Page 11 of Unmasking Secrets
“Hide and seek!” James stands from his plastic lawn chair.
Everyone glances around, questioning if he’s serious. As if it’s more childish than the water gun fight we all took part in.
“I mean, all the obstacles are still up.” He shrugs.
“That’s a great idea.” Tabitha walks out onto the back porch.
She’s changed into some drier clothes. A white cropped tank top and a pink and orange plaid skirt with fishnets. She’s got her usual bright pink high-tops on. My eyes roam up her slowly until landing on her eyes, watching me.
“Alright, hide and seek.” I shake my head and start.
“Who’s first?” James questions.
“You suggested the game. I’m the birthday girl. You go first, count to fifty.” She smiles before taking off down the steps.
“Damn it!” James turns to face the wall. “One. Two. Three.” He starts.
I can’t help laughing as everyone takes off. We all scatter across the property. Most choose to hide behind or below some of the temporary walls and tables.
It’s darker closer to the lake, and that’s where I’m headed. I’ve been here enough to know where I want to hide. There’s a storage closet that holds the extra life jackets, towels, and fishing gear. It’s not big enough for someone to hide, but the wall next to it is blocked off and will be shadowed. As long as I’m quiet, nobody will know.
“Arch?” A soft whisper comes out. A voice I know all too well.
“Yeah.” I whisper and slide in behind her.
“This is my hiding spot,” she whispers over her shoulder.
“I think we can both fit. This is the best spot.” I say close to her ear.
James’s voice calls out, and there’s some laughter as a few of our friends get caught. Tabitha leans back closer, as if we can melt into the wall. We remain silent.
My hands move to her waist, and I pull her back until she’s flush against me and I’m against the wall. “Let’s make sure we’re both covered,” I whisper in her ear.
She nods as her arms cross in front of her; her fingers play with the tips of mine. Her breathing steadies as she relaxes back into me.
We’re flush against one another, and she shifts slightly. Her butt presses against me, and I instantly harden. I try to think of something else—anything else. I fail. My fingers squeeze her waist. She stiffens slightly, and I know she feels it.
Still, we don’t move from our hiding spot. We stay pressed against one another. Not saying a word.
Long after the game ends, we return to the others and keep more distance between us than usual.
I wasn’t ready for the game to end, and I know I’m going to be dreaming about that moment. I should’ve done something. What if I tried to hold her hand? She probably would’ve let me. What if I tried to kiss her? I should’ve. It’s too late now. The moment has passed.
CHAPTER SEVEN
TABITHA
I’m avoiding him. I know I can’t forever. It’s also entirely possible we’re avoiding each other at this point.
I’ve been on edge ever since the kitchen incident yesterday. Every nerve across my skin had been on alert. What should’ve been a simple oops moment, perhaps filled with laughter—was actually seconds of him pressed against me and the need to change my underwear.
He shouldn’t have this effect on me. It’s been years since I had a crush on him. I don’t want things to be awkward between us, or more than they already are. It’s difficult enough with his being here. I never wanted him to know my struggles. It was easier when we were younger and didn’t have adult responsibilities and drama.
I close the makeup palette I’d just opened, then stare at my reflection in the lit-up mirror. I’m too wired to focus on the projects I should be concentrating on. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve used my home gym. Maybe burning out some muscles will help me refocus.
The doctor cleared me to resume normal activities. All scans came back normal the other day, regardless of how damaged I feel on the inside. I know it’s in my head, but I’m having trouble getting out of that space.
I can do this.
