I Love You, Miss Genius

Billy was secretly a chess fanatic. He could not wait to find out what the manual was called so he could study it in private.

Bonnie's lips curled into a grin. A hint of mischief flashed in her eyes. Then she pretended to ponder deeply, rubbing her chin as she did.

"It's been such a long time since I've read it. I can't recall it off the top of my head. I'm going to need some time."

He waved his hand and said, "It's fine. Take your time. I'm not in any hurry, anyway. Let's continue our game. Then, tell me about what you see as the game goes on. That'll allow me to study chess differently, too."

She feigned surprise and said, "I'm seriously not good at chess, Billy. I don't think it's a good idea for you to be studying chess the way I do. The last thing I want to do is lead you astray."

"It'll be fine. I'll know what to do." He gestured for her to look at the game, that had only gone halfway through. "Come on, keep playing."

then." She had been playing reservedly earlier. Now,

three moves to

hadn't seen it with his own eyes. However, her next move

board, he was checkmated.

even wondered if he was seeing things wrongly. So, he closed his eyes

that some people could decide the outcome of the match in just one move. The way Barrett moved his chess pieces is probably

her with clear admiration, he asked, "Would you please show me how you did it, Barrett?" Billy had never

She proceeded to tell him the core of

was long used to the excited

she was 'The Shepherd.' To neutralize Billy on the chessboard was like taking candy

gave her a thumbs up at