"So you are a therapist?"

"Guess in a way I am."

Trevor and I were currently walking side by side down the beach, the bonfire to our back. We waited for the others to show for fifteen minutes, before I got a text from Josie saying she wasn't feeling good enough to come. Sydni sent me a weird vague message that I pretty sure meant her and Bryton were doing something else...something I didn't want to think about.

They left Trevor and I alone but surprisingly I didn't want to go back to my room. I was enjoying his company as we walked.

"I'm more of a counselor. I can't give medications or things like that but I give advice and help people cope with things. Like this young girl I'm helping," I rambled. "When she first came to me she was so shy, couldn't even look up at me and had no friends at school. But now she's going to the mall with some girls from school and putting herself out there. It's just...it's amazing to see."

It was the best part of my job. Seeing my patients overcome the things that bring them to me. Watching them grow into better people. 

"She sounds lucky to have you."

"It's all her. I just help lead her in the right direction."

"No take the credit. It's because of you she's doing so well." For some reason his words made my heart squeeze tightly in my chest. "It sounds like you picked the right career."

"Yeah tell that to my parents." I scoffed.

"They don't approve?" I could feel his eyes on me but I kept mine down on my feet squishing in the sand.

"That's an understatement. To them I should have followed in their footsteps and became a lawyer or some big wig to fit in with their friends." All through high school my parents would push me to get straight A's. To be at the top of my class so I could go to Harvard like they did. I learned quickly that they only wanted to brag to their friends about their 'golden child'.

I'll never forget the look on their faces when I told them I wasn't going to apply to Harvard and that I didn't want to follow in their footsteps. The look of disappointment on their faces was enough to almost make me take back what I said.

"You didn't want to?"

"God no." The thought of having to spend my time around people like that and kiss their ass just to stay in their good graces, made me want to throw up. I've spent enough time around them to know what its like.

"That atmosphere, the people....it's not something I enjoy. I've done it enough to hate it."

"So your parents flipped I take it."

"To say the least. Now every time we talk there's always some jab at my job. That I gave away a good future and wasted my potential." My parents actual words. That they didn't raise a daughter to be like me. "But..." I sighed, kicking at the sand. "I love my job."

No matter how hard I try to not let my parents opinion affect me it still does. Knowing they don't approve of me and my job hurts more than I'd care to admit.

"Hey." A hand on my elbow pulled me to a stop. I glanced up at Trevor who was looking at me intently. "If it makes you happy, do it. You don't need anyones approval, not even your parents. If they can't see that than fuck them."

My eyes widened at his words and the intensity of them.

"You make a difference doing what you do. Don't discredit that Tasha." My heart squeezed tightly in my chest. Josie is the only person who's ever told me my job matters. Hearing it from Trevor, hearing the conviction in his words, made tears prick the corner of my eyes.

I looked back and forth between his eyes, finding nothing but sincerity in them. Feeling vulnerable under his gaze I cleared my throat and looked away.

"T-thanks." My voice came out soft.

Wanting the attention off of me I started walking again, Trevor following.

"Sounds like you know a thing or two about shitty parents." I didn't know much about Trevor. I only knew what Josie has told me. The last few months I've kept my distance, not allowing myself a chance to get to know him. But I couldn't stop from wanting to find out as we walked along the beach.

It was just the two of us in our own little world and I found myself liking it. Maybe it was something in the air that had me dropping my walls.

"Yeah." Trevor answered, his voice turning distant. I had a feeling he wasn't going to say much more on the subject. Not that I expected him to either.

"My parents were drunks." Trevor said after a moment. "They weren't around much and when they were they were too hammered to do much."

I knew from experience at work that staying quiet and just letting him talk was the best thing to do. He needed someone to just be here to listen and not give him any pity. I knew first hand how annoying pity from people is.

"My mom would get sober once in awhile, long enough to remember she had a son and get some groceries before she fell off the wagon again."

"How old were you?" I asked softly, taking a peek up at him. His jaw was clenched and he was staring straight ahead.

"8." My chest squeezed painfully. He was eight and had to deal with drunk parents. I didn't miss the underlying meaning of his words. 'Get some groceries before she fell off the wagon again', meaning; when his parents were drunk Trevor had to fend for himself. Just the thought of that made me want to pull him into a hug and never let go. No kid at eight should have to take care of himself and his parents.

"So yeah I know a thing or two."

Looking at Trevor I was suddenly seeing him in a different light. Yes, he was still the cocky playboy hockey player from before but knowing a little bit of his childhood I could tell there was a lot more than meets the eye with him.

Trevor's eyes met mine. Something seemed to pass between us as we stared at one another. I wasn't sure what it was but something told me this wouldn't be the last time things change between Trevor and I.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"How can you even think that?"

"Because its true."

"It's the furthest from 'true'."

"Doritos are the best chips." I looked at Trevor like snakes were coming out of his ears.

"Doritos....Doritos? Out of all the chips out there you choose those?" I shook my head, scrunching my nose up.

"And you think Fritos are the best." Trevor sent me a look of his own.

"They are chili cheese Fritos, first of all. And second, they are better than Doritos."

"What's so wrong with them?"

