Page 76 of Counter Bet

I wait for him to speak.

He rubs a hand down his face before glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one is listening. We’re alone. “Is he treating you well?”

My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. That’s not what I thought he was going to say.

“If not, I’ll go back in there right now and teach him a fucking lesson.”

I’m shocked by the vehemence in his voice. “Rick, you don't have to worry about me. I can handle myself.”

He searches my face. We stand close. Close enough that I can feel the warmth coming off his skin. His smell is familiar and comforting.

I lean in closer.

“He’s covered in scratches. I had to make sure he didn’t force himself on you.”

I stare in disbelief. “No, Rick. No! He would never hurt me like that!” I’m shocked that the thought entered his mind. I’m also grateful that he cares enough to worry about me.

He rubs his neck, looking uncertain and sheepish. “It’s just….” He averts his gaze. “You never scratched me like that.”

I blush. He’s right. Our sex was always good, but it was never mind-blowingly passionate. He didn’t set my soul on fire the way Ben and Dallas do.

I’m saved from responding when the doors to the cafeteria open and Ben and the others step through.

Rick leans in close, whispering, “You come to me if he hurts you, okay.”

I smile. “He won’t, but yes, I promise.”

Satisfied, he nods and puts his hands in his pockets.

Ben bounces his eyes between us. He looks ready to murder someone as he approaches. I like that he’s jealous and possessive over me more than I should want to admit.

Rick smiles at me, then takes a step back. “Hey, Ben. A word!”

What is he doing?

Ben looks at him questioningly before lifting his chin to the others, telling them without words to give us privacy.

I smile at Dallas as she walks past.

“What’s up?” Ben asks, straight to the point.

Rick grabs his shoulder. “Look after her. She’s got a heart of gold, unlike the other girls here, so don’t fucking hurt her, or I’ll have to beat you up.”

I cringe. Oh, how I cringe! “Rick!”

He drops his hand from Ben’s shoulder and turns to face me with a serious expression on his handsome face. “No, Em. I’m fucking serious about this! Just because you’re not my girl anymore doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. It doesn’t matter if it’s this punk or someone on the football team. I’m still going to threaten them.” He turns to Ben again. “I don’t know you, and you have a shit reputation, but she tells me you’re good to her, so I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Ben glances at me and chuckles at the expression on my face.

Now would be a good time for the ground to swallow me up.

“I like her,” he says to Rick. “I’m falling for her. She’s fierce and sweet. She keeps surprising me at every turn. And her smile….” He looks at Rick. “I have a fucking terrible reputation, and I know I’ve made bad choices in the past, but I’m trying. I want to be good for her. To be someone she deserves.”

My heart stopped beating at the beginning of his speech.

Rick clasps Ben’s shoulder. “I like you, man!”

I stare at Ben with my mouth hanging open. Rick presses a kiss to my cheek and walks off without a backward glance. “What are you doing?” I whisper shakily when Rick is out of earshot.

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