Free Jared by Teresa Gabelman Page B

thin.
    “No.” Matt frowned , shifting from one foot to the other not liking the attention he was getting.
    Jared pushed plates to the middle of the table out of the way. “Well , let’s find out.” The excitement built around the room. Once they were seated Jared had them clasp hands in the classic arm wrestling grasp. “When I let go that’s your signal to start . ” His large hand sat on top of theirs.
    As soon as he raised his hand Matt and Adam fought against each other, the room erupted in cheers, shouts of encouragement and advice on how to best one another. Tessa smiled enjoying the moment. Most days these kids were quiet and didn’t seem to enjoy much out of life. Adam ended up winning, but Matt actually gave him a run for his money. Adam patted Matt on the back as did Jeff and Dillon to everyone’s surprise.
    “I want to take Adam on.” Jeff called Adam out.
    Adam ’s grin was full of arrogance . “Bring it.” He rolled up his shirt sleeve this time and sat back down across from Jeff.
    After many rounds of arm wrestling everyone had a turn, some twice after being called out by someone else , except for Jill. “Jill, who do you want to go up against?”
    Glancing up surprised that Jared had spoken to her , she shook her head and went back to doodling on the notebook she always carried with her .
    “Ahhh, she’s just a girl anyway. Girls can’t arm wrestle.” Jeff snorted blowing off the fact that Jill didn’t have a turn.
    To Tessa’s surprise , Jill stood her eyes narrowed with anger. “I’ll take him on.” Her words were spoken lightly, but had a confident edge to them.
    Jeff snorted again taking a seat across from her landing his elbow hard on the table in an attempt to intimidate. Once they clasp ed hands Jeff’s eyes widened slightly. As soon as Jared’s hand lifted from the top of theirs Jill moved so fast and hard that the table cracked and the match was over before anyone could cheer. Everyone was frozen in shock with their mouths wide open.
    “She cheated!” Jeff recovered first rubbing his elbow. “I wasn’t ready.”
    “No, she didn’t.” Jared replied a grin replacing his shocked expression. “You both had the chance to start at the same time. I didn’t feel any movement while my hand was on top of yours.”
    “We can go again if you want?” Jill threw that out on the table. Jeff just gave her a hard glare , stomping back to his chair where he plopped down holding his arm.
    “Well I guess my point was proven. Size or sex doesn’t matter. It’s what’s in here…” He pointed to Matt’s head. “and here.” He pointed just above his heart.
    Tessa was so excited she wanted to give Jill a knuckle bump when she passed but she just smiled at her. “Good job Jill.”
    “Thanks.” Jill headed back to her chair to start doodling again.
    “ Tessa hasn’t gone yet.” Adam announced with a huge grin.
    “Oh no.” Tessa stood grabbing dirty dishes , ignoring the urging from the kids . “I’m too competitive to take on a sure loss.”
    “Ah come on Tessa ” Matt pouted. “You gotta do it.”
    “Yeah, Tessa .” Jared teased. “You gotta.”
    “Uhm, I can’t compete with any of you.” Tessa rolled her eyes. “I’m not a vampire and like I said there is no way I’m competing on a sure loss. I’m w ay too competitive.”
    “Come on.” Jared sat down putting his arm up on the table. “You can use both hands.”
    Tessa snorted sounding like one of the kids . “Oh and that will make a difference.”
    “What kind of example are you setting for them?” Jared smiled at the look she threw his way. “Remember it’s not the size or sex if you want it bad enough.”
    Her eyes flew to his in shock, but his innocent look made her think her mind was the only one in the gutter. “ Everybody scrape your plates and set them in the sink.”
    “Chicken.” Jared teased , then laughed out loud when someone made a clucking noise.
    Tessa slammed the dishes in the sink