Page 31 of Chess Not Checkers
“I made these savory puff pastries for one of my class projects. My roommates ate some, but I figured I could bring the rest here.”
“You cooked for me?” I reach for one, but she pushes my hand back.
“Baked,” she clarifies, her hand still on mine to keep it back. “These are baked, not cooked. And no, they were for a class project. I brought them as a snack.”
“For me,” I add.
Jasmine rolls her eyes. Her skin is warm and soft on mine. It’s making me want to abandon all caution and see what would happen if I tried to kiss her. Judging by the look on her face, nothing good. But my racing heart still wants to know for certain.
“I don’t think I want to share with you anymore.”
I quickly grab her wrist with the hand she was attempting to push back, then slide the pastries over to my side of the table with the other. I take one out while still holding the wrist she’s actively trying to tug out of my grip. She reaches across the table with her other hand, but I take a bite before she can snatch it away.
The buttery pastry melts in my mouth. I let out a groan. “I could eat a dozen of these.”
“You’re going to only get one if you don’t let me go.”
I laugh and release her wrist. She glares at me. I flash a big smile.
“Thanks for baking these for me.”
She shakes her head. “I would never bake something for you.”
“Sounds like another challenge. I bet by the end of the semester you’ll bake something just for me.”
I take another bite of the delicious, cheesy pastry.
“Bet all you want. It’s not going to happen.”
She makes her first move of the game, bringing me back to why she’s here in the first place. If she wanted to sit and talk while I ate this entire box of baked goods, I wouldn’t mind at all. But a game of chess makes for an even better time.
I scan the board, noting how she moved her knight. I move my pawn in response before finishing off the pastry in one final bite.
“This is probably the best bite of food I’ve ever had,” I tell her while she studies the board.
“You don’t have to lie. Flattery isn’t going to help you win the game.”
I chuckle. “Do you think I need flattery to win?”
She shoots me a scowl before making one of her pawns move.
“I’m serious, though. These are fantastic. I’m going to eat the rest if you don’t have some.”
I move my bishop through the space my pawn was previously, then reach for another pastry. Her lips twist like she’s trying to keep from smiling.
“You’re not just messing with me?”
I meet her eyes so she can see I’m sincere. They’re extra green today, or maybe it’s just our proximity. Either way, they’re beautiful.She’sbeautiful.
“I wouldn’t tease you about something like this. If this is how youbake,” I emphasize the word, making her smile, “then I’m sure your cooking is even better, and you’re going to make a great chef.”
She looks down at the board, a blush tinting her cheeks. “Thanks. That’s…sweet of you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I can be sweet.”
She laughs. “I don’t think I’d use that word to describe you.”
“Then what word would you use?”
