Kickflip Summer
by
Small twigs crunch under my feet as I move from the
main path into the small woodland. My concentration stays with my phone until a
squirrel jumps from a nearby branch. Stopping to admire the small creature, I
hear a second pair of footsteps echoing in the distance. My heart begins to
race when I don’t see anyone approaching. Studying the trees, nothing looks
suspicious. I loop back around and hide behind a large trunk, waiting to see if
anyone appears. My breath hitches as someone begins to move towards me. To
steady my nerves, I count to ten, waiting for the person to move closer. I leap
out from behind the tree and push the rock hard body against the bark. My eyes
wander up his face, lingering on his lips before I meet Bear’s brooding eyes.
The surprise on his face would be comical if I didn’t feel so on edge.
“What are you doing? You almost gave me a heart
attack!”
My adrenaline is still working overtime.
“Whoa, you’re strong for a little thing.” He smiles
with amusement.
I hold him tightly in place, although he could
probably push me away if he wanted to. We stare at each other, neither one of
us willing to back down.
“I’m not sure that was a compliment. Why are you
following me?”
The stiffness in his shoulders loosens. His face is
unreadable. “It’s not safe for you to be walking around these woods alone.”
I’m a modern day woman and capable of looking after
myself. Besides, why would he care what happens to me? We haven’t known each
other that long and we’re only co-workers. “Strange men like you could be
following me, you mean?”
He frowns. “For all you know, there could be a
serial killer lurking in these woods.”
“Or a potential stalker?”
We stare at each other without speaking for a
second. Why is he so confusing?
“Sorry for looking out for you.” His words almost
sound like an accusation. I haven’t done anything wrong.
“It’s the middle of summer and as light as midday.
Besides, I’m a big girl. I can look after myself. What have I done to make you
think otherwise?”
“I bet all
murder victims say that.”
He’s trying to make me laugh. My eyes soften,
although I keep my expression neutral.
“When was the last time anything remotely
interesting happened here? The only thing that’s scary is the theme park rides,
and they are built for thrills.”
His lips tighten. As we stare at each other, I
slowly become aware of where we are. The surrounding forest begins to breathe
again as the tension leaves my body. I ease away, allowing him to regain his
balance.
“Why didn’t you just ask if you could walk me home?”
“I didn’t want you to get the wrong idea.”
I roll my eyes. “Get over yourself.”
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