Truth or Dare Page 10

  Margaret was speaking to Ashton in the foyer when she made her way downstairs. He was dressed in a tailored suit that was made for his body alone. It was different from the suit he donned earlier. This one was sexier and more appropriate for evening entertaining. His hair was styled perfectly and screamed to have fingers run through it, his presence so demanding that it was hard to pull her eyes from him.

  When Sophie looked at Margaret, she smiled back at her like she knew Sophie’s secret. Heat flushed her face with her embarrassment. Note to self…be more discreet! She didn’t want to be seen as silly girl with a crush. Pushing any thoughts of Ashton aside, she tried to focus on the evening ahead. Please let Ashton be dressed for something else. Please be going anywhere else but with us!

  “Ashton will be joining us this evening,” Margaret informed her with a delighted smile.

  Damn it! “Wonderful.” Sophie said politely; she was nervous about being around him all night dressed like a god in a suit that made her mouth water and her heart race.

  “The car is waiting. Are you ready, Sophie?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes,” Sophie replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

  ***

  The art gallery opening was an incredible experience. Art was displayed on strategically placed wall panels throughout the large gallery. The building itself was sleek and modern, a blank canvas for the art that was displayed. A full crowd mingled around the paintings and sculptures. Sophie listened to the pieces of conversations that she picked up as she wandered around the room. She loved hearing everyone’s personal take on the paintings and sculptures. Margaret had introduced her to many of the guests. They all welcomed Sophie warmly and she enjoyed discussing the art with fellow admirers.

  When Margaret grew tired, she rested in a seating area. After Margaret’s insistence she was fine and wanted to catch up with some old friends, Sophie continued to explore the art. Sophie sampled the wine, taking in every piece. She only had a few glimpses of Ashton since they arrived; he was keeping his distance. Sophie was grateful considering their surroundings. It was never a good idea to put too livewires together in peaceful surroundings—they were sure to cause a scene.

  Every once in a while Sophie would catch sight of him among female admirers. She was disappointed in herself for actively seeking him out when he seemed to be finally giving her the space that she had been convincing herself she wanted all along. There was also the annoying fact that she found herself irritatingly jealous of the women he seemed so captivated with. His laughter would carry to her occasionally, and she found herself moving further and further away so she could ignore him more effectively. No luck! What did those women have to say that was so god damn funny?

  This is what she wanted all along, for him to ignore her. This is what I want. She didn’t want to be falling all over him like those other women. She wanted to walk away from him and never think about him again. Then why do I feel so…upset?

  “Beautiful.” A male voice pulled Sophie from her consuming thoughts. She turned around to see a man behind her. Even though his face still held youth, gray was making an appearance in his thick black hair. He was a handsome man and his smile was infectious.

  “It is. I think it is one of my favorites,” Sophie agreed.

  “I was talking about you,” he said in a friendly tone that drew her in.

  “Oh…thank you.” Sophie blushed. “I’m Sophie Rogers.” She extended her hand toward him.

  “Richard Bently.” He folded his fingers around hers. “You look like you enjoy the arts. I have never seen someone look at my paintings with such wonder.”

  “These are yours?” Sophie gasped. “I love art. I paint as well. I’m just a student but someday I hope to be here.” She looked around her. “Or at least somewhere like here.” She trailed off with a blush flaming in her cheeks.

  “Maybe I could help that dream come true.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his card. “Give me a call sometime and we can meet up and discuss it. I would love to get a look at your work.”

  “I bet you would.” Ashton was suddenly beside them. “She’s not interested,” Ashton said, pulling the card from Sophie’s grasp.

  “Yes, I am!” Sophie blurted before turning toward Ashton and glaring death at him. “Sorry, Richard, for my friend’s rude behavior.”

  “Yes, well, I will wait to hear from you.”

