Richard's office was located on the third floor of a three-story building, and the windows faced the street. Across the street, on ground level, was a coffee shop. The space was rented so that Richard would have someplace quiet to write, asides from his home office. He loved natural light, so kept the windows curtain free and sometimes when his mind drifted he'd watch the street life below. Asides from the coffee shop, there was also a yoga studio, salad shop and a couple of clothing stores.
Less than a month into his lease, he realized a certain morning ritual took place each day. The yoga studio had early morning classes that ran about 90 minutes, and afterwards several of the students grabbed a coffee before heading out. It didn't take a rocket science to figure out this was a good time to grab a joe refill and enjoy the view. After a few visits, some of the ladies began to look familiar. One morning, Richard started a conversation with one of the regulars.
She was an ebony goddess. A full tight compact bottom, thin waste, small firm breasts, long light brown wavy hair, sparkly eyes, gorgeous smile and brilliant. It was this last feature that made Richard repeatedly seek her out. It wasn't long before they'd engage in ten minutes or so of conversation each day. Laughing at the government, business follies in the news and she always seemed to have some little science scoop to divulge. A few weeks later, and they called one another friends. Her name was Minet.
About this time, they both discovered they had a common interest—running. It also explained why she routinely ordered a small cappuccino, so she could run shortly afterwards. A week later, Minet asked if Richard would be interested in joining her for a five-mile jog. She was clear it wasn't a date, just that some days it might be fun to have a running partner. He accepted.
Two months later, and they were running at least three times a week. Usually, just for five or six miles, but sometimes the two put in a long ten miler. A tradition followed, that after long runs they would reward ourselves with a cold beer. It was afterwards, she learned of Richard's office location and that he was a writer. They both assumed the other had procured some suds, and both were wrong. Fortunately, Richard had a bottle of bubbly in the office and offered it as an alternative. Minet accepted and walked with him up to his office.
"This is where you work?" she asked after entering the space.
"Most of the time. Sometimes I like to break it up, write at home or in a coffee shop," he answered.
o
"This is great Richard. Wow, I'm impressed." It was a nice spot. The tw windows were fifteen feet wide and run from waist height up to the ceiling. One on each corner. Between them was an old slab of redwood converted to a desk, and along the non-entrance wall a floor to ceiling bookshelf. A large sofa was next to the office door, and at the end of it old ice box that had been converted by a friend to a modern refrigerator. Inside it was a chilled bottle of bubbles, along with various lunch items, veggies and health drinks. "Why do you even leave this place?" Minet had spotted his pour over coffee apparatus. "You have everything you need here."
"Well, sometimes writing gets lonely and one does need contact with other people. Plus, certain people can often inspire traits in a character."
"Are you saying that you're using me as a basis for a character in a book?" Minet asked with a half serious tone.
"Yes, I'm writing about a MMA fighter and basing his personality on yours," Richard answered with a chuckle. "No, what I do is spot someone that is interesting or unique, or does something differently, and I might take that and merge it into one of my characters."
"I'm not sure I'm following you."
"You know the barista downstairs, that is really quiet, and has a pony tail?"
"Yes, but its weird, I don't even know his name," Minet answered.
"Sergei. He was home schooled and started at the uni two years ago. He loves taking time-lapse pictures of stars from atop large mountains. So, he not only climbs up there, but will hang there alone for a few days. He's also athletic. From a standing position he's able to jump onto the top of a six-foot refrigerator. For me, I see those traits as interesting and someday want to transplant them into one of my characters. Not him, just a couple of his traits."
"Interesting. You write fiction, correct?"
"Mostly, some short research think pieces," Richard replied.
"Do you have anything I could read?" Minet asked.
"Sure," he answered as he grabbed a novel off the bookcase and handed it to her.
"What's this?"
"It's a love story. About an addict who must choose between the woman he loves and the drugs that control him. It got some acclaim, but I'll warn you, it is sad, dark and does not involve a happy ending. About a decade ago I penned it."
"This isn't your name on the cover?" Minet asked suspiciously.
"Its my pen name. When outside I prefer to keep anonymous. On the inside of the back cover is a grainy picture. You'll recognize it, but intentionally it is not too clear."
"Shit, that is you. Wow, Richard. I'm impressed. I will read it."
"Now that the cat is out of the bag, what do you do?"
"I'm a professional athlete and model."
"What?" Richard exclaimed.
