Page 36 of Playing with Fire

What reason do you have to believe I can't turn you into a swooning fool? He challenges.

I finish pouring the last bowl of popcorn and toss the empty bag in the trash. "Because you swoon over imbeciles. I'm far from that."

"You think I can't do it?" he asks.

"Positive," I answer. Your efforts to make me fall for you won't work because you're Rowan. My laughter fills the room as I deliver a popcorn bowl to him while I grab the remaining two.

What level of confidence do you have in your response?

He asks me a question while we approach the basement door. I respond with "Very" while he opens the door.

"Yeah, we'll see about that." I hear him mutter under his breath.

I answer with "We'll see about nothing" as we move down the steps. A supernatural event would have to happen before I'd consider you anything other than an asshole. You cannot be anything but an asshole because you are an asshole.

He states confidently that he understands he stands as my top choice in assholes.

The two bowls in my Hazelds find a spot on the coffee table as my eyes roll in response. Felix lowers the lights before moving back to his seat.

I glanced upwards to see that only two spots remain available at the couch's end.

Torture seems to be my inevitable fate.

I sighed before walking forward to take a seat while placing my elbow on the armrest. Jaxon approaching me did not make me excited because his smile was already irritating me.

He takes a seat beside me while resting his Hazeld on my shoulder. I appreciate your permission to demonstrate that you were mistaken. I scoff. "You haven't proven anything." "I haven't yet. You have my word because I will achieve this.

I look at him and notice his stupid smile which he shows to every girl in school. He's ridiculous.

I quietly tell him his smile won't be effective because I don't want to disturb the film.

"It always works" he declares with an unaffected and bold certainty as if he is certain about his success.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ican do this.

Although the task may prove difficult, I will discover a route to victory.

This challenge we've created for ourselves. She doubts my ability to win her heart but recognizes that I am the sexiest person she's ever encountered. She cannot resist falling for me because it's impossible for her to do so.

Again, it is challenging but not impossible.

The bet between us took place several days ago. I still lack any breakthroughs, and she actively makes it difficult for me.

Time is my friend.

And luck is on my side already. The parents decided it was time to host our first season barbecue. After that, these usually become weekly gatherings.

My backyard featured a well-proportioned space that included a porch area, a grill setup, a small patio, and available seating places. A path alongside the area led through bushes to the beach.

The proximity to the beach brought very cold winters but Whitmore's basement provided plenty of warmth. My place became the hottest spot to hang out during the Savannah months.

The children headed to the beach during the food preparation time. The sun remained above the horizon but gradually descended as time passed.

The chilly wind kept everyone away from the water. It was May yet everyone understood that the water temperature remained quite cold.

While we played football together Tristan, El and I Em stayed with Ro at the beach's far end.

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