  Richard was already retreating because of Ashton’s rude dismissal. “I can’t believe you did that,” she gasped

  Ashton tucked the card in his suit jacket. “You don’t want his help. Margaret is ready to go,” he said tightly as he turned to leave. Sophie let out an angry breath as she followed him toward Margaret.

  Chapter Eleven

  When they walked outside to their awaiting car, Margaret had run into an old friend who insisted on taking her home after they shared a quick drink. Margaret brightened greatly with the invitation. After a quick goodbye to Margaret, Sophie climbed into the waiting car. A nervous excitement swelled within her when Ashton climbed in the back with her.

  “You looked like you were having a good time tonight.” Sophie tried to fill the silence.

  “I noticed you staring at me,” Ashton responded with a satisfied tone.

  “I wasn’t staring at you. I was paying attention to where you were so I could avoid you and your groupies,” she shot back. “I want that card, by the way.”

  “No,” he answered flatly, turning to look out the window as they drove. He pushed a button on his door, and the privacy screen separated them and the driver.

  Sophie unbuckled her seatbelt and slid closer to Ashton. He looked at her through narrowed eyes. She slipped her hand in his jacket pocket. “I want that card.” She searched. He didn’t move, instead just watched her with an intrigued expression on his face. The card wasn’t where he initially placed it, so she began searching his other pockets. There was nothing in his jacket. She pulled his jacket open. “Where is it?” She was enjoying the search too much, and with the haze of wine in her system she was very brave.

  Ashton shrugged his shoulders. He smelled heavenly. Everything about him attracted her like a starving animal to a feast. She couldn’t stop herself. The thin fabric did nothing to conceal how tantalizing his hard, hot flesh was underneath his shirt. She listened to his breathing become heavy. He still didn’t move to encourage or deny what she was doing as she continued to indulge herself. She was already in over her head, the card temporarily forgotten.

  Sophie pulled her dress up and straddled him. His body stiffened under her weight, every muscle tensed with her contact. The feel of him was intoxicating, as if an electrical current surged through her, stirring a desperate heat. Sophie reached up and undid his tie, and then proceeded to undo the top button of his shirt and pulled it open to reveal the warm skin upon his neck. She leaned in and ran her tongue up the length of his neck until she grabbed his ear with her teeth.

  “Fuck, Sophie!” Ashton gasped breathlessly. His hands grabbed her behind and pulled her in tighter against him. She could feel his erection throb through the material of his pants.

  “I want that card,” she whispered against his lips.

  “No, you don’t,” he breathed against her mouth.

  Sophie leaned back. “Why?”

  “Because of what he expects in return for his help.” Ashton released a deep breath, loosening his grip on her.

  “What?” Sophie asked, confused.

  “He wants this.” Ashton ran his finger over the curve of her breasts.

  “Why do you think that?” Sophie said in a dispirited tone.

  “I know of him and the way he works.”

  She pulled herself from Ashton’s lap reluctantly and returned to her seat as they pulled up to Margaret’s house. Ashton kept his eyes on her until the car came to a full stop. He stepped out, holding the door open for her. Sophie climbed out and continued toward the house without looking back. Neither of them spoke.

  M
argaret was not long returning after them. Sophie greeted her at the door, saying goodnight before Margaret ascended the stairs to retire for the night.

  Sophie poured herself a glass of water and sat down at the large island that ran the length of the enormous kitchen. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep after what happened in the car with Ashton. She looked at her phone and noticed a message from Jack.

  Jack: How was your evening?

  Sophie: It was wonderful except for the part where now I cannot be around Ashton without losing my head and wanting to get in his pants.

  Jack: So nothing has changed?

  Sophie: Guess not…it was a really nice art gallery. It was nice to dream that one day it would be my stuff up on those walls.

  Jack: It will be.

  Sophie: Hope so.

