Love, Romance And A Boy (bxb)

Part Twelve

Part Twelve

•••

I inch closer to the water, my toes curling at the thought of the cold. The moment it touches my ankles, I jump back. Scott stands waist-deep, extending his hand.

"Squirrel, come on," he says, eyes softening. "Sometimes you need to be vulnerable. I've got you."

His sincerity makes me pause. "I really..."

"I'll be gentle," he promises with a grin. "And I won't let go."

Scott, in his Spiderman boxers, is undeniably attractive. I fold my arms, trying to sound defiant. "Can you even keep your promises?"

He raises an eyebrow, chuckling. "Just get in the water. And yes, I keep my promises."

Despite my longing to learn to swim, today feels wrong. "We can do this at home," I suggest, rolling my eyes.

"How do we know we're getting home?" he counters. "What better time than now?"

He's manipulating me, and I refuse to give in. "It doesn't matter. I still don't want to. I just... I can't."

Scott tilts his head. "And why can't you? Or is it that you don't want to?"

He's not getting it. "Scott, I appreciate your effort," I say, but he cuts me off.

"Do you want Jess to see our chemistry?" he interrupts, catching me off guard.

I furrow my brow. "What?" I laugh, scoffing. "That's hilarious. What chemistry? You're delusional."

Heat rises to my cheeks. I look away.

"You know we have chemistry," he insists. When I start to deny it, he adds, "don't even try. We both know it's true. Now, please, just take my hand and get in the water."

I step back, shaking my head. "No. We can do this at the local pool or at your house. But not here."

"Zayn," he says with finality, his voice deep and commanding.

Mischief glints in his eyes. Frustrated, I run toward the trees, seeking refuge.

If my answer is no, it stays no. I hear the water splashing behind me. "Squirrel, come on!" he calls. "You can't hide from me!"

My heart races. I crouch, knowing I can't outrun him—he's a varsity football player.

I hear twigs snapping and press myself against the tree, holding my breath. Maybe I could stab him in the foot or climb a tree.

"I'm sure there are spiders wherever you are!" he taunts, using my fear against me. I close my eyes, trying to stay put. "Just come out!"

I almost laugh. I'm already out. Pun intended.

A tingling sensation on my foot makes me glance down. A bug crawls up my leg. I kick my leg vigorously and scream, my whole body shaking.

"There you are!" Scott calls, and I spin around to see him standing nearby. "Where are you going to run now? I'm the wrong turn, baby! And I'm going to eat you alive!"