Page 38 of The Love Wager

Jack:I think it was just two young, healthy people having a split second of natural chemistry. Probably just happened because we already bonked, so our bodies know each other.

Hallie:Ew you did not just say that.

Jack:It’s totally natural to get that bonking feeling. The important thing is that we immediately remembered we don’t like each other that way, don’t you think?

Hallie:Wasn’t that a song? “You’ve Lost That Bonking Feeling”?That made her laugh as she leaned against the balcony railing.Well I am fine with it, whatever it was, as long as you are.

Jack:I am. It never happened.

Hallie:Good.

Jack:Great. So have you talked to the dentist today?

Hallie:Not since this morning, when he told me he had to go coach his niece’s soccer team.

Jack:Wow, he opened with a total hormonal crusher, didn’t he?

Hallie:Yeah, he did.

Jack:Did it work?

Hallie:It didn’t hurt.She couldn’t picture Stephen’s face at the moment, but she could picture Jack’s, so she texted:Tell me about your girl.

Jack:Her name is Carlie, she teaches eighth grade math, and she’s a redhead. Likes sand volleyball and getting railed.

Hallie:Is she fun to talk to?

Jack:I’m not sure yet.

Hallie:I suppose that’s what Wed is for, right?

Jack:I suppose so. I guess I’ll see you Wednesday, then.

Hallie:I guess so.

Chapter

TEN

“Hi, um, I’m supposed to meet someone—”

“Hallie?” Stephen appeared beside the hostess, smiling and setting a hand on the hostess’s arm in a way that told her he was who Hallie was looking for.

“Hey, Stephen.” Wow. He looked nice; like, really, really nice. For starters, he was wearing khaki pants and a black cashmere sweater. His brown hair was thick and styled in that sweet spot that hit on well-coiffed without being high-maintenance, and he was wearing glasses that made him look like he needed a book in his hand.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” he said, giving Hallie just the kindest grin.

“You, too,” she replied, unable to hold in her smitten smile.

He pointed to where their table was, and she followed him over. She almost tripped when she saw Jack, seated at thetable right beside them. His eyes caught hers and widened just the tiniest amount, showing he was just as surprised as she was that they were sitting in such close proximity.

She recovered and took a seat, reminding herself to focus on Stephen.

“I used to eat here all the time, back when I was in college,” he said, reaching out for his menu. “I’m so glad you suggested it.”

“Me, too,” she said, grabbing her menu and quickly muttering, “Not the dental school part, but the other. It’s my first time here.”

He gave a little laugh. “Noted.”

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