Page 46 of Counter Bet

Emily.

I usually love Fridays during football season because I wear my cheer uniform to raise the school spirit and get the students excited for the upcoming game.

That’s not the case today. I feel out of place as I take my seat at the lunch table and reach for my bottle of orange juice. I unscrew the lid as Jack, one of the cornerbacks, sits down next to me.

He turns his body to face me fully and grins.

I take a sip, eyeing him as I swallow. Jack is dressed in his football jersey, and his brown hair is overdue for a haircut.

“I want to take you out,” he says straight to the point, flashing a dimpled smile.

It’s impossible not to smile back.

“Wow, Jack. You sure come on strong.”

He leans in close, brushing my hair off my neck. His touch lingers, and his eyes drop to my lips. The way he looks at me makes it difficult to breathe, and the hitch in my breath doesn’t go unnoticed. He smiles. “Can’t fault a guy for trying.”

I feel eyes on me.

Ben’s jaw is like concrete. He’s watching me with furrowed brows.

I break eye contact and bring my attention back to Jack. His hot breath fans my lips as I whisper, “I’m not dating right now.”

It’s too soon. I’m not sure how I feel about Jack’s attention. He’s attractive with his jade eyes and dimpled smile. My parents would approve of him. Still, I’m drawn to the brooding boy with green hair and tattoos across the cafeteria.

Jack grins, undeterred, and puts his heavy arm over my shoulder.

Jamie drops down in the seat opposite, eyeing Jack’s arm around me with a frown but doesn’t comment. He’s Rick’s best friend. The breakup is fresh, so Jamie will not be impressed that his teammate is moving in on his best friend’s girl so soon. Even if I’m not technically Rick’s girl anymore.

My eyes soon stray, and I find myself locked in Ben’s gaze.

He leans in, whispering something to Steph before pushing his chair back. He strides out without a backward glance, throwing his entire dinner tray in the bin.

I sweep my eyes over his tense broad shoulders and his ass in those black jeans that leave very little to the imagination.

God, he’s fucking delicious.

I excuse myself, ignoring Jack’s puppy eyes, and follow Ben outside to his car.

Where is he off to in the middle of the day?

Before I can talk myself out of it or even question what I’m doing, I rush forward and open the passenger door.

Ben looks up in surprise as I drop down in the seat and close the door. I fasten my seatbelt with trembling hands.

My heart is racing in my chest.

He stares at me in wide-eyed disbelief, one hand on the steering wheel, his body half-turned. “What are you doing, princess?”

Thud. Thud.

My heart beats heavily against my chest like it wants to escape its confines.

“I don’t know. Take me somewhere.”

Ben watches me for a moment, then cranks his car.

His tattooed hand engulfs the gearstick. He puts it in drive and pulls away, spinning the wheel with his palm. Everything about him is so untamed and unpolished.

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