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erratically.
    “That doesn’t change my mind,” I said, unconvincingly. I silently cursed my Jell-O like legs. The traitors.
    “Well, we’ll just have to see what I can do about that.” His grin was thirty percent Cheshire cat and seventy percent pure, undiluted, male determination … and that equaled a whole lotta sexy. I swallowed nervously just as Jen and Hunter joined us.

ow was the ride?” Jen asked as she wove her arm through mine. Matt winked at me over her head and I felt like I’d just become a helpless deer in a lion’s den.
    “It was fine,” I murmured.
    We began walking through the fair, enjoying the atmosphere and the games. Matt and his brother, much to my dismay, had won Jen over and became a permanent part of our little group for the rest of the evening.
    “Oh look!” Jen pointed out a game booth that had some of the fluffiest and best prizes up for grabs.
    “Don’t even waste your money,” I said with my hands on my hips. “Everyone knows that game is impossible to win. It’s a scam.”
    “Who says it’s impossible?” Hunter asked from behind me.
    “Beth does. She has won just about every game there is at any fair, except that one. She’s convinced it’s unwinnable.” Jen grinned when I shook my head. How could she betray all my secrets like that?
    “I bet I could win it,” Matt said with a smirk. I snorted and a gleam of competition lit his eyes.
    “I’d take that bet.” I said confidently.
    “Better be careful, Beth. You don’t know what you’re getting into,” Hunter chimed in, his eyes were riveted on Jen, though. Interesting .
    “What would you care to wager?” I asked with a mocking lilt in my voice.
    “I bet I can win that game with one dollar and the three rings,” he said confidently. I started laughing, I couldn’t help it.
    “Impossible. There’s no way. Just back out now while you still got a little bit of your pride left, cowboy.” Matt stepped forward, his eyes glinting dangerously, and I felt excitement shoot through me.
    “What will you give me if I win?” he asked softly.
    “Careful, Beth. Don’t let your pride get the best of ya.” Jen laughed.
    “What do you want?” I asked, ignoring my best friend.
    “Dangerous question, sweetheart.” He grinned and I’m pretty sure my face turned fifty shades of red. I crossed my arms over my chest and tilted my chin in defiance.
    “A date,” he said loudly. Jen began giggling and Hunter whistled from somewhere nearby.
    “A date?” I asked. “That’s what you want?” He nodded his head. “And if I win?”
    “You won’t,” he stated matter-of-factly. I bristled at that. He saw the look on my face and held his hands up in surrender. “But if you do, I’ll get your truck a tune up for free.” I smiled. I liked that, it could definitely use a tune-up before I hit the road again.
    “Deal,” I said as I held out my hand. When Matt took it, I had to stop myself from jerking it back out of his too quickly. He’s too good , I kept repeating to myself.
    Matt pulled a dollar bill out of his back pocket and we all followed him over to the game stand. He handed the carnie the dollar and was handed three red rings for his money. This is going to be such an easy win , I thought to myself. I began to smile, already tasting the victory of the win.
    “How ‘bout we sweeten the deal?” His voice taunted. My mouth popped open slightly. He didn’t know when to quit and he was awfully cocky about winning.
    “Sweeten how?” I asked warily.
    “When I win …”
    “If you win,” I interrupted. He grinned so huge, that I began grinning back, despite the fact that I was trying to be stern.
    “If I win and I’m able to choose the one prize you would have chosen for yourself, I get to choose where I take you on the date.” My eyes widened fractionally. I was surprised that he thought he knew me well enough to guess what I would have chosen as a prize.
    “Fine. And for the record, Jen would know exactly