Page 23 of Counter Bet

Ben is dressed in black jeans with ripped knees, black and white vans, and a dark grey t-shirt with cut-out sleeves. He’s lean but not as big as Rick.

I run my eyes over the broad width of his shoulders, lingering on the definition of his upper arms. His bicep pops enticingly as he reaches up to scratch the back of his neck.

I nearly trip over on the front steps.

And his butt…The way his black jeans mold to it perfectly.

I suck my bottom lip between my teeth, groaning inwardly as I step through the front door to the school building.

Why does he dye his hair green of all colors? And why am I so curious about him? I could have chased him down and confronted him already, but instead, I’m following behind like some creep.

As they come to a stop at Ben’s locker, Matt pats Ben’s shoulder too hard the way boys do, and then he’s gone.

I march up behind Ben, intent on chewing him out, but before I have a chance to open my mouth, he speaks.

“Did you follow me over here to suck my dick, princess? I’m sure we can find a quiet nook somewhere.”

I come to an abrupt halt. The nerve of this guy! I stare at his back as he opens his locker and begins unloading his bag.

He hasn’t even looked at me yet.

Why does he have to have such broad shoulders anyway? It’s impossible not to look.

Urgh!

I close my eyes, counting to ten in my head. I’m not going to let him rile me up like this. Not today!

Ben is watching me when I blink my eyes open. I lift my chin defiantly.

He rubs the corner of his mouth to hide his amused chuckle, and the movement draws my gaze to his lip piercing. My physical reaction to him angers me even more.

I take a step forward, invading his space. I don’t realize my mistake until it’s too late.

He smells delicious!

“Stop looking so fucking smug!” I hiss, poking him in the chest.

He leans his forearm on the locker, crossing his feet. “Wow, the princess curses.”

Why is he so infuriating?

I glare at him until I remember where we are.

He chuckles as I scan the hallway for listening ears.

“What, princess?” he taunts, following a passerby with his eyes before leaning in close. “Afraid everyone will find out you fingered that tight pussy of yours while your boyfriend was balls deep in Dallas?”

My blood turns to ice. “What did you say?”

He rakes a hand through his green hair, leaning in close. I catch a whiff of his cologne again, a mix of cinnamon and leather with a hint of citrus.

“I know that cologne,” I whisper just as he opens his mouth to speak.

Ben frowns.

I blush fiercely. Apparently, my brain malfunctions in extreme situations. I shake my head to clear it and narrow my eyes back on Ben. I poke him in the chest with my manicured nail.

A ridiculously hard chest.

---