Dusk & Dawn

Chapter 29

"What's wrong, AmicaMea?" Mason asked, his expression filled with genuine concern.

"I've never been to the beach before... and I don't really know how to swim," I admitted, nervously chewing the inside of my cheek. I hoped he wouldn't laugh, though I wouldn't blame him if he did. It was probably unheard of for a twenty-two-year-old to not know how to swim.

"Awesome, I'll be right there with you when you swim for the first time. First time at the beach, first swimming instructor... it's going to be a night of firsts, Quinn," he said softly, his voice close to my ear. Goosebumps erupted across my skin, and I couldn't help but shiver with anticipation.

Standing on the damp sand in my high-waisted denim shorts, a long-sleeved top, and gloves, I observed the foamy waves as they gently caressed my feet before receding back into the vast expanse of the ocean. I glanced up, and Mason stood before me, extending his hands as an invitation.

"You can leave your clothes on. I won't let you drown, I promise," he reassured me, a playful twinkle in his eyes.
"But if, by some chance, you happen to need CPR, I have no problem giving you mouth-to-mouth." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and I couldn't help but laugh at his playful remark. It was the kind of line he would use to charm other girls, but deep down, a pang of disappointment lingered within me.

"I bet you say that to all the girls," I retorted, waving my hand dismissively, masking my disappointment with a smile.

"No, only to you," he replied, his voice sincere and without a hint of jest. I cleared my throat, attempting to break the tension that had settled between us.

As we stood there by the water's edge, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind. I couldn't help but yearn for his lips against mine, wondering how they would taste. Such thoughts often invaded my dreams. It wasn't worth the complications that could arise, especially considering we were friends. Getting caught up in such an odd predicament was the last thing I wanted.

Besides, Mason probably didn't see me in that way. It was always about the chase for guys, or so I believed.  And I couldn't risk jeopardizing our friendship by revealing my true feelings. It was safer to keep my desires locked away, hidden from the world.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I forced a smile and looked into Mason's eyes, masking my inner turmoil. 

"Alright, let's do this," I said, mustering up my courage. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and placed my trembling hands in his, feeling a surge of warmth spread through me at the contact. With Mason by my side, I knew I could conquer my fear of the unknown. Little did I know that this night would mark not only my first visit to the beach but also the beginning of a journey that would test the boundaries of friendship and desire.

With my hands in his, he walked backwards, gently guiding me into the water. I stole glances at Mason as I gradually eased into the gentle waves. The fact that he didn't make a fuss about my attire, particularly my gloves, was a relief. It showed that he understood, that he didn't push me to shed the protective layers I clung to. Breaking a lifetime of hiding and ingrained habits was no easy task, and I was grateful for his patience.

A smile played on my lips as I scrunched up my nose, feeling the water and sand intertwine, teasingly tickling my feet. With each passing moment, the water rose, lapping against my belly button, causing a gasp to escape my lips—a blend of fear and exhilaration.

"I think this is deep enough. We need to make sure you can still touch the bottom and, well, you're short," he remarked, leaning his elbow casually against my head. Standing at a petite 5'2", I couldn't deny my stature. It had subjected me to countless jokes about being vertically challenged at school. I rolled my eyes playfully at him.