My meager attempt at flirting falls completely flat, stomach plummeting as Derek scrunches his face and huffs a tired laugh like I've said something truly distasteful. I can feel my face already going red and I turn away, nodding.

"Yes, cocoa!" I say a little too loudly, glad for the distraction. "Why don't you go find us a place to relax and I'll go get us some."

I don't wait for him to respond before hurrying off, needing some distance to breathe and talk some sense back into myself. The counter is clear on the other side of the lodge and I weave through the groups of people, keeping my head down as I remind myself it's okay that Derek doesn't like me the way I do him, that I need to stop trying so hard before he gets a clue and pulls away. It's honestly not going so well, my stomach churning and chest tight when I feel something grab me from behind.

Or, that's what it feels like at first. But there's no one behind me, no one touching me at all. But I can't move.

Horrified, I glance upward and my suspicions are confirmed. That twist in my stomach only tightens as I bring my hands to my face. Goodness, I am not going to cry. Not here. Not right now.