She snatched the ball and raced back to the service line with even more determination to win. The pace began to speed up while Seth and Ky caught up to Natti and Wanda’s lead. Yet in the end, it was Natti who scored the final point of the first game.
Then it was Ky’s turn to serve. The ball sliced through the air, hardly giving Natti or Wanda the opportunity to even flinch as it smashed into their court. The game ended in agonizing defeat.
Seth’s smug, little smile set Natti’s blood on fire with rage. He chuckled and shrugged. “You know, now that we’re tied here, I’m thinking we should raise the stakes a little.”
Natti groaned, but took the bait. “What do you have in mind exactly?”
“Losers not only buy the winners lunch all next week, they have to also feed it to them while sitting in their lap.”
“Oh yeah, dude!” Ky bounced the ball. “I’m totally up for that wager!”
“In your dreams!” Natti crossed her arms. “Besides, you’ll just look silly sitting in my lap.”
Seth grinned. “Have a better suggestion?”
Natti thought for a moment. “Actually I do. Losers not only buy lunch for the winners, they carry their book bags for the week.”
“Natti!” Wanda hissed with concern. “Aren’t we in deep enough as it is?”
“Our own personal Sherpas, eh?” Seth considered.
“I don’t know, man.” Ky smiled. “Not as fun as the first suggestion.”
Seth shook his head. “But still worth it. It’s a deal.”
Ky tossed the ball to Wanda who gulped. She slowly marched to the service line, glancing at Natti nervously. Her hands were still visibly shaking when she served. The game wasn’t a total loss, like the second had been. Wanda and Natti were able to win several rallies before Seth and Ky took the final point. However, any hope of winning the bet was quickly slipping from their grasp.
Seth checked his watch and grinned. “You might as well give up.”
Natti wiped her brow. “We still have time for one more game.”
“Ha! The best you could do is tie with us.” Seth walked up to her, stopping inches away. She breathed in his scent again, wishing it wasn’t as enticing as it was. “And even that would take a miracle.”
Natti shifted, trying to make her stance more confident. “I don’t believe in miracles.”
Seth’s eyes widened. “You don’t?”
She shook her head. “Or in magic or wishes or any kind of hocus pocus.” She had stopped believing in such things shortly after her mother had died. Nothing, no star or wishing well, could ever erase what had happened. That’s why there had to be some logical explanation about Ky’s strength and the sensations and headaches she sensed around Seth.
“Kinda sad.” Seth looked deep into her eyes. “You’re missing out on an amazing world then.”
Natti’s heart skipped a beat, but her head instinctively pulled her into the match. “Look, let’s make another bet,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Just between you and me, based on the outcome of this game.”
Seth raised a brow. “Aren’t you in deep enough?”
“Think of it this way. If you win and we still honor the other bet, it would be a double win for you. But if we tie, at least I can still get something out of this.”
“Okay.” He shrugged. “I already know what I want.”
“Name it.”
“One day.” He pushed back her hair. “If I win, I want one whole day with you. Alone.”
Natti eyed him with caution. “To do what exactly?”
“Just to see where it goes.” His eyes were pulling her in, and the headache began to flair again.
She crunched on the deal Seth had presented, which tasted sweet and sour in her mouth. “Fine. And if I win . . .” She suddenly found it hard to concentrate as Seth brushed his fingers over her arm. Her head was beginning to feel foggy and distant. The exciting, intense tingling sensation traveled through her body. She wanted him—needed him, why? The uncertainty of where these urges were coming from scared her to death.
Taking a bit of effort, she finally was able to step out of Seth’s reach and refocus her thoughts. “If I win, I just want you to back off,” she said, and then tried biting her cheek to settle her nerves.
Seth’s smile faded, his jaw set firm. “That’s a high stake for me to take, Natti.”
“So is yours for me.” Natti gulped. “Is it a deal or not?”
He studied her, clearly judging his next move. “It’s a deal. But understand this: I’m not going to give you up that easily.”
She watched his grip tighten on the ball. He marched behind the service line, his eyes determined and burning like hell’s fire. Natti readied herself, and Wanda lined up as the receiver. Seth’s eyes locked onto Natti one more time. She felt her heart give a little jump.