bag on the first bed he stretched as Ford walked past him and dropped his bag on the other bed.

"Was Megan pissed that you came on this mission?"

"No. She's probably happy to have the house to herself for a bit. Well, just her and Shelby. My sister will give her some relief if Shelby’s colic flares up. Since we met it's been one thing after another and we'd both lived alone for years before then, so it's been an adjustment. A good one, but a little space is good now and then."

"Yeah. I get that. I'm going to change into shorts and take a jog. That'll give you time to call her without me hovering."

"Thanks, but you don't have to leave."

He chuckled. "Look, I like Megan, and of course you, but I'm not interested in hearing your phone sex."

Ford laughed. "Fucker."

Swiping his gym shorts from his bag he chuckled as he entered the bathroom. After taking a piss he changed into his black work out shorts and gray tank top. Exiting the bathroom he fished his socks and running shoes from the bottom of his bag, quickly pulled them on and tucked his room card into his arm band, along with his cell phone.

"See you in an hour."

Ford sat on his bed, his back to the headboard and pulled his phone up. Dodge smiled to himself, the man couldn't even wait a minute to call his wife. It was nice. Not something he'd ever really had or dreamed he would, but nice that his friends had found it.

After riding the elevator down to the lobby, he noticed the empty room was brightly lit, with nice brown leather furniture and large floral arrangements were placed here and there making it appear cozy even in its vastness. Only one clerk was behind the desk and it was only seven o'clock at night. Not a largely populated area they were in so hopefully that meant the hotel would be quiet.

Exiting the glass doors the sultry air hit him but it felt good. After riding all day, he needed this to get his brain working again and his body sated. He took off running, setting his pace steady and even. There were street lights for a good distance down the street so he took the lighted path and set his mind for a good long run. He'd sleep better tonight after he tired himself out.

Thoughts of Jax ran through his mind as he noticed a curvy woman entering a restaurant as he ran by. She was a puzzle. Gorgeous. Curvy. Strong and smart. She was a definite team player, which was not what he'd thought about her the other night. He'd love to know if she'd gotten her ass chewed after he left ‘cause she sure deserved it, but he'd never ask. Gaige was responsible for his operation and it was his call.

His head needed to be on straight to work with her because his emotions about her were all over the board. One minute he thought she was a loose cannon and the next he thought she was capable. He had to stop his back and forth. Hopefully tomorrow would show him how capable she was and he'd have the confidence to finish this mission with her and be impressed in the long run.

Turning onto a side street, he entered a more residential area. Neatly trimmed lawns and picket fences met his eyes and the area's residents sat on their front porches or in lawn chairs in their yards as children played and neighbors talked. Everyone stopped talking as he ran by and probably discussed the stranger running down their street. He waved at a few people who called out hello to him but he worked to keep his pace even and didn't want to throw that by talking.

After four blocks he turned down another street and noticed the same neat and clean homes lining the streets. Another few minutes and he'd head back to the hotel.

A woman ran across the street a block ahead of him. Her long braid bounced on her back as she ran and his thoughts floated to Jax again. Shaking his head he blew out a breath, ran to that block, and turned his head to look down the street. On impulse he turned to follow her. His strides were longer and he found himself catching up to her. Slowing his pace just a bit his eyes landed on her perfectly formed ass. She was fit, firm, and strong as she navigated the streets, curbs, and landscape changes effectively. One block up and she turned the corner, but she twisted her neck and made eye contact with him and he saw her smile. Jax.

He quickened his pace until he was about four strides behind her and settled in while enjoying the view. They ran for another fifteen minutes and he was fascinated that she navigated the strange town expertly and without hesitation. Turning the final corner, she led them directly into the hotel parking lot. She slowed on the approach to the door then stopped and bent over, hands on her knees. Stopping alongside her he mirrored her actions and bent to catch his breath.

Huffing out a few words he managed. "You set a tough pace."

She giggled. "Actually, you set the pace." She breathed in and out a few more times. "I worked hard to stay a few feet ahead of you."

She turned to look at him and their eyes locked. Hers held a bit of humor in them and when she smiled it was like a punch in the gut.

"Inspiring." Was all he dared to say.

She stood and walked around in small circles, allowing her muscles time to stretch so she didn't cramp up. "I wasn't about to let you beat me, old man."

He laughed then. It came straight from his belly. "Little Mama, I could have beat you any time."

"Bullshit."

"We'll see next time. You up for an early morning run?"

"4:30?"

"See you right here."

She giggled and strode into the hotel and he smiled. He actually kind of liked her.