Read Online Don't Bet On It by J. L. Salter - Free Book Online Page A

and escorted me outside to his truck.
    â€œYou feel like a bit of dessert?”
    I looked into his eyes to see if that word had more than one meaning. Couldn’t tell. “Not really hungry right now. A little tired, though.”
    â€œSleepy tired, or just need to sit for a while?”
    â€œNo, not sleepy. In fact, that’s the most invigorated I’ve been since I moved to Verdeville.” Saying it out loud made my face flush. “I mean, yeah, I need to be off my feet for a bit.” My toes and arches were killing me after three hours in those high-heeled boots.
    â€œWe could stop at the Dairy Barne for some coffee.”
    â€œNo caffeine for me — not this late.”
    Without a wager or bribe to guide us, it seemed like we both lacked direction. But I was certain whatever we did, I wanted to be with Brett Hardy . What he was thinking?
    â€œWe could drive around a bit, if you like.” Then he winked. “Maybe go out to the quarry and catch the high school kids making out.”
    I clutched his arm and tried to pinch through its firmness, but couldn’t. “No, not the quarry.”
    â€œWell, if I keep driving, we’ll either end up in Nashville or Lake Envie, depending on which road I take up ahead.”
    At that point, I had those conflicting voices in my head again. The one named Joan yelled, “You’ve only known this guy for eight days.” But my own whispered back, “But I know he’s part of an established local family.” Joan’s voice howled, “This guy’s a player who only snagged you because of an opportunistic wager.” And mine whispered, “But when I finally won a wager, I chose to maintain contact.” Next my shrill friend taunted, “He can’t cook and he leaves dirty dishes overnight.” And my mind’s reply was, “Yeah, but he dances like a dream.” Then the Joan entity jumped up and down in my brain screaming, “He’s probably an axe murderer!”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” I replied… out loud.
    â€œAbout what?” asked Brett .
    â€œHuh? Oh, I was just thinking about stuff…”
    â€œMe, by any chance?”
    I considered denying it, but who would I be fooling? “Yeah, you. And about dancing… really this whole evening. About… us.”
    Even in the dim light from his dashboard, his smile was evident. “You mean there is an us?”
    Could he have any doubt? It had been us at least since those final minutes in the Italian restaurant when he finally let down his guard. “Sure. I mean, there’s probably been an us since you licked my arm…” My face suddenly felt too warm and I was glad he couldn’t see it in the darkness.
    Brett chuckled. “So that really was your tickle spot after all?”
    â€œAs if you didn’t already know. You’ve probably pulled that same trick on dozens of women before.”
    â€œNope, you were the first.”
    â€œHa! I bet…” I paused at the reverberation of that word. “Besides, it didn’t tickle anyhow. It was more of…”
    â€œA calculated gamble to keep you close enough so you could get to know me.”
    I was going to say a slow burn, but decided to pursue his new line instead. “Do you also find the local dating scene somewhat lacking?”
    â€œNot any more.” He turned quickly and flashed a big smile before re-training his eyes on the road. “I think Verdeville has exactly what I want.”
    I was determined not to blush that time. “And what might that be, Mr. Hardy ?”
    â€œLook, we need a decision here pretty quick.” When he patted my bare knee, it tingled where he’d touched. “I’m about a quarter mile from the fork.”
    â€œWell then, just pull over. We can’t decide this in a quarter mile… and, besides, you didn’t answer my question.”
    He checked his mirror,