"They are just so...plain."

"I can't even look at you right now." He said dramatically, turning his body in the other direction. 

"I didn't say they were disgusting, just plain."

"So that means you think I'm plain."

"I mean..."

"I am not plain!" He turned around to gap at me. I barely had time to look at his feet before he kicked a huge chunk of sand at me, hitting my dress.

"Trevor!" I've already cleaned sand out of places where it shouldn't be, I didn't want to do it again.

"What?" He looked at me innocently but the teasing smirk on his face was anything but.

"If you get sand in my freshly washed hair you will feel a world of pain." I threatened, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Oh really?" I watched him closely as he shifted in his spot on the log near the bonfire. I didn't trust him for one moment.

"Trevor." I warned. I watched as he bent to the side, grabbing a handful of sand. It was the wet/dry sand that stuck to everything it touched.

Scrambling up off my seat I took a step back, hands out in front of me. Eyes glued to his hand.

"Don't you even dare." I pointed a finger at him but Trevor just slowly stood up. The fire behind his back making him look like a menacing shadow. From the evil look on his face he wasn't far from it.

"Don't do what?" He stepped forward as I stepped back. There was no way in hell I was letting him near me with that. It took me ages to get the sand out earlier and knowing Trevor he'd make sure every inch of my hair was covered.

"I'm telling you right now to not do whatever it is you are thinking." I stumbled slightly in the sand as I kept my eyes on his figure. I didn't dare look away.

I knew the odds weren't really in my favor. Trevor was 6'2 with long muscular legs that no doubt could over power me within a few steps. Trevor's body was basically a lethal machine thanks to all his training for hockey. Running in sand was probably a walk in the park for him. Where as for me it would make me sore for the next week.

"But you see calling me names isn't very polite." He was slowly advancing on me. Teasing me. I knew if I said anything right now it would just make it worse but I never could control my mouth.

"I wasn't calling you names...I was just stating a fact." I could barely make out the expression on his face at my words, making my own lips tilt upwards.

"You're not really helping your case here." With each word he kept advancing. With it getting later there wasn't that many people out and none paid us any attention .

"How about we come to an agreement." I offered. Maybe I can talk myself out of this one.

"I don't think so."

"But-" Before I could finish Trevor lunged for me.

Squealing I dodged his attempt, pivoting on my heel and took off running. The sand was loose which did not help as I struggled. I could hear Trevor behind me. A quick peek over my shoulder I saw him right on my ass.

With wide eyes I veered towards the wetter sand for better traction, pushing myself to run faster. There was no way in hell I was letting him catch me. Not with his hand full of sand still.

"Tasha!" Trevor yelled after me.

"No!" I yelled back. Hearing a curse I glanced over my shoulder again, only to giggle at the sight of Trevor tripping. He fell to his knees in the sand. "HA SUCKA!"

Laughing loudly I kept running. My legs were already getting tired, stupid self for not spending more time at the gym, but I pushed forward. The sound of the waves hitting the sand muted the sound of Trevor behind me, making me run that much faster.

I wanted to believe I was running super fast but the sand kept gripping my feet making me stumble every other step, giving Trevor plenty of time to catch up with me.

"Just accept it Tasha!" He yelled from behind.

"Never!"

I knew we looked like complete weirdos running down the beach yelling at each other but I didn't care. For the first time in a long time I felt carefree.

My breathing got heavier and my calves were starting to cramp making slow down a little. I definitely was not a track star. But as I slowed I didn't hear a sound from behind me. It didn't even sound like Trevor was behind me at all. Did he hurt himself when he tripped?

Coming to a stop I went to turn around to make sure Trevor was okay only for a pair of arms to suddenly wrap around my waist. I instantly knew it was Trevor as he lifted me off the ground and twirled me around.

I couldn't help but squeal and laugh as I was twisted in the air. Trevor's arms snug around my waist as he held me effortlessly against his chest. I could feel his breath on my neck making me shiver.

"Should have said sorry." He whispered in my ear, bringing us to a stop. Before I could comprehend what he meant we were moving again. My toes grazed the chilly water making me squirm in his hold.

"Trevor!" He kept a firm hold on me as he brought us towards the water. This was worse than the sand. "Don't!"

"Do you say sorry?" My hands scrambled to grab his forearms and my feet were fully submerged in the cold water. Say yes Tasha! My inner voice was yelling at me.

"No." The word left my lips before I could stop myself. Way to go.

"Okay then." He swung me to the side as if getting ready to launch me in the water. Yelling I gripped his forearms struggling in his hold.

"No no wait!" Trevor stopped, leaving me hovering above the water. I brought my legs up to try and get my toes out of the water.

"Yes?"

"I take it back."

"Take what back?" His lips grazed the shell of my ear as he spoke. Obviously wanting me to say the words out loud. "There are two things." When I hesitated he started to swing me again.

"Fine okay! You aren't plain!"

"Nope that doesn't count." More of my feet got in the water as he wadded further out.

"Okay okay...Trevor you are not plain and neither are Doritos!" He paused. "Is that better?"

"Hmm." He hummed, his chest vibrating against my back. "It will do...for now."

