The Bet

Sleepovers

I was still reeling from the kiss when I pulled open the door to our Zaxby's. I had no idea what to feel or if it meant anything but if I knew one thing it was this was Bennett Hamilton, and he threw around kisses like dollar bills in a strip club.

"Um hey Jens we have a slight problem," he was standing in front of a very tired looking cashier and I gave the poor guy an apologetic smile.

"What's your issue Benny Ben," I walked over to look at the menu. Honestly I was starving so I was thankful for our little detour.

"I kinda sorta lost my wallet in the woods.." He looked down at his feet and then back up at me like a three year old telling his mom he broke her favorite lamp. I exhaled a long disapproving sigh before pulling mine out. I couldn't help but laugh at how happy he got when he saw me pulling out my money to pay.

"You owe me big time dude,"

****

Bennett DEMOLISHED his chicken tender platter and I kid you not I have never seen somebody so excited to see a French fry. "Soooo Benz, are you gonna tell me why you kissed me earlier?" I figured I may as well find out now in case he denies it tomorrow.

"You were freaking out and I wanted to shut you up," he shrugged while shoving his mouth, now going for my French fries as well. A wave of relief washed over me knowing that he didn't actually want to kiss me. A pestering hint of disappointment lingered, however. I hadn't been kissed in a very, very long time.

"Oh. Okay, that's good," I sat back in the booth and checked my messages, praying my parents hadn't noticed that I was gone.

"Yeah because what if I liked you. HA! Can you imagine that?" Bennett giggled to himself and I  just kept messing with my phone.

"Mhm so crazy, right?" I let out a laugh that wasn't very convincing. "Alright, can we go now? You're done." I crossed my arms, I was annoyed now and really sleepy.

"Wellllll..." Bennett looked at me with bloodshot puppy dog eyes.

"What now Bennett?"

"I can't go home like this, and my friends left me back there. Sooooo, we're gonna have a sleepover."

"I'm sorry, what?"

****

I couldn't exactly bring Bennett home with me, my parents would have easily been able to catch me, so I had to think quickly for a plan B. I drove back over to the school and over towards the woods looking for the biggest opening in the trees and out of sight. I put on my 4 wheel drive and drove over the curb until my SUV was safely out of sight and nestled between the trees.

"Jens we're camping!" Bennett squealed excitedly as he hopped out of the car.  I followed him and started to pull things out of my storage compartmets. I always keep extra blankets and a camping pillow in my trunk for emergencies, and I guess this counted as one. I laid down my  back seat and started making a little bed for the two of us in the trunk. "Oh are we gonna cuddle? I can't wait," he said as he jumped into the back and tucked himself in.

"I think we'll have to since it's starting to get cold and I cant leave the car running all night," I eased myself down onto the makeshift bed. "Ya know, just to stay warm."

"Great, so come cuddle with me.  Ya know, for the greater good." I scooted over so that our noses were almost touching.

"Share some blankets you turd," I kicked him and pulled the covers over to my side.

"Oh my god your toes are freezing Jensen! How have they not fallen off yet?"

"I'm sorry I can't control my circulation!"

"You're smarft, figure it out," he was finally laying down with his eyes shut, getting close to falling asleep.

"Ben, I need to ask you something," I stared at the roof of my car thinking.

"mrpp.."

"Why'd you call me to come get you?" I glanced over at him as he tossed onto his side and facing away from me.

"I knew you'd come," he muttered before slipping into sleep.