Once Upon A Bet

/9/ Something stupid

Dedicated to TeamForeverFan I really appreciate all the support and love so far <33

/ Two Years Ago /

"Hey there." I glanced up just to see Jake's beautiful grin right before he stabbed the surf table in the sand, making sure it stayed put and dropping by my side glancing the sea. The water was red, licked by the sunset's light, making his hair look orangish rather than sandy blond as he pushed his wet locks backwards. "How long have you been here?"

"Not much."

"You could have come, you know?"

"How?" I smiled bitterly, pushing down the unease that's nested in my stomach for the past hour. "You were in the water."

"Still... Hey, why don't you come earlier tomorrow? I'll teach you to surf."

My eyes widened at the sudden idea. "What? Oh no no... I could never."

Jake smirked a little, bumping slightly his shoulder with mine and as usual, even the smallest of contacts gave me chills and churned my heart. "It's really not that hard. Come on, it'll be your new thing for tomorrow."

I was to deny him again, but instead found myself hesitating. Ever since we exchanged numbers now a few weeks ago Jake's gotten pretty involved in my intent of 'trying new things'.

I didn't know why.

In all fairness, I thought once I returned the jacket that would be the last I heard from him, even after he asked for my number.

We weren't supposed to talk ever again, but, don't ask me how, we ended up exchanging a few stupid texts. I thought whatever it was would die there. But what was a random text soon turned into a smooth chat, into teasing and sooner than I thought I was genuinely anticipating his messages.

We'd been texting regularly now.

And also hanging out every now and then.

Dalia had strongly advised me against it, and I knew better than to tell my parents. They would freak out and forced this small friendship to end, but the thing was... I didn't want it to end.

I mean, Jake was the personification of all the things I been always told to stay away. He was reckless, and unfocused, some stray bullet that cares more about the immediate joy than building up a future. He was rude most of the time, blunt, but not to me.

Despites that unfortunate start at that first party, he hasn't talked at me anything other than nice. Playful. Even flirty at times, which was a first.

No one ever had shown any kind of attention like this towards me and whenever he did, I found myself puddling at his feet, which was both frustrating and humiliating.

I like the attention he gave me, I like how carefree I felt with him and I like that I didn't have to pretend around Jake.

That was also a first.

And he must feel something alike because he looked for ways to spend time together with this 'try new things' excuse.

I mean, I was still unsure if he really like me or not; in case he did - why would he? But his warm smiles and... well, it can easily fool me.