Page 126 of Counter Bet

I drop my phone down on the bed and look at Scarlett. “What do you mean?”

She shrugs, dipping the brush in the nail polish bottle before setting to work on her pinky toe. “I didn’t hear what your friend said, but I got the gist. You have a date with Landon, and you worry that it’s too soon for you to date again. I’m not blind. Anyone with eyes can see that you’re fresh out of heartbreak.”

My hackles rise. While I trust her, I’m not sure if I’m ready to share this part of me. I would never admit it aloud, but I kept the photographs Ben gifted me. I’m not proud of it, but I miss Ben and Dallas. Especially late at night when I’m alone with my thoughts.

“Don’t give me that look. I haven’t pried. It’s none of my business, but you can’t let fear hold you back. Give Landon a chance. You deserve to at least try, and he might surprise you.”

I blow out a breath. Scarlett is right. It’s not as if Ben and Dallas are knocking on my door. We’re over, and it’s time to move on. Besides, I don’t want to get back with them, do I?

I wiggle my toes. “Will you do mine?”

“Do I get to pick the color?”

“Go crazy.”

* * *

“Wow…” Landon says, swallowing thickly. “You look great!”

I smile, brushing my hands over my red dress. Hailey helped me pick it. I leave him in the doorway and go to retrieve my purse from the end of my bed. I put on my favorite black heels and quickly check my hair in the mirror, running my fingers through the curls. It’s Friday, and Landon is here to pick me up for our date.

Scarlett winks at me from her spot on the bed, surrounded by comic books. “Don’t forget to use protection.”

I studiously ignore her as I close the door behind me. I smile at Landon, gesturing at the empty hallway. “Shall we?”

Scarlett’s muffled laughter follows us to the stairs, and I make a mental note to strangle her later.

It’s just a date, so why do I feel so nervous? And not in a good way. But I smile and say nothing because what other choice do I have? I can’t mope about the past forever.

Landon holds open the door to the dorm building. It’s a warm evening, but it’s always warm here, unlike back home.

“Where are we going?”

Landon smiles. “There’s this little Italian restaurant downtown that does a mean lasagna. Is that okay? I never thought to ask if you like Italian.” He looks sheepish.

“I love Italian.”

He threads his fingers through mine, smiling in relief.

“How was your day?”

While he tells me about his day, I take the opportunity to study him as he runs his hand down the buttons on his navy blue shirt. His black dress pants fit just right.

He cleans up nicely.

Very nicely.

His lips curve in a smirk. He’s holding open the passenger door to his black Camaro. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“Oh,” I blush, then get in the car and strap myself in. I watch him round the hood. It’s the second time he’s caught me checking him out.

His cologne fills the car as he puts on the seatbelt and starts the engine. It purrs to life. He keeps his car immaculate. The only sign that it doesn’t belong in a showroom is the pair of dice dangling from his rearview mirror.

Landon slides his hands down the steering wheel.

“She’s your baby, huh?”

He grins, looking both proud and sheepish. “Is it that obvious?”

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