"Then please let me down."

"If you insist." Trevor went to loosen his hold, making me drop a bit so water hit my knees. Yelling I gripped him once more.

"Put me down on dry land you idiot!" I shrieked kicking at the water.

Laughing Trevor turned us both around and walked out of the water. Each step towards dry land making me relax in his hold. Stupid man threatening to drop me in the ocean. As soon as he got us away from the water I wiggled in his hold so he would put me down.

As soon as my feet hit the sand I let out a sigh. I loved the ocean, I did, but someone threatening to throw me in...no thank you. As soon as Trevor loosened his hold on me I broke free, taking a few steps forward. I liked his arms around me, maybe a little too much, but being in them was fogging my head. I needed a clear head whenever I was around Trevor.

"You are so dead." I twisted around and glared at the man in front of me. I had to tilt my head back just to glare at his face. Damn him and his tallness. Trevor had the balls to just smile down at me like something was funny. "What?"

"You are as threatening as a squirrel." He replied, his smile somehow getting wider.

"Am not!" Putting my hands on my hips I narrowed my eyes.

"Uh huh."

Letting out a huff I looked away. The way he was looking at me was making my stomach flip and my cheeks to heat up. His stupid smile was not helping.

Tasha no. Don't even think about it.

A chilly breeze picked up, blowing right from the ocean. I shivered as goosebumps rose on my skin, my thin summer dress doing nothing to hold off the breeze. Didn't help my legs were still wet from before.

"Here." I looked back at Trevor to see him shedding the jacket he had on. In a gesture that somehow made my heart race even more Trevor held it open for me.

"But-"

"You're shivering." Trevor cut me off. He gave me a look that said not to argue with him. I didn't have it in me to do so. Biting the inside of my cheek I moved closer, sliding my arms into the sleeves and letting him pull it around my shoulders.

Instantly I was enveloped in warmth and the smell that was pure Trevor. It took everything I had not to bring the sleeves up to my nose. Instead I took small deep breathes almost inhaling his scent. Yeah maybe I have gone crazy or I was somehow still drunk.

"Thanks." I murmured. "What about you?"

"I'll be fine." He waved me off. "Want to head back?" He tucked his hands in his pockets, the t-shirt he was in stretching across his biceps and chest. Adverting my eyes I nodded.

Our little moment was broken. Disappointment washed over me because I wanted to stay in our little bubble where reality didn't seem to exist. It was the first time things between us felt...different. Of course most of it was my fault. Always keeping him at arms length and never letting myself get close.

But tonight the walls came down just a little. It was like Trevor was softly, but firmly, hitting those walls and tearing them down brick by brick. I wasn't entirely sure if I was okay with that or not.

We walked side by side back towards the hotel, stopping to grab our shoes. Only a few people were left lingering on the beach which wasn't surprising since it was almost 11:30. I hadn't realized how long Trevor and I have been out here. Time seemed to still yet fly by when we were together.

As we walked our fingers brushed against each others, each time making my breath still in my lungs.

"Thank you...for tonight." I finally spoke as we walked through the lobby of the hotel.

"Would you want to do this again tomorrow night?" Trevor scratched the side of his neck as he spoke, almost like he was nervous to ask me. I found the action cute. Trevor never struck me as a guy who got nervous about anything, let alone a girl. I found myself liking the fact that I made him like that.

"I'd like that."

"Oh okay. Good." The corner of his lip tilted up as he nodded. Turning my head to the side I hide my own smile.

We stayed quiet as we rode the elevator up to our floor, once again our arms brushing but this time I wished I wasn't wearing his jacket.

My steps slowed as we headed for our rooms, trying to savor this last moment. I had a good night...no a great night. It wasn't what I expected but it turned out even better than I thought.

Coming to a stop in front of our doors I held back a sigh. Tilting my head back I met Trevor's eyes. I went to open my mouth to say something but all words got stuck in my throat.

Trevor seemed to sense my trouble. The corner of his mouth lifted in a soft smile. When he brought his hand up my breathing seemed to stop completely. His fingertips softly grazed the top of my cheek before tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

I couldn't stop the shiver than ran down my spine at his touch. My eyes fluttered as my breathing picked back up. My heart racing in my chest. Trevor's green eyes darkened as he stared down at me. His jaw flexing.

I watched as he seemed to battle with himself before he dropped his hand back to his side and took a step back.

"Goodnight Tasha." I couldn't form any words as I stood there watching as he opened his door. He glanced at me over his shoulder one last time before stepping through, leaving me there in the hallway.

"Goodnight Trevor." I whispered to the empty hallway. 

**********************

Ahhh more Tasha and Trevor moments!! Ugh they are so freaking cute together, I seriously can't with them. We really need to come up with a cute couple name for them...Tresha (haha maybe not) 

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! As we go you will start to learn more about Tasha and Trevor separately. You'll definitely see a different side to Tasha than you did in 'Fear of Falling'. 

Anyways, thank you guys so much for the love and support you are giving this book! It means the world to me!! I'll see you guys again next week! Hopefully soon I can post the whole book!

VOTE, COMMENT.

<3 <3 <3

-Ken