The Bet (The Bet 1)

“Back in my day… “ Mr. Casbon cleared his throat. “When fellas danced like that they got them girls pregnant.”

Travis felt his face burn.

“You’re not gonna get her pregnant, are you, son?”

Was this guy for real?

“Umm…” No, just say no. Why wouldn’t his mouth work?

“Not unless you can get pregnant from dancing too close, Mr. Casbon.” Kacey patted Travis on the shoulder, shocking him out of his paralyzed state.

“I’m sure it’s possible.” The old man pointed his finger into the air then turned toward Grandma and pulled her flush against him. “I’m just glad we’re old enough not to care.”

“Oh merciful Lord above,” Kacey muttered.

Travis elbowed her.

They continued to stare as Grandma laughed while in Mr. Casbon’s arms.

“She’s kind of a hussy,” Kacey whispered.

“Kind of?” Grandma wasn’t just flirting. She was… Well, the word was not something Travis wanted to use in the same sentence as Grandma.

“Time to eat!” his mother announced, strolling into the room. “Oh, heavens.” She placed a hand over her heart when her eyes caught Grandma and Mr. Casbon embracing. “Let’s, er, just take our seats then! Jake! Jake, get in here. It’s time to eat!”

Everyone sat around the table. “Wescott!” Bets yelled. “Wescott, it’s time, honey. Stop messing with the computer and get in here.”

His dad rushed into the room and took a seat. “Why do we have place c

ards?”

Bets glared. “I thought it best, considering…” She eyed Travis, then Kacey, and finally Jake, who felt the need to act innocent and shrugged his shoulders then winked in Travis’s direction.

Idiot.

“So,” Mr. Casbon said as he began dishing heaping amounts of meatloaf onto his plate. “Do I understand that we’re going to have a rousing game of Monopoly tonight?”

Grandma tittered and blushed.

He said rousing, not arousing. They weren’t playing strip Monopoly. Images he never wanted to see started pounding through his head, and then he looked at Kacey. Immediately, the images were replaced with visions of tasting her pouting lips, running his hands through her hair, kissing down her body until…

“Travis? Did you hear what Grandma asked?”

Caught, he looked around the dinner table, every eye was on him, which was somewhat of a blessing, considering he’d most likely be embarrassed beyond words if they were to look at the state he was in under the table.

“Sorry, what did you say, Grandma?”

“I said…” She gave him a pointed stare. “…that last time I played Monopoly with you, you had the audacity to win.”

“That is the point.”

“I’m older. You should let the elderly win.”

“Grandma, if I remember correctly, you not only tried to get me drunk by spiking my soda, but you crushed a half a Benadryl in my drink when I wasn’t looking. We’re lucky I was breathing by the time the game ended.”

Grandma sniffed. “Nothing wrong with a little stiff competition or some manipulating to make things more interesting. Besides the Benadryl idea was completely Kacey. It’s her answer for everything. Just like that Greek wedding movie and Windex.”

“Pardon?” Travis leaned forward.