Dashing All the Way

by Chelsea Curto

For all the readers who want a quick holiday read that’s more spice than plot… ’Tis the season!

Whoever decided running is a good form of exercise can go straight to hell.

I’m a stubborn bitch, and there’s nothing I love more in life than proving a man wrong.

“Do what? Contemplate the necessity of men’s existence? It’s pretty easy; I think society would function just fine without them. Think of how well the world would run if women were in charge.” “Thanks for the fuck the patriarchy pep talk, but I meant exercising. It’s excruciating.”

“I love being on my ass, believe it or not. I prefer it when I’m getting something good out of it, like, you know, an orgasm. Not more pain.”

No other kids besides the one I’ve managed to keep alive this long, despite Darwinism trying to come into play.

“I’ve run out of reasons why Jada can’t listen to the books she loves. I sound like a controlling husband.” Rhett scowls at me. “I don’t know how to tell my wife I don’t want her to hear my best friend tell her to take it like a good girl.”

And the signs! That one says we’re running better than the government, and that’s the fucking truth.”

“You’re doing something less than one percent of the population has accomplished, babe. I’m so proud of you.” That makes me want to cry all over again. It makes me want to finish for her instead of Jeremy, and as we head into mile seven, then eight, then nine, every thought I’ve ever had about my ex-boyfriend fades from my mind. I’m doing this for the women who have been told they’re not capable of something. For anyone who feels like they’re not good at anything. I’m doing it for younger me, the girl who never would’ve let a man dictate her life, and as we surge through mile ten, I could scream from the pride rippling through me.

“Your son didn’t know how to fuck me.” Margo brings her mouth close to mine. “Do you think you will?”

“Baby, when I’m finished with you, you won’t be able to walk straight. I’ll give you exactly what you need.”

“If you’re going to stay, we’re doing things my way.” I grab her chin and our eyes meet. There’s heat behind the green, and I smile. “Think you want to play?”

“Game on, Finn,”

“I don’t know what my son did to fuck things up with you, but you’re here with me now. And I’m going to take care of you. Give me the night, Margo. We can figure things out when the sun comes up.”

“I’ll get on my knees and beg if you want me to.” “That’s exactly where a man belongs, but I’ll believe it when I see it. I bet you’re all talk.”

“Come here, sweetheart,” he says, and I move to him like the tide going out to the ocean. “You are, without a doubt, the best gift I’ve ever received.”