“No,” I said defensively, at this point, the only thing I could say. “I really am afraid. Especially now because of what you’re doing.”

This didn’t stop him from leaning away from my ear only to keep his face in mine, our noses nearly touching. I backed away from him, but he followed until I was up against the wall. He stayed just as close, though this time, our lips were so close to touching that I had to swallow hard and dismiss those intense feelings of ...