  Sophie turned on her tablet and opened up Margaret’s schedule to address some changes that Margaret had mentioned before she went to bed. Sophie’s shoulders tensed as she heard footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Ashton sauntered in, making his jogging pants and T-shirt look ridiculously sexy. He walked toward the cabinet, retrieving two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He filled the glasses with ice before pulling out the stool next to Sophie. She glanced up at him questioningly, unsure what his mood would be. He filled both glasses before sliding one in front of her. “Your favorite,” he teased. She watched his hands and noticed that even they were sensual and perfect. She couldn’t stop thoughts of how they would feel running over her naked body.

  “How sweet, you remembered.” She said sarcastically.

  He laughed then, a deep beautiful sound that showed a side of him that had always seemed so out of reach. His genuine smile was stunning and perfect upon his strong masculine face. He sipped the amber fluid from his glass like it was water. He didn’t mind the burning sensation and strong flavor that made her feel like she was swallowing household cleaner, without the refreshing lemon scent to accompany it.

  “Let me see this.” Ashton picked up her tablet and angled it away from her.

  “What are you doing?” She grabbed at it but Ashton pulled it out of her reach. “You’re making me nervous,” Sophie complained.

  “Don’t I always?” He said before setting it back down in front of her. A truth or dare game was displayed on the screen. “Truth or dare?” he asked playfully.

  “Oh god…really?” Sophie asked in disbelief.

  “Are you chicken?” Ashton baited her.

  “Fine…truth,” Sophie caved. Ashton picked up the tablet and selected truth.

  He leaned in close to her ear. “What were you thinking when you were staring at me tonight?” Ashton asked mischievously, his gaze unwavering.

  “That’s not what it says. You’re cheating.” Sophie tried to take the tablet from his hands but he refused to let her take it.

  “You said you would play.” He raised his eyebrow.

  “Argh…” Sophie picked up the glass of whiskey and took a generous sip, causing her to cough through the burning sensation. “I thought you looked nice.”

  “Nice? Come on. I saw the way you were looking at me.” He pushed.

  “I thought you looked incredibly hot. Okay? Are you happy now?” Sophie said impudently. Heat flooded her cheeks at her confession. “It’s not like you didn’t already know that.”

  “I didn’t know that you thought that.” Ashton’s expression softened a bit.

  “Like it matters,” she added as she rolled her eyes.

  “It does.” He looked deep into her eyes like he was searching for something. Sophie broke the connection as the heat became too intense.

  “Your turn. Truth or dare?” She held up the tablet.

  “Truth,” he answered without hesitation.

  “Do you want to kiss me?” The words were out of her mouth before she realized it. She wanted to take them back immediately but they were already out there, hanging between them.

  “Yes,” he answered truthfully. “Truth or dare?”

  “Dare.” Sophie didn’t want to make any more confessions that she would regret later. Was this thing between them still a game?

  A slow smile curled the edges of his full lips. “Take off your shirt.”

  Sophie took another drink before she stood up. Standing close enough to touch, she brushed against his leg as she slowly pulled her shirt up to reveal her flat stomach. She continued to lift it unhurriedly over the swell of her breasts, revealing her black lacy bra before she pulled it over her head. His eyes turned a dark stormy blue, his expression serious as he drank in her exposed body. He clenched his jaw and she had the urge to lean in and kiss him. To inhale his alluring scent that called to her like a drug. She threw her shirt at him and a playful smile broke across his face. What is this? How did we even get here? I don’t want it to stop!

  Sophie sat back on her stool and grabbed the tablet from his hand. “Truth or dare?” She said devilishly.

  “Dare.” His voice was raspy and thick. She reveled in the fact that in this moment he wanted her. She could see it in the way his gaze reflected his desire.

  “Take off your shirt,” she said without even pretending to read the tablet.

  Ashton reached over his shoulder and grabbed the material of his shirt, pulling it over his head in one sure motion, discarding it on the floor. A sound of appreciation slipped from the back of her throat, her insides erupting in a fire of desire as she took in all of his etched lines. His body looked as if it was carved from flawless marble.

  Ashton sat back down and took the tablet. “Take off your pants.”

