Page 33 of Counter Bet

I nibble on my thumbnail. The dots disappear and reappear.

Ben: Admit it, princess. You love my red cloak!

Ha! He got my Little Red Riding Hood reference.

Me: I didn’t take you for a fan of Charles Perrault?

Ben: Don’t make me google shit.

I laugh again, surprised by how easy conversation flows between us.

Me: Don’t strain yourself.

Ben is silent for a while before a selfie pops up on the screen.

I slap a palm to my mouth to stifle the loud laughter bubbling up inside of me. He’s wearing a red blanket tied around his neck like a cape—or a cloak.

Ben: You can eat me anytime, she-wolf. I won’t fight if you decide to gobble me up.

My cheeks heat at the sexual innuendo.

Me: Careful with what you wish for, little piggy.

Ben: I said to gobble me up, not blow my house down.

My cheeks ache from smiling.

Me: I’m off to bed now. I have the pep rally in the morning and an away game after school.

Ben: You in a cheerleader uniform. Say no more, princess. ;)

Me: Good night, Ben.

I exit the chat, ignoring my warm insides. Ben is trouble, and I should stay away if I know what’s good for me.

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