Page 21 of Fear of Intimacy

Scrambling up off my seat, I took a step back, hands out in front of me. Eyes glued to his hand as some of it slipped through his fingers.

“Don’t you even dare.” I pointed a finger at him, but Trevor just slowly stood up. The fire behind him made him look like a menacing shadow. From the evil look on his face, he wasn’t far from it.

“Don’t do what?” he asked innocently as he stepped forward, mimicking my steps. There was no way in hell I was letting him near me with that. It took me ages to get the sand out earlier, and knowing Trevor, he’d make sure every inch of my hair was covered.

“I’m telling you right now not to do whatever it is you are thinking.” I stumbled slightly as I kept my eyes on his figure. I didn’t dare look away.

I knew the odds weren’t really in my favor. Trevor was over six feet tall with long muscular legs that could easilyreach me within a few steps. His body was basically a lethal machine, thanks to all his hockey training. Running in a medium that easily slipped away with each step was probably a walk in the park for him. Whereas for me, it would take extra effort on my part and probably make my legs replicate jelly for the next week.

“But you see, calling me names isn’t very polite.” He slowly advanced on me, easing me. I knew if I said anything it would only make it worse, but I never could control my mouth.

“I wasn’t calling you names or referring to you as plain. I was just stating a fact.” I could barely make out the expression on his face at my words.

“You’re not really helping your case here.” With each word, he kept walking in my direction. With the moon hanging high over the ocean, there weren't many people left on the beach and none spared us any attention.

“How about we come to an agreement?” I offered. Maybe I could talk myself out of this one.

“I don’t think so.”

“But—” Before I could finish, Trevor lunged for me.

Squealing, I dodged his attempt, pivoting on my heel and took off running. The sand was loose, which did not help as I struggled. I heard Trevor behind me and a quick peek over my shoulder told me he was right on my ass.

With wide eyes, I veered toward the wetter sand for better traction, pushing myself to run faster as my calves burned. There was no way in hell I was letting him catch me. Not with that sand still in his hand.

“Tasha!” Trevor yelled after me. “Get back here!”

“No!” I yelled back. Hearing him curse, I glanced over my shoulder again only to giggle at the sight of Trevor tripping. He fell to his knees. “Ha! Sucker!”

Laughing loudly, I kept running to put distance betweenus. My legs were already getting tired, stupid self for not spending more time at the gym, but I pushed forward. The sound of the waves lapping at the sand muted the sound of Trevor getting back to his feet, making me run that much faster.

I wanted to believe I was running at super speeds, but the sand kept slipping away, making me stumble every other step and giving Trevor plenty of time to catch up. Damn him and his long legs.

“Just accept it, Tasha!” he yelled from behind.

“Never!”

I knew we looked like complete maniacs running down the coast yelling at each other, but I didn’t care. For the first time in a long time, I was carefree.

My breathing got heavier and my calves started to cramp, making me slow down a little. I definitely was not a track star. But as I slowed, I didn’t hear a sound from behind me. It didn’t even seem like Trevor was behind me at all. Did he hurt himself when he tripped?

Coming to a stop, I went to turn around to make sure he was okay only for a pair of arms to wrap around my middle. I screamed as he lifted me off the ground and twirled me in a circle. I barely registered that he no longer had a handful of sand.

I couldn’t help but squeal and laugh as I was twisted in the air. Trevor’s arms were snug around my waist as he held me effortlessly against his chest. The feel of his breath on my neck made my skin break out in goosebumps.

“Should have said sorry,” he whispered in my ear, bringing us to a stop. Before I could comprehend what he meant, we were moving again. My toes grazed the slightly chilly ocean water, making me squirm in his hold.

“Trevor.” He kept a firm hold on me as he brought us closer to the water. This was worse than the sand. “Don’t!”

“Are you going to say sorry?” My hands scrambled to grab his forearms, but my feet were already fully submerged.Say yes, Tasha!

“No.” The word left my lips before I could stop myself.Way to go.

“Okay then.” He swung me to the side as if getting ready to launch me in the ocean. Yelling, I gripped his forearms tighter, struggling to hold on.

“No, no, wait!”

Trevor stopped, leaving me hovering above the water, the waves hitting my shins. I brought my legs up in an attempt to keep myself dry.

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