Page 124 of Counter Bet

Landon studies computer science. I’m not going to pretend I understand any of it.

“I have to write an essay on the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in modern society.”

“Sounds fun.”

Landon laughs, placing his arm over my shoulder.

“There you are!” Scarlett says, interrupting our moment. She dumps her bag on the table and falls into the nearest chair with dramatic flair. “I’m convinced Mr. Hill is failing me on purpose. He’s a dictator!”

Landon smiles. “I’ve heard the horror stories.”

Scarlett levels him with a glare.

“Bad day?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Oh, Emily. You have no idea!”

Landon’s fingers trace patterns with his fingertips over my bare shoulder as Scarlett goes into details about her day. She hypes up the drama with big hand movements and wide eyes.

I’m too distracted by Landon’s touch to pay her any attention. My heart is racing, and I feel something akin to butterflies in my belly, but there’s a sense of guilt and unease underneath it. Why do I feel like I’m betraying Ben and Dallas? I need to move on, so why does my heart fight me at every turn?

Landon’s fingers on my shoulder pause their stroking. He leans in close, whispering, “You’re thinking again.”

His hot breath on my ear and neck makes me shiver before he leans back to unscrew the lid on his soda. He winks as he brings the bottle to his lips.

Scarlett’s voice filters back into my consciousness. “It’s so fucking unfair! Did no one give him a break as a kid? Is that the reason why he’s made it his mission in life to torture students?” She shakes her head, a look of disgust in her eyes. “I’ll be right back. Megan is over there, and I need to discuss the assignment with her. Wait for me.”

She walks off.

I watch her for a moment, nibbling on my lower lip, then turn back to Landon and blurt, “Go out with me on Friday.”

He chokes on his soda.

I blush at my own brazenness, but I’m determined to move on with my life. I can’t continue feeling sorry for myself.

Landon wipes droplets of soda off his chin, eyeing me. “Yeah, sure. Where would you like to go?”

“I don’t know this area very well.”

That perks him up. He sits up straighter in his chair and puts the drink on the table. “It’s lucky I happen to be born and raised in these parts.”

I blow out a relieved breath and smile. “Pick me up at seven?”

Landon leans in close. His lips brush mine as he whispers, “I’ll be there.” A heartbeat passes where it’s just his breath and mine before he grins, and then he’s gone. His chair scrapes on the floor.

I stare at his broad back as he walks out, my heart thundering in my chest.

I’m aroused.

I look back down at the sketch and force down the rising feeling of unease. Landon is the perfect guy to help me move on. I’m attracted to him, so why do I feel like I’m making a mistake?

I grab my bag and crumple up the sketch, throwing it in the nearest trash can on my way out.

* * *

“Jamie drunk called me and told me he loves me,” Hailey says when she answers the phone.

I squeal, pressing the phone closer to my ear.

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