Amy Fellner Dominy

I’m already irritated that he’s smarter and funnier than I expected. I should hate him—I want to hate him—and instead I…don’t

He laughs, and I know I shouldn’t like it so much when he laughs. When I’m the one who makes him laugh

His chin is up as if he wants to look down on the world, but his dark caramel eyes are warm enough to rival the sun as he watches Mai. Watches her as if she’s the sun

A smile sneaks out, fighting me until there’s no way to hide it.

He smiles back as if I’ve made his day. I hate how good that makes me feel

“It’s not a contest, Walters.”

“Then why are you gloating every time you get it right and I don’t?”

“I’m appreciating the vast superiority of my brain.”

I elbow him in the ribs. “You’re such a bad winner.”

“I am not.”

“Winners are gracious. They downplay their glory in deference to the tender feelings of their opponents.”