"Really, you don't recognize me?"
"No," he stated with more than a spattering of embarrassment.
"Gotcha," Minet stated with a broad smile. "Actually, I'm a pharmacist. I cover late night shifts which gives me some weekday flexibility to pursue other interests. I hate it. The job is a glorified pill counter. So, last year I wrapped up my MBA and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I intern at a pharmaceutical development business. I'm hoping to pick up full time work there once I finish my internship."
"Cool, now I have a drug source," Richard tossed back as he fetched the champagne.
"Very funny. Is that too much for us?" Minet asked just as the pop lifted off.
"You can try to put the cork back on, or limit yourself to two glasses. Choice is yours."
"Ok, I know those corks do not ever fit back on. Just two glasses though." Richard poured the first glass and the two discussed different places they liked to run in the city. As the conversation flowed, he noticed Minet's nipples were peeking through her running bra. While he was thrilled with her mind, he also tried to keep from ogling her body. Often, he selected single trails to run with her so that he could follow her lead and take in the view of her behind that he found splendid.
As the conversation detoured through various topics, Richard refilled their glasses and gently inquired about Minet's love life. She hesitatingly revealed that she'd ended a two-year relationship several months ago and was currently dating a special person. When she inquired of Richard's status, he let her know that eighteen months ago his wife had asked for a divorce and since then he hadn't really dated, but elected to use the time to clear his head. Minet felt a small rush when she uncovered his single status.
Midway through the second glass, Minet spoke up excitedly. "Shit, I forgot to tell you something. I signed up for a half-marathon and really want to set a PR. Care to join me? I'm daring you?"
"I'll cheer you on, and help any way I can, but I'm not a racer. Although I do like dares. Sometimes. My ex-wife spent most of her weekends galivanting around the country as she was an event organizer and focused on race events. However, I'd be happy to help you or coach you. I used to run them and know a bit about prep work. What would you like your PR to be?"
"Hoping to bust 1:55. Crazy, right?" Minet laughed. "I'll take just a speck more of the juice."
"Sorry, its gone. There's only four glasses in a bottle."
"Shit. No wonder I'm having so much fun. I should probably let you get to work, and I do need to shower. Seriously, you'd coach me?"
"Of course. Your goal isn't an easy one, but I think your capable. Or, will be after I've put you through the ringer," Richard answered.
"Deal. You are on. Start tomorrow morning?" Minet stated excitedly. Having a coach would be fun, especially someone so easy to hang with as Richard. She realized the cool air of the office had caused her nipples to harden but also knew it was not responsible for the dampness she felt. Part of her wanted to stay, to sip away another bottle and, maybe, just maybe, exchange a kiss or two with Richard. But she was dating another and couldn't. The realization of what her body craved motivated her. She gathered her keys and left abruptly claiming she had an appointment she'd forgotten about.
Richard was saddened by her swift departure. His cock had tingled with lust at the repeated chances to freely witness Minet's rear, emerging nipples and adorable smile. After she left, Richard spent the rest of the day developing a detailed running schedule. They had a little less than six months to get her in great shape.
The two made a good team. Richard not only had her running a variety of short distances, slow long runs, sprints, but also had her swim twice a week and steered her to a runner's diet. Three months later, the results were noticeable. She could easily hold a nine-minute pace for seven miles, and her body was stunning. While Minet's breasts shrank a size, her bottom had grown and become firmer, while her legs would rival those of any model. They'd also gotten comfortable.
Minet often ran in short shorts and with only a sports bra on top. She'd become habituated to Richard's eye "secretly" eyeing her ass and firm breasts. Internally, she viewed it as a compliment and sometimes she let her imagination roll. Maybe, after the race, she'd drink too much and, well, have a towel slip off unexpectedly after a show or something. Richard's thoughts were more specific. Often, he worked devilishly to conceal his firming cock.
With two months left, the unexpected happened. After a twelve-mile long run, Minet insisted on doing a series of squats and wind-sprints not far from Richard's office. She pushed herself too hard. In the final squat, she thought someone had stabbed or sliced the back of her thigh and buttocks. It wasn't a freak attack. She'd pulled a hamstring and was barely able to walk the two blocks to Richard's office.
Once inside, he had her lay face down on the couch then pulled an ice bag from refrigerator and wrapped it in small towel. He placed this on the back of her left buttock and leg. "Do you think I've blown it for the race?" Minet asked timidly.
