Unfriendly Competition Read Online Free Page B

on?” Jacob asked. “You looked a little rattled when you walked in.”
    I picked a marshmallow out of the bowl, tossing it into my mouth.
    â€œI don’t want to keep talking about me.”
    Jacob, following my lead, put a few marshmallows in his mouth. “You don’t have to talk about anything, but I want you to know you can.”
    â€œI know you’re there to listen,” I said. “And thank you. I always know I can talk to you.”
    â€œAnytime,” Jacob said. I wanted to hug him again—he looked so touchable in his black waffle-knit shirt.
    â€œI just saw Callie and Paige on the way out,” I said. “I know there’s zero chance Callie and I will ever be friends again, but I can’t stop hoping Paige and I will work things out.”
    â€œI know you miss Paige,” Jacob said. “She was your best friend. I’m sure she feels the same way. If you both want to fix your friendship, it’ll happen.”
    And, somehow, I believed him.
    â€œI hope so. I just know it’s going to take time.”
    Jacob, showing every bit of the guy I’d been drawn to, listened and offered his opinion about the Paige situationwhile we ordered and consumed slices of pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
    â€œIt’s all going to work out,” Jacob said. “Promise.”
    He reached across the table with his spoon, gently tapping a bit of whipped cream onto the top of my nose.
    I laughed and dodged his second attempt. “Jacob!”
    Still giggling, I wiped off the cream. Jacob watched, a raised eyebrow paired with a half smile.
    I shook my head at him, pretending to be mad. “Sooo mature,” I teased.
    Jacob pretended to tip an imaginary hat. “Always.”
    I looked down at the crumbs on my plate, not wanting to leave Jacob yet.
    â€œDo you have to be back at Orchard yet?” Jacob asked, his own plate and mug empty.
    â€œNope. What about you? Are you going to Blackwell now?” Jacob’s dorm was on the other side of campus.
    Jacob checked the time on his phone. “I don’t have to be back yet. If you want . . . we could do something else.”
    â€œI’d love that,” I said. “Video games at the media center?”
    That made Jacob smile. “Yeah, I wouldn’t enjoy that at all,” he teased. “Video games and you.”
    I smiled back. “C’mon then. We haven’t played in forever. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to win.”
    Jacob stood, putting a tip on the table. “Oh, Sasha. I think the sugar messed with your brain.”
    â€œExcuse you ?” I bantered back.
    â€œJust because I like you doesn’t mean I’m going to let you win,” Jacob said.
    â€œ Let me win?” I pretend-rolled my eyes. “Maybe I’ve been practicing in the media center, like, all the time.”
    I could feel Jacob staring at me while I picked up my purse. We walked out of The Sweet Shoppe, laughing.
    We walked along the sidewalk, the streetlights providing just enough light so I could see Jacob’s features. He took my hand in his and we walked together—silent—as we took in the crisp Connecticut air and clear sky. Thousands of diamondlike stars lit up the dark, and I held Jacob’s hand tighter.
    â€œI missed you,” I said, my breath visible.
    â€œI missed you,” Jacob said. He glanced over at me. “I hate that things happened the way they did, but I wouldn’t change anything about us getting together—then or now.”
    â€œMe neither.”
    Jacob nodded. “I just . . . knew what it felt like to beso close to being your boyfriend. Then, to be with someone else and have to watch you with another guy . . . I’m just so glad to have this chance with you.”
    â€œI’m scared sometimes,” I admitted. “It’s so perfect; I’m afraid I’ll do something to mess