Page 30 of Counter Bet

The teacher chooses that moment to start the lesson.

I can’t help but feel a sense of guilt for not telling her what’s going on in my life but at the same time, she’s happy. I don’t want her to worry.

My phone vibrates halfway through class with a text from Dallas.

I glance at Hailey, but she’s too busy taking notes to notice the smile on my face.

Dallas: Everyone hides behind a mask, Em.

I narrow my eyes at the nickname. Only my friends call me Em.

Me: Are we on a nickname basis now?

Dallas: We can be.

I draw in a shaky breath, unsure if I’m ready to go there with her just yet.

Me: A secret for a secret, remember? Tell me yours.

I look over my shoulder.

She balances on the chair’s back legs as she types out a reply. Her hair shields her face like a curtain, and I itch to tuck it behind her ear. Unlike me, she doesn’t hide her phone beneath the table. She doesn’t care if she gets caught texting.

The phone vibrates in my lap.

Dallas: I feel alone.

I do as well, despite being surrounded by friends and family.

Me: Tell me a happy memory.

Hailey turns a page in her book, removes the highlighter from between her teeth, and marks a passage.

Dallas: My mom’s pancakes. She used to make them every Sunday. Aaron and I would fight over the last one like a pack of hounds.

Me: Who won?

Dallas: Me, of course. Aaron had the build, but I had the speed.

I chance another look over my shoulder, and we share a smile before she ducks her head, typing on her phone.

Dallas: You’re beautiful when you smile.

My core clenches.

I drop my phone on the desk like it’s on fire and squeeze my thighs together. What is she doing to me? I’ve even got flutters in my stomach.

“What’s up?” Hailey asks, capping her highlighter.

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

The urge to look over my shoulder is an uncomfortable itch.

I don’t remember having such a physical reaction to someone before. Especially not a girl. What would my friends say if they found out? And my family?

* * *

Rick strokes his fingers over my back, laughing at a funny part in the movie. Tonight is the first time he’s been here in over a week.

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