Sixteen

Martha

My heart was pounding so fast, beating against my rib cage so much, I could hear each thump through my ears. The rush of blood that flowed through me was so sudden, it nearly left me lightheaded.

He was pinning me down with his dark, lustful gaze again as if he didn’t realize that he was doing it.

I had to hold back a shiver, averting my eyes from his sultry gaze and trying my best to calm myself internally.

Immediately, I walked right past him, pretending like he hadn’t affected me and also to prevent myself from further embarrassment.

Scurrying away like my legs were on fire, I walked to the farthest table by the end of the cafe. It wasn’t the signature booth we used to sit in, but it was close enough.

I took a seat in front of the circular, rose-colored cafe table, trying to get my breathing and my heart rate back to normal, only for it to spike up even more when I saw Alex already walking towards my table.

I prayed silently that he would choose some other seat, any oth