  Sophie slid off her stool, running her fingers sensually down her stomach before her fingers slid under the waistband of her lounge pants. She shimmed them down her legs before kicking them off with a flick of her foot. Ashton’s eyes followed the length of her legs.

  “Your pants,” Sophie breathed quickly. Her own desire made her words heavy in her mouth.

  Ashton stood up and disposed of his pants. His hardness strained against his boxers, struggling to free itself from confinement.

  Ashton leaned back on his stool and reached down with a powerful arm and pulled her stool as close as it would move against his. Sophie reached out and touched his chest—the bare flesh felt unreal under her fingers as she traced his lines. He was the embodiment of all of her desires.

  Ashton’s heavy lidded gaze watched her. He looked as if he was drunk on the lust that flowed all around them and through them. She couldn’t imagine anything she wanted more than having him against her. Ashton tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, running his fingers down her neck. It caused a rush of goosebumps to cover her skin. His finger continued slowly down her chest and over the swell of her breasts before he hooked his finger under her bra, pulling her toward his lips. He lifted her onto his lap, molding her soft curves to his hard body. Her flesh was overly sensitized and everywhere she touched him felt incredible. It was mind blowing and completely new territory for her. Her hips moved of their own accord, driven by her primal need.

  Sophie moaned against his lips. “I want you,” she said into her kiss. He groaned in response as if he took pleasure in her words.

  Sophie pulled back from the kiss. “What are we doing?” Sophie whispered, looking into his eyes.

  “What feels right,” he whispered back.

  “Does it? Feel right to you, I mean?” she asked with searching eyes. His hand cupped her cheek, holding her close.

  Footsteps down the hallway startled them. Sophie slid off Ashton’s lap and she grabbed her clothes off the floor before she darted toward the pantry door, shuffling inside before she swung the door closed. She tried to even her breath and slow her wild heart. I can’t believe I was making out with Ashton in Margaret’s kitchen! Holy hell! What am I doing?

  Sophie peered through the narrow opening that still allowed her to spy into the kitchen. Ashton stood, shrugging on his pants before sitting back down on the chair. He acted like he couldn’t care less if he was caught makin
g out in his grandmother’s kitchen. Was this normal behavior for him?

  “Charlotte? You’re up late.” Ashton turned to acknowledge her entrance.

  “Just getting a glass of water, dear. How are you?” She tilted her head in concern as she noticed Ashton’s flushed appearance. Ashton shrugged his shoulders and glanced toward the pantry door. Sophie stepped back from the opening. “Do you want to talk about it?” Charlotte asked as she patted his shoulder.

  “No, not right now.” Ashton smiled at her.

  “Later then,” She said before walking toward the hall. Once her footsteps faded, Sophie stepped out of the pantry.

  Ashton ran his fingers through his hair and downed the rest of his glass. They both just stared at each other. Did he regret what just happened? What the hell just happened? I am terrified!

  “I guess we owe Charlotte for saving us from doing something we would have regretted.” Sophie sighed. She wasn’t expecting the sharp look he threw her way, like she had wounded him with her words.

  “Yeah,” Ashton responded coldly, “but it never hurts to put another notch on my belt.” He tilted his head with his familiar steely, cold gaze. The old Ashton was standing in front of her. Now looking into his eyes, all she could see was the person that only felt passionate about hurting her.

  Sophie narrowed her eyes angrily. “You won’t be adding my name to your list of conquests, Ashton King. Whatever this is between us was just a momentary lapse in judgement.”

  “We’ll see. You did just admit that you wanted me, after all.” He leaned against the counter smugly.

  Sophie stormed out of the kitchen, leaving him to gloat in his annoying victory. He finally got her to admit that she wanted him. She wanted to crawl under a rock. How could she not see what he was doing? Her chest ached as she was suddenly racked with sorrow. When she got to her room she crawled on the bed, pulling the covers up over her head and cried until she had nothing left. Her phone vibrated; reaching for it, she noticed Jack had sent her a message.