Karma

2| Teddy Bear Dates

Coney Island Carnival
Thirteen Years Ago (Both Age 18)

"What are you doing? Trying to win that stuffed teddy bear?"

Karma kept her eyes on the ring toss game. "Yes."

I leaned against the post and crossed my arms over my chest. "Which one are you trying to win?"

Instead of answering me, she continued to throw the rings. And kept missing. I tried not to notice the way the yellow tank top she had on rode up and as she leaned forward every time to throw them. I tried not to let my gaze run over her long legs. Why the fuck was she wearing shorts that short? Why the fuck did I care again?

Okay, maybe I did know. Here's a recap. . .

Everything changed over the past couple months. Ever since that beach trip to Florida with my family. I never used to see Karma this way. She's never been anything more than my little sister's best friend.

Now I saw her as this beautiful, tempting siren that consumed my thoughts and my dreams. I used to try to hook up with every hot girl that crossed my path. Now I wanted to know everything about Karma Fitzgerald. After what happened at the beach, I was hoping for more. For once, I wanted more.

"Shit," she breathed when she ran out of rings. She opened her wallet and frowned when she saw she was also out of cash.

Suddenly feeling romantic, I pulled out a ten-dollar bill and got another bucket of rings.

"What are you doing, Nathan?" Her tone was one I was familiar with. Annoyed and short. When I took her spot to throw the rings, she stepped aside, crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.

I could barely hide my smile as I pointed to her Converse covered foot. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"Yes. I know what you're doing and it's not going to work."

I arched a brow. "Really? What am I doing?"

She didn't answer me. She was either too nervous or embarrassed to say it. Or too pissed. Simple enough, I was trying to get her to go out with me.

"How about this," I pointed to the teddy bear, "I win you that black teddy bear, you go on a date with me."

"Why would I do that?"

I held my hands out and shrugged. "Why not? I'm doing something for you, and if I win, you can do something for me."

"Tit for that, then? I should have known you played that way."

I chuckled at that. Classic Karma. She always tended to beat around the bush. "Deal or not, gorgeous?"

She sighed and run her fingers through her ponytail. "Fine. I doubt you'll win, anyway."

I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt. Little did she know that I was really good at this game. I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. When I won, I was going to take her on a real date. Of course, I've never been on a real date myself, but Karma didn't deserve anything less.

I felt Karma's eyes on me as I started throwing the rings. When I threw the fifth one and missed. I heard her musical little laugh. I hadn't heard that since we were in Treasure Island.

"This isn't looking good for you, Nathan."

"I'm just warming up. Be patient."

After the next two rings, I finally made it. "Yes!" I slammed my hand on the table.